SHANGHAI, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nuance Pharma (“Nuance”) today announced that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China has officially accepted for review the New Drug Application (NDA) for Ohtuvayre® (ensifentrine) for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Ohtuvayre® is a first-in-class selective dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 (“PDE3 and PDE4”) that combines bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effects in one molecule, delivered directly to the lungs through a standard jet nebulizer.
Mark Lotter, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nuance Pharma, said: “We are very pleased to see the NDA for Ohtuvayre® has been officially accepted in mainland China. This exciting milestone affirmed our confidence in ensifentrine’s potential to re-define the COPD treatment in China. We are committed to expanding access to Ohtuvayre®, if approved, with the goal of benefiting millions of patients battling with COPD.”
Charlie Chen, Chief Operating Officer of Nuance Pharma added: “The NDA submission was completed as planned following the positive results from the Phase 3 registrational ENHANCE-CHINA study. Following our ongoing early access programs in Hainan BoAo and Greater Bay Area, as well as regulatory approval in Macau, we look forward to accelerating patient access to this innovative medicine in China.”
Ohtuvayre® was approved by the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau Macau in February 2025, and was introduced in the Greater Bay Area in November 2025 through the “Hong Kong and Macau Medicine and Equipment Connect” policy and can be used in designated medical institutions. In November 2024, Nuance Pharma launched Ohtuvayre® in China’s Hainan Boao Pilot Zone through an early access program.
In 2021, Nuance Pharma entered into an agreement with Verona Pharma for the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Ohtuvayre® in Greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan).
In October 2025, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced the completion of the acquisition of Verona Pharma plc.
About Ohtuvayre® (ensifentrine)
Ohtuvayre® is the first inhaled therapy for the maintenance treatment of COPD in adult patients that combines bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory activities in one molecule. Verona has evaluated nebulized Ohtuvayre® in its Phase 3 clinical program ENHANCE (“Ensifentrine as a Novel inHAled Nebulized COPD thErapy”) for COPD maintenance treatment. Ohtuvayre® met the primary endpoint in both ENHANCE-1 and ENHANCE-2, demonstrating statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in lung function.
About Nuance Pharma
Nuance Pharma is an innovation focused biopharmaceutical company, with both late-stage clinical pipeline and commercial stage asset portfolio. Focusing on specialty care, Nuance has established a differentiated combination of commercialized assets and innovative pipeline across respiratory, pain management, emergency care and iron deficiency anemia. With the mission to address critical unmet medical needs in Asia Pacific, Nuance deploys the Dual Wheel model that develops a global leading innovative pipeline, while maintaining a self-sustainable commercial operation in both China and Asia as a region. For more information, please visit www.nuancepharma.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.
As a Full-Scale Manufacturer of Core Components for Commercial Outdoor Units, LG Electronics Drives Efficiency, Flexibility and Simplified Service
News Summary:
LG Electronics showcases total HVAC component solutions for commercial rooftop systems at AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas.
Comprehensive lineup includes scroll compressors, EC motors, EC fans and drives, all developed with LG’s proprietary technologies.
Integrated, single-provider component model improves system compatibility, reliability and service efficiency.
Solutions are designed to meet upcoming U.S. DOE energy efficiency standards and refrigerant transition requirements effective in 2029.
Flexible compressor configurations support capacity ranges up to 70 tons and optimize real-world, partial-load performance.
SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics (LG) will reveal its total component solutions for commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rooftop units at AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A., from February 2-4.
LG Electronics unveils total component solutions for commercial HVAC systems at AHR Expo 2026.
LG’s component business provides integrated capabilities through a comprehensive lineup that includes scroll compressors, electronically commutated (EC) motors, EC fans and drives. Built on LG’s proprietary core technologies, the wide range of core components from LG Component Solutions strengthen the company’s position as a leading global provider in the HVAC industry.
LG’s vertically integrated approach to design and manufacturing delivers end-to-end HVAC component solutions that improve system compatibility, reliability and long-term performance. By sourcing critical components from a single-provider, customers benefit from simplified system design and streamlined maintenance and service through one reliable point of contact. The lineup includes large scroll compressors ranging from 6 to 27.5 refrigeration tons (RT), along with fan motors, EC motors and drives designed for efficient integration in commercial rooftop systems.
