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Rockwell Automation Report Finds CPG Industry Prioritizing Innovation Over Cost-Cutting

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Research shows CPG leaders are investing in AI and talent to stay competitive

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced the results of the 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Edition. The findings highlight how manufacturers are placing greater importance on innovation, workforce development, and long-term growth strategies.

Research shows CPG leaders are investing in AI and talent to stay competitive
Research shows CPG leaders are investing in AI and talent to stay competitive

The CPG industry is facing pressure on multiple fronts, from the growth of store brands to the demand for faster innovation and more sustainable products. At the same time, consumer loyalty is harder to earn, and expectations for customization and transparency are rising. In response to this, CPG companies are moving away from small-scale technology pilots and investing in solutions that deliver measurable results across the organization.

The combination of workforce training, better use of data, and more adaptable systems is helping these manufacturers stay competitive while managing complexity. And as private-label brands expand and consumer expectations evolve, CPG leaders are prioritizing investments that help them compete more effectively in a crowded and fast-changing market.

Notable Key Trends from 2024 to 2025:

Rising Competition Leads Industry Concerns:

In 2024, economic uncertainty and inflation were main challenges noted in our annual survey. In 2025, competition has taken the lead, driven by increased market pressure from private-label products and changing consumer buying habits.

Technology Needs to Work for People:

Companies are focusing less on simply adopting new tools and more on making sure new technology fits their teams and operations. Usability and scalability are now critical factors in technological decisions. Capabilities CPG leaders are looking for in their workforce include: communications/teamwork (86%), adaptability/flexibility (85%), while analytical thinking and cybersecurity practices are tied (84%).

AI and Robotics Lead Investment Priorities: 

At the heart of technology investment decisions is a shift in thinking. 70% of CPG manufacturers say they are investing in AI, robotics, and simulation technologies for long-term business growth. This is a shift from last year when technology supported more sales analytics and process optimization.

More companies are using data effectively

The number of manufacturers who say they are using their data to guide decision-making is up from 40% in 2024 to 44% in 2025. AI is playing a growing role in data utilization in key areas like quality control, logistics, and cybersecurity, scoring 5% above the general average.

Workforce strategies are evolving

While 2024 emphasized attracting skilled labor, the 2025 report shows 34% of manufacturers are concentrating more on training current employees on updated processes, while 33% of the focus is on managing change effectively and improving employee retention.

“CPG manufacturers are no longer just reacting to disruption—they’re proactively investing in technologies that deliver sustainable growth and competitive advantage,” said Steve Deitzer, vice president, Global Industry, CPG, Rockwell Automation. “This year’s report shows a clear pivot toward long-term thinking, where AI, automation, and workforce enablement are central to success.”

Scalability and integration are now central to how CPG leaders approach growth. By aligning technology, people and processes, companies are working to build more agile and efficient operations that can keep up with market changes.

The 2025 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, based on insights from 174 CPG leaders across 15 countries, is part of Rockwell Automation’s broader global research initiative surveying over 1,500 manufacturing decision-makers. The full findings of the report can be found here.

About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit  www.rockwellautomation.com.

Farewell to TWG 2025, Friendship Endures: Foreign Journalists Thank Volunteers with Gifts

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CHENGDU, China, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On August 17, The World Games 2025 Chengdu (TWG 2025) officially came to a close. According to Hongxing News, as the event concluded, media assistant volunteers received souvenirs from journalists around the world. These thoughtful gifts stand as tokens of appreciation and bear witness to the friendships that quietly blossomed over more than ten days of working together.

Ten Days Together, Friendships Beyond Borders

Throughout the Games, media assistants became invaluable “bridges of communication” for international journalists, providing interpretation, coordination, and other support. Their dedication made them some of the journalists’ closest partners throughout TWG 2025.

Wei Yongjia (center) with Czech journalists
Wei Yongjia (center) with Czech journalists

On a postcard to media assistant Wei Yongjia, a Czech journalist wrote: “Thank you for your help, care, and information support. Whenever I think of TWG in Chengdu, I will remember you. Thank you for introducing your culture to me. If you ever come to the Czech Republic, I will show you around.”

