Recurrent Energy Achieves Commercial Operation of 200 MWp Villameca Solar Project in Spain

Recurrent Energy is expected to have approximately 1 GW of solar capacity in operation in Spain by the end of the year, further strengthening its presence in the country and contributing to the ongoing energy transition.

KITCHENER, ON, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc. ("Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) and a leading global developer, owner, and operator of solar and energy storage assets, has announced the start of commercial operations at the Villameca Project, a major solar portfolio located in the Region of Castilla y León, Spain.

The Villameca Project is a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with a capacity of 200 MWp and is expected to generate approximately 359,172 MWh of clean electricity annually, enough to power more than 100,000 homes and avoid approximately 57,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year—equivalent to removing more than 12,000 internal combustion vehicles from the road. The project joins the recently inaugurated 426 MWp Rey Solar Project in Andalucía and the 315 MWp Tordesillas Project in Castilla y León, which is expected to be connected later this year. With these three projects, Recurrent Energy's total operational solar capacity in Spain is expected to reach approximately 1 GW by year-end.

Dylan Marx, CEO of Recurrent Energy, said: "The achievement of commercial operation at Villameca marks an important milestone for Recurrent Energy and strengthens our position in Europe. As we continue to grow our renewable energy portfolio, we remain committed to creating lasting value in the communities where we operate. We are particularly proud of this project's impact and the high level of social and biodiversity commitments achieved throughout its development."

During the permitting and construction phases, the project was awarded UNEF's Seal of Excellence, recognizing that the plant was designed and developed in accordance with high sustainability standards. Through Recurrent Energy's Community CaRE program, it supports local development through community facilities, educational improvements, and social initiatives. The project also promotes biodiversity through habitat restoration, native vegetation planting, and measures to protect local wildlife, including nesting structures, bat boxes, and insect hotels.

The Villameca Project is expected to be hybridized with battery energy storage systems, further supporting decarbonization efforts and enhancing grid stability. The company recently announced the grid connection of Montalto La Viola, one of Italy's first solar-plus-storage hybrid projects, further strengthening Recurrent Energy's expertise in developing and delivering hybrid renewable energy projects across Europe.

About Recurrent Energy

Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., is one of the world's largest and most geographically diversified utility-scale solar and energy storage project development, ownership, and operations platforms. With an industry-leading team of in-house energy experts, Recurrent Energy serves as Canadian Solar's global development and power services business. Additional details are available at www.recurrentenergy.com.

About Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar is one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, the Company is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules; provider of solar energy and battery energy storage solutions; and developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar power and battery energy storage projects. Over the past 25 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered nearly 180 GW of premium-quality solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Through its energy storage solutions business e-STORAGE, Canadian Solar has shipped over 23 GWh of battery energy storage solutions to global markets and had a contracted backlog of $3.5 billion as of June 30, 2026. Since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built, and connected approximately 12.4 GWp of solar power projects and 6.4 GWh of battery energy storage projects globally. Its geographically diversified project development pipeline includes approximately 22 GWp of solar and 84 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in various stages of development. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.

Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company's expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins, and project sales are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "future", "ongoing", "continue", "intend", "plan", "potential", "prospect", "guidance", "believe", "estimate", "is/are likely to" or similar expressions, the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, our expectations regarding global electricity demand and the adoption of solar and battery energy storage technologies; our growth strategies, future business performance, and financial condition; our transition to a long-term owner and operator of clean energy assets and expansion of project pipelines; our ability to monetize project portfolios, manage supply chain fluctuations, and respond to economic factors such as inflation and interest rates; our outlook on government incentives, trade measures, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks; our expectations for project timelines, costs, and returns; competitive dynamics in solar and storage markets; our ability to execute supply chain, manufacturing, and operational initiatives; access to capital, debt obligations, and covenant compliance; relationships with key suppliers and customers; technological advancement and product quality; and risks related to intellectual property, litigation, and compliance with environmental and sustainability regulations. Other risks were described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 10, 2026. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today's date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Canadian Solar Inc. Investor Relations Contact

Wina Huang

Investor Relations

Canadian Solar Inc.

[email protected] 

Recurrent Energy Media Inquiries

Inés Arrimadas

Recurrent Energy

[email protected] 

SOURCE Canadian Solar Inc.

Share this article

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Calumet, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLMT) (the "Company" or "Calumet") today announced that its wholly owned subsidiaries, Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P. (the "Partnership") and Calumet Finance Corp. (together with the Partnership, the "Issuers"), have given notice for redemption of $150 million of the outstanding 9.75% Senior Notes due 2028 (CUSIP Nos. 131477 AW1 and U13077 AM1) that were originally issued in June 2023 (the "2028 Notes"), to be effected on October 25, 2026 at a cash redemption price of 102.438% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to but not including the redemption date.

As previously announced, in July of this year, the Issuers redeemed $100 million of the 9.75% Senior Notes due 2028 that were originally issued in January 2025 and fully repaid and terminated the $15.5 million Montana terminal asset financing arrangement. With today's announced redemption, Calumet will have retired approximately $265 million of debt since July 2026.