The company’s advanced component solutions are proactively aligned with upcoming energy-efficiency and refrigerant transition regulations for commercial and residential HVAC systems in North America, set to take effect in 2029. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced stricter standards that prioritize real-world, partial-load operating conditions over conventional full-load capacity metrics – driving fundamental changes in product design. LG offers a complete commercial component lineup across refrigerant types and power supply configurations while maintaining consistent capacity levels. This approach provides customers with greater flexibility during the transition and enables equipment replacement without requiring a full system redesign.
With flexible tandem and trio[1] configuration options, LG’s scroll compressors extend capacity coverage up to 70 tons. A parallel design supports extended capacity and strong efficiency at partial loads, while a combination of fixed-speed and two-stage compressors delivers a 12- to 27.5-ton capacity range suited to diverse commercial rooftop needs.[2]
LG’s fixed-speed scroll compressors incorporate enhanced motor efficiency and refined bearing designs that reduce friction, resulting in reliable performance. Two-stage scroll compressors provide added flexibility by modulating between 67 and 100 percent capacity,[3] sustaining optimal performance as operating conditions change.
Complementing the compressor lineup, LG is also introducing large-scale EC fans designed for increased efficiency and durability. An optimized structure design mitigates airflow resistance, while reinforced fan construction reduces energy loss and supports demanding commercial applications. LG’s proprietary EC motor technology further enhances efficiency, low-noise operation and intelligent system control.
“Our total component solutions empower customers to develop more efficient and reliable commercial HVAC systems while simplifying service and maintenance,” said Kim Cheol, head of the Component Solution Business at the LG Electronics Home Appliance Solution Company. “By providing a broad portfolio of core components from a single, trusted source, we continue to advance customer-focused innovation and demonstrate our long-term commitment to sustainable and forward-thinking HVAC solutions.”
Visitors to AHR Expo 2026 can explore total component solutions for commercial HVAC rooftop units at LG Component Solution booth from February 2-4 (#SU234, Las Vegas Convention Center), directly next to the LG Air Conditioning Technologies booth (Booth #SU223), where showcasing its latest product innovations and an expanded portfolio of advanced HVAC solutions for both commercial and residential applications in the United States.
1Tandem or trio compressorsare defined as two or three compressors that are connected in parallel to work together within the same refrigeration or air conditioning system.
2Product features, specifications, and performance data are based on internal testing and may vary depending on the actual operating environment.
3LG Two-Stage Scroll Compressor functions in the dual-mode—one-stage operation at approximately 67% for energy-saving mode in moderate environments and two-stage operation at 100% for power mode in high-demand conditions. Actual performance and efficiency may vary depending on system configuration, installation environment, and operating conditions.
About LG Component Solution Business The LG Electronics Component Solution business is a global innovator in HVAC and appliance components, delivering high-efficiency, energy-saving technologies for residential and commercial applications for more than 60 years. Its portfolio spans household appliances to large-scale commercial HVAC systems, offering advanced compressor and motor solutions designed to meet diverse customer needs. Since beginning motor production in 1962, LG Component Solution has manufactured more than one billion compressors and motors worldwide. The Component Solution business operates as part of the LG Electronics Home Appliance Solution Company.
About LG Electronics Home Appliance Solution Company The LG Home Appliance Solution Company (HS) is a global leader in home appliances and AI home solutions. By leveraging industry-leading core technologies, the HS Company is committed to enhancing consumers’ quality of life and promoting sustainability. The company develops thoughtfully designed kitchen and living appliance solutions and has recently integrated LG’s Robot Business Division to incorporate advanced robot technologies into its home solutions. Together, these products offer enhanced convenience, exceptional performance, efficient operation and sustainable lifestyle solutions. For more news on LG, visit www.LGnewsroom.com.
TOKYO, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ricoh announced today that it has once again been named one of the 2026 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations — marking the 14th time the company has received this recognition.
In the 2026 Global 100 assessment, Ricoh achieved the following rankings:
19th among 1,043 companies in the Information Technology Sector
3rd within the Computers and peripherals manufacturing Peer Group
Ricoh named to the 2026 Global 100 list by Corporate Knights, marking its 14th appearance among the world’s most sustainable corporations.
