Collaboration with University of Florida researchers explores a holistic solution that transforms problematic coastal biomass into beneficial, enhanced biochar for water treatment

SARASOTA, Fla., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Myno Carbon has been selected by the University of Florida (UF) to participate in an innovative research project exploring how sargassum collected from coastal areas can be transformed into enhanced biochar and used to improve water quality. The company's expertise is focused on biochar, pyrolysis — the thermal process used to convert biomass into stable carbon-rich material ‒ and can deliver large commercial-scale biochar projects.

Led by UF Professor Dengjun (Kevin) Wang and his research team through the funding support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4, the study will bring together expertise in water quality, biochar science, and pyrolysis to evaluate a full-circle approach to a growing environmental challenge.

The concept is intentionally circular: remove problematic sargassum from coastal environments, convert that biomass into enhanced biochar, and evaluate the resulting material for its ability to remove contaminants and improve water quality.

"Sargassum creates a significant challenge for coastal communities, but it also represents a biomass resource that may have beneficial environmental applications. By combining UF's water-quality research with Myno Carbon's expertise in pyrolysis and biochar, we have an opportunity to evaluate an innovative and potentially circular approach to this problem," said Dengjun (Kevin) Wang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at UF and the principal investigator for the project.

Turning an Environmental Challenge into a Potential Solution

Sargassum plays an important role in the open-ocean ecosystem, but massive accumulations along coastlines can create significant environmental and economic challenges. Large quantities washing ashore can affect near-shore ecosystems, tourism, and coastal communities and require extensive collection and management.

The issue is particularly timely in 2026. Researchers at the University of South Florida expect 2026 to be at least the second-largest sargassum year in the satellite record, behind only 2025. Sargassum abundance has reached record levels in portions of the Caribbean and Gulf this year.

Rather than treating collected sargassum solely as a waste stream, the UF project is investigating whether it can become part of the solution.

Harvested sargassum will be processed through pyrolysis to create biochar. Researchers will then evaluate the resulting material for water-treatment applications, including its potential ability to capture or immobilize contaminants, particularly in oyster beds.

For Myno, the research represents an extension of the company's work developing enhanced biochar for specific environmental challenges, including remediation applications involving PFAS, petroleum hydrocarbons, and heavy metals.

"This project captures exactly what we believe the next generation of biochar can accomplish," said Thor Kallestad, CEO and co-founder of Myno Carbon. "We're taking a material that is creating an environmental problem, applying science and advanced pyrolysis to transform it, and then evaluating whether that same material can help solve another environmental problem. That combination of waste-to-value, carbon management and remediation is incredibly exciting."

Advancing Biochar 3.0

Myno refers to this approach as Biochar 3.0 — moving beyond biochar as a widely used soil amendment, and beyond economic reliance on carbon credits, toward scientifically designed carbon materials tailored to specific environmental applications.

The sargassum project expands that approach into water treatment while bringing together academic research, government environmental expertise, and private-sector pyrolysis capabilities.

The pyrolysis process also converts biomass carbon into a more durable form, adding a carbon-management dimension to a project already focused on waste utilization and water quality.

"We believe some of the biggest environmental challenges require collaboration across disciplines," Kallestad added. "Working with Professor Wang, the University of Florida and EPA Region 4 gives us an opportunity to apply Myno's capabilities to a unique feedstock and advance the science around how biochar can be used to solve complex environmental problems."

The project is part of Myno Carbon's broader commitment to working with universities, engineering firms, government agencies and industry partners to develop and validate new applications for biochar in environmental remediation and carbon management.

Organizations interested in collaborating with Myno Carbon on biochar research, environmental remediation or new product development can learn more at MynoCarbon.com.

About Myno Carbon

Myno Carbon is at the forefront of sustainable carbon solutions, specializing in the production of renewable biochar products that drive innovation in environmental remediation, and scalable carbon removal. By transforming waste biomass into valuable renewable carbon products, Myno advances a more climate-resilient future and environmental stewardship.

SOURCE Myno Carbon

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Selected from more than 13,500 submissions, The Fifty represents every state and the distinct perspectives photographers have across America

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- VSCO, the photography platform millions use to edit, build a portfolio and grow their businesses, today announced the first 25 photographers selected for The Fifty, a nationwide project recognizing working photographers across the United States. The project will ultimately put 50 photographers, one from every state, and their images on billboards or large-format out-of-home placements in their home states. The result is a celebration of the people, places and perspectives shaping photography across the country right now.

The photographers were selected through an open call that drew more than 13,500 submissions, the largest open call in the company's history. The selected work spans a range of styles, subjects and perspectives, representing photographers across genres, career stages and cultures from communities around the country.

"The Fifty started with a simple belief that people are building photography careers in every corner of the U.S., beyond the traditional creative hubs, and they deserve to be seen and celebrated," said Eric Wittman, CEO of VSCO. "As the world's biggest champion of photographers, we wanted to use the largest canvas we could find to put photographers front and center. By showcasing their work in their local communities, we're introducing more people to their unique perspectives while also creating more business opportunities for them."

"Having my work recognized by the same community where I first began sharing it feels like a particularly meaningful full-circle moment. I'm honored to see a photograph rooted in something so personal, ordinary, and meaningful to me become part of something much larger," said Minnesota-based photographer Madeline Janssen.

