The parties intend to design hydrogen power into the Hendry County development's master plan before horizontal construction begins and to scale it with each phase of the build-out

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- VIVIFY Technology, a Florida-based hydrogen energy company, today announced it has signed a letter of intent with ELISIUM, LLC, the master developer of ELISIUM, a planned cognitive city in Hendry County, Florida. Under the letter of intent, ELISIUM has selected VIVIFY as the primary hydrogen energy infrastructure provider for the development, subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements.

Most large developments plan the buildings first and ask the grid for power later. ELISIUM intends to reverse that order. Under the letter of intent, VIVIFY is expected to take part in the development's master planning from the outset, identifying generation sites, distribution corridors, equipment footprints, and water supply requirements before horizontal construction begins.

Subject to definitive agreements, permitting, and regulatory requirements, VIVIFY intends to design, deploy, and commission hydrogen energy infrastructure within ELISIUM, beginning with first-phase capacity that may include construction power and initial civic and commercial facilities. Capacity is intended to scale by adding modules as each phase comes online. Deployments may be configured behind the meter, as an islanded microgrid, or in coordination with the local electric utility, depending on site conditions and applicable law. VIVIFY also intends to provide ongoing operations and maintenance support and to work with ELISIUM on an energy infrastructure roadmap matched to the development's phasing schedule.

The collaboration is expected to draw on the full VIVIFY Arsenal. The Hydrogen Oxygen Generator™ (HOG™) is VIVIFY's flagship hydrogen energy platform. The Flying Pig™ is its containerized configuration, engineered for modular deployment and designed to scale one container at a time. The two companies also intend to evaluate VIVIFY's Clean Air Technology™ emissions control system for any solid-waste processing or waste-to-energy facility within the development.

"A city designed to think cannot wait on a grid that was designed for the last century. ELISIUM made a decision most developers never get the chance to make: put the power in the plan before the first road is poured. That is exactly where hydrogen belongs," said Jason Herring, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VIVIFY Technology. "We are engineering our platforms to scale with demand. ELISIUM plans to grow phase by phase, and our goal is for the power to grow with it."

ELISIUM, LLC has stated that it currently anticipates groundbreaking within approximately 18 to 24 months, with first energy infrastructure requirements expected about six months after groundbreaking. The development remains subject to zoning, entitlement approvals, and to financing.

The parties intend that any arrangement under the collaboration be structured to comply with applicable Florida law and regulation, including regulation by the Florida Public Service Commission. The letter of intent is non-binding with respect to the collaboration, and the parties intend to negotiate definitive agreements governing its terms. The letter of intent does not establish pricing, capacity, or exclusivity, does not commit either party to purchase or deploy equipment, and may be terminated by either party.

About VIVIFY Technology

VIVIFY Technology is a hydrogen energy company headquartered in South Florida. The company designs and develops hydrogen-based energy platforms, including its flagship Hydrogen Oxygen Generator™ (HOG™), the Clean Air Technology™ emissions control system, and the Flying Pig™ containerized power unit, which are being engineered to deliver dedicated power for demanding infrastructure environments. Learn more at vivify-technology.com.

About ELISIUM

ELISIUM is a planned cognitive city in Hendry County, South Florida, designed to integrate artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced data systems into its core infrastructure. According to ELISIUM, LLC, the master-planned development is expected to include approximately 4,500 homes for about 11,000 residents across 14 districts, along with luxury hospitality, motorsports facilities, a private airport, wellness and longevity programs, and significant commercial space. ELISIUM is being developed by ELISIUM, LLC. Learn more at elisium.city.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding VIVIFY Technology's products, platforms, intended performance, and the proposed collaboration with ELISIUM, LLC, including anticipated timelines for the ELISIUM development. The letter of intent is non-binding with respect to the collaboration, and there can be no assurance that definitive agreements will be executed or that the collaboration will proceed on the terms described or at all. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent uncertainty and reflect the company's current expectations. Actual results may differ materially as a result of factors including the technical validation and performance of VIVIFY's platforms, which remain under development; regulatory, permitting, and utility requirements; zoning, entitlement, and financing of the ELISIUM development; and the negotiation of definitive agreements. Statements about the ELISIUM development are based on information provided by ELISIUM, LLC and have not been independently verified by VIVIFY. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement except as required by law. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Media Contact

Ashley Stevenson, Chief Marketing Officer

VIVIFY Technology

[email protected]

888.277.8370

vivify-technology.com

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Bryan Cranston Leads One-Night-Only Live "A Christmas Carol" With Jean Smart, Noah Wyle and an All-Star Cast Benefiting The Ed Asner Family Center

The Holiday Event Plays to Just 75 Guests at the Garry Marshall Theatre and Streams Live Worldwide on December 17

Special 24-Hour $20 Streaming Ticket Presale Begins October 24 at 12:00 P.M. PT

BURBANK, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bryan Cranston will take on one of literature's most iconic roles, Ebenezer Scrooge, in a one-night-only live staged reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, benefiting The Ed Asner Family Center (TEAFC) on Thursday, December 17, 2026, at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank at 7:00 PM PST.