The Global 100 is an annual ranking published by Corporate Knights Inc., a leading sustainable-economy media and research organisation. Based on publicly disclosed data from 8,231 companies with annual revenues of more than US$1 billion, the ranking evaluates companies using three equally weighted performance indicators — sustainable revenue, sustainable investment and sustainable revenue growth — with additional adjustments for penalties and executive compensation linked to sustainability performance. Results are announced during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Mikako Suzuki, Corporate Officer in charge of ESG and Risk Management at Ricoh Company, Ltd., said, “The Ricoh Group is advancing its sustainability initiatives by aligning ESG with business growth. We are honoured to be recognised once again as a Global 100 company. This recognition reflects high evaluations of our continued efforts to expand sales of sustainable products and services, as well as investments in sustainability, including upgrades to energy-efficient facilities. Looking ahead, we will continue to work with our stakeholders to accelerate efforts toward realising a sustainable society through business activities.”
Ricoh’s approach to sustainability is to pursue a sustainable society through a Three Ps Balance — Prosperity (economic), People (society) and Planet (environment). To realise this vision, Ricoh has identified seven material issues in two focus areas — “Resolving social issues through business” and “Robust management infrastructure” — and has set 16 ESG targets linked to these issues. In 2020, Ricoh positioned ESG initiatives as future financial targets — one of the dual companywide management targets along with regular financial goals. Since then, ESG indicators have been incorporated into Ricoh’s executive compensation.”
Ricoh is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support the digital transformation of workplaces, workspaces and optimise business performance.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh’s global operation reaches customers in approximately 200 countries and regions, supported by cultivated knowledge, technologies, and organisational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history. In the financial year ended March 2025, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,527 billion yen (approx. 16.8 billion USD).
It is Ricoh’s mission and vision to empower individuals to find ‘Fulfilment through Work’ by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realise a sustainable future.
Bringing together local and overseas innovation talents and leaders to deepen cross-border, cross-campus collaboration
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 January 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), together with 15 local tertiary institutions, marked a major milestone as Hong Kong Techathon+, the city’s largest international intercollegiate innovation and technology (I&T) annual event, celebrated its 10th anniversary. The Hong Kong Techathon+ Finale was successfully held recently (on 24 January) at Hong Kong Science Park. The team “Cresento” from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology won the Gold Award in the category of Trusted AI and Data Science under the Local Track (Open Group) as well as the Best Presentation Award voted by the audience.
The 10th anniversary finale of Hong Kong Techathon+, co-organised by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institutions, took place at Hong Kong Science Park, bringing together representatives from local and overseas institutions, industry partners, and innovation teams to mark this milestone.
In parallel, the Global University Innovation Network (GUIN), jointly established by HKSTP and its 15 local tertiary institution partners, convened its inaugural forum on 23 January. The forum brought together GUIN member representatives and academic I&T leaders for in-depth exchanges on innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem development, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T and talent hub.
Hong Kong Techathon+ is co-organised by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institutions, including: City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Lingnan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The University of Hong Kong, Tung Wah College; and three institutions under the Vocational Training Council – The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, and Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology.
Record-high International Participation Highlights Hong Kong’s Role as a Hub for Talent, Markets and Opportunity
This year’s Techathon+ attracted enthusiastic participation from both local and overseas universities, Approximately 1,900 participants formed over 470 teams. Notably, 215 overseas teams joined, underscoring the event’s growing international appeal.
Following rigorous selection, 172 teams advanced to the finale, including 122 local teams and 50 overseas teams from Australia, Brazil, Chinese Mainland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, the UK, and the US. Kazakhstan, Japan, Korea and the UK participated for the first time through their university representatives, further demonstrating Techathon+’s reach as an international platform for I&T exchange.
A Decade of Growth: From a Local Challenge to One of Asia’s Major Inter-University I&T Platforms
HKSTP Chief Executive Officer Mr Terry Wong said: “Since its launch in 2015, Hong Kong Techathon+ has grown from a local challenge to one of Asia’s largest intercollegiate I&T events — driving creativity and collaboration while creating international impact. Techathon+ brings together outstanding young talents across tertiary institutions, turning ideas into innovative solutions that respond to societal needs and carry strong potential for real-world application. The platform has expanded the global pipeline of innovators and entrepreneurs, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a hub connecting talents, markets, and opportunities, and writing the next chapter of Hong Kong’s I&T story.”
