Woven Stories: a new Rugvista collection shaped by the expressions of craftmanship

MALMÖ, Sweden, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Swedish rug company Rugvista presents Woven Stories, a new collection inspired by spaces that feel curated over time rather than designed for the moment. Developed by Rugvista's own design team in Malmö, the collection brings together tactile expressions and historical references in designs created for contemporary homes.

Woven Stories is built as a collage of influences drawn from different periods, materials and traditions. Subtle irregularities, faded colours and tactile surfaces give the designs a sense of history, celebrating the traces that time and craftsmanship leave behind. By bringing these references into a contemporary context, the collection explores how the past continues to shape the way we live and how we create homes that feel personal and collected over time.

"With Woven Stories, we were inspired by the traces that time, materials and craftsmanship leave behind. We wanted to explore how worn surfaces, historical references and traditional techniques could be translated into rugs that feel relevant in contemporary homes," says Matilda Lundgren, Chief Design Officer at Rugvista.

The collection includes 14 new designs in 21 colour variations. Selected highlights include Fresco, Karima, Fragments and Reva, each interpreting the collection's themes through different combinations of texture, colour and technique. Fresco combines loop and cut pile to create a tactile surface that shifts with the light, while Karima, Fragments and Reva explore traditional influences through pattern, colour and material.

To add depth to the collection story, Rugvista documented the craftsmanship and specialist knowledge behind selected designs in India. The resulting photography and film capture the materials, techniques and human expertise involved in bringing the rugs to life.

The campaign combines this material with photographs from a characterful Stockholm home, connecting the inspiration behind the collection with the interiors the rugs are designed to become part of.

Woven Stories is available at rugvista.com from 30 September 2026.

Collection information

Featured designs: Fresco, Karima, Fragments, Reva Materials: Wool, with selected designs in wool and viscose

View the collection:

rugvista.com/inspiration/trends/woven-stories

Press material

High-resolution images are available here:

rugvistagroup.com/media/media-bank/inspirational-images/ 

For further information, interview requests, product samples or images, please contact: 

Madelaine Örtengren

Brand Strategic Lead | Rugvista AB

Phone: +46 (0) 70 071 44 89

Email: [email protected] 

About Rugvista

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, Rugvista is one of Europe's leading online destinations for rugs. The company offers a broad and carefully curated assortment across different styles and price points. Many of its collections are developed by Rugvista's own design team, complemented by a unique selection of rugs created in close collaboration with long term manufacturing partners. Rugvista serves customers across Europe with a focus on design, quality and helping more people find the right rug for their home.

rugvista.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

The following files are available for download:

Share this article

- People with overweight or obesity who switched from injectable GLP-1 based therapies for weight management to oral semaglutide (Wegovy® pill) lost an average of 4.0 kg (8.8 lb) in three months (p0.001)1

- At three months of switching to the pill, two in five participants (40.7%) achieved 5% or more weight loss, while the proportion of participants with BMI ≥30 kg/m² decreased by 21.6 percentage points (p0.001)1

- Among participants with available data, most (82.4%) reported at least one treatment improvement, including better-fitting clothes (~69%) and healthier eating (~51%)1

PLAINSBORO, N.J. and BAGSVÆRD, Denmark, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo today announced new real-world data from the OCTANE study, an analysis of de-identified data from the Ro telehealth platform. In the study, adults with overweight or obesity who switched from an injectable GLP-1 based medicine for weight management - either tirzepatide or semaglutide - to once-daily oral semaglutide (Wegovy® pill) and stayed on treatment for 3 months lost an average of 4.1% or 8.8 lbs based on an average starting weight of 221.6 lbs (p 0.001).1 OCTANE was presented during a short oral session at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Milan, Italy, on September 30, 2026.

This analysis represents the first in a previously announced collaboration between Ro and Novo to look at real-world outcomes of weight-loss medication users. It is among the first real-world evidence describing weight loss and other patient experience outcomes in people who switched from injectable weight loss therapy to oral semaglutide. The proportion of patients classified as living with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) fell from 87.1% at baseline to 65.5% at three months.1

"We innovate to meet people with obesity where they are. Some people may choose to switch from injectable to pill — whether that is because of needle anxiety, lifestyle, or simply personal preference," said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president, head of Research & Development, and chief scientific officer at Novo. "The OCTANE data give us a unique and encouraging early look at what happened in a real-world analysis where patients switched from injectable therapies. After switching, patients experienced significant weight loss and reported treatment satisfaction and lifestyle improvements. That combination of results is promising for future research."

Real-world evidence gathered from actual patient experiences can complement randomized control trials, which are the gold standard for evaluating the safety and efficacy of a treatment.2 Real-world studies evaluate associations and cannot determine causality.3 Limitations of the OCTANE study include: variable timing and completeness of data being collected during routine telehealth care; self-reported data being subject to bias; requiring treatment persistence could result in selection bias; and results not being generalizable to the broader population.1

"In everyday clinical practice, we see patients who respond well to injectable GLP-1 based therapy but who, for personal or practical reasons, want to try an oral option," said Louis J. Aronne, MD, Director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, and co-author of the study. "What the OCTANE data showed is that a switch to oral semaglutide may be a viable path for the right patient, with real weight loss and lifestyle improvements in the first three months. It also showed that oral semaglutide helped many participants achieve a BMI under the clinical threshold of obesity (BMI 30 kg/m²). These are exciting early insights on how the pill can individualize obesity care, and we look forward to seeing longer-term outcomes."

