27.8 C
Vientiane
Friday, June 27, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 188

HTX Unveils Finalists for $6M Mars Program Special Edition, Space Journey Selection Enters Final Phase

SINGAPORE, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has officially announced five new finalists for its Mars Program: Special Edition, a once-in-a-lifetime spaceflight campaign personally funded by Advisor to HTX and Founder of TRON, Justin Sun. This brings the total number of candidates vying for a seat on a historic $6 million space voyage to twelve, as the program enters its final selection phase.

The five new candidates were chosen based on multiple factors including user registration duration, trading activity, asset balance, and referral contributions.

The UIDs of the newly selected candidates are: 269****10, 394****24, 448***68, 470****46 and 545****46. These five will join the seven previously selected Mars Program finalists—UIDs: 305****92, 416****94, 427****63, 436****64, 449****70, 464****24 and 471****74—forming a shortlist of 12 final candidates who will compete for one seat on a commercial spaceflight with Justin Sun in July 2025.

Official Announcement: https://www.htx.com.ec/support/85001963095003

The Mars Program: Special Edition is fully sponsored by Justin Sun, and represents a $6 million investment to make space exploration accessible to the broader crypto community. As the first initiative of its kind in the industry, the campaign underscores HTX’s mission to push the boundaries of user engagement and bring real-world value to its global community. Since its launch, the campaign has attracted a large number of participants from around the world.

Following the selection of the 12 finalists, the program now enters a critical evaluation phase. Candidates will undergo training and assessment organized by the HTX team. The final space representative will be selected based on performance during this stage. The winner and further updates will be announced through HTX’s official channels.

HTX emphasized that this initiative is not only a continuation of the Mars Program, which has completed seven previous rounds, but also a strategic effort to enhance the platform’s global visibility and user loyalty. By offering extraordinary experiences to everyday users, HTX demonstrates its commitment to innovation, inclusion, and long-term value creation within the Web3 ecosystem.

About HTX
Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on XTelegram, and Discord.

 

Registrational Phase III AMPLIFY trial in biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer commences

SYDNEY, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Clarity Pharmaceuticals (ASX: CU6) (“Clarity” or “Company”), a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company with a mission to develop next-generation products that improve treatment outcomes for patients with cancer, is pleased to announce that it has commenced its second registrational Phase III 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA diagnostic trial in prostate cancer, AMPLIFY (NCT06970847)1, with the initiation of the first clinical site at XCancer in Omaha, NE.

AMPLIFY is a study of 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA Positron Emission Tomography: A Phase 3 Study of Participants with Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer. It is a non-randomised, single-arm, open-label, multi-centre, diagnostic clinical trial of 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA positron emission tomography (PET) in participants with rising or detectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after initial definitive treatment.

The aim of this Phase III trial is to investigate the ability of 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA PET/computed tomography (CT) to detect recurrence of prostate cancer. Evaluation will be across 2 imaging timepoints, Day 1 (day of administration, same-day imaging) and Day 2 (approximately 24 hours post administration, next-day imaging).

The study will enroll approximately 220 participants at multiple clinical sites across the United States (US) and Australia, and the first participant is expected to be imaged in the coming weeks. As a pivotal trial, the final study results are intended to provide sufficient evidence to support an application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval of 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA as a new diagnostic imaging agent in biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer.

Clarity’s Executive Chairperson, Dr Alan Taylor, commented, “We are very excited to commence our second registrational Phase III trial with the optimised SAR-bisPSMA agent in patients that are experiencing the return of their disease following treatment of the primary cancer.

“The recent devastating news that former US President, Joe Biden, has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has metastasised to the bone is yet another reminder that no man is safe from this insidious disease, and he joins over 3.3 million men in the US who live with prostate cancer today2. Australia is also not immune. A recent public announcement revealed that MP Barnaby Joyce has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and he joins over 250,000 Australian men who are living with prostate cancer today3. These large numbers highlight the need for more timely and accurate diagnosis to safely and effectively treat the cancer with suitable therapies.”

