TORONTO, PALO ALTO, Calif. and EDMONTON, AB, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Raiven Capital, the cross-border venture firm known for its AI and IoT investments, announces the launch of Raiven Climatech, a $100M USD fund targeting high-growth startups building digital infrastructure to solve global sustainability and climate challenges.

Raiven Climatech builds on its successful early-stage investment record merging deeptech with market-ready applications. The fund focuses on scalable, intelligent systems—leveraging AI and IoT to enable real-time decision-making, resource optimization, and emissions reduction across many sectors – energy, manufacturing, mobility, and agriculture.

“The next generation of climate solutions will come from connected, data-driven platforms,” said Paul Dugsin, General Partner and Co-Founder of Raiven Capital. “We’re looking for founders building mission-critical systems with global potential—and we bring more than capital. Our global network and deep operational experience help accelerate scale.”

A key differentiator of Raiven Climatech is its anchor investor: Frog Lake First Nation (FLFN). This landmark partnership mobilizes First Nation capital in the VC space, aligning a shared vision of building commercially successful, future-focused businesses that deliver environmental and economic outcomes.

“We see venture capital as a tool to shape a future that aligns with our values,” said Cliffton Cross, FLFN representative. “Raiven uniquely understands that profitability and impact are not at odds—and empowers us to back technologies that are both investable and transformational.”

Raiven’s Climatech Fund serves as a platform to commercialize Indigenous-led innovation, blending traditional knowledge systems such as “two-eyed seeing” with frontier technologies to develop practical, market-driven solutions in digital infrastructure and clean energy innovation.

“Frog Lake First Nation approached us as they saw the results from our first tech fund—and wanted to co-create a more ambitious future,” said Supreet Manchanda, General Partner at Raiven. “This partnership focuses on mobilizing capital, uncovering undervalued ideas, knowledge-transfer while delivering outsized returns.”

Raiven’s approach to climate innovation is a fundamental re-platforming of global industry. The most valuable companies of the next decade will be those that turn AI and IoT powered sustainability into defensible, high-margin business models.

About Frog Lake First Nation

Frog Lake First Nation invests in transformative innovation that blends Indigenous values with cutting-edge technology. By investing in innovation FLFN sees a path to clean energy and sustainability. According to the Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) initiative, 200+ Indigenous-led clean energy projects are operational or under development across Canada. FLFN is among the first Indigenous organizations in North America to anchor a venture capital fund focused on climate tech and digital transformation.

About Raiven Capital

Raiven Capital is a global VC, investing at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and operational transformation. With hubs in Silicon Valley, Toronto, and Dubai, Raiven has delivered multiple successful exits since 2020. Its portfolio spans deeptech and digital platform companies driving systemic change. Learn more at raivencapital.com or follow Dry Powder, Raiven’s thought leadership platform.

For pitch decks, founder inquiries, or media: press@raivencapital.com

LOS ANGELES, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), the creator of CLEAR^®, today announced the launch of CLEAR^® Content Studio AI Agents—built on NVIDIA accelerated computing. These next-gen AI Agents are designed to help creators produce snackable content, story-driven sports highlights, and personalized media experiences—all at scale. Running on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and built on NVIDIA GPUs, these AI agents instantly transform live sports and long-form content by automating highlight reels, synopses, thumbnails, keywords, reframing, and localization.

CLEAR® Content Studio AI Agents are built on NVIDIA GPUs and run on AWS.

With Search and Metadata AI Agents at the core, CLEAR^® Content Studio AI Agents are built for the pace of modern storytelling. These specialized, lightweight models work with large language models to automate complex creative workflows. From generating real-time clips during live games to personalizing content for diverse audience segments, the agents deliver unmatched speed, impact, and scale—supercharged by NVIDIA-accelerated infrastructure and Generative AI at every step.

Built for the demands of today’s Content teams

• Live Sports Coverage: Automated clipping and highlight generation in real-time.
• Snackable content Creation: Effortless creation of engaging clips from live and archived footage.
• Personalization at Scale: Platform-ready content tailored to audiences instantly.

The CLEAR^® Content Studio AI Agents leverage a robust multi-agent framework, where AI agents seamlessly coordinate across workflows to handle tasks intelligently. NVIDIA’s cutting-edge technology provides these agents with high-speed compute acceleration and prediction performance. These systems are deployed on AWS, providing a flexible, cloud-native architecture that guarantees optimal performance, scale, and cost.

