Limestone Custom Homes Expands to Larimer County with New Luxury Build at TPC Colorado

One of Colorado's leading design-build custom home companies — with offices in Castle Rock and projects across Douglas County, Denver, and the Colorado mountains — brings its design-build model to Northern Colorado with an approximately 6,000-square-foot luxury home in the Heron Lakes at TPC Colorado community

BERTHOUD, Colo., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Limestone Custom Homes, one of Colorado's leading design-build custom home companies, today announced its expansion into Larimer County with a new luxury home project in the Heron Lakes at TPC Colorado community in Berthoud. The approximately 6,000-square-foot residence marks Limestone's first build in Northern Colorado and extends a growing portfolio that already spans Douglas County, the Denver metro area, and the Colorado mountains.

Headquartered out of its Castle Rock offices, Limestone has built its reputation on a true design-build model — architecture, design, permitting, construction, and finish selections all handled under one roof by an in-house team. That integrated approach has made the company a trusted partner for Colorado homeowners seeking high-end custom builds without the fragmentation of coordinating multiple firms. As part of its Northern Colorado expansion, Limestone is also planning additional offices in the region to support local clients and ongoing projects.

The Heron Lakes at TPC Colorado community features a Tournament Players Club championship golf course and attracts buyers looking for luxury homes with resort-style amenities, Front Range views, and proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. Larimer County — anchored by Fort Collins, Loveland, and Berthoud — continues to see strong demand for high-end custom homes as buyers relocate from across the country for the Northern Colorado lifestyle.

"Expanding into Larimer County is a natural next step for Limestone," a company spokesperson said. "We've built across Douglas County, Denver, and the mountains, and the demand we've seen from Northern Colorado buyers made it clear this market was ready for the kind of design-build experience we deliver. The Heron Lakes community at TPC Colorado is a strong first statement of what we bring to the region."

As a custom home builder in Larimer County, Limestone offers Northern Colorado homeowners direct access to its full in-house team of architects, designers, project managers, and craftsmen.

About Limestone Custom Homes

Limestone Custom Homes is one of Colorado's leading design-build custom home companies, with offices in Castle Rock, planned offices in Northern Colorado, and projects across Douglas County, the Denver metro area, the Colorado mountains, and now Larimer County. The company specializes in high-end custom homes with a fully in-house design, architecture, and construction team. For more information, visit Limestone Custom Homes.

Media Contact:

Limestone Custom Homes

Phone: (720) 477-7157

Website: https://limestonecustomhomes.com

SOURCE Limestone Custom Homes

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Simplicity AI SDK with new Simplicity Design Intelligence, open-source development, and Databricks initiatives help developers build faster and bring edge AI into enterprise workflows

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Works With Summit 2026 – Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB), the leading innovator in low-power wireless connectivity, today announced a set of developer initiatives that makes it easier to build, extend, and operate increasingly capable IoT devices. Unveiled at the company's seventh annual Works With Summit, the new offerings expand what developers and their AI agents can create on the Silicon Labs platform, while helping customers develop, deploy, and manage intelligence at the edge.

News at a Glance

- Design with AI: The Simplicity AI SDK is now in public Beta and supports AI coding assistants including GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and Codex. Silicon Labs is also introducing Simplicity Design Intelligence, a broad and growing set of capabilities designed to understand hardware and software intent, help customers turn that intent into a working product, and verify the implementation against the original intent. Hardware Intent is the first capability.

- Build and extend: The Silicon Labs open-source community is launching in Beta with Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE), giving developers access to sample applications and tooling and a direct way to raise issues, propose fixes, contribute code, and extend the Silicon Labs software platform.

- Scale edge intelligence: Silicon Labs' platform-agnostic edge AI and machine learning tools can now connect with Databricks, the data and AI company, so customers can manage data, models, embedded optimization, and hardware test results with governed enterprise data and AI workflows on the Databricks Data + AI platform.

Development Complexity Cannot Scale with IoT

As connected products add intelligence and custom hardware, building them grows more complex. Developers navigate specialized SDKs, configuration tools, debugging environments, and hardware constraints while using general-purpose AI assistants that do not inherently understand Silicon Labs devices or embedded workflows. Development teams also need better ways to share improvements and manage AI models as intelligence moves from the cloud onto edge devices. If workflows become harder with every new capability, development complexity becomes a barrier to scaling IoT.

"More capable silicon should not create more development complexity," said Manish Kothari, Senior Vice President of Software at Silicon Labs. "We are giving developers and their AI agents a connected path from hardware and software intent through implementation, community contribution, and the complete AI lifecycle."