The AMPLIFY trial is based on favourable preclinical and clinical data generated to date, including the Phase I/II COBRA trial in patients with BCR of prostate cancer and the Phase I PROPELLER trial in patients with confirmed prostate cancer pre-prostatectomy4,5. These earlier studies demonstrated an excellent safety profile and exciting efficacy results, especially in comparison to current standard of care imaging. PROPELLER showed improved diagnostic performance of 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA compared to 68Ga-PSMA-11 on same-day imaging, including higher number of lesions identified and 2-3 times higher uptake and tumour-to-background ratio, favouring 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA. The COBRA trial showed that more lesions and more patients with a positive scan were identified on 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA PET compared to conventional scans and on next-day vs. same-day imaging. 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA also allowed for the identification of lesions in the 2-mm range. The most recent findings from the COBRA trial demonstrated that 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA was able to detect lesions from 29 days to more than 6 months earlier than standard-of-care (SOC) prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET agents.

“These compelling findings, along with preliminary theranostic SECuRE trial data6, laid the foundation for the receipt of three Fast Track Designations (FTD) for SAR-bisPSMA from the US FDA within six months7-9, highlighting how impressive our science and clinical development are, the significance of the data so far and the high unmet need for better therapies and diagnostics in prostate cancer. We believe 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA could become a best-in-class product and look forward to progressing its clinical development through several trials in prostate cancer: AMPLIFY in BCR, our first Phase III CLARIFY study in pre-prostatectomy patients, the investigator-initiated trial led by Prof Louise Emmett, Co-PSMA (head-to-head study comparing the diagnostic performance of 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA vs. SOC 68Ga-PSMA-11 in BCR), and the theranostic SECuRE study in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The FTDs will enable us to accelerate the development of this comprehensive program to be used in patients with prostate cancer throughout the management of their cancer, from initial to late-stage disease, with an opportunity to completely change the entire treatment landscape for the large prostate cancer market.

“We have received a lot of interest in the AMPLIFY trial and look forward to seeing this study progress in such an important patient population. Knowing whether or not their prostate cancer has returned following initial treatment and where the cancer lesions are located are essential for the appropriate treatment of BCR patients. Identifying lesions as early as possible can arm clinicians with important information to help determine the right treatment regimen and ensure positive long-term treatment outcomes. We would like to thank all clinicians and patients who participate in our clinical trials and who trust us in delivering on our promise of developing best-in-class products. Our team and collaborators look forward to bringing this next-generation PSMA diagnostic to prostate cancer patients around the world,” said Dr Taylor.

About SAR-bisPSMA

SAR-bisPSMA derives its name from the word “bis”, which reflects a novel approach of connecting two PSMA-targeting agents to Clarity’s proprietary sarcophagine (SAR) technology that securely holds copper isotopes inside a cage-like structure, called a chelator. Unlike other commercially available chelators, the SAR technology prevents copper leakage into the body. SAR-bisPSMA is a Targeted Copper Theranostic (TCT) that can be used with isotopes of copper-64 (Cu-64 or 64Cu) for imaging and copper-67 (Cu-67 or 67Cu) for therapy.

Disclaimer

67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA and 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA are unregistered products. The safety and efficacy of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA and 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA have not been assessed by health authorities such as the US FDA or the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). There is no guarantee that these products will become commercially available.

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men globally and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide10. Prostate cancer is the second-leading causes of cancer death in American men. The American Cancer Institute estimates in 2025 there will be about 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer in the US and around 35,770 deaths from the disease2.

