In the news release, PadUp Ventures and Unicity Labs Partner to Bring Agentic Commerce Infrastructure to India, issued Feb. 27, 2026 by Unicity Labs over PR Newswire, there was a typo in the original headline, as incorrectly transmitted by PR Newswire. The complete, corrected release follows:

PadUp Ventures and Unicity Labs Partner to Bring Agentic Commerce Infrastructure to India

Agentic AI startup program will enable Indian startups to build AI agent-powered commerce applications on the Unicity Protocol

ZUG, Switzerland, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Unicity Labs, the company pioneering autonomous agentic marketplaces, and PadUp Ventures, one of India’s leading startup incubators, today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of agentic commerce infrastructure across the Indian startup ecosystem.

The Agentic AI startup program from Unicity Labs and PadUp Ventures will enable Indian startups to build AI agent-powered commerce applications on the Unicity Protocol

The partnership will identify, mentor, and fund Indian startups building applications where AI agents can discover, negotiate, and transact autonomously: from SMB sales automation to supply chain coordination to cross-border payments.

The Agentic Commerce Opportunity

As AI agents become capable of acting on behalf of businesses and consumers, they need infrastructure purpose-built for machine-speed commerce. Today’s payment rails and marketplaces were designed for humans, not millions of agents negotiating and settling transactions simultaneously. Traditional blockchains create consensus bottlenecks. Centralized platforms sacrifice trustlessness. Neither scales to the demands of the autonomous economy.

The Unicity Protocol solves this: a novel peer-to-peer blockchain architecture that eliminates the shared ledger entirely, enabling private negotiation, atomic settlement, and throughput exceeding 300 million transactions per second with 1-second finality and fixed microcent fees.

“India has 63 million SMBs, most of them bandwidth-constrained,” said Pankaj Thakar, Partner at PadUp Ventures. “They can’t afford sales teams or 24/7 customer support. AI agents change that equation entirely; but only if the infrastructure exists for agents to transact at scale. That’s what Unicity provides.”

What the Program Includes

PadUp is launching a dedicated Agentic Commerce Track within its acceleration program PrepUp, focused on startups building on the Unicity Protocol. The partnership will drive joint go-to-market efforts targeting Indian SMBs and enterprises, with qualified startups gaining access to investment from both PadUp’s network and Unicity’s ecosystem fund.

• Dedicated Agentic Commerce Track: PadUp will launch a focused acceleration track for startups building on the Unicity Protocol
• Go-to-Market in India: Joint efforts to bring agentic commerce solutions to Indian SMBs and enterprises
• Funding: Qualified startups will have access to investment from both PadUp’s network and Unicity’s ecosystem fund

Why India

India’s startup ecosystem, now the world’s third-largest with over 112,000 recognized startups — is uniquely positioned for agentic commerce adoption. A massive, underserved SMB market, deep developer talent across AI and blockchain, rapidly expanding digital payments infrastructure, and established cross-border trade corridors to the UAE, Southeast Asia, and beyond make it one of the highest-potential markets for the autonomous economy.

“India doesn’t just adopt technology, it scales it,” said Mike Gault, CEO of Unicity Labs. “UPI proved that. We believe Indian founders will build some of the most important agentic commerce applications in the world, and PadUp is exactly the right partner to find and support them.”

About Unicity Labs

Unicity Labs is building the infrastructure for the autonomous agentic internet. The Unicity Protocol replaces shared ledgers with peer-to-peer cryptographic objects, enabling AI agents to discover, transact, and settle autonomously. Founded by veterans of blockchain and cryptography, Unicity Labs has raised $3M in seed funding led by Blockchange Ventures with participation from Outlier Ventures and Tawasal. The company is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The Unicity Foundation, established in Switzerland, oversees protocol development and community governance.