“This is the creator’s leap,” said Ramki Sankaranarayanan, Founder and Global CEO of Prime Focus Technologies. “CLEAR ^®  Content Studio AI Agents, built on NVIDIA, enables media teams to create high-impact content at unprecedented speed to deliver unmatched results.”

With proven success, including a 4X YouTube viewership increase and 22X revenue growth for a major broadcast network, these AI Agents are designed to turn content into a revenue generator.

“NVIDIA’s accelerated platforms are unlocking a new era in content creation for professionals worldwide,” said Richard Kerris, Vice President of Media and Entertainment at NVIDIA. “Collaborating with Prime Focus Technologies on CLEAR^® Content Studio AI Agents demonstrates what’s possible when advanced compute and generative AI converge in the storytelling space.”

DNEG will be exhibiting at WAVES, taking place May 1–4, 2025, at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai. Visit us to experience CLEAR^® Content Studio AI Agents in action at the Bharat Pavilion and explore how we’re shaping the future of storytelling with NVIDIA and AWS today. 

About Prime Focus Technologies

Prime Focus Technologies (PFT) is the creator of CLEAR^® and part of DNEG. It offers streaming platforms, studios, and broadcasters AI-led technology and media services powered by the cloud, enabling creativity, agility, and revenue growth. PFT partners with major players such as Channel 4, ITV, Sinclair Broadcast Group, A&E Networks, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Crunchyroll, Insight TV, JioStar, BCCI, Tegna, Amazon MGM Studios, and more.

For more information, visit: www.primefocustechnologies.com.

Press Contact

T Shobhana
Senior Vice President & Global Head of Marketing
Prime Focus Technologies
Los Angeles, CA
t.shobhana@primefocus.com

ABU DHABI, UAE, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that Abu Dhabi will host the 2025 Pritzker Prize ceremony, marking a historic first for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi Selected to Host the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize Ceremony

As the world’s most esteemed recognition in the field of architecture, the Pritzker Architecture Prize honours living architects whose work demonstrates a combination of talent, vision, and commitment. Their contributions must show consistent and significant impact on humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture.

Abu Dhabi’s selection as the host city marks a new chapter in the UAE capital’s cultural journey and further strengthens its role as a convening place for the world’s leading creative thinkers. It reflects Abu Dhabi’s exceptional and growing contribution to global architectural discourse, with a legacy of bold vision and cultural investment that bridges heritage, innovation, and sustainability.

From the development and restoration of the Cultural Foundation to modern icons like Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel (Pritzker Prize Laureate, 2008), the soon-to-open Zayed National Museum by Lord Norman Foster (Pritzker Prize Laureate, 1999), and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi by Frank Gehry (Pritzker Prize Laureate, 1989), the emirate has emerged as a global centre for transformative and meaningful architecture. These landmark projects are in line with DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to preserving, promoting, and protecting the emirate’s rich cultural heritage while also championing innovation and creativity as drivers of sustainable development and global dialogue.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “We are deeply honoured that Abu Dhabi has been chosen as the host city for the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize, reflecting the recognition Abu Dhabi has received globally as a cultural centre. By hosting this event, DCT Abu Dhabi is honoured to offer a platform for the exchange of ideas that will shape the cities of tomorrow. This reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision to place creativity, dialogue, and sustainability at the heart of our development, and our belief in the transformative power of architecture to shape communities and enrich lives.”

“Each year, the Pritzker Prize upholds a tradition of hosting the ceremony at architecturally and historically significant venues, ranging across millennia and geographies. In recent years, the UAE’s growing presence in the global arts and culture landscape, and openness in supporting the works of international architects provides a backdrop of newness, reflecting the diversity within our mission and the selection of our Laureates and Jurors,” explains Tom Pritzker, Chair of The Hyatt Foundation. “As three iconic buildings, each designed by Pritzker Laureates, Jean Nouvel, Norman Foster and Frank Gehry, redefine the skyline of this city, Abu Dhabi lends a natural extension to our program.”

The event will coincide with a public panel discussion taking place at the Cultural Foundation on 3 May, led by Liu Jiakun, the 2025 Pritzker Prize Laureate. He will be joined by fellow Laureates Riken Yamamoto (2024), David Chipperfield (2023) and Francis Kéré (2022).