About Clarity Pharmaceuticals

Clarity is a clinical stage radiopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of serious diseases. The Company is a leader in innovative radiopharmaceuticals, developing Targeted Copper Theranostics based on its SAR Technology Platform for the treatment of cancers.

www.claritypharmaceuticals.com

For more information, please contact:

Clarity Pharmaceuticals

Dr Alan Taylor

Catherine Strong

Executive Chairperson 

Investor/Media Relations

ataylor@claritypharm.com   

c.strong@morrowsodali.com 

+61 406 759 268

References

1.     ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06970847, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06970847

2.     American Cancer Society: Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

3.     Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Facts and Figures, https://www.prostate.org.au/risk-and-symptoms/facts-figures/

4.     Lengyelova & Emmett et al. 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA (PROPELLER) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in patients with confirmed prostate cancer. ASCO 2023. Poster available at: https://www.claritypharmaceuticals.com/pipeline/scientific_presentations/

5.     Nordquist et al. COBRA: Assessment of safety and efficacy of 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA in patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer following definitive therapy. EANM, 2024.

6.     Clarity Pharmaceuticals. SECuRE trial update: 92% of pre-chemo participants experience greater than 35% drop in PSA levels across all cohorts. Cohort Expansion Phase commences. https://www.claritypharmaceuticals.com/news/secure-update/

7.     Clarity Pharmaceuticals. Clarity receives FDA Fast Track Designation for Cu-64 SAR-bisPSMA. https://www.claritypharmaceuticals.com/news/fast-track/

8.     Clarity Pharmaceuticals. Clarity receives U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation for Cu-64 SAR-bisPSMA in biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. https://www.claritypharmaceuticals.com/news/ftd-2/

9.     Clarity Pharmaceuticals. Clarity receives US FDA Fast Track Designation for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with Cu-67 SAR-bisPSMA. https://www.claritypharmaceuticals.com/news/ftd-67cu-sarbispsma

10.  Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries, https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21660

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Executive Chairperson.

Applied Intuition Launches Axion and Acuity to Deliver All-Domain Autonomy to the Warfighter

Product families expand defense portfolio to bring vehicle intelligence and accelerated capabilities to multiple domains.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Applied Intuition, Inc., the leading Vehicle Intelligence company for commercial and defense mobility, today announced the launch of two new product lines to accelerate the fielding of autonomous systems for the U.S. and allied forces. Axion and Acuity provide platform-agnostic autonomy tools and onboard software to scale and accelerate defense capabilities across air, land, sea, and space domains and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Modern defense programs face critical roadblocks in deploying autonomy at scale, including a dependence on slow, costly live testing and a lack of interoperable autonomy solutions. These limitations, when coupled with outdated acquisition processes, prevent programs from rapidly fielding and iterating on autonomous capabilities, ultimately putting warfighters at a disadvantage.

Axion and Acuity directly address these core challenges. Together, they form a robust autonomy software solution that empowers the U.S. and allied militaries with the capabilities needed to develop and confidently deploy autonomy at speed and scale.

“Autonomy is where artificial intelligence meets the warfighter,” said Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition. “Beyond autonomy, we provide intelligence that is critical for the future fight, whether it’s moving people, sensing threats or acting independently in contested environments.”

Today’s warfighters operate with outdated infrastructure and siloed software not built for modern combat. Vehicle intelligence — and the smart software that enables drones, ground robots, and autonomous convoys to perceive and act on their own — sits at the center of how AI and autonomy function on the battlefield. Far beyond self-driving, vehicle intelligence is embodied, multimodal AI that surrounds the operator, understands context, and adapts in real time to dynamic threats, delivering a decisive edge to warfighters.

Axion and Acuity for Autonomous Advantage

To deliver collaborative autonomy at operational tempo, teams need a digital-first approach.

Axion provides one unified environment for engineers and operators to build, test, and deploy together. Built on Applied Intuition’s commercially proven technology and interoperable with any platform, Axion enables engineers and vehicle manufacturers to build autonomy at the speed of relevance and supports the full lifecycle from development to mission execution.