Simplicity AI SDK and Simplicity Design Intelligence Connect Intent to Product

Simplicity AI SDK has entered public Beta, giving developers and their AI coding assistants structured access to Silicon Labs SDKs, tools, documentation, and connected hardware. Rather than requiring a proprietary AI assistant, the SDK works with tools developers may already use. GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and Codex are supported in the Beta. This grounding gives general-purpose AI assistants Silicon Labs-specific context. The first officially supported experience focuses on Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE), with workflows spanning project creation and configuration, building, flashing, debugging, network and power analysis, documentation search, and hardware interaction.

Simplicity Design Intelligence extends that foundation. It is a broad and growing set of Silicon Labs capabilities designed to understand hardware and software intent, help customers realize that intent in a working product, and verify the implementation against the original intent. Hardware Intent is the first capability. It uses product requirements, board schematics, and other input hardware documentation from datasheets to meeting notes to guide pin, peripheral, and software configuration, then compares the result with the original intent. This can find pin conflicts, peripheral mismatches, and missing constraints before fabrication and help reduce avoidable board respins.

"We've been working closely with Silicon Labs as an Alpha customer, evaluating how the Hardware Intent Agent can streamline hardware development across our current and future products while providing feedback on new features as it progresses towards general release," said Limor Alkelai, Co-CEO, at Risco Group. "We see its potential in enabling quicker and more robust development."

Collaborate, Build, and Extend Through the Open-Source Community

Drawing on its experience advancing open-source development for Matter, Thread, and Zephyr, Silicon Labs is launching its open-source developer community in Beta, beginning with Bluetooth LE. The mantra is simple: build and extend. Developers can build with Silicon Labs sample applications and tooling, then extend the platform by raising issues, suggesting fixes, and contributing through pull requests.

Accepted contributions can move through the company's normal engineering and testing processes into future SDK releases. Even before acceptance, proposed fixes and discussions can remain visible to other developers, giving the community another way to share knowledge and solve common problems. The Silicon Labs applications team will support issues raised on GitHub, and Silicon Labs plans to expand this approach to additional wireless technologies over time.

Scale the Complete Edge AI Lifecycle with Databricks

As edge AI grows, model development also needs to connect with the data and AI infrastructure enterprises already use. Silicon Labs is partnering with Databricks to bring embedded edge AI into Databricks, creating a unified, governed foundation for connecting edge devices with enterprise data, AI, and machine learning workflows.

An initial Silicon Labs MLOps SDK experience connects devices with Databricks to help capture data from the device fleet. Once the data is in Databricks, all the familiar MLOps tools and training pipelines and GPU resources are available directly for training. Once a model is trained, the Silicon Labs ML Profiler can provide directionally accurate feedback on whether a model fits target hardware and its memory and CPU requirements. That feedback can help ML engineers iterate while remaining in a familiar Databricks environment, connecting model development with the enterprise data and governance that underpin production AI. This approach helps enterprises extend AI from the cloud to the edge without creating separate data and AI stacks for embedded workloads.

A Platform that Developers Can Build and Extend

Together, these initiatives scale the development system at three levels:

- The Simplicity AI SDK and Simplicity Design Intelligence help developers and their AI agents move from hardware and software intent to a working product, with Hardware Intent as the first of a growing set of Design Intelligence capabilities.

- The open-source community gives developers a direct way to build and extend the platform.

- Silicon Labs edge AI tools and Databricks connect embedded AI development with enterprise data and AI governance. Silicon Labs intends to make increasingly capable silicon easier to use and earn the position of platform of choice for embedded wireless development.

Availability and Next Steps

The Simplicity AI SDK Beta is publicly available, with official support initially focused on Bluetooth LE and support for GitHub Copilot and Codex. An alpha release of Hardware Intent, the first capability in Simplicity Design Intelligence, is planned for January 2027.

The Silicon Labs open-source community Beta launches with Bluetooth LE, and its sample applications are accessible on GitHub for code review and contributions.

Initial Silicon Labs MLOps tools are available in Databricks today.

About Silicon Labs

Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) is the leading innovator in low-power connectivity, building embedded technology that connects devices and improves lives. Merging cutting-edge technology into the world's most highly integrated SoCs, Silicon Labs provides device makers with the solutions, support, and ecosystems needed to create advanced edge connectivity applications. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Silicon Labs has operations in over sixteen countries and is the trusted partner for innovative solutions in smart home, industrial IoT, and smart cities markets. Learn more at https://www.silabs.com.