"Today's announcement to call $150 million of additional debt reinforces our commitment to accelerating debt reduction, strengthening our balance sheet and reducing interest expense," said David Lunin, CFO. "The $265 million of debt reduced over the past four months, including the redemption announced today, will result in an annual cash interest savings of approximately $26 million. We believe our strong operating momentum and current industry outlook position us to continue deleveraging while advancing our growth strategies across both our Specialties and Montana Renewables businesses."

This press release shall not constitute a notice of redemption of the 2028 Notes. Information concerning the terms and conditions of the redemption of the 2028 Notes is described in the notice of partial redemption distributed to holders on October 15, 2026.

About Calumet

Calumet, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLMT) manufactures, formulates and markets a diversified slate of specialty branded products and renewable fuels to customers across a broad range of consumer-facing and industrial markets. Calumet is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and operates twelve facilities throughout North America.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements." The words "will," "may," "intend," "believe," "expect," "outlook," "forecast," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "plan," "should," "could," "would," or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. The statements discussed in this press release that are not purely historical data are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the statements regarding the partial redemption of the 2028 Notes and our ability to continue deleveraging our balance sheet and advance our growth strategies across both our Specialties and Montana Renewables businesses. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us. While our management considers these assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, our actual results may differ materially from the future performance that we have expressed or forecast in our forward-looking statements. For additional information regarding known material risks, uncertainties and other factors that can affect future results, please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the risk factors and other cautionary statements in the latest Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company and other filings with the SEC by the Company. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

SOURCE Calumet, Inc.

Share this article

Platform brings conversational AI and intelligent matching to frontline workforce operations

SINGAPORE, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- YYForce Inc. (NASDAQ: YFOR) ("YYForce" or the "Company"), a technology-enabled provider of workforce solutions and integrated facility management services, today announced the commercial launch of Yolara AI, an AI-powered workforce intelligence platform that combines algorithmic matching, automated staffing workflows, digital attendance, and operational analytics for frontline enterprises.

The core platform is available in Singapore through web and mobile interfaces. YYForce is introducing a conversational AI voice agent through phased deployments with selected enterprise clients, extending the platform with natural-language staffing requests and AI-assisted workflow initiation.

Yolara AI is being introduced through YYForce's existing regional operating network, which includes more than 100,000 verified frontline workers and over 500 enterprise partner locations. These figures describe the Company's existing network and do not represent the number of active Yolara AI users or locations at launch.

AI Powered Workforce Orchestration

Yolara AI is designed to help businesses coordinate flexible staffing across hospitality, food and beverage, retail, logistics, events, and facilities management. Its workforce orchestration workflow connects enterprise demand with worker skills and availability, using AI-assisted matching to support staffing decisions and digital tools to track shift execution.

By bringing these activities into one platform, YYForce aims to reduce repetitive administration and improve coordination between businesses and workers. Actual staffing outcomes depend on worker availability, qualification requirements, and operating conditions.

Core Capabilities Available at Launch

- AI-powered multi-factor matching: Evaluates worker suitability using skills, availability, location, credentials, and previous shift records to support candidate matching for enterprise requirements.

- Conversational worker onboarding: Uses conversational interfaces to support worker information collection, availability confirmation, and communication of shift requirements.

- Automated scheduling workflows: Connects staffing requirements with eligible shift booking, helping businesses coordinate coverage and workers access suitable opportunities.

- Digital attendance and tracking: Uses geofenced check-in and check-out to capture shift attendance data for monitoring and reconciliation.

- Talent Graph and workforce intelligence dashboards: Structures worker profiles, qualifications, and shift histories into a searchable talent information base, with dashboards showing staffing coverage, attendance, and workforce cost metrics.

Phased Deployment of the AI Voice Agent

YYForce is deploying Yolara AI's conversational voice agent in phases with selected enterprise clients in Singapore. The agent is designed to use natural-language processing (NLP), intent recognition, and information extraction to convert spoken staffing requirements into structured digital requests.

For example, a manager could request: "I need five banquet service crew members tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Marina Bay." The agent is designed to extract headcount, role, location, and shift times, request clarification where information is missing, and prepare the request for the platform's matching workflow.

The phased deployment is intended to assess usability and operational performance before broader rollout. Voice-agent availability will therefore differ from that of the core platform during the initial launch period.

Connecting AI With Real World Workforce Operations

Yolara AI supports YYForce's strategy of combining workforce operations with applied AI and digital workflow automation. Its existing worker and enterprise relationships provide a base for introducing the platform, gathering operational feedback, and identifying opportunities for future AI model development.

"Frontline staffing has historically suffered from manual friction, fragmented shift communication, and slow fulfillment cycles. With Yolara AI, we are translating applied artificial intelligence into immediate operational leverage—turning spoken manager requests into fulfilled shifts in minutes. This launch marks a foundational milestone in YYForce's strategy to build a unified, intelligent workforce ecosystem across the region," said Mike Fu, Chief Executive Officer of YYForce.

AI Development and Regional Expansion Roadmap

YYForce plans to evaluate expansion into additional Southeast Asian markets based on customer demand, operational readiness, and local requirements. Planned AI enhancements include machine-learning-based demand forecasting, predictive workforce analytics, and agentic workflows connecting conversational requests with enterprise systems. These capabilities form part of the development roadmap and are separate from the core functions available at launch.