Together, these leading voices will explore the role of architecture in celebrating cultural expression reflected in their own practices and the future of the built environment.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism sectors.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and abudhabiculture.ae.

GUANGZHOU, China, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From April 23 to 27, Hall 19.1 in Area D of the Canton Fair Complex was filled not only with eye-catching displays but also with inviting scents, as exhibitors showcase home fragrances, candles, and lifestyle decor products in Phase 2 of the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair).

The global home fragrance market was valued at USD 11 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%, reaching nearly USD 17.27 billion by 2032. Amid this expansion, Chinese companies are emerging as major players, combining innovation with large-scale manufacturing capabilities to meet diverse global needs.

Shanghai Outstanding Industry Co., Ltd., a fragrance-focused enterprise, exemplifies this trend. The company’s CEO Michael Lu noted that they launched 12 new series this session, highlighting the importance of research and development. Product design also emphasizes aesthetics to enhance home spaces. Lu said that consumers increasingly value “organic,” “natural,” and “environmentally friendly” fragrances, prompting the company to introduce the first carbon-neutral home fragrance product.

Similarly, Litbright Candle (Shijiazhuang) Co., Ltd is expanding its presence through continuous innovation. General Manager Sophia Lee shared that alongside their core offerings, the company actively develops new product lines, bringing each new series to the Fair to connect with both loyal and prospective buyers. She observed that global demand is not only increasing but also becoming more sophisticated, with growing interest in fruit-based, woody, and even gourmand-inspired scents.

As one of the world’s most influential trade platforms, the Canton Fair continues to play a pivotal role in the global development of the fragrance industry. For Chinese fragrance companies seeking to expand their global footprint, the Fair remains a crucial gateway.

Having participated in the Canton Fair for nearly two decades, Lu shared that most of their clients are met at the Fair. “At the Canton Fair, our products naturally attract buyers from niche markets around the world, allowing the right scent, design, and values to meet the right customers,” he said. Lee, also a longtime exhibitor, added, “The Canton Fair has built a strong global reputation. For international buyers seeking new products, it’s the first destination.”

The continued participation of fragrance-focused companies underscores how the Canton Fair connects Chinese enterprises with global markets, fosters lasting partnerships, and serves as both a launchpad and a world stage for the growing fragrance economy.

• Developed by FaceHeart, FH Vitals SDK-RR has obtained FDA Clearance. This is the second 510(k) class II SaMD (Software as a Medical Device) FaceHeart received from the FDA.
• FaceHeart Vitals™ is a video-based, contactless vital sign measurement SDK that can be integrated into devices such as smartphones seamlessly, providing heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure and other vital sign readings in 50 seconds.

TAIPEI, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FaceHeart Corporation (FaceHeart), an AI health tech company, has received another FDA 510(k) clearance for FaceHeart Vitals™, its contactless video-based vital sign solution.

On top of heart rate measurement, FDA granted 510(k) clearance (k243966) to FaceHeart Vitals™ (registered as FH Vitals SDK-RR) as a Class II SaMD (Software as a Medical Device) for respiratory rate measurement on April 9th, 2025. The respiratory rate measurements derived from the FH Vitals SDK-RR demonstrated deviations consistently within ±2 breaths per minute (bpm) across all devices.

FaceHeart Vitals™ is the first FDA-cleared software development kit (SDK) solution that enables contactless video-based vital sign measurement—including heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), blood pressure (BP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and heart rate variability (HRV)—via a facial scan on built-in camera of smartphones within 50 seconds. It leverages the remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) technology that extracts subtle color changes of the facial skin. In addition, by conducting the analysis via edge computing without cloud service eliminates network latency and addresses security concerns at the same time.

Receiving FDA clearance not only represents the recognition of FaceHeart’s undivided attention to clinical trials, but also reinforces its commitment to deliver accessible and reliable contactless vital sign measurement to the general public. Designed with the capability to be seamlessly integrated into common edge devices such as smartphones (iOS/Android), tablets, laptops/desktops (Windows) etc., FaceHeart Vitals™ empowers preventive health, telemedicine, elderly care, and chronic disease management with real-time, user-friendly and accurate contactless vital sign measurement, transforming readily available devices into medical-grade solutions instantly.