Acuity delivers all-domain onboard autonomy that empowers warfighters with a decisive edge. Relying solely on human operators to combat threats slows down critical decisions. With Acuity, unmanned systems can take the lead in high-risk missions, keeping humans at a safe distance while executing with precision. In addition, Acuity reduces the need for vertical integration and puts programs back in control, delivering onboard software-enabled autonomy to the platform of your choice. Leveraging advances from EpiSci, a leader in AI and trusted autonomy software acquired by Applied Intuition, Acuity has been deployed on many platforms. Those include notable systems such as the X-62A VISTA fighter jet to enable autonomous air-to-air combat tests.

“Live testing simply can’t keep pace with the modern battlefield. Digital-first development and integration are essential to scaling unmanned systems,” said Peter Ludwig, co-founder and CTO of Applied Intuition. “Axion and Acuity were built to meet the ever-evolving demands of defense autonomy, ensuring unmanned systems are ready for today’s mission complexity. Applied Intuition’s dual-use approach allows us to bring the best of commercial innovation to the defense sector rapidly and at scale.”

“Applied Intuition is committed to delivering cutting-edge technology to the U.S. and our allies that meets the mission — not in five years, but today,” said Jason Brown, general manager of Applied Intuition Defense. “Axion and Acuity are being deployed right now, giving warfighters the confidence they need. We’re not just building for the future, we’re delivering capability at the speed of relevance.”

To learn more about the Axion and Acuity family of products, go to appliedintuition.com/defense.

About Applied Intuition
Applied Intuition is the vehicle intelligence company that accelerates the global adoption of safe, AI-driven machines. Founded in 2017, Applied Intuition delivers the toolchain, Vehicle OS and autonomy stacks to help customers build intelligent vehicles and shorten time to market. Major programs across the Department of Defense and 18 of the top 20 global automakers trust Applied Intuition’s mission-critical solutions to deliver vehicle intelligence. Applied Intuition services the defense, automotive, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture industries and is headquartered in Mountain View, CA, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Diego, CA, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Ann Arbor, MI, Stuttgart, Munich, Stockholm, Seoul and Tokyo. Learn more at appliedintuition.com.

Now Open: 1 Hotel Seattle—A Sustainable Urban Retreat

Seattle’s most anticipated hotel debut invites guests to experience the best of natural luxury.

SEATTLE, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is proud to announce the opening of 1 Hotel Seattle, a new sanctuary of sustainability and sophisticated design in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Set in the South Lake Union neighborhood—home to some of Seattle’s most innovative tech companies—this nature-inspired retreat combines sustainable luxury, hyper-local culinary experiences, and the rugged elegance of the region’s landscapes.

“Seattle is a city where nature and innovation coexist beautifully—and that’s exactly what we aimed to capture with this property,” says Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. “This city has long been a pioneer in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and progressive thinking. With 1 Hotel Seattle, we wanted to create a haven that not only pays homage to its forests, waters, and creative spirit, but also reflects the city’s deep-rooted commitment to living in harmony with the planet. It’s a place where conscious design meets the soul of the Pacific Northwest.”

“We’re proud to open our doors in one of the country’s most forward-thinking cities,” says Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. “From the locally crafted furnishings to the reclaimed materials and moss art installations, every detail is designed to inspire both comfort and consciousness.”

A Nature-Infused Welcome

Located at 2125 Terry Avenue, 1 Hotel Seattle is set at the crossroads of nature, culture, and innovation. It’s just minutes from Seattle’s iconic waterfront, the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Climate Pledge Arena, and Amazon’s headquarters.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a monumental driftwood sculpture by local artist Alison Stigora, a bespoke piece that sets the tone for what lies within. The lobby is anchored by a lush living wall and a sculptural winding staircase fashioned from reclaimed timber and stacked stone featuring a railing hand-stitched with domestic leather.  Overhead are massive Douglas fir beams—a nod to Seattle’s maritime and industrial past.