Learn more  unicity.ai |  https://x.com/unicity_labs  | https://sphere.unicity.network

About PadUp Ventures

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Gurugram, PadUp Ventures is a Virtual Accelerator providing Programmatic Mentoring and Assured Funding that Ensures 500% higher chances of success for Early Stage Technology Startups/ entrepreneurs.  PadUp’s structured “programmatic” mentoring and acceleration programs have helped hundreds of startups achieve success and growth. PadUp has helped over 350 tech companies in India and UAE that have generated value of $200 million USD for their stakeholders. Portfolio companies include IntelleWings, TruScholar, and Olbrain.

Learn more: PadUp.in

NEW YORK and SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Korean skincare brand Purito Seoul has officially announced its new brand slogan, ‘From Soil to Seoul,’ Alongside this declaration, the brand will begin rolling out a series of global marketing initiatives centered around the new message. The first chapter of this expansion will be the ‘Oat Latte Campaign,’ launching with a pop-up event on March 2 in New York City’s West Village.

• ‘From Soil to Seoul‘ — Progressive Skincare Rooted in Essence

CEO Inje Cho of Purito Seoul stated that the newly introduced slogan, ‘From Soil to Seoul‘ encapsulates the brand’s philosophy.

‘Soil’ represents the origin of ingredients—the earth and the purity of nature—while ‘Seoul‘ symbolizes the modern refinement and sophisticated sensibility that complete the formulation process.

Amid ever-changing beauty trends, the brand emphasizes a rigorous philosophy of selecting only what is essential. By transforming naturally derived ingredients into advanced skincare solutions, Purito Seoul aims to highlight its expertise as a progressive skincare brand. Moving beyond the concept of ‘clean beauty,’ the company seeks to establish itself globally through refined ingredient philosophy and scientific formulation, delivering trusted skincare solutions to consumers worldwide.

•  The ‘Oat Latte Campaign’ Begins in New York

CMO Wooseob Oh of Purito Seoul announced that the ‘Oat Latte Campaign’ will serve as the brand’s first global campaign under the new slogan.

Inspired by oats, the campaign visualizes the same sensibility embodied in the brand’s bestselling Oat in Calming Gel Cream through the familiar and comforting object of an “oat latte.” Just as an oat latte conveys softness and warmth, the product gently absorbs into the skin without irritation, delivering soothing comfort to everyday life.

Through this approach, Purito Seoul positions the oat latte not merely as a concept, but as a symbolic medium representing the sensory experience the product delivers to the skin—clearly and intuitively communicating the brand message.

The campaign will officially begin with a pop-up event on March 2 in New York, a global hub of trends and culture and a key gateway for the global expansion of K-beauty. Designed as more than a simple product showcase, the pop-up will offer an immersive, multi-sensory experience of the brand’s philosophy.

Purito Seoul stated, “Through this pop-up, we aim to symbolically declare our renewed brand vision and expand our connection with global consumers and local media through diverse experiential programs and curated content.”

• 2026: Expanding Globally Across Online and Offline Platforms

CEO Inje Cho added that beginning with the Oat Latte Campaign, Purito Seoul plans to sequentially introduce a wide range of brand activities throughout the year, spanning both online and offline channels.

Through digital content campaigns, global social media communications, and experiential offline events, the brand intends to deepen its relationship with consumers while consistently conveying the message of ‘From Soil to Seoul‘.

A brand representative commented, “Purito Seoul is a brand born from a relentless pursuit of essence. Starting with our New York pop-up, we plan to further solidify our philosophy and expertise in the global market.”

The New York pop-up is expected to serve as a significant milestone, signaling Purito Seoul (https://purito.com)’s renewed brand direction and global expansion. From nature’s soil to refinement in Seoul—and now extending that journey onto the world stage—the brand’s next chapter is drawing increasing attention across the industry.

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Since the launch of BestQool, this company has always aimed to deliver the most for its customers and continuously improve its home-use products, focusing on red light therapy devices. BestQool‘s executives carefully summarized feedback on the BQ60 and developed an improved version, the BQ60Pro.