“Following the first FDA Clearance on heart rate in 2023, this FDA clearance on respiratory rate marks a milestone and commitment of FaceHeart in providing the healthcare industry with the most reliable contactless vital sign measurement solution,” said Dr. Meng Liang Chung, Co-founder and Vice President of FaceHeart Corporation. “As demands for more personalized and effective healthcare solutions arise globally, FaceHeart’s contactless vital sign measurement solution undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in proactive and preventive healthcare-related services—helping people live not just longer, but healthier lives within reach.”

About FaceHeart

FaceHeart Corporation (https://faceheart.com/) is a leading health technology company that improves human health with its expertise in artificial intelligence, computer vision, and deep learning. Through FaceHeart’s technology, individuals can access high-quality health measurements with a simple 50-second facial scan.

Contacts

Please email marketing@faceheart.com for media, sales or other inquiries.

MUSCAT, Oman, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reinforcing its commitment to unlocking the full potential of Oman’s natural resources, Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Dev Salt to launch the Naqa Salt Project in Wilayat Mahout – set to become the largest industrial salt production initiative in the region.

Shareholders Agreement to Develop Naqa Salt the Region’s Largest Industrial Salt Production Project

Strategically located in Mahout, Al Wusta Governorate – within MDO’s 51K concession area along the Arabian Sea—the project capitalizes on ideal conditions for solar evaporation. Its proximity to Duqm Port further strengthens its export competitiveness to key global markets, particularly those relying on inputs such as bromine, caustic soda, and soda ash. The project will utilize sustainable, solar-powered evaporation technology to produce high-purity bromine-rich industrial salt.

Eng. Mattar Al Badi, CEO of MDO, added: “Naqa Salt represents a significant step for Oman’s mining sector, establishing the region’s largest facility for high-grade industrial salt production. Leveraging Mahout’s unique natural sabkha formations, the project embodies a forward-thinking, eco-conscious approach to resource development. It reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and long-term economic and environmental impact.

“With a planned investment of OMR 13.4 million, the project aims to produce 2 million tonnes of industrial salt annually. The evaporation ponds will span approximately 109 square kilometers, yielding salt with up to 99% purity—ideal for vital sectors such as chemicals, oil and gas, logistics, food, and pharmaceuticals. The project is targeting diversified international markets including India, Africa, Europe, and Asia.”

Hirendrasingh Jhala, Chairman of Dev Global, commented: “We are honored to partner with MDO on this ambitious and strategically important project. Building on Dev Salt’s expertise in delivering large-scale salt ventures across India and global markets, we are confident in the project’s ability to meet growing demand while supporting industrial resilience and supply chain security in this key sector.”

With global demand for industrial salt expected to exceed 372 million tonnes by 2027, the Naqa Salt Project positions Oman as a future-leading producer in the region. Beyond its industrial contributions, the project offers environmental value—its evaporation ponds will create habitats that attract migratory birds and marine life, laying the groundwork for potential eco-tourism development.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mdo_shareholders_agreement.jpg

MUSCAT, Oman, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reinforcing its commitment to unlocking the full potential of Oman’s natural resources, Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Dev Salt to launch the Naqa Salt Project in Wilayat Mahout – set to become the largest industrial salt production initiative in the region.

Shareholders Agreement to Develop Naqa Salt the Region’s Largest Industrial Salt Production Project

Strategically located in Mahout, Al Wusta Governorate – within MDO’s 51K concession area along the Arabian Sea—the project capitalizes on ideal conditions for solar evaporation. Its proximity to Duqm Port further strengthens its export competitiveness to key global markets, particularly those relying on inputs such as bromine, caustic soda, and soda ash. The project will utilize sustainable, solar-powered evaporation technology to produce high-purity bromine-rich industrial salt.

Eng. Mattar Al Badi, CEO of MDO, added: “Naqa Salt represents a significant step for Oman’s mining sector, establishing the region’s largest facility for high-grade industrial salt production. Leveraging Mahout’s unique natural sabkha formations, the project embodies a forward-thinking, eco-conscious approach to resource development. It reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and long-term economic and environmental impact.

“With a planned investment of OMR 13.4 million, the project aims to produce 2 million tonnes of industrial salt annually. The evaporation ponds will span approximately 109 square kilometers, yielding salt with up to 99% purity—ideal for vital sectors such as chemicals, oil and gas, logistics, food, and pharmaceuticals. The project is targeting diversified international markets including India, Africa, Europe, and Asia.”