Handwritten thank-you postcard from Czech journalists
Handwritten thank-you postcard from Czech journalists

Volunteers Liu Jingye and Shi Ziyue from Southwest Jiaotong University, who served in the Japanese-language group, once helped two Japanese journalists resolve an urgent issue with their registration cards. “The two journalists, about the same age as my father, bowed deeply to thank me. In that moment, I truly felt the value of my work,” Liu recalled. Later, the journalists gave the volunteers small mirrors from Japan as tokens of gratitude. Shi added: “Even before they arrived, we had already communicated extensively online. They told us they had traveled to more than 40 countries, but this was their first time in China. They said, ‘Because of you, we already felt China is a good country and Chengdu a wonderful city—we had been looking forward to coming.'”

Duan Haisuan, a media assistant in the French-language group, received two photos from a French journalist—one of them a candid shot taken while she was resting. “It felt like the kind of playful interaction only friends share,” Duan said with a smile. During the Games, she also accompanied the journalist to Chunxi Road, Taikoo Li, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. On one walk, when asked if she had any French friends, Duan replied no. The journalist warmly told her, “Now you do—it’s me.”

Volunteering Brings Growth and Expands Global Horizons

For the volunteers—mostly university and graduate students—the experience was far more than a service role.

“Taking part in an international event like this is a rare and valuable experience,” said Wei Yongjia. With systematic training and hands-on practice, each volunteer found a sense of purpose in their role and contributed to the smooth operation of the Games.

Duan Haisuan said the work broadened her horizons. She was deeply moved by the moments when athletes from different countries embraced after competitions, and when the cheers of coaches and spectators rang out together. “It gave me the motivation to study harder and strive for bigger stages, so the world can see the spirit of China’s young generation,” she said.

For Liu Jingye and Shi Ziyue, the city’s transformation was equally impressive. “With major international events like the FISU World University Games and TWG being held one after another, Chengdu now has more sports venues, and citizens are more enthusiastic about fitness. The entire city feels more vibrant.”

Though the Games have come to an end, the friendships will endure. The invitations written on postcards and the sentiments carried in small gifts will travel across mountains and seas, continuing to write new chapters in the years to come.

Yimutian Inc. Announces Pricing of $20.541 Million Initial Public Offering

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BEIJING, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yimutian Inc. (“Yimutian” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: YMT), a leading agricultural B2B platform in mainland China, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 5,010,000 American depositary shares (“ADSs”), each representing 25 Class A ordinary shares, at a price of $4.10 per ADS for a total offering size of approximately $20.541 million, assuming the underwriter does not exercise its option to purchase additional ADSs. The Company is offering 4,522,000 ADSs, and the selling shareholders are offering 488,000 ADSs. In addition, the Company has granted the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to an aggregate of 678,300 additional ADSs from the Company at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for the enhancement and expansion of its digital agricultural commerce services of its apps, the development of technological infrastructure and product operations in relation to its new business initiatives, the expansion of its agricultural sourcing and trading services and working capital and general corporate purposes.

The ADSs have been approved for listing and are expected to begin trading on Nasdaq Stock Market on August 19, 2025 under the symbol “YMT.” The offering is expected to close on or about August 20, 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

US Tiger Securities, Inc. acts as the representative of the underwriter.

A registration statement related to these securities has been filed with and declared effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the effective registration statement. When available, copies of the final prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained by contacting the following underwriter: US Tiger Securities, Inc., 437 Madison Ave, 27/F, New York, NY 10022, United States of America, or by telephone at +1-646-978-5188, or by emailing ecm@ustigersecurities.com. 

About Yimutian Inc.

Yimutian Inc., is a leading agricultural B2B platform in mainland China. Over a decade, the company has been dedicated to digitalizing China’s agricultural product supply chain infrastructure to streamline the agricultural product transaction process, and making it efficient, transparent, secure, and convenient.

As of March 31, 2025, Yimutian served over 39 million merchants and hosted approximately 21 million SKUs. In 2024, the company connected over 770,000 sellers and over 6 million buyers, highlighting its robust transaction volume and engagement.

Powered by profound industry expertise and accumulated market insights, Yimutian delivers a full suite of digital services—from search and match to transaction facilitation and settlement. In recent years, Yimutian has ventured into the realm of smart farming and agricultural sourcing and trading, further broadening its commercialization channels and bolstering other business lines.

For more information, please visit ir.ymt.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to,” or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

ISCA Launches $2 Million Career Support Programme to Help Jobseekers Pivot into Accountancy Profession

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – With the demand for accountancy and finance professionals growing amid Singapore’s transition to a digital and sustainable economy, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) today launched a $2 million Career Support Programme to help jobseekers and mid-career individuals pivot confidently into the accountancy profession.