The Wegovy® pill is launched in the US, United Arab Emirates, UK, and Germany. Novo will launch the Wegovy® pill in select markets in the coming quarters.

It is important to note that semaglutide injection 2.4 mg and semaglutide tablets 25 mg contain a Boxed Warning for possible thyroid tumors, including cancer, and should not be used in those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, changes in skin sensations, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and hair loss.4

About OCTANE

OCTANE was a retrospective cohort analysis evaluating weight change, treatment adherence, and patient satisfaction, three months after switching from injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide to oral semaglutide for weight management among adults with obesity or overweight with at least one obesity-related complication (ORC) enrolled in the Ro telehealth platform.1

The study included a random sample of adults with obesity or overweight (BMI 27-29.9 kg/m2) with at least one ORC (hypertension, dyslipidemia, OSA, CVD) and no history of diabetes or bariatric surgery who were continuously enrolled in the Ro telehealth platform (integrating electronic health records, patient reported data, and pharmacy records). Patients included in this cohort switched from injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide to oral semaglutide (between 1/5/2026-2/7/2026). Patients did not need to be taking injectable weight loss medication for any particular period of time, or to have lost any weight on a prior injectable therapy, to be included in the analysis. Persistence on oral semaglutide over the 3-month follow-up period (no gap > 30 days) was required, as well as self-reported baseline weight within 30 days and at 3 months (+/- 15 days).1

Changes in weight and BMI from baseline to 3 months were evaluated. Treatment improvements were self-reported at 3 months (+/- 15 days) as available using a predefined checklist.

The final sample included 194 patients, with a mean baseline weight of 100.5 kg (221.6 lb), mean BMI of 34.5 kg/m2. Mean time of enrollment (onboarding to Ro platform) to start of oral semaglutide was 5.2 months.1 Mean time from last injectable prescription to oral semaglutide initiation was 36.8 days.1

About obesity

Obesity is a serious, chronic, progressive, and complex disease that requires long-term management.5-7 One key misunderstanding is that this is a disease of just a lack of willpower, when in fact there is underlying biology that may impede people with obesity from losing weight and keeping it off.5,7 Obesity is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, social determinants of health, and the environment.8,9

Novo is the global healthcare company that believes lasting health starts now. For over a century, we've combined leading scientific expertise with a deep understanding of people's lives. We develop treatments and support that help millions of people make progress they can see, feel and sustain now and in the future. Every day, over 67,000 employees around the world advance our purpose to drive change for lasting health. Through our partnerships, programs and investments, we're working to prevent disease, expand access to treatments and reduce our environmental impact to help even more people live healthier lives. In the United States, Novo has a 40-year presence, is headquartered in New Jersey and employs approximately 10,000 people. For more information, visit novonordisk.com and novonordisk-us.com and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, X and YouTube.

Contacts for further information

WEGOVY®, NOVO NORDISK®, NOVO, and the Apis Bull Logo are trademarks owned by Novo Nordisk A/S.

© 2026 Novo Nordisk All rights reserved. US26SEMO01761 September 2026

_______________________

References

- Smith BJ, Divino V, Morgen CS, et al. 3-month real-world weight outcomes among patients with overweight or obesity after switching from injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide to oral semaglutide for weight management: the OCTANE study. Late-breaking abstract LBA 59. European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting 2026.

- Blonde L, Khunti K, Harris SB, et al. Interpretation and impact of real-world clinical data for the practicing clinician. Adv Ther. 2018;35:1763–1774.

- Sheldrick RC. Randomized trials vs real-world evidence: how can both inform decision-making? JAMA. 2023;329(16):1352–1353. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.4855

- Wegovy® (semaglutide) Prescribing Information. Plainsboro, NJ: Novo Nordisk Inc.

- Kaplan LM, Golden A, Jinnett K, et al. Perceptions of barriers to effective obesity care: results from the national ACTION study. Obesity. 2018;26(1):61–69.

- Bray GA, Kim KK, Wilding JPH; World Obesity Federation. Obesity: a chronic relapsing progressive disease process. A position statement of the World Obesity Federation. Obes Rev. 2017;18(7):715–723.

- Garvey WT, Mechanick JI, Brett EM, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for medical care of patients with obesity. Endocr Pract. 2016;22 (Suppl 3):1–203.

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult obesity facts. Accessed September 2026. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult-obesity-facts/index.html.

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk Factors for Obesity. Accessed September 2026. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/risk-factors/risk-factors.html.

SOURCE NOVO NORDISK INC.

