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Triumph Higher Education Group Acquires Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Expands Culinary Education Network into Canada

Transaction unites Canadian and U.S. culinary institutions under Triumph portfolio

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. and VANCOUVER, BC, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Triumph Higher Education Group today announced it acquired PICA Holdings Incorporated, the parent company of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA), a Vancouver-based institution for professional culinary and pastry arts education, effective April 1.

The acquisition brings PICA into Triumph’s culinary education portfolio alongside Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts (Escoffier), the largest culinary school brand in the United States,* expanding its network of accredited, career-focused culinary institutions across North America. Financial terms were not disclosed.

In addition to its business-focused curriculum that includes entrepreneurship and wellness programs, Triumph said the acquisition aligns with its strategy to further expand professional education programs in high-demand sectors including hospitality and culinary arts to address employers’ skilled labor shortages. Both PICA and Escoffier blend traditional methods with modern innovation representing a foundation that has shaped current culinary arts across North America and globally. This shared philosophy and approach underscores the alignment between the two institutions.

“We are pleased to welcome the students, faculty and partners of PICA to the Triumph family,” said Jack Larson, chairman, CEO and president of Triumph Higher Education Group. “PICA’s approach to culinary education, rooted in excellence, tradition and innovation, aligns with our strategy to expand career-focused programs in hospitality and culinary fields, where demand for skilled professionals continues to grow.”

“PICA has earned a strong reputation for developing industry-ready graduates through disciplined, hands-on training and deep employer connections,” said Kirk T. Bachmann, provost at Escoffier. “Our missions share a commitment to cultivating passion and lifelong careers in the culinary and hospitality professions. Bringing PICA into the Triumph family allows us to expand opportunities for students while strengthening the culinary talent pipeline across North America and internationally.”

Founded in 1997 in Vancouver, British Columbia, PICA offers intensive diploma programs in culinary and baking and pastry arts, with a training model centered on hands-on instruction, small class sizes and direct industry engagement. The institution is accredited in British Columbia and prepares students for careers in restaurants, hotels, bakeries and food-related businesses. The institution has also participated in industry events tied to Vancouver’s growing international culinary profile.

PICA will continue operating from its Vancouver campus, with no disruption expected for current students or programs. Former owners Yves and Sylvia Potvin will continue in an active advisory role following the acquisition. The institution will maintain its hands-on instructional model and local industry relationships. PICA will operate within Triumph’s culinary division, alongside Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Triumph will continue to invest in the PICA campus, facility, and community.

Students at both institutions will have access to expanded academic resources, broader employer partnerships, international experiences and cross-border career pathways. The combined programs will support the education and development of future culinary and hospitality leaders.

“Joining Triumph marks an important step forward for PICA,” said Yves Potvin, of Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. “We are proud of our role in Vancouver’s culinary community and look forward to expanding opportunities for our students, alumni and instructors while continuing to serve Western Canada and our international student population.”

PICA has trained more than 4,500 alumni since its founding, with graduates working across restaurants, hotels and hospitality businesses throughout North America and internationally.

The acquisition expands Triumph’s culinary education and workforce development capabilities through its existing operations, including Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Escoffier offers accredited degree and diploma programs through campuses in Boulder, Colorado, and Austin, Texas, as well as online. Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions provides hiring, training and retention support for hospitality employers.

Together, Triumph’s network will serve approximately 8,000 students annually, with an alumni network of more than 25,000 and over 125 faculty and chef instructors across North America.

About Triumph Higher Education Group
Triumph Higher Education Group is a global provider of education, training and recruitment of professionals for the hospitality and culinary arts industries. Its operations include Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Gecko Hospitality, Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions and Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts.

About Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Canada’s oldest, private culinary school, was founded in 1997 and is located at the entrance of Granville Island, one of Vancouver’s most iconic tourism and hospitality destinations. Consistently ranked as one of Canada’s best culinary training centers, the institute’s offerings range from professional diploma programs in the culinary and baking and pastry arts to wine education and cooking classes for the public. An onsite bakery and marina-side bistro event space ensures that there is something for every kind of culinary enthusiast. Committed to excellence, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts’ mission is to provide the highest quality culinary and hospitality education for all.

About Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is the largest culinary school brand in the U.S.*, with a community of thousands of alumni represented across the United States and internationally. Escoffier’s programs blend a classic and contemporary approach to culinary and pastry arts, emphasizing sustainability, farm-to-table practices, business skills, and food entrepreneurship. The Austin, Texas, campus is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), and the Boulder, Colorado, campus (including online programs) is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Escoffier is ranked one of the Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America 2026 by Niche.com. Both the Boulder and Austin campuses are Great Place to Work-Certified™ institutions. Escoffier’s Boulder campus (including online programs) has also been recognized as a Military Friendly® School and by Newsweek as a Top Online Learning Provider for 2026.

*Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is the largest culinary school brand in the U.S. (based on comparable student population data currently reported in IPEDS).

 

Global Brand Storytelling Agency INVNT® Joins Nth Degree to Form an Unmatched Live Events Platform

Private Equity Partner Shamrock Capital Fuels Strategic Market Expansion

ATLANTA, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nth Degree, a leader in event design and delivery, today announced that global brand storytelling agency INVNT will join the organization, creating a live event market leader capable of meeting the growing experiential needs of major brands around the world. With 11 offices across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and North America, INVNT brings expanded creative, strategy and production capabilities to the combined company.

“We’re excited to welcome INVNT and their entire team to the Nth Degree family,” said John Hense, CEO of Nth Degree. “As the market for experiential services continues to accelerate, we’re bringing together the exceptional creative talent and leadership of INVNT with Nth Degree’s proven team, strengthening an already formidable platform company – one that will help global brands tell bigger stories and deliver them with more confidence than ever before.”

As part of this transaction, Nth Degree Events – the award-winning division of the parent company – and INVNT will combine to form an agency focused on corporate events operating under the brand name INVNT.

“Clients today are increasingly seeking integrated agency partners that can deliver high-touch service and accountability all the way from strategy and creative to production and operations,” said Kristina McCoobery, Global President of INVNT. “Adding the capabilities of Nth Degree Events to INVNT’s suite allows us to address that need.”

The integration of INVNT and Nth Degree Events creates significant advantages and a more competitive, comprehensive suite of offerings for clients, giving them access to innovation-led brand storytelling, creative, strategy and production expertise along with revenue-enhancing sponsorship sales, content and speaker management, best-in-class event operations and more.

“Nth Degree Events clients have been increasingly seeking the kind of services that INVNT delivers, and we’re excited to bring these capabilities to our exceptional customer base including some of the biggest names in consumer and technology markets,” said Robert Lowe, Chief Client Officer, of the newly combined agency.

The business will operate through two primary divisions under the leadership of John Hense, CEO of Nth Degree Holdings:

INVNT – Nth Degree Events merges with INVNT creating a strengthened suite of agency services and a combined client base that includes some of the largest and best-known brands in the world – from consumer to business-to-business. INVNT co-founder McCoobery, along with members of the Nth Degree Events team, including Lowe and Lisa Ramsey, will lead the agency.  

Nth Degree – With a focus on high-quality event labor and general contracting services, Nth Degree and Fern Exposition Services maintain the company’s longstanding commitment to exhibitors, exhibit houses, associations and agencies. Nth Degree will be led by Russell Greenway, President, Nth Degree – I&D, and Shana Carr, President, Fern Expo – GC.

The deal was supported by private equity partner Shamrock Capital and represents a significant expansion of Shamrock’s commitment to the experiential market while bolstering Nth Degree’s continued growth and global expansion. Shamrock announced its initial strategic investment in Nth Degree in September 2024.

Canaccord Genuity served as exclusive financial advisor and Davis + Gilbert LLP served as legal advisor to INVNT on the transaction. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP served as legal advisor and Stephens Inc. served as financial advisor to Nth Degree on the transaction.

About Nth Degree
Nth Degree is a global leader in exhibitor and trade show services, event management, experiential marketing, and permanent installations. With warehouses and offices in more than 30 U.S. markets, the company delivers thousands of events annually for many of the world’s most recognizable brands. For more information visit nthdegree.com.