Hirendrasingh Jhala, Chairman of Dev Global, commented: “We are honored to partner with MDO on this ambitious and strategically important project. Building on Dev Salt’s expertise in delivering large-scale salt ventures across India and global markets, we are confident in the project’s ability to meet growing demand while supporting industrial resilience and supply chain security in this key sector.”

With global demand for industrial salt expected to exceed 372 million tonnes by 2027, the Naqa Salt Project positions Oman as a future-leading producer in the region. Beyond its industrial contributions, the project offers environmental value—its evaporation ponds will create habitats that attract migratory birds and marine life, laying the groundwork for potential eco-tourism development.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mdo_shareholders_agreement-1.jpg

Joint effort aims to accelerate digital transformation through integrated CRM and AI-powered CCaaS offerings for ServiceNow’s Financial Services Operations (FSO) product

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 3CLogic, the leading AI-powered contact center platform purpose-built for ServiceNow®, today announced a strategic partnership with NewRocket, an Elite ServiceNow partner. Under the expanded agreement, NewRocket will serve as an official reseller of 3CLogic’s AI-driven Contact Center solutions to be leveraged as part of its broader Bank of NewRocket offering focused on transforming the Financial Services industry.

The collaboration comes at a pivotal time, as ServiceNow continues to emphasize front-office innovation across the financial sector. Voice remains a crucial channel for customer engagement, with recent reports¹ suggesting a continued increase in call volumes of which approximately 50% remain repetitive and transactional. Together, the partnership will enable financial institutions to deliver more cohesive, intelligent service experiences by seamlessly integrating voice into the ServiceNow platform to resolve common requests faster.

“As financial institutions strive to modernize their customer service strategies, contact centers continue to be a vital part of the equation,” said NewRocket’s CRO, Michael Carter. “With our deep experience in the ServiceNow ecosystem and dedicated offerings like Bank of NewRocket, we’re excited to empower clients with enhanced voice capabilities that drive efficiency and elevate customer experiences.”

As a ServiceNow-certified and Advanced Platform Build partner, 3CLogic’s brings a host of advanced capabilities to ServiceNow, including Voice AI for self-service, real-time transcription, unified agent workspaces in ServiceNow, GenAI call summaries and AI-powered insights. These features empower financial organizations to reduce call volumes, break down data silos, and reduce daily operating costs—all while improving customer satisfaction.

The joint solution will support use cases that commonly drive high call volumes—such as password resets, address change requests, and credit fraud reporting—by automating responses and enhancing agent workflows. As an authorized global reseller, NewRocket will also streamline implementation and deployment, helping clients accelerate time-to-value and ensure long-term success with their contact center and voice strategies.

“We are excited to expand our relationship with NewRocket,” states Guillaume Seynhaeve, SVP of Alliances. “Our partnership reinforces our shared commitment to helping financial institutions deliver smarter, more responsive customer service powered by the Now Platform.”

3CLogic and NewRocket plan to showcase their combined capabilities at ServiceNow’s upcoming annual conference, Knowledge25. For more information on 3CLogic’s Voice AI and Contact Center solutions for ServiceNow or details about the partnership, please visit www.3clogic.com or contact NewRocket here.

About 3CLogic
3CLogic transforms customer and employee experiences with its patented and award-winning AI-powered cloud contact center solutions purpose-built to enhance today’s leading CRM and Customer Service Management platforms. Globally available and leveraged by the world’s leading brands, its offerings empower enterprise organizations with innovative capabilities, such as intelligent self-service, Generative AI, Conversational AI, agent automation & coaching, and AI-powered sentiment analytics — all designed to lower operational costs, maximize ROI, and deliver better, faster, and more personalized interactions for IT, employee, and customer service. For more information, please visit www.3clogic.com.

About NewRocket
NewRocket, a global, full-service Elite ServiceNow partner, helps top enterprise leaders solve their toughest business problems and navigate change with confidence. Our mission is to simplify the lives of global enterprise industry leaders by helping them go beyond workflows with ServiceNow. Our vision is to be the world’s most trusted, go-to ServiceNow partner for global enterprise industry leaders. NewRocket has been awarded the “2024 L&D BEST Award”, “2024 ServiceNow Employee Workflow Partner of the Year”, “2023 ServiceNow Worldwide Customer Workflow Partner of the Year” and “2023 ServiceNow Creator Workflow Partner of the Year”. We are #GoingBeyond. For more information, please visit www.newrocket.com. 

¹ https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/the-contact-center-crossroads-finding-the-right-mix-of-humans-and-ai