27.1 C
Vientiane
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 465

SimonMed Imaging Partners with Lunit to Deliver Best-in-Class AI for Breast Cancer Detection

A Major Leap Forward in Patient Health and the Future of Mammography

PHOENIX, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SimonMed Imaging®, one of the largest and most advanced outpatient medical imaging providers in the United States, is proud to announce their partnership with Lunit, a global leader in AI-driven cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, to bring a new era of AI-powered breast cancer detection to patients across the country. The partnership marks a major milestone in SimonMed’s mission to save lives through early detection.

SimonMed has selected Lunit INSIGHT DBT™, in combination with Volpara Analytics™, as the most advanced AI solution for breast cancer screening after an extensive evaluation of technologies on the market. This best-in-class software will now power SimonMed’s Personalized Breast Cancer Detection (PBCD) service, designed to provide every patient with a precise, highly personalized, and data-driven screening experience.

“This is more than just an upgrade—it’s an important step forward for our patient’s health,” said Dr. Sean Raj, Chief Innovation Officer at SimonMed Imaging and Fellow of The Society of Breast Imaging (FSBI) “We’ve evaluated a range of AI technologies, and Lunit’s performance, speed, and clinical validation stood above the rest. This partnership enables us to offer the most precise and personalized mammogram experience to date—and when paired with our board-certified breast radiologists, we believe it offers the most advanced mammogram available today”

Lunit INSIGHT DBT is trained on millions of images and engineered to detect even the most subtle signs of breast cancer, improving both sensitivity and specificity. Integrated into SimonMed’s national network of over 170 accredited centers and supported by more than 200 subspecialty-trained radiologists, this AI solution helps ensure earlier detection, faster turnaround times, and actionable insights for patients.

“This is the most advanced AI solution we’ve ever adopted,” said Dr. John Simon, MD, Founder and CEO of SimonMed Imaging. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to providing every patient we see with the most accurate, affordable, and proactive care possible.”

“SimonMed is leading by example,” said Craig Hadfield, CEO of Volpara Health, a Lunit company bringing innovative AI solutions to the United States. “This is more than a technology upgrade—it’s a transformation of care. With Volpara and Lunit, SimonMed is helping set a new standard for what modern high-quality breast screening should look like: data-driven, patient-focused, and grounded in clinical excellence.”

For more details on SimonMed’s Personalized Breast Cancer Detection and how it can benefit patients, visit simonmed.com.

About SimonMed

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, SimonMed is one of the largest outpatient medical imaging providers and radiology practices in the United States. SimonMed has approximately 170 sites across 11 states and over 200 subspecialty-trained radiologists. SimonMed offers the full modality of diagnostic scans, including 3T MRI, CT, ultrasound, 3-D mammography, PET/CT, nuclear medicine, DEXA, X-rays, among others. The company uses the newest, most advanced, diagnostic imaging technologies while maintaining affordability and accessibility. SimonMed is a worldwide leader in the clinical use of AI to improve diagnoses with one of the largest global deployments to enhance early breast cancer detection and in the evaluation of brain disorders. Through its simonONE division, SimonMed is also at the forefront of personalized imaging for the early diagnosis and treatment of disease. For more information, visit simonone.com and simonmed.com.

About Lunit

About Lunit Founded in 2013, Lunit (KRX:328130.KQ) is a medical AI company on a mission to conquer cancer through AI. Lunit harnesses AI-powered medical image analytics and biomarker analysis to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment for each cancer patient. The FDA-cleared Lunit INSIGHT suite for cancer screening serves over 4,800 medical institutions across 55+ countries. Lunit clinical studies have been published in top journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology and the Lancet Digital Health, and presented at global conferences such as the ASCO and RSNA. Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, with a network of offices worldwide, Lunit leads the global fight against cancer. Discover more at lunit.io.

About Volpara

Volpara Health is on a mission to save families from cancer with AI-powered software that helps healthcare providers better understand cancer risk, guide personalized care decisions, and recommend additional imaging and interventions. Used in over 3,500 facilities by more than 9,500 technologists worldwide. Volpara’s software impacts nearly 18M patients, supports over 3.6M annual cancer risk assessments, and integrates seamlessly with electronic health records and imaging systems. Volpara helps radiologists quantify dense breast tissue with precision and technologists produce mammograms that have optimal positioning, compression, and dose. Volpara software also streamlines operations to ease compliance and accreditation. Volpara, a Lunit company, is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, and has an office in Seattle. Volpara is the trusted partner of leading healthcare institutions globally. For more information, visit www.volparahealth.com.