Cranston will lead an all-star company featuring Jean Smart (Ghost of Christmas Past), Noah Wyle (Fred), Connor Tomlinson (Bob Cratchit), Tom Bergeron (host), Clancy Brown, Dorian Harewood, Samantha Sloyan, Tal Anderson, Chelsea Darnell, and Spencer Harte. The evening will also honor Vicki Dummer, Head of Current Programming at Warner Bros. Discovery, for her commitment to inclusive storytelling, community, and the neurodivergent community. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.teafc.org.

The intimate performance will take place before an audience of just 75 guests and will also stream live worldwide exclusively through Broadway Unlocked, giving audiences everywhere the opportunity to experience the performance in real time. Directed by Victor Nelli, the production will be presented in an intimate radio-play style with live music and a live Foley artist, bringing Dickens' classic holiday story to life in a unique theatrical setting.

"We've spent six years bringing some extraordinary artists together during the holidays in support of the Center, and this year feels like the beginning of something very special," said Matthew Asner, Co-Founder and President of The Ed Asner Family Center. "Having Bryan Cranston, Jean Smart, Noah Wyle, Tom Bergeron and this incredible company performing A Christmas Carol together in a 75-seat theater is pretty magical. And because only 75 people can be in that room, I love that people anywhere in the world can join us live. Most importantly, every ticket helps us continue the work my father cared so deeply about—supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families."

"This production is more than a holiday tradition; it's a gathering of community, love and acceptance," said Navah Paskowitz-Asner, Co-Founder of The Ed Asner Family Center. "The Center is a place where neurodivergent people are fully embraced and given the tools to thrive through the arts, mental health services, and meaningful connection. Having this incredible company of artists join us to celebrate family and generosity means the world to our community."

All proceeds from the evening benefit The Ed Asner Family Center, supporting its work providing arts and enrichment programs, mental health services, social connection, adult day programming and employment pathways for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

WATCH LIVE FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

A Christmas Carol will stream live on December 17, 2026 at 7PM PST, exclusively on Broadway Unlocked.

24-HOUR STREAMING PRESALE: $20

Begins: October 24 at 12:00 p.m. PT

Ends: October 25 at 12:00 p.m. PT

STREAMING TICKETS (Post Pre-Sale): $25

TO PURCHASE TICKETS: teafc.org

AN EXTRAORDINARILY INTIMATE LIVE HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAY EVENT

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol — Live Staged Reading includes the performance, a festive pre- and post-show holiday reception with food, wine, and seasonal cocktails, and a specially curated A Christmas Carol-themed VIP gift bag.

DATE: Thursday, December 17, 2026

VENUE: Garry Marshall Theatre, Burbank, California

IN-PERSON TICKETS: $500 — Limited to 75 guests

IN-PERSON TICKETS: teafc.org

ABOUT THE ED ASNER FAMILY CENTER

The Ed Asner Family Center (TEAFC) was co-founded by Navah Paskowitz-Asner and Matthew Asner, inspired by their own children and their family's personal experience with neurodiversity. TEAFC is dedicated to enriching the lives of neurodivergent individuals and their families by providing comprehensive mental health services, arts and enrichment programs, social connection, adult day programming, and meaningful pathways to employment.

At the heart of TEAFC is a commitment to building a community where neurodivergent individuals are accepted, supported, and given opportunities to thrive. The Center proudly employs Autistic self-advocates as educators, counselors, and program staff, ensuring that neurodivergent voices and lived experience are an integral part of its work. For a closer look at our programs and community, visit TEAFC.org. Follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

EVENT AND SPONSORSHIP CONTACT:

Matt Asner • The Ed Asner Family Center

[email protected] • (818) 302-0712

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Cheri Warner • Andy Aguinada • Weissman/Markovitz Communications

[email protected] • 818.390--0999

SOURCE The Ed Asner Family Center (TEAFC)

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Oak Research Finds More Than Half of Security Leaders Can't Fully See Who, or What, Has Access to Their Systems

Visibility gaps, unreachable applications and ungoverned non-human identities persist despite heavy identity investment as AI agents raise the stakes

TEL AVIV, Israel and SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Oak, the AI-native Identity Operating System governing every human, machine, and AI agent identity, today released The Voice of 200 CISOs, an original report based on 201 in-depth interviews with CISOs, IAM leaders and security practitioners. Conducted between January and September 2026, Oak researchers found that organizations have invested more in identity than ever yet still struggle to build a complete picture of every human, machine and AI agent identity in their environments and what they can access.