Beyond a Competition: A Comprehensive “Soft-landing” platform for Entrepreneurship
Hong Kong Techathon+ is more than a university innovation competition. Over the past decade, the platform has engaged over 9,000 participants, nurturing innovative talents and supporting the growth of startups.
Non-local teams also participated in a four-day immersive programme, featuring I&T ecosystem seminars, mentorship, investor matching, visits at Hong Kong Science Park, and tours to Chinese Mainland I&T bases, helping participants explore market expansion opportunities across the Greater Bay Area.
HKSTP also invites selected high-potential finalist teams and winners to join its Ideation Programme, offering up to HK$100,000 in seed funding (along with support aligned with participating universities’ startup programmes), free co-working spaces, access to advanced technology resources and professional mentorship. Through HKSTP’s incubation and industry networks, teams are supported from prototype development to sustainable startups operations – scaling progressively and building international impact.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the exclusive Technology Enabler for the 10th Edition of Hong Kong Techathon+, providing participating startups with access to leading cloud and artificial intelligence technologies and platforms. Through this collaboration, AWS offered competing teams technology resources in generative AI and machine learning, professional technical support, and workshop to accelerate innovation and drive Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub.
Inaugural GUIN Forum: Deepening Global University Innovation Collaboration
The first Global University Innovation Network (GUIN) Forum was successfully held on 23 January at Hong Kong Science Park, bringing together GUIN member institution representatives and I&T experts. The forum focused on three key areas:
Exploring strategies for university-industry technology transfer collaboration to achieve win-win innovation outcomes
Examining the Greater Bay Area as a hub for international innovation collaboration, including opportunities for research commercialisation and cross-border partnership, and
Strengthening global collaboration networks through actionable pathways.
Speakers included Dr Tony Raven, former CEO of Cambridge Enterprise; Professor Poh Kam Wong, Emeritus Professor at National University of Singapore; and Dr Alwin Wong, Chair of the Association of Technology Transfer Professionals (ATTP), among others.
Co-founded last year by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institution partners with support from multiple overseas institutions and partners, GUIN aims to bring together leading minds to advance international collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a global talent and innovation hub.
In his welcome address at the forum, Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP remarked: “We are building GUIN into a ‘global platform for innovation exchange and incubation’ — sharing knowledge, co-creating initiatives, and connecting startups with campus incubation resources and markets worldwide to turn concepts into tangible outcomes.”
Since last summer, HKSTP and university partners have launched the Theme-based Global Incubation Programmes under GUIN with three initiatives currently underway focusing on dentistry, visual technology, and the circular economy. The inaugural ” Global Hub for Future Dentistry” programme has attracted 40 top applicants worldwide. Additional thematic incubation programmes are in preparation, and GUIN members and partner organisations are welcomed to co-develop this expanding international collaboration.
The 10th Edition of Hong Kong Techathon+ Partial Awards List:
Local Track (Student Group)
Technology Theme
Award
Winning Team
Project Brief
Trusted AI & Data Science
Gold
SpeakRight
An AI‑powered voice‑changing solution designed to demonstrate and enhance speech training applications.
Sustainability & ESG
Gold
Hydroforge Tech
Development of cost‑efficient AEM electrolysis systems using a binder‑free, self‑growing electrode technology to enable scalable green hydrogen production.
Life Science & Healthcare
Gold
Nanos
A tech‑driven Contract Development & Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) platform that rescues undeliverable drug candidates through proprietary drug‑carrier optimisation, targeting breakthrough therapies including Alzheimer’s.
Digital Economy & Smart City
Gold
Smart Mall Wayfinding with AI Paedestrian Dead Reckoning Technology
An AI-powered Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) solution – an infrastructure‑light indoor navigation that delivers accurate mall wayfinding using AI‑powered pedestrian dead‑reckoning with minimal deployment cost.
Tech FYP Group
Gold
OmniWatch AI – A Scalable, Multi-Model AI Proctoring Engine and Invigilator Dashboard
A privacy‑preserving, multi‑modal AI platform for onsite digital exam proctoring that detects suspicious behaviours in real time and enables scalable, non‑intrusive invigilation.