Unveiled by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and National Development at ISCA’s Annual Dinner, the initiative is designed to provide both practical career support and financial relief at a time when many Singaporeans are seeking to reskill and future-proof their careers.

Developed in partnership with the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and Workforce Singapore (WSG), the Career Support Programme includes:

  • Professional Affiliation & Recognition – Eligible jobseekers will enjoy ISCA membership fee waivers, gain recognition through ISCA credentials, and access structured pathways to professional designations.
  • Learning & Upskilling Support – Complimentary networking events, talks, and e-learning via ISCAccountify, alongside a “Skills First, Pay Later” scheme that lets participants train first and only pay when they secure employment.
  • AI-enabled ISCA Talent Marketplace – As the programme’s centrepiece, this platform connects jobseekers with employers, conducts personalised skills-gap analyses, and provides tailored recommendations for next career steps. Since its soft launch in July, the platform has featured over 100 job postings by 28 employers, and over 150 job profiles created by jobseekers. The roles range from sustainability, AI consultancy to business finance and traditional accountancy roles.

Accountancy careers continue to experience sustained demand and the diversity of roles across industries offer opportunities for professionals who are open to upskill and expand their skillsets or even do a career switch. Professionals from general administration, customer care, engineering and equity investment who have leveraged WSG’s Career Conversion Programmes have successfully pivoted to assurance and financial accounting roles.

Ms Dilys Boey, Chief Executive, WSG, said: “The ISCA Career Support Programme offers a robust platform that guides individuals into accountancy careers. The synergy between WSG’s career advisory services and ISCA’s AI-enabled Talent Marketplace as well as industry expertise creates more opportunities for Singaporeans to join the sector at any career stage. This partnership not only enhances employment outcomes but also makes accountancy a more accessible career choice for all. Together with ISCA, we’re committed to helping Singaporeans discover and pursue meaningful careers whilst enabling companies to fulfil their talent requirements.”

The Career Support Programme will also prepare professionals for the impact of AI on jobs. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, global macro trends will create about 170 million new jobs this decade while displacing 92 million roles. Technological skills, especially AI and big data, are projected to grow in importance more rapidly than any other skills in the next five years. In anticipation of these shifts, ISCA had committed $2 million to spearhead its AI for Accountancy Industry (AI for AI) initiative through a multi-pronged approach. Through research, education, and adoption, the initiative will support firms and accountants in effectively harnessing AI across audit, non-audit, and commercial sectors.

ISCA President Mr Teo Ser Luck said: “AI will fundamentally reshape the accountancy sector and fuel demand for accountants with new skills to thrive in the digital economy. The ISCA Career Support Programme reflects our strong commitment to the profession and its people. By providing resources, financial relief, and practical tools such as the AI-enabled ISCA Talent Marketplace, we aim to support individuals — whether they are new entrants to the profession or experienced accountants displaced by change — through skill-gap training and career opportunities. Our goal is to help them find their footing, stay relevant, and move forward with clarity and purpose.”
Hashtag: #CareerSupportProgramme #CSP #Jobs #AI #Accountancy

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore with over 40,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries.

Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy profession.

ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation.

ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries.

For more information, visit .

ISCA Celebrates 10 Years of ISCA Cares with Launch of Commemorative Book Series at Annual Dinner

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SINGAPORE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its charity arm, ISCA Cares, at its Annual Dinner today. To mark the milestone, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and National Development launched ISCA Cares’ 10th anniversary commemorative book series, “Making it Count”.

The book series showcases the life stories and reflections of eight Distinguished Lifetime Members, who have made outstanding contributions to the accountancy profession, business community, and public service. Through their personal stories and guiding values, the stories aim to inspire younger generations to explore accountancy as a meaningful and impactful career.

At the dinner, ISCA also honoured and recognised exemplary leaders in the accountancy profession with the conferment of the Distinguished Lifetime Membership and Special Appreciation Award.

The Distinguished Lifetime Membership, conferred upon esteemed individuals who have made significant contributions to the accountancy profession, the business community and public service, was awarded to Dr Ernest Kan.

Dr Kan, former President of ISCA, said: “I am honoured to receive the ISCA Distinguished Lifetime Membership. The profession has given me so much, and it has been a privilege to contribute to its reform agenda and developments when l was the President. I am heartened to see how ISCA has grown into a key pillar of Singapore’s accountancy ecosystem, and I remain confident that the profession will continue to thrive with the next generation of dedicated professionals.”