Investment in the identity landscape has continued to soar, with identity and access management spending forecasted to increase from $18.7 billion in 2024 to $29 billion in 2029. Gartner predicts that by 2028, the average global Fortune 500 enterprise will have more than 150,000 AI agents in use, up from fewer than 15 in 2025, while only 13% of organizations think they have the right AI agent governance in place. The research found that many identity programs are already struggling to manage the surge in non-human identities. Incomplete visibility into identities and access was the most common problem, raised in 51% of security leaders.

"Identity security has long been the hardest problem in enterprise security, and these conversations explain why," said Shai Morag, CEO and Co-Founder of Oak. "What surprised us is that company size didn't predict who had it under control. Companies with mature identity programs and teams with a single person on identity were stuck in the same place. The legacy identity model wasn't built to work as one system, and the proliferation of AI agents amid increasingly complex infrastructure is now exposing its flaws faster than security teams can manage alone."

Key research findings from respondents include:

- Visibility is a key problem: 51% said incomplete visibility of organizational identities is a problem, and 38% flagged applications their identity program doesn't reach. Participants described single employees holding several disconnected accounts and application roles that cannot be explained.

- Machine and agent identities deepen the blind spot: 37% mentioned governance gaps around non-human identities such as service accounts, credentials, workloads and agents. Of those, 67% also raised visibility problems, 48% raised appropriate-access problems and 36% raised lifecycle problems. Service accounts and API keys are often created with no owner or end date. One practitioner found about 12,000 service accounts "before we had a single AI agent."

- Identity tools create their own workload: 34% pointed to recurring manual work as an issue in identity programs and 29% mentioned the cost of operating and changing identity tools.

- Fixing risky access depends on other teams and systems: 26% of participants reported an access-review burden and 23% mentioned lifecycle gaps, highlighting a consistent gap between identifying inappropriate access and removing it, since remediation usually requires a change in another system made by another team.

- Excess access remains because removing it feels riskier: 32% of interviews had difficulty defining and maintaining appropriate access, and 20% raised concerns about trusting automated access changes.

The report outlines two ways forward. Security teams can take on one high-value gap their current governance tools leave open, measure the result in access removed and hours saved, then expand from there. Where each expansion means another rebuild or custom integration, the findings point to a broader shift to an operating model that governs people, machines and agents as one connected system. Several of the security leaders interviewed already plan to unify access reviews, rethink their governance platforms and bring agents into scope next year.

The full report is available here.

About Oak

Oak is the AI-native Identity Operating System that rewires enterprise identity and access management. With an AI connector framework that reaches any application, whether on-prem, cloud, SaaS, or homegrown, it builds a live identity graph from raw evidence across every identity type, including the fast-growing population of non-human identities and AI agents. By mapping the access each identity holds against what it actually uses, Oak governs the full lifecycle of every identity with AI-built real-time risk decisions and root-cause remediation. Oak was founded by Shai Morag and Tal Marom and backed by a $60 million seed round from Greylock, Accel, CRV, and Hetz Ventures. Learn more at oak.id.

Media Contact

Kate Schoenstadt

[email protected]

+972 54 777 6684

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Strategic investment backs Leena AI's AI Colleague platform as enterprises move from AI assistants to autonomous AI agents for HR, IT and Finance operations

NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Leena AI, the enterprise agentic AI company, today announced a strategic investment from IBM Ventures, the venture capital arm of IBM (NYSE: IBM). The investment will support Leena AI's growth as enterprise demand rises for AI agents that run back-office processes end to end rather than simply answer questions.

Leena AI's AI Colleague platform deploys autonomous AI agents that resolve employee requests, execute multi-step workflows and act across the systems large enterprises already run in HR, IT and Finance, including SAP, Workday, Salesforce, Oracle and ServiceNow. Named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for three consecutive years, Leena AI today automates more than 500 global enterprises.

"Enterprises are done experimenting with AI that talks. They want AI that does: agents that own a process, do the job and close the loop inside the systems they already own," said Adit Jain, Co-founder and CEO of Leena AI. "IBM has spent decades earning the trust of the world's largest organizations. Backing from IBM Ventures is a strong signal that agentic AI for the back office is ready for that scale, and we are proud to build toward it with IBM."

IBM Ventures invests in early- and growth-stage companies building the next generation of enterprise technology across AI, security and quantum computing, with a focus on companies whose capabilities complement IBM's portfolio and serve the needs of IBM's global enterprise clients.

"What stood out with Leena AI is its focus on the back office, where agentic AI meets real operational complexity across HR, IT and Finance," said Emily Fontaine, Global Head of IBM Ventures. "Leena AI's approach complements IBM's work in AI orchestration and governance, and we look forward to supporting the team as it scales."

The investment joins Leena AI's existing backers, including Greycroft and Bessemer Venture Partners.