Share this article

Debut research presented at EASD2026 reveals outcomes among patients on Ro's platform who switched from an injectable GLP-1 to the Wegovy® pill

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ro, the leading direct-to-patient healthcare company, today announced a research collaboration with Novo that will generate first-of-its-kind real-world evidence on the Wegovy® pill. The debut research from the collaboration, presented on September 30 at EASD2026 in Milan, IT, evaluated outcomes among patients who switched from an injectable GLP-1 to the Wegovy® pill on Ro's platform.

Ro is the leading provider of GLP-1s in the country. Since April 2025, Ro has worked with Novo and has been a key part of the manufacturer's direct-to-patient expansion, including launching the Wegovy® pill nationwide on its platform on day one of market availability and offering multi-month savings options. This research collaboration builds on that work and reflects Ro and Novo's shared commitment to expanding access to FDA-approved treatment while using real-world evidence to continually improve the care experience for patients.

"Working with Novo, we've made it seamless for patients nationwide to access Wegovy® through Ro's direct-to-patient platform at the best available cash prices," said Zach Reitano, Co-founder and CEO of Ro. "Now, we're expanding that collaboration from access to insights. Real-world research like this helps us better understand patients' experiences, goals, and treatment journeys—and turn those insights into AI-enabled tools that support providers in delivering more personalized, high-quality, and more affordable care at scale."

The study presented as a short oral session at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting evaluated outcomes among patients with overweight or obesity who switched from an injectable GLP-1 and were persistent with Wegovy® pill treatment for three months on Ro's platform. It was co-authored by Ro's clinical advisors, Dr. Beverly Tchang and Dr. Louis Aronne.

Ro and Novo will present additional first-of-its-kind research during ObesityWeek 2026 (November 14-17, 2026), including insights on the demographics of patients seeking Wegovy® Pill treatment and their real-world weight loss, food noise, and quality of life outcomes.

"The Wegovy® pill represents an important advancement in obesity care, and direct-to-patient channels like Ro can help clinically eligible patients access FDA-approved treatment through a convenient care experience," said Anna Windle, PhD, Group Vice President, Clinical Development, Medical & Regulatory Affairs at Novo. "By expanding our collaboration with Ro, we have an opportunity to generate scaled real-world evidence to learn more about the experiences of people seeking obesity care and deepen our understanding of the Wegovy® pill following its launch."

Ro's research underscores its ability not only to expand access, but to support high-quality care at scale. In a peer-reviewed study, patients on Ro's platform treated with FDA-approved semaglutide achieved weight loss outcomes and a safety profile consistent with clinical trials. Ro offers patients a seamless, end-to-end experience including ongoing care and support from licensed providers, progress tracking, side effect monitoring, 1-1 coaching, and educational content.

About Ro

Ro is a direct-to-patient healthcare company with a mission of helping patients achieve their health goals by delivering the easiest, most effective care possible. Ro is the only company to offer nationwide telehealth, labs, and pharmacy services. This is enabled by Ro's vertically integrated platform that helps patients achieve their goals through a convenient, end-to-end healthcare experience spanning from diagnosis, to delivery of medication, to ongoing care.

Since 2017, Ro has helped millions of patients in nearly every single county in the United States, including 99% of primary care deserts. Visit Ro.co for more information.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Ro

Share this article

Enrollment Complete in STARFAST Sports-Related Concussion Trial; Topline Results Expected This Winter

GROTON, Conn., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals Inc., a pioneering clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class cerebroprotective therapies for concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke, today announced the completion of a $9.5 million Series B financing round. The capital will advance the continued Phase 2 clinical development of AST-004, including completion of the company's STARFAST trial in sports-related concussion in Australian Rules Football.

The financing was led by DeepWork Capital, with continued support from existing investors and participation from new investors MintPharma Capital, Waterstar Capital, Dynagrow Capital and Angel Star Ventures. The Series B round brings the total invested in Astrocyte to $40 million including financing and grants to date.

AST-004 is a novel cerebroprotective therapy that targets astrocytes, the brain's primary caretaker cells, enhancing their natural ability to protect neurons and preserve brain function during the metabolic stress that follows an acute injury. This approach intervenes early in the injury process, protecting vulnerable brain tissue from secondary damage to improve recovery and avoid lasting neurological deficits. AST-004 addresses enormous unmet medical need for concussion and other traumatic brain injuries, as well as acute ischemic stroke.

"Astrocyte has the potential to develop the first therapeutic drug specifically approved to treat concussion and TBI," said Jackson Streeter, M.D., Venture Partner at DeepWork Capital. "We have continually been impressed by the team, the consistency of the science and the progress of the clinical programs. We are pleased to support Astrocyte and the advancement of AST-004 for the major unmet medical condition of brain injury."

AST-004 has completed two Phase 1 clinical safety studies and has advanced into Phase 2 development, with enrollment now complete in its first Phase 2 trial. Its development is supported by extensive preclinical data demonstrating cerebroprotective activity across multiple models of acute brain injury, as well as multiple federal research awards supporting continued development.

The Phase 2 STARFAST trial is evaluating AST-004 in athletes who experience a concussion during competitive Australian Rules Football. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is assessing the safety of AST-004 and its effects on objective blood biomarkers of brain injury and clinical measures of concussion recovery. Topline results are expected this winter.