About INVNT
On a mission to put a brand on the moon. INVNT® is an innovation-led, international, interdisciplinary, and integrated agency united by brand storytelling. INVNT helps many of the biggest brands and organizations in the world impact audiences, dent culture, and make history. INVNT operates globally with offices in New York (HQ), London, Sydney, Singapore, Mumbai, Dubai, Detroit, San Francisco, Stockholm, Noosa, and Washington D.C. For more information visit INVNT.com.

About Shamrock Capital
Shamrock Capital is a Los Angeles-based investment firm with approximately $7 billion of assets under management as of February 13, 2026. Shamrock Capital invests exclusively in media, entertainment, communications, and related sectors through a multi-fund strategy centered on private equity investments, as well as ownership and financing of content and media rights. The firm was originally founded in 1978 as the family investment company for the late Roy E. Disney and has since evolved into an institutionally backed firm with a leading group of investors, including endowments, foundations, and sovereign wealth and pension funds. Shamrock Capital partners with strong management teams and takes an active, collaborative approach to creating value in each investment. For more information, visit shamrockcap.com.

Media Contacts:

Robyn Fernsworth
R2PR for Nth Degree
robyn@r2pr.com

Matt Keowen
Nth Degree
mkeowen@nthdegree.com

Jhonathan Mendez De Leon
INVNT
jmendezdeleon@invnt.com

 

Precision Aviation Group Expands Safran Electrical & Power Authorized Repair Center Network to Five Global Facilities

ATLANTA, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Precision Aviation Group (PAG), a leading global provider of aftermarket aviation and aerospace services, today announced that EFIX and PAG Australia have been added to the Safran Electrical & Power Authorized Repair Center (ARC) Network, further expanding PAG’s global OEM authorized repair capabilities.

PAG employee holds an aircraft part
PAG employee holds an aircraft part

With the addition of EFIX and PAG Australia, PAG now operates five Authorized Repair Centers within the Safran Electrical & Power ARC Network for its DC Generators and GCU, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, OEM-approved MRO support across key global regions.

The five PAG companies authorized within the Safran Electrical & Power ARC Network include:

  • Precision Aviation Group (PAG) – Atlanta, Georgia, USA
  • PAI Canada – British Columbia, Canada
  • Tuner Aviation – Glasgow, Scotland
  • EFIX – Brazil
  • PAI Australia – Queensland, Australia

“This expansion reflects the continued investment we’re making across our Component Services organization to meet OEM standards while supporting customers where they operate,” said Jordan Webber, Vice President of Component Services at Precision Aviation Group. “Adding EFIX and PAG Australia to the Safran Electrical & Power ARC Network allows us to extend trusted, authorized repair and distribution capabilities into new regions while maintaining the quality, consistency, and reliability our customers expect.”

Safran Electrical & Power is a global leader in aircraft electrical systems, and its Authorized Repair Center Network is designed to ensure consistent standards of quality, compliance, and performance across approved service providers.

The inclusion of EFIX and PAG Australia enables PAG to offer expanded regional coverage in South America and the Asia-Pacific region, reducing turnaround times while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability.

About Precision Aviation Group (PAG)
Precision Aviation Group (PAG) is a leading provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and value-added supply chain services to the aerospace and defense industries. With 26 Repair Stations, 28 locations worldwide, 1,280 employees, and over 1.2 million square feet of production and distribution facilities, PAG offers comprehensive MRO services on more than 200,000 product lines. PAG supports operators in the Airline, Business and General Aviation (BGA), Military, and Rotary Wing markets through its Inventory Supported Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (ISMRO®) business model.
www.precisionaviationgroup.com

About Safran
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Electrical & Power is one of the world’s leaders in aircraft electrical systems. The company is a key player in equipment electrification and in the electric and hybrid propulsion sector. It has more than 15,500 employees across 13 different countries.

For more information: www.safran-group.com

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NEWCASTLE UNITED AND KNOX HYDRATION ANNOUNCE OFFICIAL HYDRATION PARTNERSHIP

NEWCASTLE, England, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Newcastle United has signed a transformative multi-year partnership with KNOX Hydration, the world’s fastest-growing hydration brand.