About Leena AI

Leena AI is an enterprise agentic AI company headquartered in New York. Its AI Colleague platform deploys autonomous AI agents that automate business processes across HR, IT and Finance, integrating with the enterprise systems companies already run. Leena AI serves more than 500 enterprises globally. Learn more at leena.ai.

Media contact

Leena AI: Yacob Girma, VP, Strategy, [email protected]

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In the news release, Purlin Enterprises' Final Offer Technology Patented as a Revolutionary Way to Buy and Sell Property, issued 20-Oct-2026 by Purlin over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:

Purlin Enterprises' Final Offer Technology Patented as a Revolutionary Way to Buy and Sell Property

Final Offer's patented process brings transparency to the heart of the home sale, the offer negotiation, by capturing what sellers value beyond just price, maximizing their outcome while giving buyers real-time visibility into the market.

BOSTON, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Final Offer, the consumer-facing offer negotiation marketplace, today announced that it has been granted U.S. Patent No. 12,718,284 for a process that makes the residential real estate market simpler, more efficient, and more transparent. The patented process captures what sellers actually value, assigns dollar values to the tradeoffs between competing offers, and matches that information to what buyers are prepared to offer, so buyers and sellers can find each other and reach agreement faster.

"Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest life decisions people make, and it happens in one of the least efficient markets there is. Our patented process gives buyers and sellers the information they need to find each other, and the confidence to act on it," said Giorgi Chigogidze, CEO of Purlin Enterprises.

The biggest purchase of your life, made in the dark

For most people, a home is the largest transaction they will ever make. Yet it is one of the few purchases still made with almost no visibility. In most other marketplaces, buyers and sellers can see prices, competing bids, and exactly what it takes to reach a deal. In real estate, seller signals to potential buyers are limited to only listing price while winning offers can compete on several additional term dimensions. Buyers don't know what they are competing against, or whether they could have won with a better total offer value. And neither side knows the price and terms that would actually get the deal done without rounds of back-and-forth.

The process connecting buyers and sellers compounds the problem. It is spread across disconnected systems, emails and phone calls, where information is filtered and delayed at every step. The result is a market where good matches and competition are missed, negotiations drag on, and both sides are left wondering whether they got the best outcome.

Capturing what sellers actually value

Price is only one of the things a seller cares about. One buyer may offer more money but need a long closing and a financing contingency. Another may offer less but pay cash, waive inspection and close in two weeks. In a traditional process, sellers weigh those tradeoffs on instinct only after offers are received, and buyers rarely know which terms would have made the difference.

Final Offer's patented process captures a seller's full set of preferences, including cash or cash-like offers, inspection and appraisal waivers, financing, closing timing and other terms, and the seller assigns each a dollar value. Every offer is then measured against those preferences as a single Total Offer Value, so a seller can see which offer is truly strongest, and a buyer can see exactly what it takes to compete.

The result shows up in the sale price: 56% of Final Offer transactions have sold above list price.

"We built Final Offer to bring transparency to the moment that matters most in a home sale, the offer negotiation. By putting a dollar value on what sellers care about beyond price, every offer can be compared on equal footing, and buyers know exactly what it takes to win," said Judd Hoffman, founder of Final Offer.

From match to deal, faster

Because the seller's price and preferences are stated up front, a deal doesn't have to wait on rounds of counteroffers. When a buyer meets the seller's price and preferences, Final Offer can execute the path to an accepted deal, subject to other bids and verification. That compresses a negotiation cycle that often takes days into a far shorter, clearer process, void of the emotional elements that often creep into the process . On Final Offer, listings go under contract with the best net result 12 days faster than they would traditionally.

Better for agents, on Final Offer and in Purlin B2B products

Today, agents spend significant time manually gathering offers, moving information between systems, and managing single-threaded rounds of back-and-forth with their clients. Running the negotiation through Final Offer brings offers, terms, and seller preferences together in one place, making the process easier to manage and typically shortening the time a property spends on the market. Agents spend less time coordinating paperwork and making phone calls, and more time advising their clients and getting deals to the closing table.

Agents see the difference in their own results. Among agents who have sold homes both through Final Offer and the traditional way, their Final Offer sales closed at 105.6% of list price, compared with 99.5%.

The same patented technology also underpins Purlin's B2B products.

A marketplace where buyers can actually engage

Final Offer gives buyers visibility beyond a single listing. Buyers can follow the homes and areas they care about, receive real-time alerts when offers are made, and see how competitive each market is before they act. Every buyer who participates adds to a clearer picture of demand, which in turn helps sellers set their price and terms with confidence. The more buyers and sellers participate, the more efficiently the market works for everyone in it.

That visibility also answers the questions buyers and sellers ask most often: Was my offer presented? Is there another offer? Did I leave money on the table? On Final Offer, offers are visible in real time, the terms that matter to the seller are stated openly, and every participant can see where the market stands. There is no black box.