Local Track (Open Group)
Technology Theme
Award
Winning Team
Project Brief
Trusted AI & Data Science
Gold
Cresento*
A Hong Kong–based sports technology startup developing AI‑powered smart shin guard solution, delivering actionable performance insights for safer, smarter football training.
Sustainability & ESG
Gold
Off-Grid AEM Hydrogen Production Driven by Fluctuating Renewable Energy
A modular off‑grid AEM electrolysis system designed for stable hydrogen production from fluctuating renewable energy sources.
Life Science & Healthcare
Gold
Illuminatio Medical Technology
A medical imaging startup developing non‑invasive diagnostics to improve the assessment of chronic liver disease (CLD).
Digital Economy & Smart City
Gold
MicroLink
A micro‑LED‑based optical interconnect technology enabling faster, more energy‑efficient data transfer for next‑generation AI data centres.
Global Track
Technology Theme
Award
Winning Team
Project Brief
Life Science & Healthcare
Gold
Cancer Immunotherapy
A next‑generation cancer immunotherapy programme developing novel PD‑1 combination treatments to improve outcomes for solid tumours.
Non-Life Science & Healthcare
Gold
ROTOBOOST
ROTOBOOST develops Thermo‑Catalytic Decomposition (TCD) technology to produce low‑cost, low‑carbon hydrogen from diverse hydrocarbon feedstocks, enabling efficient pre‑combustion carbon removal at industrial scale.
*Winner of Best Presentation Award voted by the audience.
Hashtag: #HKSTP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SHANGHAI, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Leveraging the solid foundation laid by its highly renowned 2025 edition, Hi & Fi Asia-China, Asia’s premier platform for health ingredients and food innovation, is delighted to announce the official launch of pre-registration for its 2026 edition. Scheduled to be held from 15-17 June 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai, the event will serve as a vital hub for global industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to converge, collaborate, and explore new possibilities in the dynamic food and health innovation landscape.
2025 A Lookback at Key Results
The 2025 edition of Hi & Fi Asia-China delivered remarkable achievements. With a 27% year-on-year increase in overall attendance, a 39% surge in international participation, and a record-high 90% visitor satisfaction rate, the event brought together 20,030 visitors from 92 countries, along with key exhibitors including Angel Enzyme, Bloomage Biotechnology, Amicogen, and BYHEALTH. 88% of exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the event, and 88% indicated they would return in 2026, a testament to the platform’s unparalleled value in fostering meaningful connections and driving business growth.
2026 Event Scale & Co-Location Advantages
Hi & Fi Asia-China 2026, covering 3 venues, is poised to elevate the industry benchmark further, with an expanded scale and enhanced offerings designed to meet the evolving needs of the global food and health sector. Co-located with Healthplex Expo, Natural & Nutraceutical Products China (HNC), Asia Organic Industry Expo, Starch Expo, ProPak China, FoodPack China, and the event will cover a 200,000㎡ exhibition area, hosting over 2,500 exhibitors and welcoming more than 120,000 expected visitors, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with high-value partners worldwide.
Key Highlights & Industry-Focused Activities
This year’s event will focus on cutting-edge industry trends, featuring a diverse range of pavilions, thematic tours, and high-level seminars tailored to drive innovation. Specialized events will address critical industry topics: probiotics, silver economy, functional nutrition innovation, wellness solutions for aging populations, nutricosmetics, novel food ingredients, sports nutrition, and food safety, etc., providing attendees with actionable insights into the latest market trends and technological breakthroughs.
Fi Innovation Awards
A highlight of the event is the Fi Innovation Awards 2026, consisting of five categories to recognize outstanding innovations across the food and health sector. The FoodTec Innovation Award honors technological breakthroughs in food ingredients and their processing applications; the Health Innovation Award recognizes innovations in healthier, more nutritious ingredients meeting consumer health demands; the Food Manufacturing Innovation Award is honoring companies with advanced machinery, technological improvements and production efficiency optimization; the Sustainable Food Supply Chain Innovation Award celebrates contributions to green development via sustainable ingredients, environmental technologies and supply chain optimization; and the Future Botanical Innovation Award focuses on innovative plant-based ingredients, extracts and related technologies.