SOURCE Silicon Labs

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Strategic partnership modernizes how senior living operators capture real-time resident and family feedback.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in healthcare decision support, today announced a strategic partnership with and investment in Candid, an AI-powered engagement start-up serving senior living and post-acute care organizations, to modernize feedback collection and advance resident engagement and quality measurement standards across the senior living industry.

Through the partnership, U.S. News and Candid equip senior living communities to move beyond traditional static questionnaires through AI-powered, conversational engagement tools. The integration expands the tools available to operators to capture real-time insights from residents and their families, turning direct resident and family input into measurable quality improvements.

This collaboration comes at a pivotal time for the senior care sector. With 10,000 Americans reaching retirement age daily – known as "The Peak 65 Phenomenon" – the need for transparent, reliable data to guide family care decisions and evaluate community performance continues to grow. Building on U.S. News' 2026 Best Senior Living ratings, which evaluated communities based on feedback from more than 540,000 consumer surveys, U.S. News continues to lead efforts to standardize resident engagement measures and bring modern, data-driven capabilities to senior living operators and care providers.

"For five years, U.S. News' Best Senior Living ratings have provided families with trusted data and benchmarks as they evaluate their senior living options," said Sumita Singh, executive vice president and general manager of Health at U.S. News. "As millions of older adults enter retirement, improving how senior living communities capture resident and family feedback is a must. Our strategic partnership with Candid reflects our commitment to bringing frictionless technologies to senior living operators so they can gather real-time resident and family feedback across all modalities."

Candid's platform uses interactive voice and text conversations that allow residents, family members and employees to provide feedback in their own words. The platform combines quantitative metrics with qualitative sentiment analysis, identifying recurring themes, emerging operational concerns and trends.

Across current deployments – which span hundreds of senior living communities nationwide – Candid's conversational format averages an approximate 70 percent response rate, drastically outperforming traditional survey channels.

"Senior living organizations have historically had to choose between collecting structured data at scale and having meaningful conversations with residents, families, and employees," said Raphael Rubens, founder and CEO of Candid. "AI allows us to combine both, understand what is driving the feedback and turn those insights into action, ultimately improving the experience and quality of care for residents."

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, insurance, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

About Candid

Candid Technology, Inc. ("Candid") is an AI powered engagement platform for senior living and post acute care. Its technology helps organizations collect resident, family, and employee feedback, improve online reputation, understand retention, and automate frontline applicant engagement and interviews. Candid has been deployed across hundreds of communities throughout the United States and is backed by leading investors. For more information, visit callcandid.com.

SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.

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24 FCrail™ fuel cell modules will power 12 Mireo Plus H trains, Romania's first hydrogen fleet and the platform's largest deployment to date.

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) today announced an order for 24 x FCrail™ 200 kW fuel cell modules from Siemens Mobility GmbH ("Siemens Mobility"; www.mobility.siemens.com), a leader in rail automation and electrification.

The order, totaling 4.8 MW, is expected to power 12 Mireo Plus H hydrogen passenger trains for Romania's Railway Reform Authority (ARF). This represents the largest commercial deployment of the Mireo Plus H platform to date, the first outside of Germany, as well as the first fleet of Mireo trains in Eastern Europe. Fuel cell engine deliveries are scheduled for 2027 and 2028, with the fleet expected to enter passenger service in 2029.

This order deepens the long-standing collaboration between Ballard and Siemens Mobility, building on a multi-year supply commitment established in 2022. As Siemens Mobility expands its hydrogen rail fleet, this new order leverages the proven success of earlier Mireo Plus H deployments in Germany, reflecting the trusted performance and reliability of Ballard's fuel cell technology in the demanding rail sector.

"We are grateful for our partnership with Siemens Mobility and their passionate commitment to expanding zero-emission rail technology across Europe. Together, we are innovating and delivering clean transport solutions that are leading the industry. This order is the largest deployment of the Mireo Plus H fleet and we are proud to work side by side with Siemens Mobility to deliver the future - today." Marty Neese, CEO, Ballard Power Systems

"With this order, we will introduce our proven and trusted Mireo trains as well as hydrogen- powered rail transport to Eastern Europe. The 12 Mireo Plus H trains will make up Romania's first hydrogen-powered train fleet, based on our reliable Mireo platform and the successful deployment of this technology in Germany," said Thomas Graetz, Head of Regional and Commuter Rail at Siemens Mobility.

Trains powered by Ballard fuel cells offer safe and reliable zero-emission operations, including long range, fast refueling and flexible operation across a wide variety of routes and environmental conditions, acting as a 1:1 replacement of diesel engines on non-electrified rail lines.