CGBIO Receives FDA IDE Approval for NOVOSIS PUTTY, Advancing Toward U.S. Market Entry

– The bone graft incorporating rhBMP-2 has received FDA IDE approval for a pivotal clinical trial in spinal fusion
– Positioned for global expansion in $750M spinal bone graft market

SEOUL, South Korea, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CGBIO(CEO Hyun Seung Yu), a leading Korean company specializing in bio-regenerative medicine, proudly announces that its innovative bone graft substitute, NOVOSIS PUTTY, has received Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This pivotal approval paves the way for a clinical trial in spinal fusion procedures within the United States.

Rendering of NOVOSIS PUTTY applied during spinal fusion
Rendering of NOVOSIS PUTTY applied during spinal fusion

NOVOSIS PUTTY, previously designated as a Breakthrough Device by the FDA in December 2023, leverages novel technology to address unmet needs in bone regeneration. This milestone marks NOVOSIS PUTTY as the first Korean-developed bio-combined medical device to reach this stage in the U.S., signifying a significant step toward Premarket Approval (PMA) and subsequent commercialization.

The product features a dual-carrier system utilizing Hydroxyapatite (HA) and Tri-Calcium Phosphate (TCP), combined with CGBIO’s proprietary sustained-release technology, SLOREL™, to control the release of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). This system is engineered to enhance high-density bone formation while minimizing ectopic bone growth, a common adverse effect in earlier rhBMP-2-based products. The safety and efficacy of NOVOSIS PUTTY have been validated in peer-reviewed publications, including the Journal of Clinical Medicine. 

The rhBMP-2 protein used in NOVOSIS PUTTY is manufactured by Daewoong Pharmaceutical, a strategic partner of CGBIO. During the IDE application process, the FDA conducted an in-depth review of the manufacturing process and Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) data, reflecting the FDA’s heightened scrutiny for bio-combined implants.

Jumi Han, Head of U.S. Development at CGBIO USA, overseeing the pivotal clinical program, commented, “Securing IDE approval for this pivotal trial validates our global clinical infrastructure and product quality. We are fully committed to executing a robust clinical trial and expanding NOVOSIS PUTTY’s reach across the U.S. and other major markets”.

Hyun Seung Yu, CEO of CGBIO, stated, “This IDE approval reflects years of consistent R&D efforts and strengthens our global competitiveness. The U.S. bone graft market is notoriously difficult to penetrate, and this achievement underscores the global potential of NOVOSIS PUTTY. We will continue to provide transformative treatment options that improve quality of life for patients worldwide”.

In February 2025, CGBIO and its subsidiary CG MedTech signed a partnership agreement with Johnson & Johnson MedTech for the exclusive supply of NOVOSIS and NOVOSIS TRAUMA products across Korea and other Asian territories. The new IDE approval for NOVOSIS PUTTY is expected to accelerate the global expansion of the entire NOVOSIS product family.

About CGBIO

CGBIO is a global medical device company specializing in advanced biomaterials and regenerative medicine technologies. With a robust product portfolio and numerous successful clinical cases, CGBIO is committed to delivering innovative medical solutions that enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. And to support growing gloval demand, CGBio has begun construction of a new manufacturing facility. While Daewoong Bio has already completed a lare-scale plant dedicated to rhBMP-2 production, ensuring stable supply for the upcomming U.S. and global rollout.

 

/DISREGARD RELEASE: Siemens Healthineers/

We are advised by Siemens Healthineers that journalists and other readers should disregard the news release, Sengkang General Hospital Introduces Photon-Counting CT Scanner to Advance Diagnostic Capabilities, issued 23-Apr-2025 over PR Newswire.

Make A Positive Impact on the World Stage: Applications to Join the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition Close on 30 April

SINGAPORE, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore Management University (SMU) invites innovative student-founders from around the world to participate in the 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) before applications close on 30 April 2025.

Open to students and postgraduates who are developing transformative solutions for cities and businesses of the future, LKYGBPC is an exciting platform to present ideas on a global stage, connect with investors, and explore international market opportunities. Participants will get to turn their vision into real-world impact through mentorship, networking, and exposure to industry leaders.

The biennial university start-up competition is more than a stage for bright ideas to get tested by real-world challenges. Inspired by the enterprising spirit of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, who transformed Singapore into a shining metropolis in Southeast Asia against all odds, LKYGBPC brings together students from the world’s top universities to shape what tomorrow could look like.