Competition doesn't slow the deal down either. The median time to contract falls from 10 days to about 5 as offers increase.

Individual listings show the same pattern:

- A home in Bethesda, Maryland, listed at $650,000 sold for $850,000 after drawing 37 offers, and went under contract in a week.

- A home in Ridgefield, Connecticut, listed at $985,000 sold for $1,325,000 after drawing 17 offers, and went under contract in five days.

"Final Offer benefits every side of the transaction. Sellers get control, buyers get verified, real-time information when it matters most, and agents get a way to stand out and deliver an elevated buying and selling experience consumers crave. Having a platform that verifies what they're hearing from me is a game changer," said Andrew Riguzzi, EVP at Compass.

The patent, U.S. Patent No. 12,718,284, can be viewed here.

About Final Offer

Final Offer is the only offer negotiation marketplace in real estate built on a patented Total Offer Value process. Founded in 2021, Final Offer empowers agents and consumers with real-time offer visibility and verified terms to improve the home selling and buying process. Its patented process captures what sellers value beyond price and turns seller preferences and buyer terms into a clear Total Offer Value, helping buyers, sellers, and agents reach better decisions faster. Final Offer is part of Purlin Enterprises, Inc., and its technology also powers offer management within Purlin's B2B products. Learn more at finaloffer.com.

Correction: An earlier version of this release had the incorrect link to the PDF patent. This link has been updated.

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New research identifies a shift toward accountable AI, with enterprise ROI increasingly determined by automation economics, decision-making authority, and operational execution.

MIAMI, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nucleus Research today announced its Top 10 Technology Predictions for 2027, outlining how artificial intelligence will reshape enterprise technology investment, software economics, and organizational decision-making over the coming year.

The research identifies a fundamental shift in enterprise AI adoption as organizations move from experimentation toward measurable financial returns. In 2027, the value of AI will depend on how effectively businesses delegate meaningful work to autonomous systems, establish accountability for automated decisions, and control the cost of AI-enabled operations.

"2027 will be the year enterprise AI faces a financial reckoning," said Ian Campbell, CEO of Nucleus Research. "Companies have spent heavily exploring what AI can do. Now they need to determine what it is worth. The organizations that generate the greatest returns will be those that understand the economics of automation, establish clear accountability, and give AI the authority to execute work that produces measurable business value."

Nucleus predicts that enterprise AI maturity will be defined by the level of decision-making organizations can confidently delegate to autonomous agents. As agents assume responsibility for repeatable workflows across finance, operations, sales, and customer service, employees will take on new responsibilities for managing digital labor, including assigning work, evaluating performance, and overseeing automated decisions.

The report also identifies several developments that will influence enterprise technology investments in 2027:

- AI economics will drive purchasing decisions. Finance leaders will scrutinize the cost of AI deployments, accelerating demand for model portability, multimodel architectures, and solutions that deliver measurable returns.

- Enterprise software will move toward headless experiences. AI agents will coordinate workflows across applications, reducing manual handoffs and shortening decision cycles.

- Data integration will consolidate. Organizations will favor platforms that support complete integration use cases, with Nucleus research identifying infrastructure cost reductions of 43 to 76 percent and total cost of ownership reductions of up to 40 percent through consolidation.

- AI governance will become a competitive differentiator. Organizations will prioritize control over proprietary workflows, explainable recruiting fraud detection, and shared permissions and audit trails for sensitive workforce data.

- Operational execution will influence revenue and productivity. Retailers will face greater pressure to deliver accurate fulfillment commitments, while store managers will receive AI-generated recommendations and actionable tasks rather than additional dashboards.

- Predictive models will remain essential to enterprise AI. Autonomous agents will rely on validated machine learning models for numerical predictions, increasing the importance of model monitoring and governance.

For technology buyers, these developments introduce new requirements for evaluating AI investments, particularly as vendors expand autonomous capabilities across existing enterprise applications.

"Organizations should begin by identifying high-volume decisions and workflows where automation can deliver measurable savings or improve throughput," said Trevor White, Vice President, Research at Nucleus Research. "From there, buyers need to evaluate the cost of execution, the quality of underlying data, and the controls required to delegate those decisions safely. Those factors will determine whether an AI investment delivers sustained ROI."

The predictions also highlight the changing competitive dynamics of enterprise software. As AI agents become a primary means of interacting with applications, vendors will face greater pressure to support interoperability, expose functionality through agent-accessible services, and demonstrate the financial value of their underlying workflows.

Across all ten predictions, Nucleus identifies a consistent priority for 2027: aligning technological capabilities with business outcomes. Organizations that establish clear financial objectives, maintain control over automated decisions, and invest in the infrastructure required for reliable execution will be better positioned to realize sustained returns from AI.