Effective from 1 July 2026, the club’s Training Centre at Darsley Park will be officially renamed The KNOX. The partnership also includes the sleeve sponsorship on training wear for the Men’s, Women’s, and Academy teams.

The first-of-its-kind partnership integrates KNOX Hydration’s high-performance nutrition expertise across all levels of the club, providing players with elite hydration products designed to support performance and recovery.

Newcastle United’s Chief Executive Officer, David Hopkinson, said: “We are thrilled to welcome KNOX Hydration as a world-class partner. They share our relentless ambition to disrupt the status quo and reach the pinnacle of our respective industries. This isn’t just a branding exercise; it’s a performance-led partnership that will also support our community.

“As we integrate KNOX Hydration products into our daily environment at ‘The KNOX,’ we are giving our players the best possible tools to succeed, while driving the commercial growth necessary to compete at the very top. “

John Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer for KNOX Hydration, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Newcastle United, a truly storied football club with a rich history and a bold future.

“With new leadership and heightened ambitions, Newcastle’s trajectory aligns perfectly with KNOX’s own rapid ascent. Just as importantly, the club’s incredibly dedicated fan base and the strong sense of community makes this partnership especially meaningful.”

“Elite sport demands precision, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure, and hydration plays a fundamental role in that equation. At KNOX Hydration, we’ve built our products at the intersection of science and performance, ensuring athletes of all levels can fuel their bodies with exactly what they need. ” said Ethan Hughes, co-founder of KNOX Hydration.

KNOX Hydration is accelerating its global expansion, with operations now in Africa and Australia. Building on this momentum, the brand is set to launch in the UK this May. 2026 is shaping up to be a breakout year as KNOX continues to expand its global footprint and bring its hydration solutions to new audiences worldwide.

Director of Global Marketing, Mark Jacobs added “Our partnership with Newcastle United Football Club represents a powerful alignment between a forward-thinking football institution and a next-generation hydration brand. At KNOX Hydration, we’re committed to pushing boundaries in performance, innovation, and global reach…values that Newcastle United embodies as well. Together, we’re not just supporting elite athletes; we’re shaping the future of how performance hydration integrates into modern sport.”

This partnership comes off the heels of the January 2026 announcement as the Official Hydration Partner of UFC.

About Newcastle United
Founded in 1892, Newcastle United is a leading professional football club based in the North East of England. Famed for its storied history, passionate supporters and iconic black and white striped shirts, ‘The Magpies’ compete in the world-renowned English Premier League (EPL) and featured in the prestigious 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. Newcastle United Women compete in the women’s Super League 2 – and currently hold the league attendance record – following back-to-back promotions in recent years.

About KNOX Hydration
KNOX Hydrate has redefined the functional beverage market. KNOX sparkling hydration drinks and powder sachets are crafted to deliver essential amino acids, electrolytes, and vitamins without caffeine, sugar, or artificial stimulants, focusing purely on optimal physiological recovery.

Founded by former UFC Champion Dricus du Plessis and Ethan Hughes, in partnership with Ignite International. 

Media contact:

Mark Jacobs, KNOX Hydration Director of Global Marketing
mark@knoxhydrate.com

LOPKIN Showcases Wire-Free Robotic Lawn Mowers at NHS 2026, Accelerating North America Expansion

LAS VEGAS, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Smart garden robotics brand LOPKIN showcased its L Series robotic lawn mowers at the National Hardware Show 2026 (NHS 2026), marking its continued expansion into the North American market. Designed for small to mid-sized residential lawns, the new series focuses on wire-free setup, intelligent navigation, and ease of use.

The debut attracted strong interest from industry professionals and channel partners across North America, as demand grows for smarter, low-maintenance lawn care solutions.

LOPKIN on-site at NHS 2026
LOPKIN on-site at NHS 2026

From Wired Installation to Wire-Free Operation

The LOPKIN L Series addresses the industry’s biggest pain point: complex installation. Unlike traditional mowers that require hours of burying boundary wires, the L Series utilizes a high-precision multi-source fusion navigation system. Combining RTK-GPS positioning with Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO), the mower autonomously maps the yard and creates virtual boundaries right out of the box.