The first 25 photographers are being announced today, with the remaining 25 to be revealed in early November, giving each photographer and market ample attention as the billboards roll out across the country. The first billboards and large-format out-of-home placements began appearing this week, starting in Atlanta, Chicago and Seattle. Beginning October 16, the first 25 images will be showcased in New York City's Times Square on the iconic NYSE digital billboard. Additional installations will roll out across the country in waves over the coming months.

50 Ways of Seeing America

The collection of images in The Fifty reveals just how expansive photography in America is today. The photographers come from different places, disciplines and backgrounds. Some are established professionals whose work has appeared in museums, brand campaigns and major publications, while others are at the beginning of their careers. Together, their photographs move between art and documentary, portraiture and landscape, weddings and everyday life, capturing both the scale of the country and unique moments within it. The curation intentionally sought that range, alongside images with immediate visual impact and a clear point of view.

The photographs explore heritage and family traditions, loss and connection, identity and belonging. One photograph documents a wife's grief surrounded by hundreds of handwritten notes and the yellow daisies her late husband gave her every anniversary. Another celebrates Car Gals and the women who find identity, community and freedom through their relationships with classic cars. And another shares the tradition of Escaramuza, in which all-female precision horse-riding teams perform exacting maneuvers sidesaddle at high speed.

Elsewhere, photographers turn their lenses toward family rituals, contemporary Diné dance in the New Mexico landscape, Appalachian fall colors, American festivals and subcultures, and the extraordinary moments hiding inside ordinary life.

Together, The Fifty celebrates what photographers see.

"What stood out was not one style of photography, but the range of ways photographers are seeing their worlds right now," said Jon Feinstein, Lead Curator at VSCO. "We saw intimate portraits, documentary work, landscapes, elaborately staged photos and unexpected moments that could only have been made by someone paying close attention to the world around them. The Fifty gives those images and the photographers behind them, a bigger stage and an opportunity to be seen."

"I didn't have a traditional background in art, and for my work to resonate enough to be represented this way is honestly just really motivating for me as an individual. I hope that I can use this to continue to push others around me to follow their own instincts and create from a place of curiosity and honesty in their own craft," said Georgia-based photographer Zach Deloach.

Investing in the People Behind the Images

At a time when visual culture is becoming increasingly synthetic and ephemeral, The Fifty deliberately brings photography into the physical world, putting the work of 50 photographers larger than life in public spaces across the country.

Rather than using those billboards simply to advertise VSCO, VSCO is using them to elevate photographers.

The Fifty builds on VSCO's ongoing commitment to champion photographers by creating tangible visibility and opportunity in the communities where they live and work. It also carries forward VSCO's belief that photography matters more than ever and that the people behind the camera deserve recognition, support and tools built around how they work.

In addition to the large-format displays, each selected photographer receives an honorarium, a feature across VSCO's website and social channels, a year of VSCO Pro membership, a virtual portfolio review and access to a members-only workshop with The Freelance Photographer.

The First 25 Photographers

Explore The Fifty and follow the nationwide rollout at vsco.co/50. The first 25 photographers are:

About VSCO

VSCO, the Visual Supply Company, is a complete photography platform—editing tools, portfolio sites, client workflows and community—that helps photographers hone their craft, grow their network, and build a photography business on their terms. Whether they're landing their first paid gig or growing an established practice, VSCO champions photographers at every stage of the journey. Our mission is simple: to close the gap between the creative life photographers want and the confidence, tools and community they need to make it real.

Media Contact:

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FREMONT, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta, a global leader in power and smart green solutions, today announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to accelerate the development of smarter, safer, and more efficient next-generation autonomous driving systems. This collaboration combines Delta's superior expertise in automotive energy management, xEV powertrain systems, in-vehicle high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities, and system integration with NVIDIA Hyperion and the NVIDIA Halos safety system.

NVIDIA Hyperion is a reference sensor and compute platform for Level 4 autonomous vehicles and robotaxis, combining dual NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor with NVIDIA Halos safety system to accelerate safe, production-ready autonomy.

James Tang, Executive Vice President of Mobility Business Category at Delta, said, "Autonomous driving requires years of technology development, continuous innovation, and strong system integration. Our commitment to the EV sector began several years ago, developing strong expertise in power electronics and key automotive technologies, and accumulating extensive development experience with world-class automakers. We are honored that NVIDIA recognizes Delta's automotive expertise and strategic direction. Through this joint endeavor, we will further integrate AI and HPC capabilities into the enhancement of advanced autonomous driving functions, turning next-generation smart vehicles into real-world applications while pursuing new opportunities in the fast-growing smart mobility market."

Rishi Dhall, vice president of automotive at NVIDIA, said, "Level 4 autonomous driving requires powerful in-vehicle computing, a comprehensive sensor architecture and close collaboration across the automotive ecosystem. By combining Delta's automotive and system integration expertise with NVIDIA Hyperion, we can accelerate the development of safe, intelligent and scalable autonomous driving systems for the next generation of mobility."

This collaboration is expected to strengthen the synergies between the two companies in autonomous driving across technology, ecosystem development, and market opportunities. Delta will combine its automotive prowess and system integration capabilities with NVIDIA Hyperion supported by NVIDIA's dedicated engineering team, to elevate the development of autonomous driving solutions.