"This is an exciting time for Astrocyte as we reach one of the most important value inflection points in the company's history," said William Korinek, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals. "We have built substantial scientific evidence demonstrating the potential of AST-004 and we're about to see crucial Phase 2 data from patients. With STARFAST, followed by clinical results from our trials in complicated mild TBI and acute ischemic stroke, we expect to build a comprehensive understanding of AST-004's ability to protect the brain across multiple types of acute brain injury."

Astrocyte is led by a deeply experienced senior executive team, a world-class scientific and clinical advisory board and a distinguished board of directors. The company's non‑clinical advisory board, comprised of national leaders in sports, marketing, media and strategic business operations, will be announced this fall.

About Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class cerebroprotective therapies that target astrocytes to enhance the brain's intrinsic ability to protect and repair itself. The company is advancing AST-004 across multiple acute neurological conditions, supported by a growing body of clinical, translational and preclinical research. For more information, visit www.astrocytepharma.com or email [email protected]. 

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding, among other matters, the development, potential benefits, clinical and preclinical evaluation, and future development plans for AST-004. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, development timelines or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The information in this release is provided as of the date hereof, and Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as required by applicable law.

Media contact:

Charles Upchurch

919-395-1588

[email protected] 

SOURCE Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Share this article

MILAN, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sinocare is showcasing its integrated chronic disease management portfolio at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD 2026), held in Milan from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2. Built around home, community pharmacy and hospital settings, the portfolio addresses key stages of chronic disease management, from risk screening and daily monitoring to clinical testing and patient management.

For home care, Sinocare presents the Safe AQ max II Blood Glucose Monitoring System, which delivers blood glucose results in five seconds and supports Bluetooth data synchronization and pre- and post-meal tagging. The KUG-11 Glucose, Uric Acid & Ketone Meter enables three-in-one metabolic testing, while the GV-100 Veterinary Blood Glucose Monitoring System supports at-home diabetes care for dogs and cats.

For community pharmacies, the iCARE-1300 Portable Automatic Multifunction Analyzer enables automated testing of nearly 100 parameters, including blood glucose, lipid profiles, HbA1c and renal function, with results available in approximately 3 to 15 minutes. Through its Health Station model, Sinocare is also helping pharmacies expand their capabilities in chronic disease screening and risk assessment.

For hospitals, the AGEscan Advanced Glycation End Products Fluorescence Detector enables non-invasive AGEs detection without blood sampling, supporting early risk screening. The Safe AQ 8000 Hospital Blood Glucose Smart Management System connects with hospital HIS and integrates blood glucose meter and CGM data through a Doctor Web Portal, supporting bedside testing and patient monitoring.

Together, these solutions demonstrate Sinocare's approach to connecting screening, monitoring and long-term management across different care settings. Sinocare will continue to advance biosensing technologies and integrated healthcare solutions to support more accessible and connected chronic disease management worldwide.

About Sinocare

Established in 2002, Sinocare is China's first listed blood glucose meter company and its largest glucose monitoring device manufacturer, with more than 780 authorized patents and nine R&D and manufacturing sites worldwide. The company serves more than 25 million users across 187 countries and ranks among the world's top four blood glucose meter companies. With its focus on "Biosensing + AI + Healthcare," Sinocare develops products and solutions spanning chronic disease screening, monitoring and long-term management. For more information about Sinocare, please visit www.sinocare.com/en.

Share this article

Energy Provider Recognized as Industry Winner in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, and Odessa in 2026

DALLAS, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BKV Energy is proud to announce that it was recently voted the Best Energy Company in DFW in The Dallas Morning News' 2026 "Best in DFW People's Choice Awards," rounding out an incredible year of recognition across the Lone Star State.

Earlier this year, BKV Energy was recognized as the:

- #1 Electric Service Provider in Lubbock (KCBD Lubbock "Best of the West" Awards)

- #1 Electricity Provider in the Permian Basin in the 2026 Odessa American Reader's Choice Awards

- #2 Electricity Provider in Houston (Houston Chronicle "Best of the Best" Awards)

"Earning top honors across Lubbock, the Permian Basin, DFW and Houston is a true honor that speaks directly to the connections we've built across Texas," said BKV Energy Vice President Sayed Khoja. "We're incredibly grateful for the unwavering trust of our customers, families and community partners across the region."

Since joining Texas' deregulated energy market in 2022, BKV Energy has focused on doing things differently, starting with transparency. Unlike many name-brand electricity companies, BKV Energy doesn't offer gimmicky promotions, hidden fees, or confusing plan structures. Instead, customers are flocking to straightforward, fixed-rate plans like the Bluebonnet plan which comes with benefits and smart timing that truly reward loyalty.

With the Bluebonnet plan, customers benefit from access to BKV Energy Plus, a set of built-in perks including:

- Reduce Your Rate: A one-of-a-kind feature that allows customers to switch to a lower rate mid-contract, without fees, when electricity prices drop.

- ElectroShare: A customer loyalty payout every year in November, just for sticking with BKV Energy. Customers get paid more the longer they stick around.