Mr Max Loh, Chairman of ISCA Cares, was presented with the ISCA Special Appreciation Award in recognition of his significant contributions to ISCA and the accountancy sector in Singapore.

Mr Loh said: “It is a great honour to be recognised with the ISCA Special Appreciation Award. I have always believed in the importance of giving back to the profession and community. Purpose, Passion, Perseverance and Positivity are what is required to continually uplift the accountancy profession and contribute to the community, and I am very humbled to have been afforded opportunities to do so all these years.”

Mr Loh has stepped down as Chairman of ISCA Cares and officially handed over the Chairmanship to Professor Ang Hak Seng at the dinner.

About the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore with over 40,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries.

Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy profession.

ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation.

ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries.

For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.

TGE-Sponsored SPAC Files Registration Statement with SEC for Initial Public Offering

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PARIS and NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Generation Essentials Group (NYSE: TGE) (the “Company” or “TGE”), a global media and entertainment ecosystem covering high fashion, arts, lifestyle, cultural, entertainment as well as F&B, announces that as a first step to implement its previously announced business expansion and acquisition strategy, the special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) sponsored by the Company, TGE Value Creative Solutions Corp, has publicly filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for a proposed initial public offering of units. TGE Value Creative Solutions Corp intends to list its units, each consisting of one Class A ordinary shares and one-half of one redeemable warrant, on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the size, price or other terms of the offering.

About The Generation Essentials Group

The Generation Essentials Group (NYSE: TGE), jointly established by AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) and AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD), is headquartered in France and focuses on global strategies and developments in multi-media, entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide as well as hospitality and VIP services. TGE comprises L’Officiel, The Art Newspaper, movie and entertainment projects. Collectively, TGE is a diversified portfolio of media and entertainment businesses, and a global portfolio of premium properties.

About AMTD Group

AMTD Group is a conglomerate with a core business portfolio spanning across media and entertainment, education and training, and premium assets and hospitality sectors.

About AMTD IDEA Group

AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) represents a diversified institution and digital solutions group connecting companies and investors with global markets. Its comprehensive one-stop business services plus digital solutions platform addresses different clients’ diverse and inter-connected business needs and digital requirements across all phases of their life cycles. AMTD IDEA Group is uniquely positioned as an active super connector between clients, business partners, investee companies, and investors, connecting the East and the West. For more information, please visit www.amtdinc.com or follow us on X (formerly known as “Twitter”) at @AMTDGroup.

About AMTD Digital Inc.

AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) is a comprehensive digital solutions platform headquartered in France. Its one-stop digital solutions platform operates key business lines including digital media, content and marketing services, investments as well as hospitality and VIP services. For AMTD Digital’s announcements, please visit https://ir.amtdigital.net/investor-news.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, plans, and expectations of TGE, AMTD IDEA Group and/or AMTD Digital, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the filings of TGE, AMTD IDEA Group and AMTD Digital with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and none of TGE, AMTD IDEA Group and AMTD Digital undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

LabConnect Launches LabConnector™ to Streamline Lab Data Integration

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New service ensures faster, more accurate data delivery to clients

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LabConnect, LLC, a global leader in central laboratory services for clinical trials, today announced the launch of LabConnector™, a powerful new technology solution that transforms the way laboratory data is exchanged and managed for clinical trials. LabConnector standardizes diverse laboratory data into a single HL7 format, enabling true bidirectional data transfer across any participating laboratory.

LabConnector is purpose-built for IT teams and data analysts at sponsor organizations who need streamlined, secure, and accurate laboratory data for ongoing clinical trials. With seamless integration to any LabConnect partner, it delivers unmatched flexibility for clinical operations and data management.

With LabConnector, sponsors and their partners can receive laboratory results into their Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) faster than ever before. Whether pulling test results, creating orders with attached results, or processing cancellations, LabConnector elevates data quality, accelerates processing times, and reduces dependence on intermediary systems.

“LabConnector represents a major step forward in how we integrate with our laboratory partners,” said Charles Castano, Chief Technology Officer of LabConnect. “By bringing every lab into one unified data environment, we’re giving sponsors the speed, accuracy, and flexibility they need to make faster decisions and ultimately bring life-changing therapies to patients sooner.”

LabConnector launches at a pivotal moment as clinical research undergoes rapid digital transformation. More sponsors are adopting unified standards like HL7 to boost interoperability, shorten study timelines, and improve data quality. This shift is being accelerated by evolving regulations and the growing demand for real-time, reliable clinical data to support faster, more flexible decision-making.