About Yolara AI

Yolara AI is YYForce's AI-powered workforce intelligence platform for frontline operations. Its core functions combine multi-factor matching, conversational onboarding, automated scheduling workflows, digital attendance, Talent Graph information, and operational analytics. A conversational AI voice agent for natural-language staffing requests is being introduced through phased enterprise deployments.

About YYFORCE

YYForce Inc. (Nasdaq: YFOR) is an AI-enabled workforce management and integrated facility management provider headquartered in Singapore and operating across Asia and beyond. Through its workforce technology and IFM businesses, YYForce provides workforce deployment, management and facility services solutions across multiple service industries.

The Company operates two distinct workforce technology platforms: YY Circle, which supports workforce deployment and management across hospitality, food and beverage, retail and other service industries; and Yolara AI, an AI-powered workforce intelligence platform that provides intelligent workforce matching, automated scheduling, digital attendance and operational analytics for frontline enterprises. Within its IFM operations, YYForce combines frontline facility services with technology solutions designed to improve workforce productivity and operational efficiency.

YYForce's long-term strategy is centered on building an integrated future workforce ecosystem in which human workers, intelligent software, automation and robotics increasingly work together to deliver services more efficiently.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company bases these forward-looking statements on its expectations and projections about future events, which the Company derives from the information currently available to it. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as "may," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "contemplates," "estimates," "believes," "plans," "projected," "predicts," "potential," or "hopes" or the negative of these or similar terms. Statements regarding expected performance, adoption and benefits of the Yolara AI platform; the phased deployment and any broader rollout of the conversational AI voice agent; planned AI enhancements, including machine-learning-based demand forecasting, predictive workforce analytics and agentic workflows; potential expansion into additional Southeast Asian markets are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and the forward-looking events discussed in this press release may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about the Company and a number of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the Company's goals and strategies; the Company's future business development, financial condition and results of operations, including the introduction of new products and services, the performance, accuracy and reliability of the Company's AI models and voice agent; the Company's ability to successfully complete the phased deployment and achieve client adoption of Yolara AI; the Company's reliance on third-party technology providers; data privacy, cybersecurity and AI-related laws and regulations, including those governing location and voice data; expected changes in the Company's revenues, costs and expenditures, anticipated customer growth, and demand for and market acceptance of the Company's products and services; and industry, market and regulatory conditions, including competition, government policies and regulations affecting the Company's industry, and other factors that may affect the Company's financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. For a more detailed discussion of risk factors, please refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recent annual report on Form 20-F, as amended. Readers should also consider the risks described in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. YYForce undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as required by applicable law.

Investor Contact

Jason Zhi Yong Phua, Chief Financial Officer

YYForce Inc.

[email protected] 

Investor Relations Contact

Piacente Financial Communications

[email protected] 

SOURCE YYForce Inc.

Share this article

Interplay Learning Launches Skill Verification to Demonstrate Workforce Readiness

New simulation-based assessments give organizations objective, step-level insights into how workers perform a task before dispatch, contractor authorization, new-hire placement or promotion decisions.

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Interplay Learning, the leader in immersive learning for the skilled trades and industrial crafts, today announced the launch of Skill Verification, a simulation-based assessment tool that enables organizations to evaluate an individual's ability to perform trades-specific tasks. Using simulation-based assessments that mirror real equipment and conditions, Skill Verification provides supervisors and safety leaders objective, step-level evidence of readiness across electrical safety, industrial controls and more.

For many skilled trades and industrial roles, employers have limited ways to verify hands-on ability before putting someone on the job. Traditional assessments can require expensive equipment, dedicated facilities and significant supervisor time, while interviews and multiple-choice tests don't demonstrate whether a worker can actually execute a task.

"You can have your OSHA, EPA and NATE certifications and still not be able to perform the job in the real world", said Matt Ellenberg, director of training, Southern Home Services. "What Skill Verification gives us is a way to actually demonstrate and prove that a technician can perform the skills we need them to perform. That's incredibly valuable as we continue to grow."

The initial catalog of 20 Skill Verification assessments launches October 15, 2026, spanning applications in commercial HVAC, facilities management, manufacturing, data centers and critical infrastructure. Assessments cover equipment, tools and job-specific tasks in simulated operating environments, including Using a Digital Multimeter, Tool Selection and Inspection, and Industrial Electrical Lockout/Tagout Safety Procedure. The assessments can also be used by educational institutions and workforce development programs to validate students' hands-on skills before they enter the workforce.

Every assessment produces a clear, objective score alongside step-level detail on missed steps, sequence and decisions, giving supervisors specific, targeted areas for remediation rather than a pass/fail result. This gives organizations a repeatable way to evaluate skills consistently across sites, shifts and service partners as they scale their workforce.

"As skilled trades employers face growing pressure to build and deploy qualified workforces, they need better, safer ways to verify hands-on ability," said Doug Donovan, CEO and founder of Interplay Learning. "Skill Verification gives operations and safety leaders objective evidence of demonstrated performance, helping them quickly identify skill gaps and make more informed decisions about workforce readiness."

For more information about Skill Verification, visit https://www.interplaylearning.com/skill-verfication.

About Interplay Learning

Interplay Learning, the leader in immersive learning for the skilled trades and industrial crafts, now includes Industrial Training International (ITI), the global leader in specialized industrial learning solutions. Leveraging instructor-led training, online simulations, AI, and VR, Interplay helps organizations and educational institutions upskill faster, reduce risk, and increase operational readiness. With over 500,000 people trained, Interplay is shaping the future of workforce development, building better careers and better lives. Visit www.interplaylearning.com to learn more.