Delta will also leverage its experience working with the world's leading automakers, together with NVIDIA's global ecosystem, to expand engagement with customers and partners and create new business opportunities. Together, the two companies aim to develop AI-driven autonomous driving solutions and accelerate growth in the smart mobility market.

About Delta

Delta, founded in 1971 and listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (code:2308), is a global leader in power and thermal management with a thriving portfolio of IoT-based smart energy-saving solutions in the fields of data center infrastructure, microgrids, smart manufacturing, intelligent buildings, and E-mobility to nurture mankind's sustainable development. As a world-class corporate citizen guided by its corporate mission, "To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow," Delta leverages its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and its ESG-embedded business model to address key environmental issues related to climate change. Delta serves customers through its sales offices, R&D centers and manufacturing facilities spread over close to 200 locations across 5 continents.

Throughout its history, Delta has received numerous awards and worldwide recognition for its business achievements, innovative technologies, and dedication to ESG. Since 2011, Delta has been listed on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index (formerly the DJSI World Index of Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices) for 15 consecutive years. Delta has also won double A List ratings from CDP 5 times for its substantial contribution to climate change and water security issues, and has been named Supplier Engagement Leader over 9 consecutive years for its continuous development of a sustainable value chain.

For detailed information about Delta, please visit: www.deltaww.com

SOURCE Delta Electronics (Americas)

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Compal Brings NVIDIA AI Factory Infrastructure to OCP Global Summit 2026

From megawatt-scale power to advanced cooling and accelerated computing, Compal demonstrates the infrastructure foundation for the next generation of AI factories.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Compal Electronics, Inc. (Compal; TWSE: 2324), a global leader in computing and infrastructure solutions, today announced that it will showcase its next-generation AI factory infrastructure at OCP Global Summit 2026, demonstrating how power, cooling, compute and rack-scale engineering must evolve together to support the rapidly increasing demands of NVIDIA accelerated computing.

As AI factories move toward unprecedented compute density and megawatt-scale power requirements, the challenge is no longer simply adding more GPUs. The infrastructure surrounding accelerated computing—from power delivery and thermal management to rack integration—must be redesigned to support the performance, efficiency and scalability required by next-generation AI workloads.

At OCP, Compal will demonstrate how it is engineering this infrastructure around NVIDIA accelerated computing, bringing together high-density compute platforms with next-generation power and cooling technologies to create a more integrated foundation for scalable AI factories.

Rethinking Power for the AI Factory

Power architecture is becoming one of the defining challenges of large-scale AI infrastructure. To address rapidly increasing rack power density, Compal is advancing 800VDC power architecture and megawatt-class power infrastructure designed for the requirements of next-generation AI data centers.

By moving toward higher-voltage DC architectures and more efficient power delivery, Compal aims to reduce power conversion complexity and support increasingly dense AI environments. This approach establishes a scalable power foundation capable of evolving alongside future generations of accelerated computing.

Cooling Infrastructure Built for Higher Density

Greater compute density also requires a fundamental shift in thermal management. Compal is expanding its infrastructure portfolio with advanced liquid-cooling technologies and megawatt-scale cooling capabilities, enabling AI systems to operate efficiently as rack densities continue to rise.

Rather than treating compute, power and cooling as separate systems, Compal is engineering them as interconnected elements of the AI factory. By considering these technologies together at the rack and data-center level, Compal can optimize infrastructure around the requirements of high-performance accelerated computing.

Engineering from the Grid to the GPU

Together, these capabilities represent Compal's evolution beyond individual server platforms toward a broader AI infrastructure strategy. By combining accelerated computing, power, cooling and rack-scale integration with global engineering and manufacturing resources, Compal is helping customers bridge the gap between advanced AI technology and real-world, large-scale deployment.

"Building the next generation of AI factories requires us to rethink the entire infrastructure surrounding accelerated computing," said Alan Chang, Vice President of ISBG at Compal. "Compal is bringing together power, cooling, rack integration and NVIDIA accelerated computing to help customers build AI infrastructure that can scale efficiently from the platform level to megawatt-scale deployments."

At OCP, Compal will demonstrate how these infrastructure technologies come together to address the growing power, thermal and deployment challenges of the AI era—engineering the critical infrastructure from the grid to the GPU.

Visit Compal at OCP Global Summit 2026, Booth #E65, to discover the infrastructure behind the next generation of NVIDIA-powered AI factories.

About Compal

Established in 1984, Compal has grown into a leading global manufacturer of computers and smart devices, partnering with top-tier brands worldwide. Compal was recognized by CommonWealth Magazine as one of Taiwan's top 7 manufacturers and has consistently ranked among the Forbes Global 2000 companies. Compal has actively expanded into new growth areas, including cloud servers, automotive electronics, smart medical and healthcare, and advanced communication solutions. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, Compal operates design and production facilities in the United States, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Mexico, Brazil, and Poland. Learn more at https://www.compal.com

SOURCE Compal Electronics, Inc.

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New integration with Claude's Compliance API gives security teams a live, read-only inventory of the MCP servers connected to their Claude organization

PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Salt Security, the leader in agentic and API security, today introduced Salt Claude Connect, an integration that gives security teams continuous, read-only visibility into the Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers connected to their Claude Enterprise organization. The integration works with Claude's Compliance API to surface the organization-managed MCP servers in a security team's Salt inventory, including when each was added, updated, or removed, and its current status.