Furthermore, LOPKIN introduces its exclusive HaLow Wi-Fi connectivity. This technology eliminates the need for complex app-based network pairing and ensures a stable, long-range signal that covers even the largest properties, maintaining a seamless connection where standard Wi-Fi often fails.

AI-Powered Perception for Safer, Smarter Mowing

The L Series is equipped with a vision-based perception system capable of recognizing over 300 common yard objects, including pets, children, and outdoor obstacles.

With real-time obstacle detection and adaptive path planning, the mower dynamically adjusts its route to enhance both safety and operational efficiency, particularly in complex and changing outdoor environments.

Engineered for the North American Landscape

To handle the diverse and often rugged terrain of the US market, the L Series is built with a high-torque motor and a floating cutting deck.

Precision Cutting: 24 cm (9.5 inches) cutting width combined with a 290 m²/h efficiency ensures quick coverage,and manages tough grass types like Kentucky Bluegrass and St. Augustine.

Terrain Mastery: Effortlessly handles slopes up to 22° (40% incline)

Intelligent Management: The “Lawn Steward” mode leverages a database of 100+grass species to automatically adjust cutting height and frequency throughout the growing season.

Expanding North America Presence and Global Partnerships

LOPKIN is actively accelerating its North America expansion strategy through local distributor networks and retail channels, aiming to scale its market presence in key regions.

Leveraging its in-house manufacturing and R&D capabilities, the company also offers flexible OEM/ODM solutions for global partners seeking customized smart lawn care products.

A company spokesperson commented: “We believe lawn care should be simple and accessible. By combining wire-free technology with intelligent decision-making, we aim to deliver a more effortless experience for homeowners.”

As technologies such as RTK positioning, AI perception, and data-driven automation continue to evolve, robotic lawn mowers are transitioning from standalone tools into integrated lawn management systems.

LOPKIN’s product approach reflects this broader shift toward wire-free operation and intelligent outdoor automation.

About LOPKIN

LOPKIN is a smart garden technology brand dedicated to integrating robotics, AI, and lawn science into a unified ecosystem. By providing reliable, autonomous solutions, LOPKIN aims to simplify home maintenance and empower users worldwide.

For more information, visit: https://lopkin.com

THE ROYAL CANADIAN MINT’S LAUNCHES NEW SILVER COLLECTOR COIN TO CELEBRATE ARTEMIS II, THE FIRST FLIGHT OF A CANADIAN ASTRONAUT AROUND THE MOON

OTTAWA, ON, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Royal Canadian Mint has proudly launched the 2026 $20 Fine Silver Coin – Moon Mission as Artemis II marks the historic return of crewed missions to the Moon since the end of the Apollo program in 1972. This colourful 99.99% pure silver coin, whose design comes to life with blacklight technology, also celebrates Canada’s inaugural lunar mission, on which Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen becomes the first Canadian to fly around the Moon.

Designed by Canadian artist Pandora Young, the coin’s reverse illustrates Canada’s role in the international NASA-led Artemis II mission through its depiction of a CSA astronaut in a full Orion Crew Survival System (OCSS) spacesuit, backed by an enlarged engraving of the Moon. Selective colour brings the astronaut’s blue-trimmed, orange-coloured OCSS spacesuit to life, with a Royal Canadian Air Force badge displayed above a CSA patch in the centre of the chest panel.  The Canadian flag is also visible on the left shoulder. When viewed under black light, the Moon glows, while the iconic view of planet Earth from the Moon is reflected in the astronaut’s visor. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

As a mission specialist, Col. Hansen will spend 10 days aboard NASA’s Orion crew capsule with commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialist Christina Koch.  By testing all the systems of the Orion spacecraft, for the first time with humans aboard, and doing a flyby of the Moon, their mission will set the stage for a new era of lunar surface exploration. 

Artemis II is Col. Hansen’s first flight into space. By virtue of his maiden voyage, Canada also becomes the only country other than the United States to have ever travelled in deep space.

Limited to a mintage of 7,500 coins worldwide, the 2026 $20 Fine Silver Coin – Moon Mission currently retails for $279.95. This new collectible may be ordered by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267‑1871 in Canada, 1-800-268‑6468 in the US, or at www.mint.ca. It will also be available at the Royal Canadian Mint’s boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, at participating Canada Post outlets, and through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors.