“BQ60’s strong market performance proved the maturity and reliability of its core design framework,” says Jacob, CEO of BestQool. “The BQ60Pro not only builds on that foundation with broader spectral distribution but, crucially, also gives our customers an unprecedentedly flexible, compact panel mounting solution.”

The new device from BestQool has been FDA cleared, confirming its high efficiency and gentle safety. The BQ60Pro is now available at a special retail price of just 289 USD.

Same 60 LEDs, Stronger Output, Smarter Reach
Even though the BQ60Pro has the same number of LEDs as the previous version, the new device has significantly expanded its wavelength configuration to include 630 nm, 660 nm, 680 nm, 810 nm, 850 nm, and 940 nm. In addition, thanks to improved power output, the BQ60Pro achieves localized irradiance up to 65.7 mW/cm² (at a distance of 6 inches). Combined with its 6-wavelength configuration, this enhanced output enables interaction with tissues at varying depths, supporting a range of physiological functions:

• 630 nm & 660 nm: Stimulates collagen production, improves skin tone, and supports superficial skin healing ^[1].
• 680 nm: Supports reparative processes in the middle layers of the skin and wound healing ^[2].
• 810 nm & 850 nm: Improves blood flow and circulation, supports muscle recovery, and has anti-inflammatory effects ^[3].
• 940 nm: Promotes deep tissue oxygenation and overall tissue recovery ^[4].

Innovative Mounting Solution: Save Floor Space, Target With Flexibility
BQ60Pro features a rotatable stand and new base design for flexible, user-friendly operation in various environments.

• Space-Saving Mount Above the Floor: Includes hanging hardware and a clip to secure the device on the edge of desks, bedside tables, or other elevated surfaces, freeing tabletop and floor space.
• Precision in Every Angle: The panel supports 360° rotations and 90° upward tilt, allowing flexible setup anywhere.

Unlike the panel devices commonly seen on the market that offer only fixed horizontal or vertical irradiation, the flexibility of the BQ60Pro is entirely defined by the user’s imagination. Users who wanted to receive facial or targeted red light therapy while lying in bed had to invest in bulky floor stands or dedicated mounting systems. Those who wished to use red light therapy in workout environments often had to improvise—propping one side of the device up with weight plates or other objects to achieve the proper treatment angle.

Now, the BQ60Pro can simply be secured to a headboard or existing equipment within a gym, enabling precise and comprehensive treatment sessions with maximum convenience and minimal setup.

Featuring a 6-wavelength configuration, enhanced output, and a flexible, space-saving mounting design, the BQ60Pro is now available on BestQool’s Amazon store and its official website.

About BestQool
BestQool’s mission is to bring clinically validated light therapy into daily routines. By combining user-centered design and advanced product iteration, they provide safe, effective photobiomodulation technology for personal care and small professional environments.

Media contact
Giselle
marketing@bestqool.com.

References

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SINBON and Swobbee are advancing the deployment of a citywide battery swapping network in New York City with the aim of reducing fire risks associated with e-bike charging while supporting cleaner and more reliable last-mile mobility. Leveraging SINBON’s advanced connectivity technology alongside Swobbee’s operational leadership and local deployment capabilities, the partnership is establishing a safe and scalable infrastructure model for urban micromobility.

New York City has seen a rise in e-bike battery fires and related incidents in recent years, with a reported $518.6 million in damage and loss from 2019 to 2023, which has prompted increased attention from city agencies and first responders. As the regulations that govern battery storage and charging evolve, infrastructure solutions that centralize and standardize charging environments are becoming increasingly important.

Swobbee, a provider of battery swapping and charging infrastructure for electric micromobility, is expanding its network following the successful completion of a city-supported pilot project. Since launching operations in March 2025, the company has installed multiple battery swapping stations in Manhattan and Jersey City, offering delivery riders UL-certified batteries and 24/7 access to fully charged power without the fire risks linked to home charging. After the pilot demonstrated a safer, fire-compliant alternative to traditional e-bike charging, Swobbee received approval to scale across all five boroughs, with more than dozens of additional stations planned by the end of the year.