As enterprises adopt AI, security and IT teams face a foundational question: what is connected to our AI, and what can it access? MCP servers extend what an AI environment can reach, and in a large organization, they can be added faster than security can track them. The scale of the exposure is already measurable: Trend Micro research found the number of MCP servers exposed on the public internet with no authentication or encryption nearly tripled to 1,467 in a matter of months, with the majority hosted on major cloud providers and offering direct read access to the data behind them. Without a current inventory, teams cannot answer basic questions about their AI attack surface, govern what is connected, or investigate when something changes.

What Salt Claude Connect provides

Salt Claude Connect reads an organization's activity feed through Claude's Compliance API and automatically surfaces the organization-managed MCP servers in the Salt AI inventory. Security teams get a live, always-current picture of which MCP servers are connected to their Claude organization, when they were added or removed, and their current status. Discovered servers appear in the Salt Agentic inventory labeled by source, each showing server name, status, and the time of its most recent lifecycle event, and the inventory updates continuously as connectors are added, updated, or removed.

Read-only and narrow by design

The integration is built around least-privilege access. It requires a single read-only scope and reads only MCP server lifecycle activity. It never sends prompts to Claude, and it never reads chat content, file content, or project data. The only information Salt stores is MCP server lifecycle events, and the integration never modifies the Claude organization in any way.

"MCP servers are one of the fastest-growing parts of the enterprise attack surface, and for most security teams, what's connected to their AI environment has been a blind spot they couldn't close," said Roey Eliyahu, co-founder and CEO of Salt Security. "Salt Claude Connect turns that blind spot into a live inventory. Security teams can see the MCP servers connected to their Claude Enterprise organization, track them as they're added, removed, or changed, and finally govern their AI environment with the same rigor they apply everywhere else, all without ever touching the prompts or content that run through it."

Availability

Salt Claude Connect is available now to Salt Security customers with a Claude Enterprise organization. Setup requires a Compliance Access Key with a read-only scope and the organization's ID, and takes a few steps from the Salt dashboard. Full details are available at salt.security.

About Salt Security

Salt Security is the leader in agentic and API security, protecting the world's most innovative enterprises from AI agent and API attacks. AI is shifting from chatbots that answer to agents that act, and Salt secures the entire agentic path, from AI-generated code to runtime, across models, MCP servers, tools, and downstream APIs. Founded in 2016, Salt Security is backed by Sequoia Capital, S Capital, Tenaya Capital, Salesforce Ventures, Advent International, and other leading investors. For more information, visit salt.security.

Contact: Dr. Karl Bateson - [email protected]

SOURCE Salt Security

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Enhanced audio experience, extended battery life, calls answered directly from the glasses, and an expanded range of styles bring invisible hearing support to more everyday moments.

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EssilorLuxottica announces the launch of Nuance Audio Plus, the next generation of its first-of-its-kind invisible, open-ear hearing glasses, FDA-cleared for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Building on the launch of the first Nuance Audio Glasses, the new product combines improved audio performance, extended battery life, calls answered right from the glasses, a category-first, and an expanded assortment of styles, transforming a medical device into stylish yet functional eyewear to support people naturally throughout everyday life.

Hearing loss affects an estimated 1.6 billion people worldwide, approximately 1.25 billion of whom live with mild to moderate hearing loss1. Yet close to 90% of this population has not adopted a hearing solution2. By seamlessly integrating hearing technology into everyday eyewear, EssilorLuxottica is helping address this significant unmet need through a solution that is virtually indistinguishable from a conventional pair of glasses. The original Nuance Audio glasses were named a TIME 100 Best Invention, reflecting the cateogry's growing recognition, and established high-profile fans including Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian Jane Lynch. Nuance Audio Plus marks the latest step in the company's continued investment in hearing innovation, expanding both the choice and performance available to consumers.

"The response to Nuance Audio Glasses has been extremely positive, confirming that consumers are looking for a more natural and desirable way to access hearing support," said Stefano Genco, Global Head of Nuance Audio. "In just one year, we have expanded to 14 countries and more than 18,000 stores, reaching consumers who are, on average, five years younger than traditional hearing-aid customers, with two out of three having never explored traditional hearing aids. With Nuance Audio Plus, our new product generation, we are taking another important step toward making hearing support a natural part of everyday life."

Nuance Audio Plus is designed to support people affected by perceived mild to moderate hearing loss across a range of scenarios: from those experiencing the first signs of hearing loss, for example, beginning to notice changes in their listening effort over time across a range of everyday situations, even under similar noise conditions, to those already aware of their hearing impairment and seeking a discreet hearing solution. Across scenarios, the product helps users stay engaged in conversations with a solution that looks and feels like everyday eyewear.

Complementing the existing Nuance Audio Glasses collection, which will remain available, Nuance Audio Plus expands the portfolio with optimized hearing technology, more intuitive on-frame controls, a broader range of frame designs and colors, and new options for charging on the go. Together, the two collections offer consumers greater choice across design, technology features, price points, preferences and lifestyles.

Nuance Audio Plus is available now in the United States, through authorized optical and hearing-care professionals, and online in selected countries. In the USA, the recommended retail price will start at $829, depending on the lens configuration.