- VoltPoints: Monthly reward points that can be used to win gift cards and prizes up to $1,000 in value.

"Being recognized as a finalist for the second year in a row is an exciting milestone for our team and reflects our commitment to putting people first," said Khoja. "More and more customers are telling us they want simple, honest electricity and they want to save money over time. That's exactly what we're here to provide."

As the company looks ahead, BKV Energy remains focused on expanding its offerings, improving the customer experience, and helping even more Texans save on electricity - without the gimmicks.

About BKV Energy

BKV Energy is a Texas-based electricity provider serving residential customers across the state. BKV Energy offers affordable, transparent, fixed-rate energy plans without the misleading promotions or hidden fees. The company's flagship Bluebonnet plan includes BKV Energy Plus, a suite of benefits that reward smart energy decisions and customer loyalty.

For more information, visit https://www.bkvenergy.com.

Media Contact:

Eliane Baaklini

(713) 213-5163

[email protected]

SOURCE BKV Energy

Share this article

Kenon Announces Agreement to Acquire 25% Interest in District Heating and Cooling Business in the United States for approximately $450 million

SINGAPORE, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kenon Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: KEN) (TASE: KEN) ("Kenon") announces that it has entered into an agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire 25% of the equity interest in Vicinity District Energy ("Vicinity" or the "Company") for cash consideration of approximately $450 million in connection with a sale of the Vicinity business. The acquisition is part of a transaction in which the current owner of the Company, an entity related to Antin Infrastructure Partners (the "Seller"), has agreed to sell a majority interest in Vicinity (the "Acquisition") to an entity (the "Buyer") that is owned by Kenon and funds managed by Harrison Street Asset Management (together with such funds, "HSAM"). A consortium of lenders has committed debt financing, which is non-recourse to Kenon and HSAM, of up to $1.4 billion to fund a portion of the purchase price and a facility for future growth capital expenditures of the Vicinity business.

Vicinity, a leading pure-play district heating / cooling infrastructure utility platform in the United States, is the sole district heating / cooling provider in 12 major cities in the United States, including Boston and Philadelphia, delivering steam, hot water and chilled water to commercial, institutional, healthcare, higher education, residential and other customers. District heating / cooling systems are a well-established and important part of urban infrastructure across numerous cities in the United States, some of which have been operating for more than 150 years. Vicinity serves more than 700 customers across approximately 1,000 buildings, representing approximately 250 million square feet of space, through over 140 miles of underground pipe infrastructure. Vicinity's revenues are largely derived from long-term contracts (approximately 15 years weighted average tenor) with inflation-linked escalators, and fuel cost pass-throughs. Vicinity is also an early mover in offering an affordable decarbonized solution, eSteamTM, to support customers' sustainability objectives. Vicinity has a track record of growth, supported by a growing customer base and a pipeline of growth opportunities across network densification, network extensions and asset optimization, expected to be funded from operating cash flows and the capital expenditure debt facility. Vicinity had total revenues (under U.S. GAAP) of approximately $611 million in 2025, and based on unaudited management information provided by Vicinity, Vicinity's expected annualized run rate Adjusted EBITDA is over $140 million1.

The purchase price for the Acquisition is based on a total enterprise value for 100% of the Company of $2.92 billion, subject to post-closing adjustments including for closing date cash, working capital and debt.

The maximum cash obligation of Kenon in respect of the Acquisition is approximately $450 million, and Kenon has no obligation to acquire in excess of a 25% indirect interest in Vicinity. Kenon intends to fund its obligations for its share of the cash portion of the consideration for the Acquisition using cash on hand and available liquidity, and does not intend to use funds beyond its currently available cash and liquidity.

The Acquisition follows several years in which Kenon assessed a wide range of potential investments in new businesses and reflects the disciplined approach Kenon has taken throughout that period. It advances Kenon's strategy of maximizing shareholder value through a substantial investment in an established industry. The Acquisition reflects diversification of Kenon's business into an area that is distinct from the electricity generation activities of OPC Energy Ltd. and its subsidiaries. Kenon will have significant board representation and intends to be actively involved in promoting the growth and development of the business.

Kenon's partner in the Acquisition, HSAM is a global alternative investment management firm with more than $110 billion in assets under management.2 Funds managed by HSAM own, among HSAM's diversified portfolio, a 33.33% stake in CPV Renewable Power LLC, which holds the renewable energy business of CPV Group LP, which is the U.S. subsidiary of Kenon's subsidiary OPC Energy Ltd. Such investment in CPV Renewable is distinct from the Acquisition.

Kenon and HSAM have agreed to enter into a limited liability company agreement (the "LLC Agreement") which will govern their rights and obligations with respect to the Buyer, including provisions with respect to funding of the Buyer, pre-emptive rights, customary transfer restrictions and rights to trigger a sale of interests in the Buyer after a certain period, all subject to agreed terms and exclusions. The LLC Agreement also includes provisions for management of the Buyer, including the appointment of managers of the Buyer and actions which require both parties' consent. An interim agreement between Kenon and HSAM governs the rights and obligations of the parties with respect to the Acquisition between signing and the effective date of the LLC Agreement.