Key capabilities of LabConnector include:

  • Standardization: Converts disparate laboratory data into a unified HL7 format for consistency and accuracy
  • Bidirectional Exchange: Supports both sending orders to laboratories and receiving results back into LIMS
  • Operational Flexibility: Allows sponsors to work with any laboratory without worrying about integration complexity
  • Faster Turnaround: Delivers data to LIMS quickly, enabling real-time monitoring and decision-making during clinical studies
  • Enhanced Data Quality: Reduces data discrepancies and improves reliability for study analyses

For more information on LabConnector and how it can improve your clinical trial data workflows, visit LabConnect at www.labconnect.com.

About LabConnect
LabConnect, LLC is the leading provider of Central Laboratory Services, FSP and Scientific Consulting, and Data Integration and Transformation Services for analytically and logistically complex studies such as immuno-oncology, cell and gene therapies, and rare & orphan diseases.

LabConnect’s unique combination of state-of-the-art technology, world-class laboratories, easy access to major and emerging markets, and extensive specialized testing expertise means that drug development companies can rely on one provider for all their central laboratory service needs.

Learn more at www.labconnect.com and follow on LinkedIn.

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North Texas Innovation Alliance And Partners Announce Second Annual SCEWC Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge

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2025 Pitching Challenge Encourages International Innovation and Economic Development

DALLAS, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — North Texas Innovation Alliance (NTXIA), a 501(c)3 regional consortium of over 50 municipalities, agencies, corporations, and academic institutions across North Texas working to create the most connected, smart, and resilient region in the country, has announced the Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge is returning for the second year at the 2025 Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona alongside Texas cities Frisco and McKinney, Plug and Play, and Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, a 5G-enabled innovation hub where startups and global industry leaders deploy and prove out developing technologies in a real-world testing environment. The 2025 North Texas delegation will also include AMSYS Innovative Solutions, Utsun Law Group, and Toyota Mobility Foundation.

Similar to the 2024 event, this year’s pitch competition will select five startups to compete to win piloting and funding opportunities in the United States. Submissions for the pitch competition open today, August 19, on Marketplace.city and will close on September 10, 2025.

“It was truly incredible to see the international response and excitement during last year’s SCEWC Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge,” said NTXIA Executive Director Jennifer Sanders. “We knew we needed to hold this pitch competition again, especially after seeing the success of last year’s winner, VisionCraft.ai, as they traveled across the U.S. in pursuit of deploying their solution. This annual competition is a reminder and a strong example of the importance of supporting international innovation and economic development. We are honored to have an incredible community of smart city cross-collaborators in the U.S. to support these companies, and we are looking forward to awarding another winner and supporting another international startup with their goal of entering the U.S. market.”

The 2025 Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge is focusing on problem statements across the future of transportation, public safety, connectivity, and infrastructure. Companies interested in participating in the pitch event will need to ensure their solutions address one of these key challenge areas, with a solution focused on the following:

  • Transportation including but not limited to: autonomous delivery, people movers, VRUs, and AI-powered smart parking.
  • Public Safety including but not limited to: crowd management, facility safety and security, emergency response, and predictive analytics.
  • Connectivity including but not limited to: 5G/6G, supply chain infrastructure and IIoT, noise and vibration monitors and IIoT, and resilient networks.
  • Smart Infrastructure including but not limited to: predictive analytics for infrastructure maintenance, resource conservation and technology to manage AI and data center growth, sustainable infrastructure and building technologies, and smart buildings including ports, campuses, venues, and airports.

Companies will also need to ensure their technology is ready to be deployed for testing and development in real-world smart city environments.

“With a tech talent pool that is twice the national average, Frisco is a driving force for innovation,” said Gloria Salinas, Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation. “We are home to 15 corporate innovation and R&D Centers, including five Fortune 500 companies across a diverse range of industries. Our city boasts more than 500 tech firms and startups, and we are proud to be at the forefront of smart city technology, with pilots like Drive.AI and Google Wing Drone Delivery, and the implementation of computer vision technology to make traffic signals more responsive to traffic flows by using AI. The conference and pitch competition provide a platform for individuals and organizations to showcase technology that has the potential to shape the future of urban living not only for the residents of Frisco, but also for people around the world.”