Access Nucleus Research's Top 10 Technology Predictions for 2027 for the complete analysis of the market developments expected to shape enterprise technology investment in the coming year.

About Nucleus Research

Nucleus Research is the recognized global leader in ROI technology research. Using a case-based approach, we provide research streams and advisory services that allow vendors and end users to quantify and maximize the return from their technology investments. For more information, visit NucleusResearch.com or follow our latest updates on LinkedIn.

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Mural Raises $28 Million Total to Power Fintechs and Agentic Finance

Founded by former Palantir engineers, Mural is the compliant system of record that fintechs and platforms, including Deel and Opera, build on to move, store, and grow money for their customers and the agents acting for them

NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mural (https://www.muralpay.com), the compliant system of record for fintechs and platforms, announced today the completion of a $15 million Series A round of financing led by Tether, with participation from North Island Ventures as well as existing investors. The new capital brings the company's total funding to $28 million and will support Mural's global expansion and investments in the regulatory and payments infrastructure required to scale agentic finance.

"The economy is about to gain 10 billion new participants, and none of them are human," said Sinclair Toffa, co-founder and CEO of Mural. "Our mission has been to connect people and businesses to the Global Financial Internet. Now we are connecting agents as well."

Mural serves as a single system to manage the accounts, payments, identity, and compliance behind financial products designed for humans and the agents authorized to act on their behalf, handling the licenses, bank relationships, and local and blockchain payment rails required to operate across markets. Customers, including Deel, Opera, and Axexo, use Mural to build financial products such as payroll and remittance workflows, enabling their end users to hold dollars, stablecoins, and local currency in a unified account. These accounts have a policy and compliance engine that lets both people and agents securely store money and transact globally, with controls such as account limits, approved counterparties, and custom approvals on larger payments. Since launching its API in 2025, Mural has processed $2.1 billion in payment volume for end users in 128 countries. Its 2026 volume to date is nearly six times its total for all of 2025.

Many global businesses stitch together dozens of financial tools, bank partners, and compliance vendors to offer financial products to their customers. As these systems scale, so do the complexities of managing the components and policies of a user's financial accounts across platforms and providers. Stablecoins and agents are making the problem more acute. Real-world stablecoin payments more than doubled in 2025 to roughly $390 billion, with businesses accounting for about 60%, according to McKinsey and Artemis Analytics, and businesses are now accepting payments from AI agents. When an agent moves money, businesses need to know who authorizes it and who is accountable if it goes wrong.

As engineers at Palantir, Mural's founders, Sinclair Toffa and Chris Fernandes, worked alongside Fortune 100 companies to integrate various independent systems that were built for different functions. Now, they are solving the same problem for the growing number of software companies that are adding financial products with more capabilities, more providers and more systems operating around the same customer with nothing to connect them. The problem of disjointed systems only intensifies as companies begin connecting agents to their platforms.

Mural brought Palantir's forward-deployed model to finance: its engineers embed with customers on the ground in each market and launch the integration alongside them.

"We wanted people who know the market where they work and the intricacies of that market. They were on the ground in Colombia, they were thought partners, and they moved fast," said Olek Shtanoprud, Head of Payments at Deel.

Tether, which led the round, is the issuer of USD₮, the world's largest and most used stablecoin. "What drew us to Mural was the team's background building enterprise-grade software that connects existing systems to stablecoin rails. As agents start moving money, that connection to the banks, payment networks and compliance systems the world still runs on becomes essential, and Mural is already doing it at scale," said Paolo Ardoino, CEO at Tether.

Mural is available now to fintechs, platforms, and global businesses building financial products for people and the agents authorized to act on their behalf. Companies can get started at muralpay.com or reach the team at [email protected].

About Mural

Mural is the compliant system of record for companies building financial products. It brings accounts, money movement, identity, permissions and compliance together, giving businesses a consistent view of their customers and money across the systems they use. Built for people and agents acting on their behalf, Mural provides the financial infrastructure, licenses, and controls required to operate across products and markets. Founded in 2022, Mural is headquartered in New York. Learn more at muralpay.com

Mural Technologies, Inc. is a financial technology company, not a bank. Money transmission services are provided by Mural Networks, Inc. (NMLS ID 2744530), a FinCEN-registered money services business licensed in the states listed at muralpay.com/legal. In other states, Mural Technologies provides these services through federally chartered FDIC-insured U.S. banks.

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Visier turns scattered, sensitive people data into one governed understanding of an organization's workforce, then delivers it consistently to any AI agent, whether built by Visier, built with it, or connected to it

VANCOUVER, BC and LAS VEGAS, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Enterprises are deploying AI agents on top of incomplete and siloed workforce data that sit scattered across HR and finance systems and a decade of point solutions, each with its own definitions and blind spots. When every agent draws on a different version of the truth, they produce different answers and guidance to the same question, and none of them can be trusted with sensitive people data. Feeding inconsistent data into AI doesn't make answers smarter, it just amplifies the errors at scale.