Key features

- Invisible hearing aid: Breaking the stigma with discreet, stylish glasses that seamlessly integrate vision and hearing support directly into the frame. Building on the distinctive open-ear technology of Nuance Audio Glasses, Nuance Audio Plus introduces further advancements in amplification, speech clarity in noise and own-voice perception, together with extended battery life of approximately 10 hours under average product conditions3.

- Directional amplification: Designed to enhance speech clarity through directional microphones and beamforming technology, helping users focus on the conversations in front of them.

- Easy to use: Simple to set up and manage through the intuitive Nuance Audio App, Nuance Audio Plus also features new on-frame controls, including a dedicated power switch and volume buttons conveniently positioned on the temples.

- Open-ear comfort: Lightweight, open-ear speakers integrated into the temples leave the ears free for long-lasting comfort. An expanded range of sizes, together with universal fitting and adjustable nose pads on selected styles, helps provide a secure and comfortable fit.

- All-in-one solution: A product designed to address both vision and hearing needs in one elegant device.

- Hands-free phone calls – Users can answer and manage voice calls directly from the frames when paired with a compatible iPhone4.

Styles and accessories

Nuance Audio Plus is available in three timeless frame styles – Square 53, Panthos 48 and Upturn 52 – and five colors, Shiny Black, Shiny Burgundy, Deep Blue, Amber and Olive Green.

The standard package includes a charging pad and USB-C cable to charge Nuance Audio Plus.

User experience

The glasses are easy to manage from the Nuance Audio App and feature on-frame controls for quick access to key functions, while a dedicated remote control is available separately.

With the app, users can control:

- Audio modes: Switch between two audio modes: Frontal, to focus on face-to-face conversations, and All-Around, to amplify all surrounding sounds.

- Presets: Choose the pre-configured amplification settings (A, B, C or D) for a tailored hearing experience.

- Background noise: Customize the background noise level with three levels of noise reduction.

- Volume level: Adjust the volume of amplification on a scale from 1 to 5.

Lenses

Nuance Audio Plus can be fitted with any type of optical lenses to personalize to the wearer's vision needs. The glasses can also be paired with Transitions® lenses, which adapt to changing light conditions to support an integrated hearing and vision experience throughout the day.

Useful links

- Official website: www.nuanceaudio.com

- Store locator: www.nuanceaudio.com/store-locator

- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nuanceaudioofficial

- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nuance.audio

- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/nuance-audio

- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nuanceaudio

About EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of advanced vision care products, eyewear and med-tech solutions. The Group is home to the most innovative lens technologies, including Varilux, Stellest and Transitions, iconic brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley and Supreme, top-selling smart eyewear products including Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta Vanguard and Nuance Audio, the most desired luxury licensed brands and world-class retailers including Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, Vision Express and Apollo. With over 200,000 employees across 150 countries, 600 operations facilities, serving 300,000 eye care professionals and operating 18,000 stores, the Group generated consolidated revenue of Euro 28.5 billion in 2025. EssilorLuxottica trades on the Euronext Paris market and is included in the Euro Stoxx 50 and CAC 40 indices. Codes and symbols: ISIN: FR0000121667; Reuters: ESLX.PA; Bloomberg: EL:FP. www.essilorluxottica.com

1 World Health Organization, World Report on Hearing, 2021, p. 40.

2 Stevens G, Flaxman S, Brunskill E, Mascarenhas M, Mathers CD, Finucane M; Global Burden of Disease Hearing Loss Expert Group. Global and regional hearing impairment prevalence: an analysis of 42 studies in 29 countries. Eur J Public Health. 2013 Feb;23(1):146-52. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckr176. Epub 2011 Dec 24. PMID: 22197756.

3 Based on average product condition.

4 The product, as an MFI certified device, supports voice calls only when used with an iPhone (requires iOS 16 or later)

Media Contact:

Nuance Audio

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SOURCE Nuance Audio

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Plug and Play Announces Silicon Valley Fall Batches of 2026

140 startups from 20 countries join 13 programs, with AI moving deeper into industry-specific applications

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Plug and Play, the ultimate innovation platform that accelerates over 2,500 startups annually, has selected 140 startups across 13 programs for its Silicon Valley Fall batches of 2026. The founders will pitch to investors, corporations, and industry leaders at the Silicon Valley Summit, Nov. 3–5, 2026.

The participating programs include:

- Agtech

- Animal Health

- Brand & Retail

- Enterprise & AI

- Fintech

- Food & Beverage

- Global Overseas Acceleration & Learning (GOAL)

- Health & Longevity

- Insurtech

- New Materials & Packaging

- Travel & Hospitality

The batch also includes startups participating in the Mobility & Advanced Hardware: Korea to U.S. program and the XDC AI Agents & Blockchain Accelerator. View the full list of participating startups here.

Startups were selected based on program fit, traction, and direct interest from Plug and Play's partners, many of whom participated in the final screening process. Across programs, that demand increasingly centers on technologies that can move beyond experimentation and into real industry workflows.

"A year ago, founders came to us with AI products that companies wanted to test. Now they arrive with customers already in production," said Saeed Amidi, founder and CEO of Plug and Play. "That changes what our partners need from us. The work is less about proving the technology and more about moving fast enough to deploy it."