Recent accolades include TIME's 2026 America's Top EdTech Companies, Forbes 2026 America's Best Startup Employers, the 2025 IACET Instructional Impact Award, 2025 Inc 5000 list, Deloitte's 2025 Technology Fast 500 list, Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2024, AHR's 2024 Innovation Award, IACET 2024 Innovation of the Year Award, and NFMT 2024 Vision Awards.

SOURCE Interplay Learning

Share this article

As a member of the local community, providing work experience opportunities for children

TOKYO, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- transcosmos today announced that it participated in Mini Sapporo 2026, held at Access Sapporo on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026. As a member of the Hokkaido/Sapporo community, the company participated in the event to provide children with opportunities to experience both work and consumption activities, helping them learn firsthand about the rewards and challenges of working and the way society functions.

Mini Sapporo is a work experience program for third- and fourth-grade elementary school students in Sapporo City and neighboring areas that provides a variety of experiential learning opportunities in support of the children's right to grow to their full potential as stipulated in the Sapporo City Convention on the Rights of the Child. Through the event, children experience a series of activities that are rarely encountered in everyday life, including searching for jobs, working, receiving wages, and paying taxes. In addition, by using the wages they earn to shop and dine, they can enjoy learning about how society functions.

At the transcosmos booth, children experienced the work of a contact center agent helping customers resolve their problems using the generative AI role-playing system trans-AI Tutor. Children selected and spoke with AI-powered customer personas with a variety of characteristics, choosing for themselves whom they would assist. By listening carefully to identify each customer's problems and aiming to provide support that would earn a "Thank you!", they enjoyed learning the importance of communication.

Children who participated in the program received one handmade gift of their choice from a selection of original pocket notebooks, blank notebooks, and memo pads created by employees of transcosmos assist inc., transcosmos's special subsidiary established to promote the employment of persons with disabilities.

transcosmos program at Mini Sapporo 2026: https://www.mini-sapporo.com/hellowork/#area04

transcosmos entered Sapporo City in 1980. Today, the company provides CX services, including contact centers and digital marketing, and BPO services with approximately 6,500 employees across 16 locations in the city. As a business with a strong presence in Sapporo City, transcosmos has been serving its community by making donations through the corporate version of furusato nozei—Japan's hometown tax donation program—and by participating as a registered business under the Sapporo SDGs-driven Business Registration Program.

To demonstrate its gratitude to the local communities that have supported its business over many years, transcosmos will continue to engage in community-driven business activities. At the same time, with the aim of creating a sustainable society, transcosmos will help address the social challenges faced by local communities.

*transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries.

*Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

About transcosmos inc.

transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have united superior "people" with cutting-edge "technology" to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients' business processes, focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 189 bases across 36 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of the e-commerce market on a global scale, transcosmos provides comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients' excellent products and services to consumers in 46 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos is committed to treating the challenges of its clients and society as its own—discussing and addressing their issues from planning to execution—and Make It Real, Together. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/

SOURCE transcosmos inc.

Share this article

The deal adds another Rocky Mountain location to the Southern California provider's expanding network

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- STA Jets today announced a definitive agreement to acquire International Jet, the Centennial, Colorado-based private aviation company that has served clients since 1979. The transaction continues the company's push to build one of the nation's most comprehensive private aviation service networks in the market.

"STA is growing with purpose and momentum," said Kurt Belcher, Founder of STA Jets. "Each addition makes the STA network broader, our capabilities stronger, and our service better for the clients who rely on us."

A Larger, More Capable Network

The International Jet acquisition adds a significant Rocky Mountain presence and extend STA's geographic reach, fleet capacity, and service offerings. International Jet brings charter, aircraft management, and aircraft sales, expanding what STA can offer clients in one network.

Expanding on Five Decades of Private Aviation

International Jet was founded in 1979 in Long Beach, California, and relocated to Denver the following year. In 1980 it became the first charter Learjet operator at Centennial Airport, and it is now the longest-tenured company at that location. Over more than four decades, the company has grown from cargo and specialty flying into a full-service passenger charter operator. They've flown more than 10,000 medical transports over a 25-year period along the way.

International Jet operates a fleet spanning turboprops, light, midsize, super-midsize, and large-cabin jets, with a private passenger terminal at Centennial Airport and flight coordinators on duty around the clock. Its operations are held to FAA Part 135 standards, and its maintenance program has earned the industry's Diamond Award of Excellence.

"For 47 years, International Jet has earned the trust of its clients through safety, service, and consistency," added Belcher. "That legacy is exactly what makes this partnership compelling. We're committed to preserving what makes International Jet exceptional while adding the scale, resources, and reach of the STA network."

About STA Jets

STA Jets is the ultimate in private travel. Offering a unique combination of executive charters, aircraft management, and aircraft sales and acquisitions, STA's diverse fleet of aircraft, its superior flight and maintenance crews, and topflight customer support provide the best possible travel experience. Headquartered at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, California, the company has operations based in Van Nuys, San Jose, New York, and Fort Lauderdale.

To learn more or reserve a charter, visit www.stajets.com or call 1.844.FLY.STA1.