An Ecosystem for Ambitious Student-Founders

LKYGBPC, held since 2002, is one of Asia’s most globally representative start-up competitions. It is organised by SMU which has built a strong innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem for student-founders to nurture their entrepreneurial dream to make a difference. The most recent edition in 2023 saw participation from over 1,000 entries from 1,100 universities from 77 countries, with 53 university start-ups gathering in Singapore final rounds of the competition.

For over 15 years since its establishment in 2009, SMU’s Institute of Innovation of Entrepreneurship (IIE) has provided aspiring student-founders across Singapore and overseas with a co-working space, an incubation programme, an internship programme, student clubs, and close mentorship as well as a global start-up competition platform in the form of the LKYGBPC on which to showcase their talent. Many have become visionary entrepreneurs of companies that develop valuable products to tackle critical problems.

The LKYGBPC offers close to US$2 million in prizes, and this year’s edition will run between 29 September 2025 and 2 October 2025 in Singapore. It will bring together the brightest minds from among the world’s most entrepreneurial universities, including Harvard (USA), Oxford (UK), University of Melbourne (Australia), Tsinghua University (China), and Yonsei University (South Korea). Since 2017, finalists at the LKYGBPC have raised over USD 1 billion—proof that visionary entrepreneurs can move capital and shape the future with their solutions.

“At SMU, innovation is not just about technology, it is about courage, connections, creativity, and the ability to collaborate with investors to bring solutions to market. Over the years, I’ve been inspired by the audacious vision, raw brilliance and sheer courage of our start-up founders,” said Hau Koh Foo, Director of IIE.

“Our student-founders have the grit and agility to build their visions — the very qualities embodied by the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew as he led Singapore to independence and worldwide recognition. LKYGBPC is a dynamic global stage where every business plan is a student-founder’s bold blueprint for the future. We at SMU are dedicated to building an ecosystem that has their backs,” He added. 

The Founder Stories of LKYGBPC Alumni

LKYGBPC finalists comprise start-ups with solutions related to industrial biotechnology, circular economy and medtech which have expanded in home and overseas markets.  Nine successful start-ups were featured in a commemorative book, ‘Pioneering a Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Future: Founder Stories and Business Models’ published in 2023. They include US-based Iterative Health (formerly Iterative Scopes) which enables doctors to use artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose inflammatory disease with more precise computer-aided diagnostic tools; and Singapore-based Polybee, which enhances pollination in indoor farms with autonomous drones to boost food security.

Iterative Health – Saving time with AI-Enabled Diagnostic Tools 

Iterative Health improves people’s health and well-being by enhancing the detection of gastrointestinal diseases with the introduction of AI. Founder Jonathan Ng, a medical surgeon by training, developed an AI toolkit that took only 17 milliseconds to detect and classify polyps through endoscopy. The tool increased the accuracy of detection of precancerous polyps by 74% and could quickly indicate the severity of inflammatory bowel disease.

This AI-enabled tool transformed specialised treatment, which is expensive and inaccessible to people who needed it most. It can potentially save billions of dollars spent unnecessarily every year on bowel disease diagnostics due to suboptimal tracking and treatment.

Pursuing medicine first at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Jonathan later enrolled in Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he stumbled upon computer vision and was instantly drawn to how malleable, adaptive, and intuitive the technology was for him as a medical practitioner. Iterative Health has won a strong slate of partners. By 2022, Iterative Health had its software deployed in some 300 facilities across the US. To date, it has gone on to raise approximately USD200 million and has grown its headcount to 170 within a 12-month period.

Polybee – Using Autonomous Micro-drones For Better Harvests

Polybee, founded by aerodynamics engineer Siddharth Jadhav, sought to achieve autonomous pollination at scale with micro-drones. After finishing his bachelor’s degree with honours from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in India in 2016, Siddharth worked as a research engineer at NUS where he realised drones were the best way forward to solve pollination problems at scale.

Using autonomous navigation software, Polybee’s drones – up to 30 can be operated per hectare – can fly precisely in confined spaces and cover large areas consistently. Today, Polybee has validated its technology with some of the biggest agricultural companies since 2019, including a major strawberry glasshouse grower in the United Kingdom.  

A Stage to Win Recognition for A Bold Vision

The two founders above are but a few of the exciting prospects discovered at LKYGBPC who promised a smarter, more sustainable, and resilient future. The competition welcomes more of such transformative stories.

Student-founders who have ideas which can redefine the future are invited to apply here: Homepage | Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition at https://lkygbpc.smu.edu.sg/ 

Applications for the 12th LKYGBPC will close on 30 April 2025.  To enquire about partnering with LKYGBPC, please email: iie@smu.edu.sg. For more information about LKYGBPC, please visit: smu.sg/lkygbpc

Student founders of the eight grand finalists of the 11th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition organised by the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship of Singapore Management University in 2023.
Student founders of the eight grand finalists of the 11th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition organised by the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship of Singapore Management University in 2023.