Exhibition Scope & Value-Added Services
Exhibitors at Hi & Fi Asia-China 2026 will showcase a comprehensive range of products, including health ingredients, beverage ingredients, natural flavors & fragrances, seasonings, pet food ingredients, functional & nutraceutical ingredients, and plant-based ingredients. The event will also offer value-added services such as an Import & Export Desk with on-site experts to resolve trading and certification queries in real time.
Pre-Registration Details & Contact Information
Pre-registration is now open for all industry professionals eager to join the innovation movement. Secure your visitor pass to gain early access to the world’s leading platform for health and food innovation, connect with global partners, and discover the next big trends shaping the industry.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Hi & Fi Asia-China 2026—where innovation meets opportunity, and the future of food and health takes shape.
BANGKOK, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A doctoral graduate from Chulalongkorn University has developed Thailand’s first woven fiber made from discarded durian peels, transforming one of the country’s largest agricultural waste streams into high-value, sustainable fashion materials with global potential.
Thai Researcher Turns Durian Peel Waste into High-Value Sustainable Fiber
Dr. Usa Prachakul, a doctoral graduate from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University (Creative Arts – Fashion and Textiles), the creator of “Circular Textile Innovation from Durian Peel Waste to Anti-bacterial Clothing converts durian peel waste into textile fibers that offer higher breathability than pure silk and near-100 percent antibacterial properties. The material has been used to create fashion and lifestyle items under the brand MUW, which blends natural materials, art, and spiritual beliefs. The research received the Outstanding Award at the 2024 Thailand Research Expo, underscoring its scientific and commercial promise.
Thailand is the world’s largest producer of durian, with exports of fresh and processed products rising sharply in recent years—by nearly 488 percent. This growth, however, has intensified environmental pressures. Data from 2017 to 2021 show that durian peels generate about 146 million kilograms of waste annually, a figure that continues to increase. Most of this waste is currently disposed of through landfilling or open burning, practices that impose costs on farmers while contributing to pollution and long-term health risks for surrounding communities.
Seeking alternatives to burning and burial, the researcher focused on extracting value from durian peels through material science and sustainable design. The resulting fiber not only reduces waste but also offers functional advantages over conventional textiles, including natural antibacterial qualities and enhanced comfort, without relying on chemical treatments.
Beyond technical performance, the project aims to support Thailand’s soft power strategy by positioning sustainable Thai innovation on the global stage. By turning an abundant local by-product into premium fashion materials, the work connects environmental stewardship with creative industries and economic development.
The researcher said the project demonstrates how agricultural waste can be reimagined as a resource rather than a liability. By integrating scientific research with design and cultural storytelling, the durian-peel fiber shows potential for scaling up production, generating new income streams, and reducing the environmental footprint of Thailand’s booming durian industry.
As global demand grows for eco-friendly materials and circular-economy solutions, the durian-peel fiber highlights how locally grounded research can address environmental challenges while creating distinctive products for international markets.
About Chulalongkorn University Chulalongkorn University has made the world’s top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.
SINGAPORE, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — While the aviation sector rushes to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, innovations beyond the limits of sustainable aviation fuel remain essential. This is where Toshiba’s superconducting motor fits: a compact, lightweight, and high-output solution for electric propulsion systems. With less than one-tenth of the weight and size of conventional 2MW-class motors, such a drastic reduction in size and weight represents a game-changer in aviation, where every kilogram matters, and high output is required.
Less than one-tenth the weight and smaller than other 2MW-class motors with the same output power
Recognizing the promise of the prototype motor, first presented in 2022, the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, began collaborative research in 2024 to further develop and scale this technology. The joint signing of the partnership agreement at Japan International Aerospace Expo 2024 underlining both companies’ determination to promote aerospace innovation. Building on over 50 years of experience in superconducting technology, this partnership brings together Toshiba’s and Airbus’s innovations in hydrogen propulsion and aircraft electrification programs and marks a pivotal step toward realizing zero-emission flight.