Throughout the space, details celebrate Pacific Northwest voices and materials and reinforce a deep connection to the land and its history. There are textiles that pay tribute to the Coast Salish Tribes, handmade tiles from a Pacific Northwest ceramics studio surrounding a fireplace, and an art collection curated in collaboration with local galleries. Guests can also unwind year-round on the outdoor terrace, a fire-lit, plant-filled patio framed by a wooden trellis and Northwest greenery.

Sanctuary-Style Guest Rooms

The 153 guest rooms, including 45 suites, are serene spaces inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s forests, shorelines, and mountains. The spaces are layered with organic textures and handcrafted materials like reclaimed wood walls, pebble stone floors, Chiara quartzite counters, and live-edge furnishings from Seattle’s own Tirto Furniture. Wallcoverings with nautical motifs and curated plantings line the corridors, while moss art and locally sourced artwork deepen the sense of place. Many of the rooms and suites have views of the Space Needle or city skyline.

Sustainable touches include in-room water filtration systems with carafes made from recycled wine bottles, 100% organic linens atop plush pillow-top mattresses, Nespresso machines with recyclable pods, yoga mats, and Bamford bath products infused with essential oils. Every element is both luxurious and low-impact, from chalkboards replacing paper to bamboo-based tissue to energy-saving smart thermostats. Guests can also take part in the 1 Less Thing program, a simple but powerful initiative that encourages leaving gently used clothing behind for donation to local nonprofit Mary’s Place.

Dining With a Sense of Place

1 Hotel Seattle’s culinary program celebrates the bounty of the Pacific Northwest through a bold, hyper-local lens with global influences. The signature restaurant is La Loba, Spanish for “the she-wolf.” A soulful, transportive experience that channels the strength and mystery of the natural world, La Loba is led by acclaimed Chef Oscar Amador Edo—a James Beard Award finalist known for redefining tapas in Las Vegas. Chef Oscar’s dishes balance technique and storytelling, drawing on the rustic flavors of Spain and infusing them with Japanese influences, Mediterranean brightness, and Seattle’s rich ingredients. From wood-fired seafood to pintxos reimagined with foraged mushrooms, every plate is designed for sharing and discovery. A rotating menu keeps pace with the markets, and diners can expect rare cuts, inventive crudos, and plant-based innovations.

An exceptional boutique wine list curated by award-winning sommelier Joseph Mikulich complements the bold, earthy menu. The thoughtfully selected lineup features low-intervention wines from Spain, the U.S., and beyond—ranging from rare, highly sought-after bottles like Muga Aro (one of Rioja’s finest) to locally harvested house wines such as Pursued by Bear. Mikulich’s expertise brings depth and discovery to every pour, offering guests a distinctive and memorable wine experience.

Just off the lobby, Drift café and bar brings the hotel’s culinary ethos into an all-day social space. Mornings begin with craft coffee from Seattle’s own FONTE and tea from Vancouver’s TEALEAVES, accompanied by house-made pastries and light fare. As the day progresses, Drift shifts into a cozy cocktail lounge, where low-ABV drinks, seasonal small plates, and biodynamic wines are served beside a flickering fireplace and illuminated art wall. The mixology taps into ingredients sourced from the area—Rainier cherries, wild blackberries, locally distilled spirits—and leans into sustainability with a zero-waste philosophy. Spent citrus peels, herbs, and coffee grounds are transformed into house infusions and clever garnishes.

On the second floor, six thoughtfully designed event spaces—each flooded with natural light and framed by city views—offer flexible layouts for everything from intimate board meetings to meaningful celebrations. The jewel of the hotel’s events program is the Rainier Ballroom, which opens directly onto a landscaped terrace with panoramic views of the Space Needle. This biophilic gathering space is perfect for weddings, social celebrations, and sustainable corporate events, with expert planning services, seasonal catering menus, and furniture crafted from responsibly sourced wood.