END

About Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition

Organised by Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) is a biennial university-led start-up challenge. One of the most exciting of such competitions in Asia, it derives its name from Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who developed the country’s defining business plan that propelled Singapore onto the global stage. It is this spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and ambition that the competition enshrines. LKYGBPC invites the brightest minds from the world’s most entrepreneurial universities to come together to address the challenges of the 21st century and reimagine the future. For more information: smu.sg/lkygbpc 

About SMU IIE

The Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) empowers aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to create positive change. It offers tailored training programmes, an equity-free incubator, and a vibrant community that connects innovators through events and networking opportunities, including the renowned Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC). For more information: https://iie.smu.edu.sg

About SMU

Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that addresses issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education, incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. With more than 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelors, masters and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with six of its eight schools – Accountancy, Business, Computing, Economics, Law and Social Sciences. Its seventh school, the SMU College of Integrative Studies, offers degree programmes in deep, integrative interdisciplinary education. The College of Graduate Research Studies, SMU’s eighth school, enhances integration and interdisciplinarity across the various SMU postgraduate research programmes that will enable students to gain a holistic learning experience and well-grounded approach to their research.  SMU also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond through its partnerships with industry, policymakers and academic institutions. https://www.smu.edu.sg/

LingoAce Revolutionizes Math Learning with Major AceMath Upgrade for Global Students

SINGAPORE and NEW YORK, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LingoAce, a global leader in online education for children offering award-winning programs in Mandarin Chinese, English, math, and music, today announced a significant upgrade to its math program, AceMath. Building on the success of AceMath Advanced, the company introduces two new programs: AceMath Honors and AceMath Competition. Together, these three programs form a robust, multi-tiered system designed to meet the diverse needs of learners at various stages—from foundational math skill-building to academic advancement and competitive excellence—empowering them to thrive in a globalized world. 

Three Specialized Programs Designed for Learner Needs 

“Since the launch of AceMath, our focus has remained on learner growth and feedback,” said Dr. Yuan Zhao, Head of Math Curriculum at LingoAce. “Recognizing a growing demand for more advanced content and structured preparation for math competitions, we’ve expanded AceMath to support a wider range of goals, while staying true to our core mission: helping learners develop not only math proficiency but also logical reasoning and creative problem-solving.” 

The newly upgraded and launched AceMath programs offer a personalized, level-based learning path informed by a refined placement assessment. Each program is designed to meet specific learning goals: 

AceMath Advanced: Build a strong foundation, strengthen problem-solving 

Adapting Singapore Math for North America, this program supports steady academic growth through structured small group lessons (3–6 learners). It cultivates critical thinking and real-world math applications—ideal for learners developing core competencies. 

AceMath Honors: Level up with academic and competition-ready challenges 

Powered by an official partnership with Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), this reimagined program is for students aiming beyond the basics. It introduces advanced concepts, competitive problem-solving skills, and the logical rigor needed for future academic pathways. 

AceMath Competition: Train for excellence, win in math competitions 

Designed for students targeting high-level international math competitions like American Mathematical Competitions (AMC), MathCounts, American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), etc., this program focuses on essential contest topics, advanced strategies, and real exam simulations to help students excel globally. 

To further support learning during the summer, LingoAce is also launching intensive 8-week summer programs across all three levels. These programs offer focused instruction on key concepts and thinking strategies, enabling learners to make significant progress and confidently enter the next school year. 

Empowering Progress, Engineering Success 

“This significant upgrade to AceMath underscores our conviction that math is not just an academic subject but a vital skill for tomorrow’s world,” affirmed Hugh Yao, Founder and CEO of LingoAce. “Building on our financial success with a year of positive cash flow in 2024 and sustained profitability, we are strategically investing in product innovation to deliver even more impactful learning experiences. Through AceMath, we are empowering students to become critical thinkers, effective problem-solvers, and successful contributors in an interconnected world.” 

With this powerful upgrade, LingoAce continues to redefine global math education—offering a complete and adaptive learning journey for every student, at every stage. The company remains dedicated to continuously refining its curriculum, providing enhanced personalization, and guiding learners toward exceptional academic achievements. 