AI is the strongest industry theme in this batch, but its applications vary significantly by sector. Startups are developing autonomous systems for enterprise workflows, financial services, insurance, commerce and travel, while others are applying AI to physical systems in agriculture, mobility and advanced hardware.

The shift reflects changing priorities among Plug and Play's partners. Insurers are exploring AI agents for claims, customer service, and policy administration, as well as new approaches to insuring autonomous vehicles, robotics, and drones. Financial institutions are looking at agentic finance, payments, and commerce, while retailers are exploring agentic commerce, in-store intelligence, and automated creative operations. In travel, the focus is increasingly on putting agentic AI into production, improving operational efficiency, and identifying new revenue streams.

Other programs reflect industry-specific priorities beyond AI. Food and beverage startups are working across crop nutrition, athlete recovery, and emerging ingredient platforms, while new materials and packaging companies are developing technologies to improve the performance and sustainability of materials used across industries.

The batches also reflect Plug and Play's global network. The 140 startups come from 20 countries, with 55% based outside the United States. South Korea represents the largest group outside the U.S., accounting for approximately 30% of the companies in the batches. Other startups join from markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America.

For founders, the programs provide direct access to corporations seeking technologies that address their priorities. Jerold Zwas, CEO of PakItGreen, joins Plug and Play's New Materials & Packaging Batch 21. The Michigan-based company develops eco-friendly coating technologies for packaging.

"The Plug and Play team went above and beyond to facilitate highly targeted introductions, connecting our cohort with invaluable partners and industry leads," Zwas said.

Over three months, participating startups receive mentor-led workshops, private dealflow sessions and curated introductions to corporate partners. Plug and Play's accelerator programs are equity-free, offering startups opportunities to pursue pilots, proofs of concept, and potential investment from its in-house venture arm.

The programs will culminate at the Silicon Valley November Summit, where founders will pitch to investors and corporate partners across industry sessions. The three-day event will also feature keynotes, expos, and dealflows facilitated through Plug and Play's global network.

Plug and Play will also use the Summit to announce new developments across its global platform, including corporate partnerships and locations.

To meet the startups and attend the Silicon Valley November Summit, visit the website or contact Plug and Play at [email protected].

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we're present in 60+ locations across 25+ industries. We offer corporate innovation programs, helping our partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. We also run startup acceleration programs and have built an in-house VC where we've invested in hundreds of successful companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal, and Rappi. For more information, visit Plug and Play.

Plug and Play Press Contact

Jacky Tsang

Senior Communications & PR Associate

[email protected]

SOURCE Plug and Play

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Appspace, the workplace experience company, today unveiled Appspace Context™, its vision for a workplace experience that understands employees and the environment around them, then responds as needs and conditions change.

Workplace technology is becoming more intelligent, but intelligence alone does not give it a full picture of the workplace. An employee's role, location, schedule, and what is happening around them all help determine what they need. Much of that context exists today, but it is rarely brought together.

Appspace starts from a broader foundation, with a platform that already connects the digital and physical workplace. That gives Appspace context from across the workplace, including communications, content, spaces, visitors, signage, workplace activity, and connected systems. Appspace Context puts those connections to greater use, making each experience more relevant to the person, place, and situation.

"For years, organizations have configured workplace technology around what they expect to happen. But the workplace doesn't follow a script," says Pete Schmied, CEO of Appspace. "Employees work from different locations, schedules change, spaces fill up, visitors arrive, and priorities shift. Appspace Context gives the workplace a way to recognize those changes and respond with what employees need in the moment."

Announced at WOW26, Appspace's annual workplace experience conference, Appspace Context gives customers a view into where the company is taking its platform. It also sets a direction for making workplace experiences more responsive as AI changes how employees interact with workplace tools.

How Context changes the workplace experience

Appspace Context puts workplace information and signals to use as employee needs and workplace conditions change. At WOW26, Appspace showed how that approach comes to life through Organic UI™ and Situational Signage.

Organic UI: moving beyond the fixed interface

A key part of Appspace Context, Organic UI™ uses context about the employee and situation to dynamically reconfigure the Appspace interface, bringing forward the information, tools, and actions that are most relevant while allowing less relevant elements to recede. That reduces the time employees spend searching, navigating between tools, and figuring out where to go to get something done.

"Traditional software interfaces rely on predefined navigation, modules, and workflows. Users have to find what they need regardless of what they are trying to do or what is happening around them," says Thomas Philippart de Foy, Appspace Chief Innovation Officer. "Organic UI changes that. It uses context to bring forward the right information, tools, and actions, and can generate the experience needed for a specific task."

Digital signage that responds to its surroundings

At WOW26, Appspace also announced and showcased Situational Signage, a capability that demonstrates how Appspace Context extends into the physical workplace.

Today, workplace teams typically program digital signage based on where a screen is located, how it is grouped, and rules they establish in advance. Situational Signage shifts the focus from the device to what is happening around it. Location, spaces, occupancy, visitors, and workplace activity will help determine what information is most relevant at a particular place and time.

Instead of relying only on a screen's location and predefined rules, Situational Signage will allow the screen to respond as conditions around it change. Workplace teams can deliver more relevant communications without having to anticipate and manually configure every scenario.