About Ballard

Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) is a global leader in zero-emission hydrogen energy solutions and an integrated Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) provider. Together, with its wholly owned subsidiary, GeoPura Ltd., Ballard delivers turnkey, vertically integrated hydrogen ecosystem solutions spanning hydrogen production, logistics, refuelling, zero-emission fuel cell engines, and stationary Hydrogen Power Units.

Ballard powers critical off-grid, stationary applications - including construction, events, film sets, healthcare, defense, temporary power infrastructure, and supplies fuel cell engines for heavy-duty mobility applications such as bus, rail, and marine. With an EaaS model, combined with cutting-edge technology across the hydrogen value chain, Ballard decarbonizes mission-critical operations worldwide. To learn more about Ballard, visit www.ballard.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated product and service attributes, product deliveries, and deployments. These forward-looking statements reflect Ballard's current expectations as contemplated under section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any such forward-looking statements are based on Ballard's assumptions relating to its financial forecasts and expectations regarding its product development efforts, manufacturing capacity, and market demand.

These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause Ballard's actual results to be materially different, including general economic and regulatory changes, detrimental reliance on third parties, successfully achieving our business plans and achieving and sustaining profitability. For a detailed discussion of these and other risk factors that could affect Ballard's future performance, please refer to Ballard's most recent Annual Information Form. Readers should not place undue reliance on Ballard's forward-looking statements and Ballard assumes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, other than as required under applicable legislation.

Further Information

Sumit Kundu – Investor Relations, +1.604.360.3517 or [email protected]

SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc.

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Telstra expands Aura Network to strengthen Australia's east-west digital corridor

New Perth-Sydney route adds high-capacity connectivity and resilience as cloud, AI and international data flows drive demand across Australia

LONDON, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Telstra has launched the Perth-Sydney route of its Aura Network, expanding its next-generation fibre network and strengthening connectivity between Western Australia, the eastern states and international markets.

The new route is the longest route in the network and strengthens Australia's east-west digital corridor, connecting major cloud, data centre and business hubs of Australia's eastern states to Perth, connecting into the western global subsea cable networks. The Aura Network provides organisations with greater capacity and route diversity to move data across the country and connect with international markets.

Steven Worrall, CEO, Telstra Digital Infrastructure, said: "Western Australia is home to some of the world's most geographically distributed and technology-intensive industries, from remote operations centres to increasingly automated mining and industrial operations.

"As these industries become increasingly data-driven, the connectivity linking them to customers, partners, cloud and compute is becoming just as important as the technology deployed on the ground.

"The Perth-Sydney route adds another high-capacity pathway between Australia's west and east, helping businesses move data more reliably across the country and strengthening the connections between WA's growing digital economy and global markets.

"Western Australia is increasingly emerging as a strategic digital and defence hub in the Indo-Pacific, which makes this investment in low-latency, resilient new infrastructure even more strategic."

The launch comes as new Oxford Economics research, Australia's Western Gateway: WA's Digital Opportunity, commissioned by Telstra, finds Western Australia's digital economy could grow from $16.8 billion in FY25 to approximately $89.1 billion by FY40 under an accelerated digital adoption scenario. The report highlights high-capacity connectivity as a key enabler of growth across industries including mining, defence, and professional and financial services, while reinforcing WA's role as a connection point between Australia and international markets.

The Perth-Sydney route forms part of Telstra's broader $1.8 billion investment in Australia's digital infrastructure. Together with Aura's other routes, it strengthens connectivity between Australia's major cities, data centres, cloud regions and international gateways.

Expanding Aura's national network

The activation of the Aura Network's Perth-Sydney route marks another milestone in the network, with 9,000km built of a planned 14,000km and active routes across Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. It is designed to provide up to 35 times more fibre capacity per path and greater resilience than conventional fibre routes.

The network is already supporting demand from cloud, AI and digital infrastructure providers, with organisations including Microsoft and Google securing capacity on the Aura Network to help meet growing connectivity requirements.

Built with two separate fibre pathways, one for express traffic and another with "on" and "off" ramps to support connectivity to regional Australia, the network gives customers flexibility in how they access capacity. Organisations can purchase access to a dedicated part of the network, customise and scale capacity as needed, or use a fully managed service.

Steven Worrall said: "Cloud, AI and data centres are changing where and how data is generated, processed and consumed. Resilient connections between Australia's major digital hubs will be increasingly important as that demand grows.

"The Perth-Sydney route adds another high-capacity pathway across the country, helping businesses connect Australia's west and east and the global digital networks they increasingly depend on."