About International Jet

Founded in 1979, International Jet is a private aviation company based at Centennial Airport near Denver, Colorado. The company provides private jet charter, aircraft management, and aircraft sales, operating under FAA Part 135 certification with a fleet ranging from turboprops to large-cabin jets. More information is available at internationaljet.com.

Media Contact

Megan Cunningham

Vice President of Administration

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 949-756-1111

SOURCE STA Jets

Share this article

MetaTech AP Unveils 2027 Growth Strategy, Partners with Zheng Yang Biomedical to Build a Regenerative Medicine Supply Chain

TAIPEI, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MetaTech AP Inc. (TPEx: 3224) held its investor conference today, presenting its 2026 operating performance and strategic outlook for 2027. Revenue for the first nine months of 2026 reached NT$1.391 billion, representing 21% year-over-year growth. With electronics and biomedicine serving as its two growth engines, MetaTech AP is actively expanding its presence in the global AI supply chain and regenerative medicine market.

Steady Electronics Growth and Progress in Biomedical Development

Revenue from MetaTech AP's electronics business increased 24.7% year over year during the first nine months of 2026. The business continues to pursue opportunities in AI servers, power supplies, semiconductors, and related applications, supporting the Group's overall performance.

Since entering regenerative medicine in 2013, MetaTech AP has continued advancing cell therapy technologies, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and related therapeutic development programs.

MetaTech AP recently expanded its collaboration with Zheng Yang Biomedical to address the regenerative medicine industry's growing emphasis on reducing reliance on animal-derived materials, improving cell culture quality and safety, and preparing for potentially more stringent regulatory requirements.

Under the collaboration, MetaTech AP will be responsible for manufacturing human platelet lysate (hPL), while Zheng Yang Biomedical will lead global sales and marketing efforts. The partnership aims to capture emerging opportunities in cell culture materials and international markets.

The companies are also collaborating on Elate Ocular®, a regenerative medicine product under development for dry eye disease. Plans include advancing clinical trials and regulatory approval in Taiwan, alongside preparations for local manufacturing by MetaTech AP.

According to GlobalData's Dry Eye Syndrome: Global Drug Forecast and Market Analysis to 2028, the dry eye therapeutics market was projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6% from 2018 to 2028, reaching US$11.1 billion (approximately NT$356.9 billion) by 2028, highlighting the market potential for innovative therapies.

MetaTech AP's R&D and Locus Cell's Manufacturing Capabilities Bring Global Technologies to Taiwan

Alex Chen, Chairman of MetaTech AP, stated:

"Together with Locus Cell, MetaTech AP is advancing toward i CDMO (intelligent Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization), leveraging AI-driven manufacturing to establish Taiwan as a local production base for regenerative medicine. Our goal is to become a preferred global manufacturing partner for cell therapy products.

Locus Cell is a consolidated subsidiary of MetaTech AP (TPEx: 3224). Together, MetaTech AP and Locus Cell are advancing an integrated regenerative medicine strategy that combines biomedical research, AI-driven manufacturing, and international CDMO services.

"Our biomedical business has already demonstrated progress in digitalization and intelligent transformation. Technologies including AI-powered GMP document generation and review systems have reduced average processing time for relevant documentation tasks by approximately one-third, helping lower labor and operational costs.

"Many of our partners are leading international companies. Our ambition is to bring world-class technologies to Taiwan, establish a strong local manufacturing foundation, and develop Taiwan into a major cell manufacturing hub in the Asia-Pacific region."

Strengthening International Partnerships and Asia's Regenerative Medicine Ecosystem

MetaTech Group has established a commercial licensing relationship involving iPSC technology with Japan's iPS Academia Japan, associated with CiRA, and continues discussions with Japanese partners regarding iPSC-derived cell therapy products.

Looking ahead to 2027, MetaTech AP will continue strengthening AI-related applications and sales in its electronics business while advancing clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and local manufacturing initiatives in biomedicine.

Together with Locus Cell, the Group will pursue additional international i CDMO opportunities, aiming to position Taiwan as an important hub connecting global regenerative medicine technologies with commercial-scale cell manufacturing.

SOURCE MetaTech AP Inc.

Share this article

Best Sharps Disposal Solution for Veterinary Clinics (2026): Sharps Assure Named a Top Choice by Expert Consumers

NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Expert Consumers has recognized Sharps Assure as a top choice for veterinary clinics seeking a flexible and cost-conscious method for managing used needles, syringes, scalpels, and other sharps waste. The newly published review highlights the service's all-inclusive mail-back kits, variable container sizes, cloud-based records, and absence of required long-term contracts.

Best Sharps Disposal Solution for Veterinary Clinics

- Sharps Assure - a medical waste disposal service that helps veterinary clinics manage used needles and other sharps through mail-back kits that include a container, return packaging, shipping, treatment, disposal, and related documentation.

The recognition focuses on a common operational challenge for veterinary practices. Sharps waste must be contained, transported, treated, and documented properly, but waste volumes can vary widely among clinics. Traditional scheduled pickup services may require recurring payments even during periods when containers are not ready for collection.

A Mail-Back System Suited to Variable Clinic Volumes

Veterinary clinics often generate sharps waste at an uneven rate, making an on-demand disposal system useful for practices without predictable collection needs. Sharps Assure allows clinics to purchase kits as needed, fill containers according to actual activity, and return secured containers without waiting for a fixed pickup date.