More from WOW26

Appspace also introduced:

- Appspace Migration Studio: Reduces the time and complexity of moving from legacy intranets to Appspace Intranet. Built on Appspace's proven AI framework, Appspace Migration Studio automatically maps important content to its new home in Appspace and configures spaces with the appropriate governance controls, helping organizations preserve years of content and knowledge without rebuilding their intranet from scratch, and in a fraction of the time compared to traditional migration approaches.

- SwiftConnect integration: Brings mobile access into the connected workplace experience. The integration connects Appspace workplace experiences with SwiftConnect digital credentials in employees' mobile wallets, so employees can plan their day, book a room, invite a guest, and access buildings, floors, and doors without moving between separate systems and processes.

"Organizations are making technology decisions today that will shape their workplaces for years," adds Schmied. "The big opportunity here is to connect the physical and digital workplace so they work as one experience. AI raises the bar even further, making it possible for workplace technology to understand more about people, places, and context, and adapt accordingly."

About Appspace

Appspace is the workplace experience company that helps organizations keep everyone in the know. From intranet and digital signage to space reservation and visitor management, Appspace connects your whole workplace. Trusted by more than 3,000 customers globally, including 180 Fortune 500 companies. Learn more at www.appspace.com.

SOURCE Appspace, Inc.

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- Epic Ascent offers concierge services, white-glove gear rental, high-touch customer support and skip-the-lift-line access at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek this winter

- Bookings accommodate individuals or groups of up to six participants, at the same price

- Plus, Company to expand connected Ski & Ride School in the My Epic app to 14 resorts

- Epic Pass Holders can save 20% on group lessons, equipment rentals and more; Pass prices go up after October 7

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Vail Resorts today announced that Epic Ascent private lessons are now available to reserve at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek for personalized mountain experiences, expert ski and snowboard instruction, and skip-the-lift-line access this winter. The new Epic Ascent program automatically upgrades all private lessons into guided experiences for up to six guests with exclusive perks and a dedicated concierge to coordinate every detail of the overall trip, including dining reservations, white-glove gear rental, customized ski day itineraries and transportation coordination. Vail Resorts is also expanding connected Ski & Ride School in the My Epic app from four to 14 resorts, further supporting guests' pathway to skills progression.

"Traditionally, a private lesson began when an instructor met a guest on the mountain," said Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division. "With Epic Ascent, the private lesson experience now begins well before arrival and extends far beyond instruction, because guests aren't just booking a lesson – they are booking a mountain guide for a curated vacation experience. Whether you've got a group of friends planning a girls' trip, a family ready to explore the slopes together, or individuals looking for personalized coaching on expert terrain, Epic Ascent brings together expert instruction, concierge planning and insider knowledge to create ski days that feel personal, effortless and unforgettable."

Epic Ascent is now available to reserve online at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek. Guests are encouraged to reserve early to secure preferred dates during the 2026/27 season. Group ski and ride lessons are also available to book across Vail Resorts' North American resorts, with Epic Pass Holders receiving 20% off group lessons. Lock in an Epic Pass or Epic Day Pass before prices increase after October 7.

Epic Ascent Redefines the Private Lesson Experience

Beginning this winter, all private lessons at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek will be automatically upgraded to Epic Ascent to transform a traditional lesson into a curated mountain experience with vacation-planning concierge support. Epic Ascent will not result in increased private lesson prices, beyond normal inflation. Each booking accommodates individuals or groups of up to six participants at the same price and features:

- Expert Instruction: World-class instructors serve as mountain insiders, tailoring the day to meet guests' goals with personalized coaching and terrain recommendations.

- Concierge Services: Dedicated concierge support helps guests create their ideal mountain experience, including white-glove rental gear arrangements, mountain transportation and dining reservations. An Epic Ascent concierge can coordinate high-quality rental equipment along with exclusive access to a private gear fitting lounge for customized service from expert technicians. Prefer to stay in? Gear can be delivered directly to lodging locations at no additional cost.

- Exclusive Perks: Guests can maximize their time on the mountain with skip-the-lift-line access and the flexibility to choose when and where a lesson begins.

Epic Ascent's concierge team can also share insider recommendations to curate customized ski day itineraries that adapt to the unique goals and interests of each guest. Itinerary examples include a girls' trip with morning ski exploration and an afternoon après scene; a family vacation looking to cruise the best blue groomers for shared mountain time; individuals who want personalized coaching on expert terrain before they ski their way to a great meal on mountain; and much more.

Epic Ascent launches at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek for the 2026/27 winter season, with expansion planned to additional mountain resorts in 2027/28.

Ski & Ride School in the My Epic App Expands to 14 Resorts

Vail Resorts is significantly expanding Ski & Ride School in the My Epic app to offer guests in group lessons digital check-in for seamless arrivals, real-time lesson and photo updates, and the ability to track and build skills progression over time. Originally launched at four resorts in Colorado, the experience will be available at 14 resorts across the country this winter.

Designed for guests participating in group ski and snowboard lessons, connected Ski & Ride School in the My Epic app creates a personalized digital record of each guest's learning journey, capturing photos, lesson history, skill achievements, terrain milestones and instructor feedback in one place. Key features include digital check-in, real-time updates and photos shared throughout the day, achievement and terrain-based badges, and lesson summaries that help track progress over time and across various resorts. The experience gives parents visibility into their child's day on the mountain, while providing guests of all ages with a lasting record of their progression wherever they choose to ski and ride.