About LingoAce

LingoAce is a global education technology company on a mission to make learning for kids more engaging, effective, and accessible through technology. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Singapore and has global operations throughout the United States, Southeast Asia, Europe, and China. Backed by the world’s top investors including Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia India & Southeast Asia), Owl Ventures, Tiger Global, and Shunwei Capital, LingoAce has a roster of more than 5,000 professionally certified teachers and has taught more than 20 million classes to PreK-12 students in more than 100 countries. In 2023, LingoAce was named to Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies list and the GSV EdTech 150 list of the world’s most transformative edtech companies for the second year in a row. Learn more about LingoAce: https://www.lingoace.com/ 

smart Debuts Its #3 Keith Haring Art Car Globally, Launches #5 BRABUS and #5 Premium+ AWD in China at Auto Shanghai

  • smart is showcasing its expanded premium vehicle lineup at the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Booth 4A03) from today.
  • The smart #3 Keith Haring Art Car makes its global debut, alongside the China launch of the all-new smart #5 BRABUS and smart #5 Premium+ AWD, with prices from RMB 329,900 and RMB 279,900 respectively.
  • smart has officially launched its “open your mind Experiences” global brand campaign supported by the “Power of Firsts” concept, inspiring customers worldwide to discover the boundless possibilities of life through first-time experiences.

SHANGHAI, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — smart is showcasing its expanded premium vehicle lineup at the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Booth 4A03), featuring the global debut of the smart #3 Keith Haring Art Car and the China launch of the all-new smart #5 BRABUS and smart #5 Premium+ AWD. At the same time, smart is officially launching its global brand campaign “open your mind Experiences”, built around the emotional concept of the “Power of Firsts” designed to inspire customers worldwide to explore life through first-time experiences with the brand and its products.

smart showcases its expanded portfolio at Auto Shanghai 2025
smart showcases its expanded portfolio at Auto Shanghai 2025

Mr. Tong Xiangbei, Global CEO of smart, said, “Over the past five years, with strong support from our shareholders and loyal global customers, smart has achieved key strategic milestones. As smart enters its second five-year phase, we will continue to focus on enhancing global operations and expanding our customer base to achieve high-quality, sustainable development in 2025.”

Ms. Mandy Zhang, Global CMO of smart, said, “The ‘open your mind’ brand claim lies at the heart of who we are. Today, we’re proud to launch our ‘open your mind Experiences’ brand campaign, built around the emotional concept of the ‘Power of Firsts’. This spirit is also embodied in the three exciting new smart vehicles here today, inviting our customers worldwide to discover the boundless possibilities of life through every first-time experience.” 

Art on the Move: smart #3 Keith Haring Art Car Global Debut

In a global first, the smart #3 Keith Haring Art Car brings bold imagination and artistic expression to the forefront, aligning seamlessly with smart’s “open your mind” ethos, celebrating creativity, inclusivity, and optimism in urban mobility. The exterior of the Art Car showcases Haring’s distinctive motifs, while the cabin features numerous artistic elements that turn the smart #3 into a moving canvas.

The smart #3 Keith Haring Art Car
The smart #3 Keith Haring Art Car

Made to Stand Out: smart #5 BRABUS Celebrates Its China Launch

Priced from RMB 329,900, the smart #5 BRABUS makes its China debut at Auto Shanghai 2025. With a striking design, 21-inch BRABUS Monoblock Z wheels, red brake calipers, and performance-inspired styling, the vehicle radiates a high-performance identity. Inside, the cabin features DINAMICA® seats, an Alcantara steering wheel with illuminated BRABUS lettering, 256-color Ambient Light+, and a Sennheiser Signature Sound System. The electric drive delivers 475 kW, accelerating the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Its 800-volt platform allows ultra-fast DC charging from 10% to 80% in just 15 minutes, with a 100 kWh battery offering a maximum range of 660 km (CLTC).

smart #5 BRABUS
smart #5 BRABUS

More Premium, All-Terrain Experience: smart #5 Premium+ AWD China Launch

Also launched at Auto Shanghai, the smart #5 Premium+ AWD is engineered for all-terrain performance and priced from RMB 279,900. Air suspension offers 95mm of height adjustability across six settings, with a maximum ground clearance of 231mm. The Continuous Controlled Damping (CCD) system ensures real-time ride optimization. Dual motors deliver rapid acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, with a 45° climbing capability. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive, with Adaptive, Sand, Snow, Mud, and Rock off-road modes. Reinforced sealing technology enables water fording up to 500 mm.

In 2025, smart plans to enter more than 10 new markets, with a global footprint now at 37 markets worldwide, and collaborates with partners and customers across the globe to truly open your mind.

 

Lorex Technology Launches Revolutionary 2K Wi-Fi Lightbulb Camera, With Privacy Protections Baked In

Featuring motorized 360° pan-tilt monitoring, smart lighting, and an innovative privacy mode, Lorex redefines the simplicity of smart home protection with the launch of 2K Lightbulb Camera in U.S.