SINBON’s advanced interconnect technology is supporting the expansion, enabling safe, efficient battery integration across the swapping network. Reliable power connectivity and traceable systems are essential to maintaining safety and operational stability. Alex Shiung, Associate Corporate Business Development Director with SINBON, commented: “SINBON is committed to advancing electrification infrastructure that is both safe and scalable. Through our collaboration with Swobbee, we are contributing technical expertise that supports New York City’s public safety goals while enabling cleaner micromobility solutions.”

Swobbee oversees deployment and operations across the network, centralizing battery charging in controlled environments to reduce fire risks. Swobbee’s model enables riders to instantly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones which eliminates charging downtime and reduces reliance on informal charging setups. Since onboarding customers in March 2025, users have completed approximately 150,000 battery swaps across New York City and Jersey City which reflects strong adoption among delivery riders. The system provides UL-certified batteries, 24/7 station access, and round-the-clock customer support, including in-person assistance in Manhattan, helping riders maintain consistent earning potential.

Thomas Duscha, CEO of Swobbee, shared: “New York City was actively looking for safer, UL-certified battery solutions and invited us to participate in the pilot project in 2024. The pilot demonstrated that battery swapping can significantly improve safety while making daily work easier for delivery riders. After its success, we received the green light to expand across all five boroughs.”

Together, SINBON and Swobbee aim to provide a scalable, fire-safe infrastructure model that aligns with public safety priorities while supporting the city’s growing micromobility ecosystem.

About Swobbee
Swobbee is a Berlin-based climate technology company, founded in 2020 with the idea that battery charging needs to be safer and more efficient in terms of operation and resource consumption. The company was born out of the need to solve the problem of a lack of charging infrastructure for battery-powered light electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, mopeds, scooters and cargo bikes. Its unique modular battery swapping hardware combined with in-house battery management software allows for flexible use cases and leaves room for customization while maintaining scalability.

About SINBON
Established in 1989, SINBON empowers industries through intelligent connectivity and sustainable innovation, enabling cleaner mobility, ethical automation, and renewable energy with care for the planet. Guided by its ESG commitment, SINBON advances carbon management and responsible manufacturing while delivering reliable, high-quality solutions worldwide, with operations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

For more information: https://www.sinbon.com/
https://swobbee.com/

Media Contact: Penny Huang 
Tel.: +886-2-2698-9999 Ext. 5671 
Email: PennyHuang@sinbon.com

SINGAPORE, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Strutt, a pioneer in smart personal mobility, announces today that its flagship vehicle, the Strutt ev¹, has been honored with the prestigious iF Design Award. This accolade further validates the company’s technological leadership and accelerates its commercial momentum, reopening additional pre-order slots following a rapid sell-out of its initial early-bird allocation.

Recognized since 1954 as a global symbol of creative excellence, the iF label is awarded by an independent jury of 129 international design and sustainability experts. The ev¹ was selected through a rigorous evaluation of over 10,000 submissions from 68 countries. This win recognizes innovators who dare to challenge conventions, rethink systems, and elevate everyday experiences into meaningful impact – a philosophy that aligns with Strutt’s design mission.

This latest honor adds to Strutt’s rapidly expanding portfolio of top-tier industry recognition, which includes the 2026 CES Innovation Award and the highly coveted 2025 Red Dot: Luminary. The consecutive winning streak represents a powerful consensus from the global tech and design communities on the ev¹’s commercial viability and market-defining potential.

The ev¹ disrupts the current market by introducing smart vehicle capabilities to the personal transport sector for the very first time. The vehicle’s proprietary evSense technology serves as a significant competitive moat. Utilizing advanced smart algorithms and LiDAR, the evSense system continuously maps the full complexity of the user’s environment in real-time. It makes seamless adjustments to proactively prevent collisions with walls, furniture, pedestrians, and pets, redefining safety and user independence.