The Buyer has entered into an agreement with the Seller for the acquisition of Vicinity (the "Equity Purchase Agreement"). The Equity Purchase Agreement includes representations, warranties and covenants, in relation to which the Buyer has obtained representation and warranty insurance. Pursuant to the Equity Purchase Agreement, the Buyer will acquire between approximately 60% and 100% interest in the holding company of Vicinity ("Vicinity Holding Company"). The Buyer and the Seller have entered into an agreement that sets out provisions governing Vicinity Holding Company from completion of the Acquisition should the Seller retain an interest in the company, including governance rights of the parties, funding and transfer restrictions and provisions for Kenon or HSAM, at their discretion, to increase their interests in Vicinity Holding Company, subject to agreed terms and exclusions.

The Equity Purchase Agreement may be terminated prior to closing in the case of certain material breaches of representations and warranties or if closing conditions are not met within certain deadlines set forth in the agreement. The Equity Purchase Agreement provides for a termination fee payable by the Buyer to the Seller if the agreement is terminated in certain circumstances, which amount (plus certain expenses) is guaranteed by Kenon and HSAM (the "Guarantees"). Kenon's obligation under its Guarantee is limited to $40.2 million.

Completion of the Acquisition under the Equity Purchase Agreement is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals and clearances or the expiration or termination of applicable waiting periods. Closing is expected to occur in Q2 2027.

1 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not a measure of performance under IFRS. Expected annualized run rate Adjusted EBITDA as presented above is based upon unaudited management information provided by Vicinity. Due to the forward-looking nature of Adjusted EBITDA, we are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of such forward-looking non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measure without unreasonable effort.

2 As of June 30, 2026. Assets under management ("AUM") reflects the AUM for the investment advisory and asset management clients of investment advisors owned in whole or in part by HSAM (such advisors include: Harrison Street Advisors, LLC, Rockwood Capital, LLC, Roundshield Partners and Basalt Infrastructure Partners, Colliers Global Investors Italy, SGR S.p.A., Colliers Global Investors France S.A.S. and Colliers Capital Holdings Limited) and is inclusive of the regulatory AUM of such investment advisors as would be reported in their respective Form ADVs.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and related discussions include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can generally identify these statements by the use of words like "may", "will", "could", "should", "believe", "expect", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "potential", "intend", "target", "future", "anticipate", "project", "run rate", and variations of these words or comparable words. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Acquisition and the Equity Purchase Agreement, including the terms of the transaction, the expected amount of cash required by Kenon for the Acquisition, representation and warranty insurance, the debt financing commitments, conditions to closing and expected timing for closing, Kenon's Guarantee, the terms that will be included in the LLC Agreement and the agreement between the Buyer and the Seller relating to Vicinity Holding Company, the expected ownership in the Buyer and Vicinity Holding Company, the expected annualized run rate Adjusted EBITDA of Vicinity presented in this press release and the anticipated performance and prospects of the Vicinity business, Kenon's strategy and other non-historical matters. These statements are based on current expectations or beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements.

MEXC Leads SOL and DOGE Market-Price Liquidity in CoinGecko's 2026 CEX Report

MUTSAMUDU, Comoros, Sept. 30, 2026/PRNewswire/ -- MEXC, a pioneer in 0-fee digital asset trading, led the exchanges studied in order book liquidity at the market price for both SOL and DOGE in CoinGecko Research's 2026 Crypto Liquidity on CEXes Report. The report measured order book depth for the top five non-stablecoin assets, BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL and DOGE, across eight exchanges over 60 days from July 6 to September 3, 2026.

MEXC Records Highest SOL Liquidity at the Market Price

CoinGecko found that SOL liquidity was more evenly distributed across exchanges in 2026 compared with the previous year. Within this more competitive landscape, MEXC recorded approximately $934,000 in SOL order book liquidity at the market price, the highest among the eight exchanges studied.

The report also noted that SOL liquidity became more distributed across exchanges despite overall liquidity declining from 2025 levels. Beyond the immediate market price, other venues gained depth, with Bitget and Coinbase overtaking MEXC past the ±$0.20 range.

MEXC Leads DOGE Liquidity at the Market Price and Further Out

For DOGE, MEXC recorded more than $443,000 in order book liquidity at the market price, the highest among the exchanges studied. Only Binance, MEXC and OKX exceeded $200,000 at this level.

Further from the market price, MEXC regained the lead past the ±$0.0006 (0.3%) range, surpassing Binance and Bitget. Its liquidity then leveled off beyond the ±1% interval at roughly $2 million on each side of the order book.

MEXC Maintains Deep DOGE Liquidity During Market Shifts

The report also examined DOGE liquidity during individual market events. On August 21, as DOGE market depth shifted alongside broader price movements, MEXC remained among the venues showing substantial depth across the order book. The report's observations also found that MEXC traders placed larger block orders around key price levels during subsequent DOGE price movements.