MARKHAM, Ontario, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lorex Technology, an industry leading security brand, is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation: the 2K Wi-Fi Lightbulb Camera. As crime rates rise and budgets tighten, homeowners and even tenants are seeking affordable, low-profile solutions for powerful, hassle-free protection. Easy to install and smarter than ever, this smart lightbulb camera offers discreet HD surveillance with an effortless screw-in and wire-free set up so that it’s ready to use in seconds. Additionally, it introduces a thoughtful privacy feature, offering peace of mind without disrupting neighborhood (or landlord) harmony.

Lorex 2K Wi-Fi Lightbulb Camera
Lorex 2K Wi-Fi Lightbulb Camera

Seamless Security Meets Smart Illumination for Modern Homes

Lorex’s Wi-Fi Lightbulb Camera reimagines traditional security in a moment of increased awareness. As concerns over rising grocery bills grow and homeowners remain vigilant, this camera offers a discreet, dual-purpose design without breaking the bank. Lorex blends a high-resolution security camera with the convenience of a smart lightbulb that works to monitor both day and night.

Positioned beneath the multi-directional LED lightbulb, the 2K camera offers outstanding resolution and color night vision for homeowners to protect and illuminate their property effortlessly. Whether it’s monitoring a living room, driveway or backyard, this dual-purpose device ensures complete coverage with unmatched flexibility.

Full 360° Coverage to Brighten and Secure Every Corner with Precision

At the core of this design is its motorized pan-and-tilt camera that can be controlled to tilt vertically or rotate horizontally up to 360°. This offers users full coverage across a property, thereby eliminating blind spots for homeowners. They can also adjust their field of view in live view for real time monitoring – all from their phone

However, the innovation of this lightbulb camera, which is a first of its kind, is designed with privacy in mind. Should neighbors have concerns, the Privacy Mode feature lets users quickly point the camera inward with a simple command, while continuing to function as a lightbulb.

Easiest installation on the Market, Perfect for Both Landlords and Tenants.

Lorex’s 2K Lightbulb Camera is also designed to meet the needs of modern living, especially for renters who want security without risk of damaging their landlord’s home. It effortlessly fits into any E26/E27 standard light socket — no extra tools or wiring required. The seamless 2-step setup process is designed to take under 5 minutes, delivering optimal efficiency with minimal effort. Secondly, with the versatile and flexible design, users can easily move the device in multiple locations adapting to their ever changing security needs.

“We’re committed to empowering homeowners with versatile yet innovative security solutions,” says Alan Mok, Product Manager at Lorex Technology. “By combining a functional lightbulb with state-of-the-art security features, this device exemplifies our mission to merge functionality, simplicity, and advanced technology to ensure peace of mind.”

Light on Demand

The device’s multi-directional 400 lumen LED lightbulb also adds another layer of customization. The 400 Lumen dimmable lightbulb features a compact and adaptable layout that provides optimal compatibility in diverse lighting structures and integrates advanced smart lighting control using the Lorex app. The device offers six light scheduling modes (Manual, Scheduled, Motion, Camera-activated, Vacation, and Grouping mode), and allows for automated activation at specific times for enhanced security. Users can manually set the light for 24/7 illumination for continuous protection, synchronize multiple lightbulbs to activate simultaneously or schedule at specific times for an energy-efficient solution.

The device also comes equipped with intuitive features that enhance the whole lighting and monitoring experience:

  • 2-Way Talk and Quick Response: Answer instantly with a one touch Quick Response Message or communicate in real-time through the built-in speaker and microphone.
  • Person and Vehicle Detection: Receive instant alerts and be notified when motion is detected by either a person or vehicle for more accurate monitoring.
  • Privacy Mode: Set to Privacy Mode and the camera head swings inward to cover the camera lens and cut off the recording for added privacy when needed.
  • IP65 Weather-Resistant Housing: The camera housing is built to withstand harsh weather conditions with the Weather-Resistant Housing.
  • Flexible Storage Options: Choose from Local Micro SD Storage (sold separately), Lorex Cloud Storage, or connect to a Lorex Fusion NVR for continuous recording.

The 2K Lightbulb Camera, sold individually, is now available for US $69.99 on Lorex.com through the following link: https://www.lorex.com/products/sl300-2k-smart-lightbulb-camera

For a limited time, Lorex is also offering the 2K Lightbulb Camera bundled with a 1-year Cloud Subscription (valued at US $29.99) only for US$5 more at US $74.99.