The Visier Workforce Context Engine maps and connects workforce data across the systems it touches, models it with meaning and relationships, and governs that data with permissions and context. All of that connectivity and context travels with it no matter who, or what, is drawing on it for the latest information and insights. The engine sits on top of the systems IT already runs, and makes workforce intelligence available across all surfaces and delivers it back into enterprise data platforms. This results in value and business impact that shows up in weeks rather than months or years.

The Visier Workforce Context Engine connects, models, and governs workforce data across the systems IT already runs, and that context and security travel with the data wherever it's used:

- Every enterprise agent draws on the same governed understanding of the workforce, so every answer carries the same quality and trust.

- Context means more than shared definitions. It includes lineage, ontology, relationships, permissions, and freshness, all resolved at the moment a question is asked.

- The engine works with platforms like Databricks, Snowflake and Google Cloud Platform. Enterprises leverage the Visier Workforce Context Engine to harmonize workforce data, give it structure and meaning, then deliver that governed context back into those same platforms.

"The hardest part of workforce AI isn't the actual AI. It's the years of data mapping, governance, and upkeep underneath it that nobody budgets or plans for," said Dave Weisbeck, Chief Strategy Officer at Visier. "Visier's Workforce Context Engine delivers that work already done, empowering IT teams to spend their time building agents instead of fixing the foundation 'plumbing' of their AI infrastructure."

The infrastructure is already paying off inside large, complex enterprises. Eaton Corporation retired a legacy workforce data infrastructure that was generating 130+ systemic incidents and 18 days of annual downtime. After centralizing HRMS, recruiting, performance, and succession data using Visier's infrastructure, Eaton eliminated 90% of manual reports, reduced bug tickets by 83%, and recovered ~$1.5M in organizational productivity.

"The organizations getting value from workforce AI are the ones that build the people data foundation first," said Eric Bokelberg, Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting, LLP. "In the era of HR reimagined with AI, real-time insights enable HR to shift from reactive reporting to a governed, always-on signal — one that lets AI run the transactions so people can focus on the moments that matter. A trusted, governed data foundation can make the difference between AI you can deploy and AI you can defend, moving HR from workforce administration to workforce architecture and realizing value from AI across the enterprise."

This week, Visier will be showcasing Visier Workforce AI in action at HR Tech (booth #5209), UNLEASH World (booth #106), and Total Talent Asia (booth #3). Visit our booths to see the Workforce Context Layer in action. Or visit us at visier.com to explore more.

About Visier

Visier Workforce AI is the context foundation for talent management. The Visier Workforce Intelligence Platform turns scattered, sensitive people data into one governed understanding of the entire workforce, so organizations can understand, plan, and activate all of their talent priorities in one place. More than 85,000 of the world's most complex organizations, including Ford Motor Company, eBay, Experian, and Domino's Pizza, rely on Visier's over 16 years of workforce domain expertise, ranked #1 in vendor satisfaction and user experience for three consecutive years by the Sapient Insights HR Systems Survey. Learn more at Visier.com.

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE Visier

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XGIMI Launches AURA 3 Series, Bringing Cinema-Scale Entertainment to the Living Room

Now accepting orders, the AURA 3 Series combines up to 8,000:1 native contrast, up to 5,700 ISO lumens of brightness, and 4K 120Hz high-refresh-rate support for exceptional picture quality and smooth, responsive viewing.

NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- XGIMI, a global leader in premium smart projection and home entertainment, today announces the official launch of its AURA 3 Series, a new generation of ultra-short-throw (UST) laser TVs first showcased at IFA 2026. Built around XGIMI's vision of Living Room Cinema, the series combines advanced projection technology, cinematic picture quality, and high-performance gaming for modern living spaces.

Building on the iris technology first introduced in the TITAN Noir Series, the AURA 3 Series features XGIMI's Dual Dynamic Iris system, delivering native contrast of up to 8,000:1 for deeper blacks and more nuanced shadow detail. With up to 5,700 ISO lumens of brightness, an RGB triple-laser light source, premium cinematic format support, and 4K 120Hz high-refresh-rate support, the series brings together vivid picture quality and smooth performance for movies, live sports, and gaming.

With a 0.163:1 ultra-short-throw ratio, the AURA 3 Series projects a 120-inch image from approximately 8 inches away, with screen sizes reaching up to 200 inches. This space-saving design delivers a cinema-scale viewing experience without requiring a ceiling-mounted projector or a dedicated home theater room.