Finalists will be provided passes to the 2025 SCEWC in Barcelona, where the final pitch will take place. Winners of the competition will be rewarded with travel, pilot, and funding opportunities in addition to the NTXIA Champion Texas Belt Buckle and Cowboy Hat. Prizes include:

  • Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners will commit $5,000.00 in funding towards a pilot, one year of office space at Curiosity Lab that includes the use of campus infrastructure and space in the Innovation Center, and access to a global partner network for additional market support.
  • Frisco and McKinney, Texas will provide travel and accommodations to the U.S. in Texas and Georgia for senior leadership, not to exceed $10,000.00. This includes airfare, hotel, ground transportation, food, and office or co-working space in McKinney and Curiosity Lab for the initial visit.
  • Plug and Play will provide four hot desk spaces in Frisco or McKinney for one year.
  • NTXIA, Frisco and McKinney, Texas, and Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners will create a curated itinerary of high-level meetings with decision makers in City Departments to explore pilot implementation, as well as corporate innovation and R&D centers where dual-use technology is of interest to corporate innovation leadership.
  • Winners will also be introduced to high-level executives at Plug and Play, University of North Texas, the Dallas College system, major healthcare institutions in Texas like Baylor Scott & White Health, Fortune 500 corporations, the North Central Texas Council of Governments, Chambers of Commerce, and major sporting and entertainment venues in Texas.
  • Winners will receive global exposure through various media channels.

“Our ecosystem offers a unique real-world environment where companies of all given sizes can test, deploy, and validate their technologies,” said Curiosity Lab Executive Director Seth Yurman. “We’ve become an innovative smart city hub that allows international companies to have a soft-landing pad in the U.S. to continue to develop their technologies and, when ready, can enter the U.S. market. Our work with VisionCraft.ai, the 2024 competition winner, is a testament to this competition and the doors we can open for companies for their success and growth. We’re proud to, once again, uplift and support international startups as they work to improve our everyday lives with their trailblazing technologies.” 

Judges for the 2025 Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge include NTXIA Executive Director Jennifer Sanders, Frisco Economic Development Corporation Director of Innovation Jeremiah Anderson, McKinney Economic Development Corporation Senior Vice President Michael Talley, Plug and Play Director David Steele, Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners Managing Director Valerie Chang, AMSYS Innovative Solutions Vice President of Enterprise AI John Rohrer, and Toyota Mobility Foundation Program Manager Trey Ingram.

Five finalists will be selected by the Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge committee to pitch their solutions in person at SCEWC on Wednesday, November 5 in the SCEWC Expo. Each company will have 10 minutes for their pitch, followed by a five-minute Q&A session with the judges. Once all presentations and Q&A sessions are final, the judges will deliberate for 10 minutes and will then announce the winner. The Challenge is also supported by Marketplace.city with its Clearbox Source market intelligence product which will promote the opportunity, accept applications and compile vendor submissions.

“North Texas is growing at an incredible rate and having innovation to continue to foster growth in our technology sectors is a huge economic driver for us,” said Michael Kowski, President & CEO of the McKinney Economic Development Corporation. “Our hope in supporting this pitch competition and these innovators is to help companies flourish in a new market and to provide the connections and testing requirements needed to see them succeed. This will help foster North Texas’ smart city ecosystem and showcase how we can harness the power of innovation to create diverse and resilient communities.”

“AMSYS is honored to join North Texas Innovation Alliance, alongside Lenovo and NVIDIA, in a sponsorship collaboration at Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona. We believe it is important to showcase how strategic partnerships can accelerate the future of Connected Cities,” said John Rohrer, Vice President of Enterprise AI at AMSYS Innovative Solutions. “With the opening of our new Frisco, Texas Innovation Hub, we are strengthening our commitment to Sovereign AI, education, and healthcare innovation while expanding our leadership in advancing smart community solutions globally. We are looking forward to seeing this year’s finalists compete in Barcelona, and cannot wait to welcome the winners to Frisco.”

Find out more about the Smart Cities Global Pitching Challenge and submit your 2025 application here.

About The North Texas Innovation Alliance 
The North Texas Innovation Alliance (NTXIA) is a 501(c)3 consortium of key cross-sector stakeholders working to develop and implement a smart region strategy for North Texas. The NTXIA is building the most connected, smart and resilient region in the country – bringing together government entities on all levels, transit agencies, utilities/infrastructure, public safety, educational institutions and some of the world’s top technology developers in the private sector to pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. The organization’s mission is to break down silos and drive the collaborative use of data, technology and community to address the most pressing topics and create solutions that will improve quality of life, drive inclusive economic development and promote resource efficiency. For more information, please visit www.NTXIA.org, or follow LinkedIn.

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