"Over the past year, we've received feedback from guests who greatly appreciated the app's ability to help parents stay connected during their kid's lessons and track skills achieved," said Rock. "Learning to ski and snowboard is a journey, and every lesson should build on the one before it. By expanding access to Ski & Ride School in the My Epic app, we're offering more guests a connected, personalized way to see that journey come to life."

Connected Ski & Ride School in the My Epic app is available this winter at Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Crested Butte, Heavenly, Hunter Mountain, Kirkwood, Mount Snow, Northstar, Okemo, Stevens Pass and Stowe.

Epic Passes on Sale for the 2026/27 Winter Season

Guests interested in Epic Ascent and Ski & Ride School this winter should purchase an Epic Pass before prices increase after October 7. With new savings for young adults, skiers and riders ages 13-30 can save 20% on an Epic Pass or Epic Local Pass. Plus, guests who purchase an Epic Pass or Epic Local Pass now will receive five Epic Friend Tickets offering 50% off adult lift tickets, making it easier to bring the crew along and save. Epic Friend Tickets can also be used for 25% off child lift ticket prices.

For those who prefer to customize their access, Epic Day Pass allows guests to choose the number of days they want to ski or ride. An Epic 4-Day Pass offers up to 65% savings compared to lift ticket prices, with prices starting at $223 for adults (ages 13+) and $116 for children (ages 5-12).

In addition to access to world-class mountain destinations, Epic Pass Holders receive exclusive savings including 20% off group lessons, equipment rentals, dining, lodging and other eligible mountain experiences with Epic Mountain Rewards.

IMAGES are available for media use here.

About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)

Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia – all available on the company's industry-changing Epic Pass. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com, or discover our resorts and Pass options at www.EpicPass.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements discussed in this press release, other than statements of historical information, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the Company's expectations and assumptions related to future performance; guest experience; investments in and enhancements to food, lessons, gear, guest engagement, people, products, services, and other offerings; opportunities; key initiatives; and strategies. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.

Refrigeration and compressed air upgrades are expected to reduce facility electricity use by more than 20%

SALEM, Ore., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Reser's Fine Foods has completed two major energy efficiency projects with Energy Trust of Oregon at its new Don Pancho West facility in Salem, Oregon.

The upgraded refrigeration and compressed air systems are expected to reduce the facility's overall electricity use by more than 20%, or nearly 1.9 million kilowatt-hours annually, and reduce facility emissions by 8%. The projects will help reduce the facility's environmental impact while supporting reliable operations, food safety and product quality.

Don Pancho moved its operations to the new 300,000 square-foot facility in September 2025, gaining additional production space and capacity. Planning the new facility gave Reser's an opportunity to incorporate energy efficiency into key equipment and system decisions, helping position Don Pancho West for efficient, reliable operations and future growth.

Energy Trust provided technical expertise, a no-cost energy study and post-installation performance analysis. The study helped Reser's evaluate energy saving opportunities, while subsequent data collection verified the performance of the completed projects.

The facility's new centralized refrigeration system uses carbon dioxide as its primary refrigerant, replacing six systems that used a refrigerant with a higher global warming potential. The system is expected to use 41% less electricity than the modeled baseline while providing more consistent temperature control and 114% greater refrigeration capacity. The project also positions Reser's as an early food manufacturing adopter of carbon dioxide refrigeration, a technology gaining attention for its environmental and operational advantages.

The compressed air project added a variable speed compressor and an energy efficient heated-blower dryer. By adjusting output to match facility demand and reducing air losses, the system is expected to use 44% less electricity than the modeled baseline.

"Energy efficiency was an important consideration as we planned and built this facility," said Rusty Corriell, Director of Capital Projects at Reser's Fine Foods. "Energy Trust brought valuable technical expertise to the process and helped us evaluate solutions that support efficient, reliable operations. These projects will help Don Pancho West operate efficiently and thrive for years to come."

The projects continue a longstanding relationship between Reser's and Energy Trust. Since 2003, the organizations have worked together on energy efficiency improvements at multiple Reser's facilities.

"Energy Trust is proud to support Reser's in incorporating energy efficiency into the new Don Pancho facility," said Laura Schaefer, Senior Program Manager at Energy Trust. "Considering energy performance early and verifying results after installation creates lasting environmental and operational benefits."

About Reser's Fine Foods

Reser's is a leading provider of fresh refrigerated deli salads, side dishes and prepared foods for the supermarket, club store and food service industries. Family owned and operated, Reser's has been a proud sponsor of Good Times at racetracks, picnics, BBQs and affordable family meals since 1950. Reser's family of brands includes Reser's American Classics, Main St Bistro, Stonemill Kitchens, Don Pancho and more. With more than 5,000 employees, Reser's operates 14 facilities in the U.S. and Mexico, and actively supports the communities it serves. Visit resers.com to learn more about the company's sustainability efforts.

About Energy Trust of Oregon

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit that helps residential, business and nonprofit utility customers use less energy, reduce energy costs and move toward renewable energy. Energy Trust provides cash incentives, technical assistance and other resources to support qualifying energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

SOURCE Reser's Fine Foods

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