Images of this coin are available here.

About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada’s prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations. 

For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.  Follow the Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

For more information, media are asked to contact: Royal Canadian Mint, Alex Reeves, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, 613-884-6370, reeves@mint.ca

 

PQShield Advances Japan’s Quantum-Safe Security Transition Through CRYPTREC ML-KEM Evaluation

  • Japan can now begin deploying quantum-safe encryption at scale following PQShield’s evaluation of ML-KEM, as standardised in NIST FIPS 203, for CRYPTREC
  • The milestone unlocks adoption across Japan’s government procurement and technology supply chain, aligning the country with global mandates such as CNSA 2.0
  • The CRYPTREC ML-KEM evaluation report highlights the importance of secure and efficient implementation, particularly in protecting against side-channel and physical attacks.

TOKYO, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PQShield, a global leader in post-quantum cryptography (PQC), today announced it has delivered the external ML-KEM evaluation for CRYPTREC, Japan’s cryptographic standardisation body. This milestone supports the inclusion of ML-KEM in the CRYPTREC Ciphers List – comparable to frameworks such as the U.S. CNSA 2.0 – removing a major barrier to PQC adoption and allowing organisations to begin deploying quantum-safe cryptography across government, critical infrastructure and the wider technology supply chain.

 

 

The inclusion of ML-KEM in the CRYPTREC Ciphers List marks the first clear and official signal that the Japanese government is accelerating its move towards quantum-safe security, ahead of a formal national roadmap expected by May 2027. As the Ciphers List defines the cryptographic standards required for government procurement and broadly adopted across industry, this development will directly shape the technologies used across Japan’s industrial and export ecosystem.

This evaluation forms part of Japan’s broader PQC migration strategy, with the National Cyber Command Office (NCO) targeting a full transition to quantum-safe cryptography by 2035. As Japan accelerates this transition, alignment with global standards ensures its industries can operate securely and competitively across international markets.

This also reflects broader global policy alignment, with governments increasingly moving from PQC standardisation to real-world deployment.

PQShield was commissioned to conduct the full-stack evaluation of ML-KEM, the quantum-safe encryption standard approved by NIST, providing analysis across both theoretical security and practical implementation. This work formed a key part of CRYPTREC’s assessment process and underpins its conclusion that ML-KEM is “robust and secure” against both classical and quantum attacks, with all parameter sets meeting or exceeding NIST security levels, and that it is “viable for general-purpose applications.”

The CRYPTREC report highlights that the primary challenge in PQC adoption is secure and efficient implementation, particularly in protecting against side-channel and physical attacks. PQShield’s evaluation reinforces that these challenges are solvable in practice, supporting the deployment of secure, hardened implementations at scale.

Through its UltraPQ-Suite, PQShield provides production-ready implementations of ML-KEM optimised for deployment across the full technology stack, including:

  • Ultra fast solutions for high-performance networking and data centre infrastructure
  • Ultra secure implementations hardened against advanced attacks for critical systems
  • Ultra small deployments for embedded devices and constrained environments

PQShield’s involvement in CRYPTREC builds on its growing presence in Japan through its local entity, PQShield G.K., led by Shuichi Katsumata, Lead Cryptography Researcher, alongside participation in the Cyber Research Consortium (CRC) under a NEDO-funded programme and collaboration with AIST and leading industry partners. As a UK NCSC Assured Cyber Security Consultancy (ACSC) provider for PQC, the company supports governments and critical infrastructure operators with migration planning and implementation. Its team of cryptographers and engineers are co-authors of the initial NIST PQC standards and continue to shape global standardisation efforts across bodies including NIST, IETF and ETSI.

Dr Ali El Kaafarani, founder and CEO of PQShield, said: “Post-quantum cryptography is entering a new phase, where global standards, government investment and industry progress are beginning to align. With hyperscalers signalling that practical quantum computing is getting closer, the focus is shifting to coordinated, strategic implementation across the entire ecosystem – from OEMs and semiconductor providers to network security and critical national infrastructure. As governments set clear transition timelines, the next step is ensuring that requirements are aligned across borders so organisations can plan and execute with confidence. Our contribution to CRYPTREC builds on the world-class research already underway, while ensuring these algorithms can be securely deployed in real systems. We’re proud to support Japan’s transition and help turn this global alignment into operational quantum-safe security.”