About Telstra Digital Infrastructure

Telstra Digital Infrastructure is Telstra's integrated digital infrastructure business, delivering end-to-end digital infrastructure solutions across Australia and international markets. Through an extensive portfolio of fibre, duct, subsea cable, data centre, tower, satellite infrastructure and engineering services, we provide the connectivity, platforms and services that underpin business growth, digital transformation and the evolving demands of the AI economy.

Combining deep technical expertise, decades of operational experience and a long history of supporting customers across Australia, Asia-Pacific and beyond, we connect businesses, markets and communities through secure, reliable and high-performance digital infrastructure. 

Report methodology

WA's digital economy comprises the core digital sector, which covers technology industries that produce and deliver digital goods and services, and digitally enabled activity, which captures the contribution of digital technology embedded in the factors of production used across other industries. The accelerated scenario illustrates the additional economic opportunity available if WA increases its digital intensity and closes part of the gap with Australia's leading digital economies. Econometric modelling shows that increased fibre capacity has the potential to increase Gross State Product and job creation by enabling Telstra's customers to lift output and productivity through greater adoption of cloud computing, AI, and other digital technologies. The construction and operations impact follows a standard Input-Output framework widely used for assessing the economic footprint of businesses, industries and projects.

SOURCE Telstra Digital Infrastructure

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AGON Unveils OC1050Hz Gaming Monitor Delivering Millisecond Fluidity

AGP257FT combines an overclocked to 1050Hz refresh rate, 0.1ms MPRT response time, Oxide panel, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible performance and advanced eye-comfort technologies for next-generation competitive gaming.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AGON, the world's No.1 gaming monitor brand for seven consecutive years according to 2025 IDC reports, today announces the upcoming AGP257FT. Designed for professional competitors and performance-driven gamers, this groundbreaking esports monitor takes responsiveness and motion clarity to a new level.

The AGP257FT incorporates proprietary ultra-high-refresh-rate gaming LCD technology. Its native Oxide panel combines fast-response liquid-crystal materials with integrated GIA circuit design to support a OC1050Hz refresh rate at 1920 × 1080 resolution.

This advanced panel architecture enables faster pixel driving and overcomes the slower voltage-response limitations of conventional LCD panels. The result is smoother motion, lower frame delay and more immediate visual feedback. Combined with an ultra-fast 0.1ms MPRT, rapid movements, flick shots and fast-changing scenes appear sharper and clearer during high-speed action.

Extreme Motion Clarity and Advanced Eye Comfort for Extended Play

Motion Blur Reduction Plus (MBR+) minimizes perceived blur during rapid movement for sharper object definition. NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible technology synchronizes the display's refresh rate with compatible GPU output to reduce screen tearing and stuttering while maintaining responsive gameplay. VESA DisplayHDR™ 400 support brings greater brightness and visual impact in compatible games without compromising competitive performance.

The AGP257FT's hardware-based Low Blue Light solution reduces harmful shortwave blue light at the backlight source while preserving natural colors without the yellow tint caused by software filters. Its TÜV Rheinland-certified Circular Polarization technology, verified at over 50% circularity, produces light that more closely resembles natural sunlight, helping reduce glare, visual harshness and eye fatigue without compromising display performance.

A New Benchmark for Esports Displays

Combining OC1050Hz performance, 0.1ms MPRT, a Fast IPS Technology, MBR+, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible support and advanced Circular Polarization technologies, the AGP257FT establishes a new benchmark for extreme-speed gaming with enhanced visual comfort.

About AOC

Founded in 1967, AOC is a globally leading monitor and IT accessories brand and a subsidiary of TPV Technology Limited, one of the world's largest display manufacturers. AOC delivers innovative, ergonomic and environmentally conscious solutions for professional and personal applications.

AGON, AOC's gaming sub-brand, offers high-performance gaming monitors and accessories for core gamers, competitive players and esports professionals.

Brief Spec:

SOURCE AGON by AOC

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Project Eleven Launches Strongpoint for Post-Quantum Custody with Zcash Foundation as Initial Development Partner

Zcash Foundation joins Project Eleven to shape institutional custody infrastructure for the post-quantum and AI era as more than $1 trillion in digital assets remain at risk of attack by sufficiently powerful quantum computers.

NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Project Eleven, the post-quantum security company for digital assets, today introduced Strongpoint, its flagship custody platform built for navigating the transition to post-quantum cryptography. Zcash Foundation joins Project Eleven as an initial development partner, helping shape Strongpoint's institutional custody architecture.