For more information, visit Lorex Technology

Surfin Meta Digital Technologies completes funding round of USD 26.5 million with Woori Venture Partners, Washington University in St. Louis and Phillip Private Equity, following initial raise with Insignia Ventures Partners

SINGAPORE, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Surfin Meta Digital Technologies, Singapore-headquartered financial technology solutions provider for the underserved, announced the successful completion of its oversubscribed funding round on April 23 2025. Woori Venture Partners, Washington University in St. Louis, and Phillip Private Equity participated in this round, bringing total funding to USD 26.5 million.

This is a remarkable achievement and milestone from the initial investment of USD 12.5 million that was led by Insignia Ventures Partners in October 2024. It is also a reflection of continued investor confidence in Surfin’s business model and its mission to support the unbanked and underbanked in emerging markets.

With this additional capital, Surfin is well-positioned to build on its capabilities to develop more innovative technologies and build a sustainable digital financial ecosystem.

“I have always believed that financial inclusion is critical towards helping less privileged people who face difficulties to access even the simplest of financial services in emerging markets. We are proud to close our funding round with strong interest from well-known institutional investors that also stand testament to Surfin’s outstanding performance and potential to grow into a truly global fintech company. We are very excited to work with Insignia, Woori, Washington University in St. Louis, and Phillips, and believe they will provide us with additional guidance and resources with which to take on this challenge.”

Dr Yanan Wu, CEO and Founder. Surfin Meta Digital Technologies


—————————————————————————————————————-

“Having partnered with many fintech companies over the years, it has been rare to find a company like Surfin bootstrapped and grown to scale across multiple markets, having to manage the complexities and nuances of each. It has the potential to truly become multi-country and multi-product, a trajectory rooted in the company’s depth of consumer data at scale, which can be harnessed to deliver hyper-local, hyper-personalized financial services. Surfin is at the forefront of a wave of companies driving equitable economic growth through data factories rather than physical ones. We are proud to see that their mission of financial inclusion for emerging markets has continued to attract the support of global investors.”

Mr Yinglan Tan, Founding Managing Partner of Insignia Ventures Partners

—————————————————————————————————————-

“We are excited to back Dr Wu and his team in its ambition to redefine financial inclusion. Surfin has made remarkable progress in creating an ecosystem of technology-powered financial services across emerging markets such as Indonesia, Philippines, India and Mexico from Singapore. Even more impressive, it has done so bootstrapped before the current institutional round. We are looking forward to supporting Surfin in its next phase of expansion”

Mr Alan Ang, Director of Woori Venture Partners

—————————————————————————————————————-

“Despite the challenging market environment, we have been impressed by Surfin’s continued commitment toward building a sustainable business model while delivering on its vision to bring financial inclusion for the less privileged in the region. We are proud to be part of this funding round by Surfin to support their continued growth journey to become a global fintech leader.”

Ms. Grace Tang, CEO and Managing Director of Phillip Private Equity, a member company of Phillip Capital Group

—————————————————————————————————————-

The proceeds will be used to support Surfin’s development into new markets, as well as to expand the company’s research & development initiatives to build a holistic suite of intelligent financial products in these markets.

Haitong International Securities Singapore assisted as a financial advisor in this funding round.

—————————————————————————————————————-

We are honored to have supported Surfin and Dr. Wu in reaching this important milestone. The success of this round reflects the clarity of Surfin’s mission, the strength of its leadership, and the confidence it has earned from respected investors. Dr. Wu’s vision to advance financial inclusion through technology is both compelling and urgently needed across emerging markets. We look forward to seeing Surfin continue to scale its impact.”

Ms. Deng Luming, Chief Executive Officer of Haitong International Securities (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

L-R: Surfin Board of Directors at the Surfin AI Fintech Forum: 1. Dr Yanan Wu, 2. Bruce McGuire 3. John A. Quelch CBE, 4. Mohamed Nasser Ismail, 5. John Fennell, 6. Michael Spence 7. Yinglan Tan, 8. Felix Davidson, 9. Daju Gu (Board Secretary)
L-R: Surfin Board of Directors at the Surfin AI Fintech Forum: 1. Dr Yanan Wu, 2. Bruce McGuire 3. John A. Quelch CBE, 4. Mohamed Nasser Ismail, 5. John Fennell, 6. Michael Spence 7. Yinglan Tan, 8. Felix Davidson, 9. Daju Gu (Board Secretary)

—————————————————————————————————————-        

About Surfin Meta Digital Technologies

Surfin is a financial technology platform that provides digital financial services for the unbanked and underbanked in emerging markets. The company provides services including consumer lending and credit cards, payments and remittances, wealth management as well as B2B services.