“Securing the iF Design Award is a validation of our strategic vision and execution,” said Tony Hong, CEO of Strutt. “Following our CES Innovation Award and Red Dot: Luminary recognition, we are seeing these industry accolades translate directly into robust early-bird sales traction. Our focus remains on scaling our operations to meet this accelerating demand and delivering a product that removes the practical barriers of daily mobility.”

Following the rapid sell-out of its initial run, Strutt has released an additional allocation and reopened pre-orders. Pre-orders will remain open through the end of February via Strutt’s official website: Strutt ev¹ Pre-Order Deposit

About Strutt

Strutt is a Singapore-incorporated robotics company redefining personal transport through advanced sensing, self-driving technology, and award-winning industrial design. Since its global unveiling at CES 2026, the Strutt ev¹ has defined a new category in intelligent personal mobility, engineered to deliver electric-vehicle-level safety, intelligence, and control in a compact personal vehicle built for everyday use.

Find out more: https://www.strutt.inc/

NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of World Wildlife Day on March 3, Poposoap is launching a campaign designed to help turn backyards into simple, low-maintenance wildlife-friendly havens. Inspired by the belief that conservation can begin at home, the initiative encourages households to reconnect with nature and support birds and other local wildlife in both suburban and urban settings.

The campaign centers on Poposoap’s Wildlife-Friendly Solar Bird Bath Kit, a solar-powered solution that delivers clean, gently circulating water without wires, tools, or complex installation. Combining eco-conscious design with everyday practicality, the kit provides an accessible way for families and DIY enthusiasts to create a welcoming water source for visiting wildlife and is ideal for anyone looking to reconnect with nature at home.

Access to fresh, moving water plays an important role in sustaining backyard biodiversity. Even modest additions can help attract birds and contribute to healthier local ecosystems.

From February 27 through March 13, Poposoap is offering 15% off orders over $50 on its online store, providing affordable access to eco-conscious backyard upgrades.

Backyard Biodiversity, Made Simple
The Wildlife-Friendly Solar Bird Bath Kit reflects Poposoap’s focus on flexible, easy-to-install water garden solutions that bring nature closer to home.

The solar-powered kit includes a bird bath with an integrated fountain, creating a safe space for birds to drink and bathe. The solar panel powers the fountain in direct sunlight, offering a sustainable option suitable for gardens, patios, and smaller outdoor areas.

• Solar-powered and wire-free, operating automatically in direct sunlight with no external power required
• Eight interchangeable nozzles that create varied spray patterns and visual movement
• Weather-resistant construction for long-term outdoor use
• Tool-free setup, ready to use within minutes
• Low-maintenance design that is easy to care for throughout the seasons

Once installed and running, the Solar Bird Bath adds gentle sound, movement, and light reflection to outdoor spaces, enhancing garden ambiance while encouraging wildlife visits.

Poposoap designs all products with minimal maintenance in mind, using recycled materials, energy-saving components, and solar power wherever possible. Their systems also operate in winter, providing year-round support for backyard ecosystems.

Poposoap’s World Wildlife Day Campaign highlights a simple idea. Supporting wildlife does not require large-scale change. Sometimes it begins with something as essential as clean, moving water. For more information on how you can make a small difference with Poposoap, visit: www.poposoapsolar.com.

Promotion Details
Date: February 27 – March 13
Offer: 15% off orders over $50

About Poposoap
Poposoap is a one-stop shop for creating tranquil, sustainable, and animal-friendly garden ponds. Inspired by nature and designed with care, it provides modular water feature solutions that transform ordinary gardens into peaceful oases full of life. Poposoap believes every creature deserves a safe and beautiful space to call home — and every person deserves their own peaceful sanctuary. For more information, visit www.poposoapsolar.com.