An image of an aircraft equipped with a superconducting motor
Hydrogen-powered aircraft are set to transform air travel by replacing fossil fuels with clean energy solutions. Hydrogen can power aircraft in two ways: burning it in turbines or converting it to electricity in fuel cells. The second way is much more efficient, as it allows electric propulsion with zero CO₂ emissions. Toshiba’s superconducting motor amplifies this advantage by operating at cryogenic temperatures and, therefore, no electrical resistance, maximizing energy efficiency. Liquefied hydrogen stored at -253°C environment serves as both fuel and coolant, creating a perfect synergy that improves performance while reducing weight and paving the way for sustainable aviation.
Beyond aviation, Toshiba envisions superconducting motor technology as a powerful engine for sustainable mobility in various applications. Its lightweight, high-output design and cryogenic efficiency make it ideal for large-scale applications where weight and energy performance are critical. Potential future uses include powering next-generation ships for clean maritime transport and propulsion for space travel.
Toshiba combines technologies to achieve a greater good
Toshiba and Airbus have taken a revolutionary path toward carbon-neutral skies, reshaping aviation with superconducting motors and hydrogen-powered propulsion systems. This collaboration goes beyond engineering; it embodies a vision of mobility free from carbon emissions while breaking through new efficiency frontiers. By pairing superconductivity with hydrogen’s potential as a clean energy source, the partnership is shaping a future where aircraft fly farther, cleaner, and smarter.
Achieving Carbon Neutrality in industries and transportation with Toshiba
The company is recognized for its market-leading software monetization innovation, end-to-end life cycle enablement, and customer-centric product leadership.
SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Revenera has been awarded the 2026 Global Product Leadership Recognition in the software value chain enablement industry for its outstanding achievements in innovation, strategic execution, and customer impact. This recognition highlights Revenera’s consistent leadership in helping software producers navigate digital transformation, strengthen monetization strategies, and deliver measurable value across increasingly complex hybrid environments.
Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: business impact and product portfolio attributes. Revenera excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to align product innovation with evolving market demand while executing at scale with operational excellence. “With a comprehensive suite of solutions that span software monetization, installation, and composition analysis, Revenera empowers software producers to streamline operations, reduce risks, and unlock new revenue streams,” said Alaa Saayed, Vice President of Research – Digital Content at Frost & Sullivan.
Guided by a long-term growth strategy centered on platform innovation, customer partnerships, and continuous product evolution, Revenera has demonstrated strong agility in a rapidly transforming software economy. As organizations transition to cloud-native, subscription-based, and usage-driven models, Revenera’s sustained investment in software monetization, compliance intelligence, and life cycle transparency has enabled customers to scale efficiently across global markets.
Innovation remains central to Revenera’s approach. Its integrated portfolio supports the full software life cycle—from development and installation to delivery, monetization, and protection—addressing the needs of SaaS, on-premises, embedded, AI-enabled, and IoT-driven solutions. The platform enables flexible pricing models, granular usage intelligence, and entitlement enforcement that align revenue with customer value while mitigating operational and compliance risk.
“Revenera enables technology companies to monetize software across intelligent devices, on-premises software and cloud‑native apps—turning usage into revenue with flexible pricing, entitlement control, and deep analytics. Our customers launch faster, protect IP, and scale profitable growth across SaaS, embedded, and on‑premises deployments. We’re grateful for Frost & Sullivan’s recognition and proud to partner with customers for success,” said Nicole Segerer, SVP and General Manager, Revenera.
Revenera’s unwavering commitment to customer experience further reinforces its leadership position. Its modular, scalable architecture serves organizations of all sizes, from emerging software innovators to global enterprises, while integrating seamlessly with quote-to-cash ecosystems including billing, CRM, ERP, and subscription management systems. Through responsive support, localized expertise, and data-driven insights, Revenera continues to help customers reduce churn, improve renewals, and accelerate growth.
Frost & Sullivan commends Revenera for setting a high standard in product leadership, innovation execution, and market responsiveness. The company’s unified platform vision, deep monetization expertise, and customer-first culture are shaping the future of the software value chain enablement industry and delivering tangible, long-term results. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Product Leadership Recognition to a company that demonstrates outstanding product strategy and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in market adoption, customer satisfaction, and competitive differentiation. The recognition honors organizations that are redefining their industries through innovation excellence.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition
Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards. Contact us: Start the discussion.
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