Engineered for Cinematic Picture Quality and Gaming

The AURA 3 Series combines advanced light control and RGB triple-laser technology to deliver premium large-screen entertainment. Key features of the flagship AURA 3 Max include:

- Up to 5,700 ISO Lumens for bright, vivid images

- Up to 8,000:1 Native Contrast with Dual Dynamic Iris

- X-VISION AI Image Processor

- Built-in Google TV

- Dolby Vision®, HDR10+, HLG, IMAX Enhanced & Filmmaker Mode

- Anti-RBE technology for reduced rainbow effect in both 2D and 3D

- Cinematic 3D with two pairs of 3D glasses included

- 80W Harman Kardon speakers with Dolby Atmos

- 4K at 120Hz, with VRR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync Premium for smoother, more responsive gameplay. The high refresh rate also helps reduce the perceived rainbow effect (RBE), contributing to a more comfortable viewing experience.

From cinematic movies and live sports to fast-paced gaming, the AURA 3 Series brings versatile, big-screen entertainment into everyday living spaces.

Exclusive Kickstarter Pricing and Bundle Options

The AURA 3 Series launches on Kickstarter with two models at exclusive introductory prices:

- AURA 3 Max: $2,399 (MSRP $4,999)

- AURA 3 Pro: $2,199 (MSRP $3,999)

Exclusive AURA 3 Max Bundle Options

For those looking to create a complete large-screen setup, XGIMI offers exclusive Kickstarter pricing on several AURA 3 Max bundles, pairing the projector with premium screen options:

- AURA 3 Max + 120" XGIMI Ascend UST: $4,999 (MSRP $8,998)

- AURA 3 Max + 100" XGIMI Ascend UST: $4,299 (MSRP $7,998)

- AURA 3 Max + 120" Fresnel ALR Screen: $3,699 (MSRP $6,998)

- AURA 3 Max + 120" Black Grid ALR Screen: $3,999 (MSRP $7,498)

- AURA 3 Max + 140"/150" Fresnel ALR Screen: $5,799 (MSRP $9,998)

Additional screen sizes and a motorized cabinet for UST projectors will also be available as add-ons, giving backers the flexibility to customize their setup with their preferred screen and accessories during checkout.

Shipping is expected to begin in December 2026 for the AURA 3 Series projectors, followed by fixed ALR screens in January 2027 and XGIMI Ascend floor-rising screens in February 2027.

For more information, visit the official XGIMI AURA 3 Series Kickstarter page.

About XGIMI

Since 2013, the state-of-the-art XGIMI projectors have helped countless people worldwide to create genuinely immersive audio-visual experiences. Working with reputable partners like Google, Harman Kardon, and Texas Instruments, XGIMI builds all-in-one entertainment devices, perfected due to their user-oriented philosophy. Through industry-leading innovation, streamlined setups, and unique designs, XGIMI always strives to develop the best home and portable projectors for everyone to enjoy. XGIMI is also expanding their expertise into commercial projector technology to bring immersive experiences to more spaces. Learn more at XGIMI Projector Technology.

SOURCE XGIMI

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Nationwide announces 2026 P&C Community Service Awards

Giving back to the community is central to the caring culture of Nationwide. It’s also a value shared by Nationwide distribution partners around the country. To celebrate some of those making an impact, Nationwide is pleased to recognize six agencies with the 2026 P&C Community Service Award.

Agencies are nominated for their deep commitment to causes that are close to home and near to their heart. Nationwide makes a donation to the charity of each winner’s choice in honor of the winner.

A Thank You from Nationwide  

Congratulations to Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management in Rolling Hills, IL. The Chicagoland agency was recognized for its support of Female Strong, a nonprofit providing hands-on programs, mentorship and leadership-building experiences for middle- and high-school girls with the goal of helping young women thrive and overcome barriers to opportunity.  

This year’s additional winners are:

- Howard Hanna Insurance Services in Pittsburgh for its longstanding support of the Howard Hanna Children’s Free Care Fund and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Through fundraising and volunteering, the team helps children receive care and provides relief to families facing medical crises.

- InterWest Insurance Services in Sacramento for its employee-led “InterWest Gives Back” program, which allows local offices to select and support multiple nonprofit partners each quarter. Its community impact includes hunger relief, youth services, housing, healthcare, animal welfare and senior care.

- BTJ Insurance in Nashville, whose sustained partnership with Kiwanis and Ingram Sowell Elementary School provides food support to students, ensuring they have access to food even when school is out.

- Hometown Insurance in Creston, IA for its work with the Union County Fair Board and Kiwanis, helping raise millions for community improvements, restoring public spaces and providing meals and clothes to local children.

- M3 Insurance in Madison, WI for its support of the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area focused on youth development, workforce readiness, and financial literacy.

“Nationwide’s central purpose of protection has always extended beyond insurance,” said Mark Berven, President and COO of Nationwide Property and Casualty. “Thank you to this year’s winners and to all of our distribution partners who make a positive impact in their communities every day.”