Strongpoint is designed to give institutions a consistent control layer for securing and managing digital assets as networks change the cryptographic standards underneath them. Rather than rebuilding key-management, transaction approval, and audit infrastructure for each new signature scheme or network migration, institutions can maintain a common set of security controls while the underlying cryptography evolves.

"Institutional digital asset custody was built for a world where the cryptography underneath it rarely changed," said Alex Pruden, CEO of Project Eleven. "Quantum computing is upending that model. If every network adopts a different solution, institutions could be forced to rebuild their security infrastructure again and again. Strongpoint is built around crypto-agility, so the cryptography can change without the infrastructure changing with it."

"Institutions holding shielded ZEC need custody infrastructure that respects Zcash's privacy model today and can adapt as cryptographic standards change," said Alex Bornstein, Executive Director of Zcash Foundation. "Project Eleven is building Strongpoint with the crypto-agility and technical foundation needed to support those requirements over time, helping strengthen custody infrastructure for the broader ecosystem."

Zcash Foundation Joins as an Initial Development Partner

Zcash Foundation joins as an initial development partner for Strongpoint, bringing its expertise in privacy-preserving cryptography and protocol engineering to Strongpoint's institutional custody architecture. Zcash's privacy-preserving design introduces sophisticated key-management and transaction requirements, making it a valuable environment for developing custody infrastructure capable of supporting evolving cryptographic standards.

The collaboration will help inform how Strongpoint handles network-specific requirements while maintaining a consistent institutional control framework across assets and cryptographic schemes.

Post-Quantum Migrations Are Taking Different Paths

The digital asset industry's post-quantum transition is becoming a coordination challenge. Among the networks represented by the 20 largest assets in CoinGecko's Layer 1 (L1) category by market capitalization, Project Eleven found that only 10 have published a network-specific technical proposal, roadmap or implementation path for migrating transaction or account authentication to post-quantum cryptography.

Those approaches span at least six proposed post-quantum signature schemes and vary significantly in how they address account migration, key rotation and legacy-asset recovery. Even where technical roadmaps exist, operational readiness remains uneven, leaving institutions to navigate different standards and requirements across networks.

For institutions operating across multiple networks, that fragmentation means accommodating different cryptographic standards and migration requirements without losing a consistent security model. Strongpoint is designed to provide that common operating layer while allowing the cryptography beneath it to change independently.

Early Access and Deployment

Project Eleven targets production deployment in Q4 2026 and is working with a limited group of development partners ahead of general availability. Additional development partners and supported networks will be announced. Institutions interested in early access can request more information at projecteleven.com/strongpoint.

Founded in 2024 by Alex Pruden and Conor Deegan, Project Eleven raised a $20 million Series A led by Castle Island Ventures in January 2026, bringing its total funding to $26 million. The company recently acquired Riva Labs, a specialized engineering firm with deep expertise in post-quantum signatures, wallet infrastructure and blockchain cryptography, expanding Project Eleven's in-house research and protocol-engineering capabilities.

Methodology: Project Eleven reviewed the 20 largest assets in CoinGecko's Layer 1 (L1) category by market capitalization on September 25, 2026. A network was counted only where an official network organization, foundation, core development team or recognized protocol-improvement process had published a network-specific technical proposal, roadmap or implementation path for migrating transaction or account authentication to post-quantum cryptography. General research programs, statements of intent and post-quantum work that did not specify such a migration path were not counted. Draft technical proposals were included and do not imply network approval or adoption.

Alex Pruden and Conor Deegan are available for interview.

About Project Eleven

Project Eleven builds resilient infrastructure and tooling for the post-quantum era. The company develops scalable solutions that strengthen security across a rapidly evolving quantum threat landscape. With deep expertise in cryptography, blockchain, and financial systems, Project Eleven bridges advanced post-quantum research with real-world implementations that prepare the digital asset ecosystem for the future. For more information, visit www.projecteleven.com.

About Zcash Foundation

Zcash Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, builds financial privacy infrastructure for the public good, primarily serving users of the Zcash protocol and blockchain. With expertise in cryptography, protocol engineering, and open-source development, Zcash Foundation works to sustain and improve open financial networks that allow anyone to protect their own privacy, on their own terms. For more information, visit zfnd.org.

Media Contacts

Aubrey Strobel / Elena Nisonoff, Halcyon Communications

[email protected] 

SOURCE Project Eleven

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Amorepacific Presents AI-Powered Future Beauty Research at IFSCC Congress 2026

- Research on skin aging prediction, digital sensory quantification, and AI-based consumer insights recognized among the congress's top presentations

- AI and data-driven approaches open new possibilities in skin science and consumer understanding

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Amorepacific presented its latest skin science and consumer research powered by AI and digital technologies at the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) Congress 2026, the world's largest cosmetics science conference.