Built Better, Designed Smarter

The Pacific Northwest is one of the most environmentally conscious regions in the United States—where responsibility, conservation, and stewardship are a way of life. 1 Hotel Seattle underscores this deep-rooted commitment with a devotion to sustainability that’s embedded into every detail, down to the wooden keycards and recycled cork coasters. 1 Hotel Seattle is targeting LEED Silver certification, with strategies that range from advanced air quality systems and UV water filtration to a 37% reduction in water use. Additionally, more than 70% of construction waste was diverted from landfills.

The building uses sustainable, low-VOC materials, and the property participates in a True Zero Waste program in partnership with Foodprint Group, aiming for 90% waste diversion across all operations. Single-use plastics have been replaced by reusable glassware, compostable packaging, and upcycled materials, including hangers made of recycled paper and amenity trays crafted from sustainable wood.

With a Walk Score of 98 and Transit Score of 100, 1 Hotel Seattle is just minutes from the waterfront, greenways, and iconic sights like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle—no car required. For guests who want to explore by car, the Audi Electric Vehicle Experience takes them around in a complimentary fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron, either as a house car or a guided test drive.

The building uses sustainable, low-VOC materials, and the property participates in a True Zero Waste program in partnership with Foodprint Group, aiming for 90% waste diversion across all operations. Single-use plastics have been replaced by reusable glassware, compostable packaging, and upcycled materials, including hangers made of recycled paper and amenity trays crafted from sustainable wood.

With a Walk Score of 98 and Transit Score of 100, 1 Hotel Seattle is just minutes from the waterfront, greenways, and iconic sights like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle—no car required. For guests who want to explore by car, the Audi Electric Vehicle Experience takes them around in a complimentary fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron, either as a house car or a guided test drive.

Together, these thoughtful choices create an experience that feels both elevated and essential—luxury not just for its own sake, but for the sake of the world around us.

Now Open

Whether you’re a Seattle local looking for an exciting new dining experience or a visitor seeking meaningful luxury, 1 Hotel Seattle is a place where nature and design converge—and where every thoughtful detail reflects a deeper commitment to the planet. To book your stay or learn more, visit 1hotels.com/seattle.

ABOUT 1 HOTELS

As a mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. With properties among some of the first to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction, 1 Hotels is inspired by a simple idea: those who travel the world should also care about it. It is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami’s South Beach and Manhattan’s Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River in February 2017; West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard in June 2019; Sanya (China) in 2020; Toronto in 2021; San Francisco and Nashville in 2022; in 2023, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property and Mayfair (London), the brand’s first European property; and Seattle in 2025. The brand is expanding with properties under development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Melbourne (Australia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico). Additional information can be found at 1hotels.com.

ABOUT STARWOOD HOTELS

Starwood Hotels, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, a nature-inspired lifestyle brand that launched in 2015 with properties in South Beach (Miami) and Manhattan and now includes Brooklyn Bridge (New York City), West Hollywood (Los Angeles), Sanya (China), Toronto, San Francisco, Nashville, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property, the brand’s first European property in Mayfair (London), and Seattle, with projects in development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Melbourne (Australia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico); Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand that made its debut in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship property in New York, with projects under development in Rome, Florence, Dubai, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Brickell (Miami), and Maldives; and Treehouse Hotels, which premiered in London in 2019 and now includes Manchester (UK) and Silicon Valley (California), with projects under development in Brickell (Miami), Adelaide (Australia), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Leveraging its marketing, design, operational and technological expertise, Starwood Hotels is the force behind some of the most groundbreaking and dynamic hotel brands in the world.