Dr Shuichi Katsumata, Lead Cryptography Researcher at PQShield, said: “The ML-KEM evaluation reflects a comprehensive analysis of both theoretical security and real-world implementation. In addition to confirming strong security guarantees against classical and quantum attacks, our work examined practical considerations such as performance, parameter selection, and resistance to side-channel and fault attacks. This is critical, as the security of post-quantum cryptography depends not only on the underlying mathematics, but on its implementation in real systems. Our findings show that ML-KEM can be deployed securely and efficiently, providing a strong technical foundation to support Japan’s roadmap towards quantum-safe cryptography.”

About PQShield
PQShield is a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) company creating the global standards and core technologies to power the future security layer of the world’s leading organizations. Its quantum-secure cryptographic solutions work with companies’ legacy systems to protect sensitive data now and for years to come. It is the only cybersecurity company that can deliver high-quality secure implementations of quantum-safe cryptography on chips, in applications, and in the cloud, and is also an authority on PQC side channel attack resistance, having built a dedicated PQC SCA test lab with industry partners. PQShield is also a leading contributor to the post-quantum cryptography standardization projects throughout the world.

Headquartered in the UK, with teams across Europe, the United States and Japan, PQShield is backed by leading venture capital and corporate investors. Its extensive research paper catalog is available here. The company also hosts Shielded, a cybersecurity podcast exploring real-world stories of post-quantum cryptography adoption from international companies and institutions.

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daydream Raises $15M Series A to Build the World’s Best AI-Native Agency for SEO

SAN FRANCISCO, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — daydream, a leading AI-native agency for organic search, today announced a $15 million Series A funding round led by WndrCo, along with First Round Capital and Basis Set Ventures. The round brings daydream’s total funding to $21 million and will be used to accelerate hiring, product development, and go-to-market expansion.

 

daydream delivers an unfair advantage in SEO & AI Search

“We are thrilled to have such backing and endorsement from top-tier venture firms,” said Thenuka Karunaratne, CEO and Co-Founder of daydream. “We’re bringing world-class SEO expertise, paired with agents, to every high-growth company and enabling maximum velocity in one of the most complex marketing channels to master.”

Most tools today tell you how a company shows up in SEO and AI search. daydream goes beyond observability to drive outcomes through strategy and execution, an AI-native agency combining SEO agents with top experts to deliver full-service search support.

“The SEO market is massive, and AI is changing it faster than most companies can keep up. We backed daydream because Thenuka and Shravan understand this space better than anyone we’ve met, and they’ve built the product to prove it. The teams that figure out organic search in the age of AI will have an unfair advantage, and daydream is the company helping them get there,” said ChenLi Wang, General Partner at WndrCo.

daydream’s approach combines three things: the daydream method, a framework covering seven levers of organic growth from keyword strategy to AI visibility; SEO agents that execute faster than traditional agencies and automate search execution at scale; and a dedicated Growth Lead assigned to every customer, an SEO expert responsible for strategy, quality, and outcomes.

“SEO requires deep expertise, fast execution, and the ability to adapt as search itself evolves,” said Shravan Rajinikanth, CTO and Co-Founder of daydream. “Most companies are still optimizing for a version of search that no longer exists. We’re building agents that can think, strategize, and execute everything a senior SEO practitioner can, and do it at the speed and scale that the age of generative AI demands.”

The AI-native agency is an emerging category in the venture-backed world. In its Request for Startups for Spring 2026, Y Combinator ranked AI-native agencies #3 among the startup categories it most wants to fund. daydream’s Series A funding is a bet that combining agents with human expertise is the most effective model for SEO and AI search at scale.

About daydream

daydream is a leading AI-native agency that delivers an unfair advantage in organic search by combining a proven methodology with SEO agents and dedicated experts through full-service support. Learn more at withdaydream.com

Contact
Kim Huong Tran
pr@withdaydream.com