Routine vaccinations, blood draws, laboratory procedures, dental care, surgeries, and emergency treatment can all produce sharps waste. A general veterinary practice may generate a modest amount during a typical week, while a surgical center or animal hospital may fill containers more quickly. Seasonal appointment volumes can also affect disposal needs.

This variation can make rigid collection schedules less practical. A scheduled pickup may occur before a container is full, while an unexpected rise in procedures may create a need for disposal before the next service date.

The Sharps Assure model places greater control over timing with the clinic. Staff members can prepare a container for return after the designated fill level has been reached and the container has been properly closed. The package can then be sent through the authorized return carrier by following the included instructions.

Mail-back disposal may be particularly useful for independent veterinary offices, mobile veterinarians, specialty clinics, shelters, and other facilities with low or changing sharps volumes.

All-Inclusive Pricing Without Required Monthly Contracts

Sharps Assure uses flat-rate kit pricing rather than recurring stop fees or mandatory monthly service agreements. Each kit covers the principal stages of the disposal process, helping veterinary practices understand expected costs before a container is placed into service.

The kit price includes the sharps container, return packaging, authorized shipping, waste treatment, and final disposal. This structure reduces the need to coordinate separate payments for supplies, transportation, and processing. Clear inclusions can also make medical waste expenses easier to forecast.

Traditional pickup arrangements may charge for scheduled visits regardless of whether a container is full. Such arrangements can work well for large facilities producing substantial waste at a consistent rate. Smaller or lower-volume practices, however, may pay for collection capacity that is not always required.

An as-needed purchasing model ties disposal spending more closely to actual waste generation. A clinic can order another kit when additional capacity becomes necessary rather than maintaining a recurring pickup schedule throughout slower periods.

Contract flexibility can also benefit new or growing veterinary businesses. A recently opened clinic may not yet have enough operating history to predict monthly sharps volume accurately. Mail-back kits allow disposal capacity to change as appointment levels, procedures, and staffing develop.

The review identifies this combination of transparent pricing and flexible ordering as a central reason Sharps Assure may suit veterinary practices seeking control over recurring operating costs.

Container Sizes and Return Logistics for Different Practices

Container selection affects both workplace safety and disposal efficiency. Sharps Assure offers kits ranging from compact 1-quart containers to larger 28-gallon options, giving veterinary facilities several capacity choices for different treatment areas and waste volumes.

A smaller container may be appropriate for an examination room, mobile practice, vaccination area, or facility that produces sharps infrequently. Larger containers may better serve surgical areas, emergency departments, treatment rooms, or busy animal hospitals. Choosing a suitable size can help avoid excess capacity while keeping approved containers accessible near points of use.

Placement remains an important part of sharps safety. Containers should be positioned where staff members can discard used items promptly and safely. Each container must also remain upright, accessible to authorized personnel, and protected from overfilling or improper use.

Once a container reaches the marked fill level, clinic personnel close and secure the unit according to the provided instructions. The container is then placed in the required return packaging and transferred to the designated carrier. Shipping takes place when the clinic is ready, rather than on a waste company's predetermined route.

Flexible return timing can reduce interruptions to clinic operations. Reception teams and medical staff do not need to coordinate access around a collection window or reserve space for a container awaiting a future pickup date.

The mail-back process still requires careful internal procedures. Employee training, proper segregation, secure storage, and adherence to container instructions remain the responsibility of the veterinary facility.

Compliance Support, Digital Records, and Pharmaceutical Disposal

Sharps Assure is designed to support applicable requirements for medical waste handling and transportation, including relevant OSHA, Department of Transportation, and shipping standards. The program also provides digital disposal documentation that may assist veterinary clinics during audits, inspections, and internal compliance reviews.

Selecting a disposal service represents only one part of a compliant waste program. Veterinary facilities must maintain staff training, workplace safety procedures, proper container placement, and waste segregation practices. State and local rules may introduce further requirements, so each facility should confirm obligations for the clinic's location and waste types.

Documentation can be accessed through a secure cloud-based platform. Available records include disposal manifests and Certificates of Destruction, which provide evidence that returned waste completed the required disposal process. Digital access can reduce reliance on paper files and simplify record retrieval when documentation is requested.

Centralized records may be especially helpful for veterinary groups operating more than one location. Practice managers can maintain disposal documentation in an organized format rather than relying on separate physical files at every clinic.

Sharps Assure also offers specialized mail-back kits for eligible expired or unused pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical waste requires separate consideration because disposal rules can differ according to medication type, hazard classification, and controlled-substance status. Standard sharps containers should not be treated as a universal disposal method for every medication or vial.

Access to both sharps and pharmaceutical waste options can help veterinary clinics create a more organized disposal process. Each waste stream must still be matched with the correct kit and handled according to product instructions and applicable regulations.

Expert Consumers' recognition reflects the practical fit between the Sharps Assure mail-back model and the changing waste volumes found in many veterinary settings. Flexible ordering, all-inclusive pricing, multiple container sizes, digital documentation, and on-demand returns provide an alternative to recurring pickup arrangements.

The full review is available at Expert Consumers.