"For retail traders, liquidity is fundamental to market quality. It determines execution efficiency, price stability and the ability to enter or exit positions with confidence," said Vugar Usi Zade, CEO of MEXC. "Deep liquidity is therefore central to how MEXC lowers barriers to trading and provides more efficient access to global market opportunities."

Taken together, the findings show MEXC maintaining strong liquidity close to the market price for both SOL and DOGE, while its DOGE depth also extends further into the order book. For traders, deeper liquidity can support more efficient execution by allowing orders to be absorbed with less impact on market prices.

Looking ahead, MEXC will continue to strengthen market depth and execution quality as part of its broader effort to provide users with a more efficient trading experience under its "Infinite Opportunities" vision.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is a leading global multi-asset trading platform built as your 0-fee gateway to infinite opportunities. Serving users across 170+ markets, MEXC provides simple and efficient access to crypto, stocks, tokenized assets, derivatives, and a growing range of TradFi-linked opportunities through one account and one gateway.

With 0 trading fees, deep liquidity, broad asset coverage, and a high-performance trading experience, MEXC is designed for retail users who want to discover earlier, act faster, and trade with fewer barriers. As crypto and traditional finance continue to converge, MEXC is committed to making global opportunities more accessible, helping users trade freely and MEXCmize every opportunity.

MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜Telegram｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

Risk Disclaimer:

This content does not constitute investment advice. Given the volatility of financial markets, including digital assets, tokenized assets, and traditional financial products, investors should carefully assess market conditions, underlying asset fundamentals, and potential financial risks before making any investment or trading decisions.

SOURCE MEXC

Share this article

Refik Anadol Uses 84 Epson 4K Large-Venue Projectors to Transform the Data Pavilion into a Seamless, Multisensory Environment Where Art, AI and Architecture Converge

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Internationally renowned media artist, director and pioneer in the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence, Refik Anadol has spent years redefining what's possible at the intersection of technology and art. His most ambitious project to date, DATALAND, is the world's first Museum of AI arts. Opened in Los Angeles in June 2026 and founded by Anadol and Efsun Erkılıç of Refik Anadol Studio, the museum is a living canvas where multisensory experiences lie at the convergence of art, architecture and audience. DATALAND spans 25,000 square feet of exhibition space across five galleries, the largest of which – Gallery A – is powered by 84 synchronized Epson large-venue laser projectors.

"From the early days of our collaboration to today, my relationship with Epson has always been much more than working with a technology provider – they've been a true creative partner," said Anadol. "At DATALAND, every projection is part of a living artwork, where visuals, sound, scent, touch and even taste, work together to tell a single story. Epson's projection technology has given us the confidence to push the boundaries of immersive storytelling, and today our vision is being brought to life with the precision, reliability and scale needed to create an omni-sensory experience that feels truly alive."

Inaugural Exhibition: An Immersive Rainforest Journey

The inaugural exhibition at DATALAND, 'Machine Dreams: Rainforest', is an immersive journey across the museum's five galleries where visitors influence ever-evolving artworks inspired by live data from 16 rainforest locations, fostering a deeper connection to nature and its inherent intelligence.

Powered by Refik Anadol Studio's Large Nature Model (LNM) – one of the world's most advanced AI systems – the exhibition opens a dialogue between human presence and the memories of Earth. Continuously interpreting live environmental signals, the LNM transforms them into evolving visual, sonic and multisensory experiences, creating a single responsive environment in real time.

Anadol said, "It's unlike any other museum experience; it's a living artwork that continually evolves through the collaboration of human creativity, artificial intelligence and nature. By connecting visitors to live rainforest data, every visit becomes uniquely responsive and immersive."

Gallery A – Data Pavilion: A Descent into Immersive Projection

Before entering the Data Pavilion, visitors are introduced to the experience and fitted with wearable biosensing wristwatch and scent emitters. As they descend into the gallery, shapes, colors and patterns are already in motion, flowing seamlessly across the walls, floor, ceiling and mirrored columns as the entire room becomes the canvas.

To realize the vision for this gallery, the team at Refik Anadol Studio collaborated closely with Epson throughout the creative process. "Epson provided projectors early on in the design phase, allowing us to explore how imagery would interact with mirrored ceilings, reflective columns and the gallery's mirrored entrance," said Anadol. "Every surface became part of the canvas, requiring meticulous planning to ensure the reflections enhanced the experience rather than distract from it."

Projection was fundamental to the design because the technology needed to disappear, allowing the artwork, not the display, to take center stage. Powered by 84 Epson EB-PQ2220B 20,000-lumen1 4K laser projectors, the gallery transforms into a living sculpture where towering walls, mirrored surfaces and continuous imagery immerse visitors in an ever-evolving environment. Delivering nearly 700 million pixels and over 1.5 million lumens, the scale and architectural integration would have been extremely challenging to achieve with a traditional display solution.

The installation dramatically increases brightness, delivering remarkably sharp, edge-to-edge imagery. Epson's interchangeable lens portfolio allowed every projector to be tailored to the gallery's unique geometry, ensuring consistent brightness, accurate colors and image quality across its complex architecture. Camera-assisted software continuously calibrates, aligns and edge blends all 84 projectors into a single, unified canvas. The result is a seamless environment where art, architecture and projection become one.