Surfin’s unique differentiation lies in its focus on utilising technology to provide a highly scalable platform across borders, and providing a deep ecosystem of transparent and innovative financial solutions. For more information please visit www.surfin.sg.

About Insignia Ventures Partners

Insignia Ventures Partners is a Southeast Asia early-to-growth stage venture capital firm partnering with unstoppable founders to build great companies. Since 2017, we have invested in emerging technology companies across industries and geographies in the region, including Carro, Ajaib, GoTo (IDX: GOTO), Appier (TSE: 4180), Fazz, Shipper, Tonik, Flip and Super, and many other technology market leaders. We partner early with founders and support them from seed through growth stage as their companies create meaningful impact for millions of people in Southeast Asia and beyond. With our team of investment and operating professionals who bring together decades of experience and proprietary networks, we equip our founders with the tools they need for growth. We manage capital from premier institutional investors including sovereign wealth funds, foundations, university endowments and renowned family offices from Asia, Europe and North America.

Learn more on our websiteInsignia Business Review, our podcast On Call with Insignia (new episodes weekly on SpotifyApple Podcasts, and YouTube), and these case studies from HBS and INSEAD.

Check out our public access toolkit for founders and investors looking into region, including term sheet generators, market statistics, cybersecurity scanner, and more. We also provide venture capital education programs for C-levels and senior execs through Insignia Ventures Academy.

Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and Twitter.

About Woori Venture Partners

Woori Venture Partners is South Korea’s leading venture capital firm with a distinguished track record spanning over 40 years. Established in 1981, Woori Venture Partners has expanded its global presence with investment hubs in Silicon Valley, Shanghai and Singapore. With investments in over 2,000 companies, over 300 of which have successfully gone public, Woori Venture Partners is dedicated to driving innovation and fostering growth opportunities worldwide.

Woori Venture Partners officially opened its Singapore office in 2023, and its presence in Southeast Asia reflects the growing investment opportunities in the region. Woori Venture Partners has cultivated a portfolio of close to 15 investments from Southeast Asia and India across diverse sectors including B2B, consumer, deep-tech, fin-tech and Web3. The Singapore office is also exploring Web3 opportunities globally, with a particular focus on the intersection of financial services and blockchain.

About Washington University in St. Louis

Founded in 1853, Washington University in St. Louis is among the world’s leaders in teaching, research, patient care and service to society. WashU is distinctive in its purpose-driven scholarship across a wide range of academic disciplines, its highly supportive residential undergraduate experience and its world-class research enterprise, which addresses scientific, social and economic challenges locally, nationally and globally.

WashU maintains a long-term endowment which is managed by the WashU Investment Management Company.  The endowment is invested globally across all asset classes with the primary purpose to support the university’s mission across generations. 

About PhillipCapital

Since its inception as a stockbroker in 1975, PhillipCapital has grown into an integrated Asian financial house with a global presence and offers a full range of quality and innovative services to retail and high-net-worth individuals, family offices, as well as corporate and institutional customers. PhillipCapital offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services including broking in securities, futures, foreign exchange, bonds, precious metals and commodities, unit trusts, contracts for difference, exchange-traded funds; fund management, managed accounts, insurance planning, regular savings plan, investment research, equity financing and property consultancy. Institutions can also benefit from our corporate finance and advisory services as well as information technology solutions. Today, the company headquartered in Singapore operates in the financial hubs of 15 countries, including offices in Australia, Cambodia, China (and Hong Kong SAR), India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UK, UAE, USA and Vietnam, serving over 1 million clients with Assets Under Management of total more than USD 65 billion. Find out more information, please visit www.phillip.com.sg.

About Haitong

–       Haitong International Securities (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

Haitong International Securities (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Haitong International Securities Group Limited.

–       Haitong International Securities Group Limited

Haitong International Securities Group Limited (“Haitong International”) is an international financial institution with established presence in Hong Kong and a rapidly expanding network across the globe. It strives to serve as a bridge linking up the Chinese and overseas capital markets.

Haitong International is well positioned to serve corporate, institutional, as well as high-net worth clients worldwide. Its well-established financial services platform provides a full spectrum of financial offerings including private wealth management, corporate finance, asset management and global markets businesses. Haitong International possesses a sound risk management system that is in line with international standards. Haitong International has a global financial servicing network covering the world’s major capital markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, London, Tokyo, Mumbai and Sydney, thereby making it a world-class Chinese financial institution with international competitiveness, systemic importance and brand influence.

Contact:
media@surfin.sg