About Sharps Assure: Sharps Assure offers innovative solutions for safe and compliant disposal of medical sharps and pharmaceutical waste. Their services cater to small-scale needs, providing a mail-back disposal program that includes prepaid postage for convenient and cost-effective disposal.

About ExpertConsumers.org: Expert Consumers delivers news and insights on consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

SOURCE ExpertConsumers.org

Share this article

Following the acquisition of Catalog's assets and the appointment of Laurent Guengant as CEO earlier this year, Biomemory opened Early Access to DNA shield, its first commercial product for sovereign data protection, establishing the company as an early leader in molecular IT.

PARIS and BOSTON , Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Biomemory, a leader in commercial DNA data storage and co-chair of the DNA Data Storage Alliance, today announced the launch of DNA Shield, a managed service for sovereign data protection, and opened its Early Access Program to organizations seeking an offline, independent layer for their most critical digital assets, information that must remain trustworthy over years or decades, resilient to emergent risks such as advances in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The announcement marks Biomemory's entry into sovereign data protection: a separate, offline layer held at rest, separated from the active control plane, and removed from the network-reachable attack surface, for the tailored set of information an organization cannot afford to lose, whatever new risks emerge around it. It is the first product on a longer roadmap the company calls Molecular IT, which it plans to detail in future announcements.

A YEAR OF CONSOLIDATION

Today's launch follows two moves that reshaped Biomemory over the past year. In March 2026, the company acquired the assets of Catalog Technologies, the Boston-based pioneer of DNA data storage and computing, bringing together complementary technologies, intellectual property, and expertise. The acquisition gave Biomemory a second production and research hub in Boston alongside its Paris headquarters, and meaningfully expanded its intellectual property position.

In July 2026, Biomemory named Laurent Guengant, a storage, telecom, and energy executive with more than 30 years leading global businesses, strategy, and transformation, as Chief Executive Officer. The appointment set the company on a path from research and innovation toward industrialization and commercial deployment.

INTRODUCING DNA SHIELD

DNA Shield exists to protect what an organization cannot afford to lose or to have altered: cryptographic keys, proprietary industrial knowledge, regulated records, and institutional memory that must remain intact, secure, and verifiable over years or decades, independent of the systems built around them today. DNA Shield is designed so these assets stay recoverable and verifiable despite cyber attack, organizational change, infrastructure replacement, and regulatory scrutiny.

In practice, information first goes through secure onboarding, where the customer selects and encrypts the material in scope. DNA Shield then encodes it into synthetic DNA held offline under managed custody. Recovery follows a controlled process, deliberately triggered when needed, rather than routine or self-service access.

Initial use cases include:

- Key custody continuity, helping organizations ensure that cryptographic key recovery schemes still work years after the people and vendors around them have changed, designed to complement a certified HSM rather than replace one.

- Crown jewel industrial IP, an offline, sovereign copy of the small set of proprietary formulations, processes, or design parameters a company cannot afford to lose.

- Regulated integrity records, an independent, tamper-evident copy proving that critical records have not been altered since approval.

- Sovereign memory and golden records, a longer-horizon lane for institutions preserving records that must outlast the systems and organizations that created them.

Additional use cases will be added as the Early Access Program grows.

"DNA Shield is the moment Biomemory moves from proving a science to delivering a commercial product," said Laurent Guengant, CEO of Biomemory. "Organizations need a way to hold their most critical digital assets, cryptographic keys, core intellectual property, regulated records, and long-term institutional memory, somewhere no single vendor, cloud, or system can reach, and to prove it still works over time. That is what DNA Shield is built for, and it is the first step on a roadmap that takes Biomemory from sovereign data protection today into storage, molecular search and compute."

"What changed this year is not just our product line. It is the shift from technology building blocks to a shipped product that customers can put to work, said Vincent Franceschini, Vice President of Product Management at Biomemory and co-chair of the DNA Data Storage Alliance. "DNA Shield is built on the same molecular platform we have spent years industrializing, but it is the first time we are asking a customer to rely on it operationally rather than as a research demonstration. Getting that right, end to end, from encoding to authorized recovery, is what makes us the first company bringing Molecular IT to market."

ABOUT BIOMEMORY

Biomemory is industrializing DNA as a new information tier: Molecular IT. Data is stored in synthetic DNA and, increasingly, searched and computed on. Spun out of Sorbonne University and CNRS, we own the full stack, from molecular biology to enterprise software, with industrial production in Paris and, following the Catalog's assets acquisition, in Boston. We are a leader in commercial DNA data storage and co-chair of the DNA Data Storage Alliance. We enter the market through sovereign data protection and trust preservation with DNA Shield, and expand along a dated roadmap into storage from 2029, with molecular search and compute beyond it.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kalamari Agency

[email protected]

SOURCE Biomemory

Share this article

Global Times: The world's top trade fair delivers opportunities from China to partners

BEIJING, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory letter to the 140th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair. In his letter, Xi said over the past 70 years since its establishment, the Canton Fair has played a significant role in promoting trade exchanges between China and other countries, serving as an effective platform for China to expand high-level opening up and promote the building of an open world economy.

An opening ceremony for the 140th session was held on Wednesday. Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the ceremony and delivered a keynote speech, emphasizing that China will continue to promote high-quality development, expand high-standard opening up, and take proactive and practical actions to add more impetus to the world economy.