"Despite the extensive use of mirrors, we are able to create a seamless visual experience through precise projector alignment, exceptional image quality and our team's technical expertise," added Anadol. "Visitors often can't tell where the architecture ends and the projected imagery begins, which allows for full immersion in the artwork."

"The entire Epson team – from our optical engineers in Japan to product managers and global leadership – is incredibly proud to see DATALAND open its doors," said Gavin Downey, group product manager, Epson America. "For nearly a decade, we've collaborated with Refik and his team as they have pushed the boundaries of art, AI and display technology. DATALAND demonstrates what's possible when visionary creativity is paired with purpose-built projection technology."

Leveraging Epson's flagship EB-PQ Series projectors, DATALAND brings to life what's possible through a partnership built on innovation, trust and a shared passion for pushing creative boundaries. As the Refik Anadol Studio team continues to imagine experiences beyond today's technological limits, Epson remains committed to developing the projection technologies that help turn those visions into reality.

For more information on Epson's large venue laser projectors, visit www.epson.com/largevenue.

About DATALAND

DATALAND is the world's first Museum of AI Arts and digital ecosystem where human imagination meets the creative potential of machines. DATALAND's flagship Los Angeles location has five galleries across 25,000 square feet of public space with an additional 10,000 square feet of space that houses the museum's advanced technologies. Situated at Frank Gehry's The Grand LA, DATALAND unites pioneers across multidisciplinary fields including the arts, science, and technology under the artistic leadership of Refik Anadol Studio. Opening on June 20, 2026, DATALAND joins the renowned visual and performing arts institutions in the city's Grand Avenue Cultural District including The Broad, LA Phil, MOCA, The Music Center, REDCAT, and The Colburn School. DATALAND's mission includes serving as a public repository for large-scale nature-focused data sets, providing online access and learning platforms, and collecting and exhibiting artworks by digital and AI artists. In October 2025, DATALAND established an artist residency program in partnership with Google Arts & Culture to support creatives working with machine intelligence. DATALAND is designed in collaboration with award-winning architecture firm Gensler and engineered by global built environment consultancy Arup. Aspiring to set the standard for the presentation, curation, and exploration of AI Arts, DATALAND embodies a new model for cultural institutions in the 21st Century.

Website: www.dataland.art; Socials: @datalandmuseum

About Epson

Epson is a technology innovation and engineering company whose philosophy of efficient, compact, and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company uses technology and engineering ability to implement real-world solutions in precision innovation, industrial and robotics, office and home printing, and visual and lifestyle.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1.4 trillion. corporate.epson/en/

Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), X (x.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica) and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).

1 Color brightness (color light output) and white brightness (white light output) will vary depending on usage conditions. Color light output measured in accordance with IDMS 15.4; white light output measured in accordance with ISO 21118.

EPSON is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2026 Epson America, Inc.

SOURCE Epson America, Inc.

Share this article

Chinese robot hand learns Suzhou embroidery as AGILINK surpasses 15,000 dexterous hands shipped

SUZHOU, China, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A robotic hand developed by Chinese firm AGILINK has been taught foundational Suzhou embroidery techniques by master craftswoman Fu Xianghong, including separating silk threads, threading a needle, stretching fabric on an embroidery hoop and stitching.

The demonstration puts a robotic hand to work with one of the most delicate and deformable materials it can encounter: silk. A silk thread can bend, slip and change shape with slight changes in contact. Splitting silk requires one finger to separate individual strands while others maintain support and tension; twisting thread requires opposing fingertips to maintain contact while allowing the thread to turn. Threading a needle and stitching add further demands on positioning, force and coordination.

The OmniHand 3 Ultra combines 21 active degrees of freedom with a fully direct-drive architecture and tactile sensing across the fingertips, finger pads and palm. Vision-based tactile sensors at each fingertip detect changes in the contact surface, providing feedback as the hand handles thin, deformable materials.

"A single silk thread gives OmniHand 3 Ultra's fingertip dexterity a visible measure," said Qiao Tianjie, Vice President of AGIBOT and CEO of AGILINK. "It also reveals the possibility of handing more delicate work to machines."

The demonstration comes as AGILINK reaches a new stage of commercial scale. Spun out from AGIBOT in January 2026, the company has shipped more than 15,000 dexterous hands to date. In August, its OmniHand series competed across all eight dexterous-hand events at the World Humanoid Robot Games, winning seven gold, four silver and three bronze medals.

AGILINK reached unicorn status five months after launch, backed by investors including Hillhouse Ventures and Mirae Asset. Its fourth funding round in June valued the company at more than US$1 billion. The company sees dexterous manipulation of flexible and delicate materials as relevant to applications including cable handling, flexible-material assembly and precision-component manipulation.

"We'll have another pair of hands for delicate work," Fu said.

About AGILINK

AGILINK specializes in dexterous robotic manipulation, combining dexterous hardware, tactile sensing and control for delicate and deformable objects.

Watch the film: [https://youtu.be/uRy589aDp48]

Share this article