Bringing together leading cosmetics scientists from around the world, this year's IFSCC Congress was held in Perth, Australia, from September 28 to October 1 under the theme "Solving the Sustainable Beauty Equation." Through nine studies spanning skin aging prediction, digital sensory quantification, and global consumer research, Amorepacific demonstrated how beauty research is evolving toward prediction, quantification, and data-driven consumer understanding.

Researcher Eun-Jeong Choi of Amorepacific R&I Center presented "Skin Aging in the Era of Global Boiling: Deep Learning-Guided Transcriptomic Signatures of Heat-Accelerated Aging." Building on over 20 years of research on the effects of heat on the skin and heat-induced aging, the study integrated transcriptomic analysis with deep learning technologies. The research enabled prediction of skin aging progression and ingredient efficacy, identified ingredients that help restore age-related skin damage, and confirmed their benefits in addressing age-related skin changes. The findings establish a foundation for skin longevity research, enabling more precise prediction of skin responses to environmental change. The study was named one of the Top 10 Podium Fundamental Research Award honorees.

Researcher Jeong Yu Lee of Amorepacific R&I Center presented "Electroluminescent Visualization of Skin Hydrodynamics for Digital Sensory Quantification." The study introduced a technology that visualizes moisture distribution and movement on the skin in real time during product application, while measuring subtle electrical changes to quantify interactions between the skin and formulations. The results showed a strong correlation with consumer sensory evaluations, demonstrating the potential to objectively assess product experiences by translating skin phenomena into measurable data. The study was selected as one of the Top 10 Podium Applied Research Award honorees.

Researcher Jinseob Shin of Amorepacific's Americas R&I Center presented "AI-Based Consumer Research on Barrier-Repair Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin." The study compared dermocosmetic products among consumers in Brazil and Mexico, using AI-based video interview analysis to examine user experiences and preference drivers for sensitive-skin moisturizers. Fast absorption, lightweight texture, and skin barrier benefits were identified as key drivers of consumer preference, demonstrating a new approach to consumer research that combines AI-powered analysis of real consumer experiences with expressed perceptions.

Brian Byung-Fhy Suh, CTO and Head of Amorepacific R&I Center, said, "Amorepacific sought to demonstrate new possibilities in skin science by integrating AI and digital technologies. In our commitment to Holistic Longevity solutions that support healthy skin over time and across changing environmental conditions, we will continue advancing the research in prediction, quantification, and data-driven consumer understanding through hybrid technologies that combine our skin science expertise with AI and digital innovation."

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sultan of Afar Ahmed Alimirah is calling for support for the United Nations and African Union's call for de-escalation and talks to promote peace in the Ethiopian homeland of the Afar. A statement entitled "This is Not Our War" details the plight of the Afar people, one of the most disadvantaged and economically neglected ethnic groups in Ethiopia. It calls for an end to conflict in the area.

"Afars have repeatedly paid the price for wars we did not start," the statement said. "Today, as fighting once again enters the Afar Region, our people face yet another catastrophe: homes abandoned, livestock lost, lives cut short, and another generation scarred by war."

As the war wages around them, the Afar have suffered displacement, restricted access to emergency assistance, and severed communication. Last year, 11 Afar in Siyaru, a remote village near the Ethiopia-Djibouti border, were killed by a Djiboutian drone strike which they claim targeted rebel terrorists from the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (Frud). Investigations revealed that the strike hit just over the Ethiopian border in civilian territory, killing women, children, and the elderly in a community already struggling to survive. Ahmed Alimirah, was the only voice condemning the strikes.

Now, the Afar occupy land in the Addis Ababa to Djibouti corridor, which moves more than 95 percent of the country's trade by volume. The region's importance has now turned the Afar homeland into a proxy battlefield.

The Sultanate will initiate talks with the United Nations and African Union to de-escalate the conflict through dialogue.

"The Afars have defended their homeland throughout history and sacrificed in defense of Ethiopia long before today's governments, political parties, and armed movements existed," the statement says. "This war must be resolved through dialogue. We support the United Nations' and the African Union's call for immediate de-escalation and talks. The path of peace through genuine dialogue and respect for Ethiopia's sovereignty must be pursued."