He said China stands ready to share more market opportunities, expand more mutually beneficial cooperation, and firmly safeguard the international economic and trade order with all parties.

Participants at the opening ceremony, including representatives of exhibitors and buyers, echoed that the Canton Fair has grown into a significant trade platform for people from all over the world to match supply and demand. The 70-year journey of the Canton Fair is a vivid microcosm of China's transition from "selling to the world" to "linking the global supply chain."

"I've been attending the Canton Fair for the last 10 years. It is always something very special for me, because every time I attend, I discover something new," Ahmed Abdelraouf Samman, general manager of SMN International, also a veteran participant from Egypt, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

He characterized the Canton Fair as embodying innovation, credibility and a new world. "If you want to start any business, enhance your business, grow your business, or even take your business much farther, the Canton Fair is the place - all in one."

For Rehman, director of social media services at RK Co, Ltd., the Canton Fair has provided a lot of business opportunities. The Pakistan-born participant has attended the Canton Fair for 10 years.

"I grew up with the Canton Fair. I found many suppliers for different kinds of products at the fair, and we partner together to bring customized products to my customers in the Middle East market," Rehman told the Global Times.

Continuous opening-up, more opportunities

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Canton Fair. From its inaugural session of just 9,600 square meters and 1,200 buyers in April 1957 to today's 1.55 million square meters and around 340,000 buyers, the fair has been held without interruption for 140 sessions. It serves as the most tangible proof of China's long-term commitment to opening-up.

In 2007, at its 101st session, the Canton Fair was officially renamed the China Import and Export Fair, changing from its designation as the Chinese Export Commodities Exhibition. That was when it introduced an import section for the first time, shifting from a one-way export platform to a two-way trade one. The fair later grew into an important platform for international trade cooperation, according to exhibitors and buyers from around the world.

To date, the total number of overseas buyers attending the Canton Fair onsite and online has exceeded 10 million.

In 2021, the Canton Fair was held both online and offline for the first time, fully opening to domestic buyers to help foreign exhibitors explore the China market during a time when global trade was impacted. The import section has continued to expand, with more than 17,000 companies from over 100 countries and regions participating, including Fortune 500 companies.

This section is full of stories about how overseas companies expand their global sales network through the Canton Fair. For example, Tek Seng, a PVC manufacturer from Malaysia, achieved its goal of "selling globally" through the fair. "About 10 years ago, we started with a small independent booth. The Canton Fair helped us discover global business opportunities," a representative of the company said previously.

"The Chinese market offers big opportunities for Colombian and Latin American enterprises. I've lived in China for over 15 years, so I can testify how China has become a good partner of South America and Colombia," Juan Camilo Basto, co-founder of Basal Trading Co, a member of the Colombian-Chinese Chamber of Investment and Commerce, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Basto has attended the Canton Fair 25 times. He described it as the "World Cup of the business," meaning it's the most important international business meeting.

'Factory of factories'

Apart from providing a platform, the Canton Fair epitomizes how China's products, technologies and services are enabling global suppliers to upgrade and become more intelligent.

Phase 1 of the 140th Canton Fair is themed "advanced manufacturing," featuring more than 25,000 booths and over 12,000 exhibitors. This phase showcases 17 emerging future industry zones, including service robots, drones and display technology. Two exhibition halls highlight brain-computer interfaces, new energy storage, high-end chips and AI visualization products.

These exhibits are not only the latest achievements of "Made in China" but also a window for "Chinese capabilities" to be exported to the world. China's exports of intermediate products - viewed as "Chinese capabilities" - provide essential support for production and exports in other countries, positioning China as a "factory of factories." This helps overseas factories achieve digital and intelligent upgrades through products and technology.

"China plays an important role in the world, not only as a factory for producing goods, but also in adding value to the market - we can exchange knowledge and technologies," said Basto.

Relying on the world's most complete industrial system, Chinese manufacturing has built a full-chain supply capacity, spanning from core components and high-end equipment to system solutions. This helps offset global industrial-chain fragmentation and supply-chain volatility.

This strength is evident among exhibitors. Guangzhou-based industrial IoT platform provider iROOTECH has developed integrated software-hardware solutions through industrial intelligence and robotics, serving enterprises in more than 120 countries and regions.

"Our intelligent after-sales maintenance platform helps our overseas customers solve the 'last mile' problem. For one of our customers in Thailand, the time required for fault detection and diagnosis was reduced by over 50 percent, maintenance efficiency increased by 30 percent, and losses from unplanned downtime were saved, amounting to more than 100 million yuan ($14.9 million)," Xu Zinan, sales director at iROOTECH, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

This example shows how China is integrating into and supporting the global supply chain with a more open posture, not only providing goods to the world but also offering "manufacturing capability" itself. Advanced manufacturing and technology are becoming key forces that support the global supply chain.

"From the perspective of the global supply chain, Chinese enterprises are a crucial part. In terms of markets, China's expanding market, which continues to open wider, offers more opportunities all over the world," Tian Yun, a Beijing-based economist, told the Global Times.

At this 70th-anniversary milestone, the Canton Fair represents more than commodity trading. It symbolizes the certainty China offers the world: In an age of supply-chain fragmentation, advanced manufacturing and technological capabilities from China provide critical support for global stability, participants said.

SOURCE Global Times

Share this article