To read the statement, "This is Not Our War," click here. For more information on the humanitarian crisis in the Afar region, contact [email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT:

Abdullah Alimirah

SOURCE Sultan of Afar

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Great River Greening, GF, and the Minnesota Twins Continue Multi-Year Initiative to Restore Water Ecosystems and Build Resilient Communities

Partners expand their restoration efforts to 31 acres of forest at Wood Lake Nature Center

APPLE VALLEY, Minn., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In year two of their partnership, Great River Greening, GF, and the Minnesota Twins are taking their volunteer efforts to Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield, MN to preserve critical wildlife land and improve water quality for years to come. Together, they will plant native wildflowers and restore the native understory, which has become consumed by buckthorn, leaving water qualities at risk.

The three organizations announced their multi-year partnership last year with a common goal to protect Minnesota's most vital resource: water. They've identified high-impact sites across the Twin Cities metro in need of restoration that will help promote a healthier community for future generations.

Great River Greening, GF (home of the Uponor brand), and the Minnesota Twins are united by a shared commitment to sustainability, healthy water ecosystems, and thriving communities. By bringing together their expertise in environmental restoration, sustainable water solutions, and community engagement, the partners are creating meaningful opportunities to restore Minnesota's natural resources and the communities that rely on them.

"The scale of environmental challenges facing our communities requires strong partnerships and shared action," said Kateri Routh, Executive Director at Great River Greening. "We are grateful to work alongside GF and the Minnesota Twins to restore critical habitat, improve water quality, and inspire stewardship throughout the Twin Cities. By combining our strengths, we can create lasting benefits for Minnesota's natural resources and the people who depend on them."

The work began last October at Creekside Park in Carver County as volunteers from each organization gathered as well as the Mayor of Carver, Courtney Johnson. Volunteers worked in groups to stabilize eroding streambanks to reduce pollution flowing into the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. In total, 153 shrubs were planted along the riverbank, which also prevents flooding. They even installed fencing around the shrubs to protect them from wildlife.

"Seeing this partnership come to life at Creekside Park set the tone for the work we're looking to accomplish throughout the duration of this partnership," said John Reutter, president of GF Building Flow Solutions Americas. "As the global leader in Flow Solutions, GF takes immense pride in protecting these critical resources and it's even more impactful joining forces with Great River Greening and the Minnesota Twins."

Now, the teams look forward to making a difference on Oct. 7 at Wood Lake Nature Center, a 150-acre natural area with three miles of trails and boardwalk used for wildlife observation and environmental education. Volunteers will focus on a 31-acre area to plant forbs (flowering plants) into a moist prairie, which is severely lacking in forb diversity. This will help offset the eroding buckthorn, which crowds out native shrubs, posing a threat to the forest's native layer.

"Sustainability is a hallmark of Target Field, and we know true environmental stewardship means taking action where it's needed most," said Nancy O'Brien, Minnesota Twins Senior Vice President, Community Engagement. "Protecting Minnesota's lakes and rivers is essential to our state's vitality. We're proud to partner with Great River Greening and GF to serve the communities we share. Together, our efforts will deliver lasting benefits for future generations."

To learn more about this healthy waters initiative, visit greatrivergreening.com.

About the Partners

Great River Greening

Great River Greening is a Minnesota-based nonprofit leading community-driven conservation efforts to restore land, protect water, and grow climate resilience. Through hands-on education and restoration projects, Greening empowers people to connect with and care for the natural spaces in their communities. To learn more, visit www.greatrivergreening.org.

GF

With a rich history in industrial innovation since 1802, GF is reshaping the future of Flow Solutions by delivering Excellence in Flow through mission-critical products and solutions that enable the safe and sustainable transport of water and other fluids for Buildings, Industry and Infrastructure. Headquartered in Switzerland, GF employs around 13'300 professionals across 46 countries. In 2025, GF's Flow Solutions business generated sales of CHF 3 billion. GF is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. For more information, visit www.georgfischer.com.

#ExcellenceInFlow

About the Minnesota Twins

At the Minnesota Twins, we are driven by a singular purpose – to up the game, on the field and off. Unwavering in our commitment to deliver championships and be a force for good, our innovative and incredibly talented team is creating new ways to win, to uplift and to unite. We are proud to be Minnesota's baseball team. We believe in our power to create positive change. We are setting the standard for a modern sports and entertainment brand that shapes a better tomorrow for all. We invite you to earn more at twins.com.

Media Contacts:

Great River Greening

Kateri Roith, Executive Director

[email protected]

612.834.4881

GF Building Flow Solutions Americas

Courtney Hieb

Corporate Communications Manager

[email protected] 

612.816.0592

Minnesota Twins

Matt Hodson

Director, Business Communications

[email protected]

612.801.2808

SOURCE GF Building Flow Solutions

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