Lobby at 1 Hotel Seattle Credit: Mikkel Van
Lobby at 1 Hotel Seattle Credit: Mikkel Van

 

Lobby at 1 Hotel Seattle Credit: Mikkel Vang
Lobby at 1 Hotel Seattle Credit: Mikkel Vang

 

Penthouse (Alder House) Living Room at 1 Hotel Seattle Credit: Mikkel Vang
Penthouse (Alder House) Living Room at 1 Hotel Seattle Credit: Mikkel Vang

 

Lobby at 1 Hotel Seattle Credit: Mikkel Vang
Lobby at 1 Hotel Seattle Credit: Mikkel Vang

 

La Loba at 1 Hotel Seattle Credit: Mikkel Vang
La Loba at 1 Hotel Seattle Credit: Mikkel Vang

 

Studio Suite at 1 Hotel Seattle Credit: Kelsey Bumsted
Studio Suite at 1 Hotel Seattle Credit: Kelsey Bumsted

 

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/starwood_hotels_1h_seattle_logo.jpg
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/starwood_hotels_1sea_lobby_1.jpg
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/starwood_hotels_1sea_arch_patio.jpg
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/starwood_hotels_1sea_alder_house_living_area.jpg
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/starwood_hotels_1sea_drift_lobby.jpg
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/starwood_hotels_1sea_la_loba.jpg
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/starwood_hotels_studio_suite.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/starwood_hotels_logo.jpg

Survey Reveals 53% of Manufacturers Embracing Industrial Robots for Quality Improvement

LONDON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to the latest Industrial and Manufacturing Survey by global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, 53% of manufacturers are in the early stages of adopting new industrial robot hardware, while 28% already have industrial robots deployed within their facilities. The survey, conducted between Q4 2024 and Q1 of 2025 across the United States, Germany, and Malaysia, also shows that manufacturers believe deploying Industrial Robots is a key strategy to improving quality levels within manufacturing processes. 40% of respondents listed the adoption of industrial robots as a priority for improving quality, up from 34.1% in the previous study. 19% of respondents will consider adopting industrial robots within the next five years, while 33% will consider the adoption of collaborative or mobile robots within the same time frame.

“Adoption sentiment remains high across the various robot formfactors, indicating that manufacturers are aware of the advantages of automation and can identify facets of their value chains where ROI can be delivered,” explains George Chowdhury, Robotics Industry Analyst at ABI Research. “It’s important to note that these results were collected before the recent economic uncertainty. Feasibly, if this survey were conducted today, we would see an uptick in the number of responders evaluating proofs of concept or considering adoption in the next 12 months, in line with reshoring expectations.”

Respondents to the survey range from Manufacturing Engineers to C-level executives with most participants holding positions as IT manager and above in terms of seniority. The responses were split equally between the three nations. When queried, this group of manufacturers claim that a lack of expertise and insufficient time to implement new automation products are the largest barrier to adoption for their organizations. Lacking the necessary skills to utilize new technologies ranked high as a concern also. Fear of replacement by automated systems was ranked low as an issue. Further responses highlight the importance of on boarding, ongoing support, AI, and Open APIs as key product features that decision makers look for.

The survey offered insight into the perception of Generative AI for manufacturing applications. 50% of respondents agreed that generative AI can be used to Optimize Tool Paths, indicating a misalignment with the capabilities of AI-augmented robots and their supposed capabilities. Optimizing tool paths is a key capability of ABB‘s Robot Studio, NVIDIA‘s Isaac portfolio, and the offerings of offline programming software vendors such as Visual Components, Siemens, Dassault Systèmes, and Cenit. Contrastingly, 63% of respondents acknowledge the value of generative AI for Predictive Maintenance and 66% for Optimizing Production Lines. These responses suggest that generative AI is considered an IT technology—used for planning and enhancing processes with data—rather than an Operation Technology for optimizing machine behavior in real time. Importantly, 62% of respondents agreed that generative AI can be used to plan, analyze, and optimize human-robot Interactions.

The results of the survey highlight a positive adoption sentiment for robotics and its capability to continue to augment the manufacturing industry. However, the value proposition of new technologies, notably advanced AI products married to robots, are overlooked by end users. “There is a large disconnect here between the perceived capabilities of AI-augmented robots and the new products that innovators are bringing to market,” observes Chowdhury “Repairing this perception, by educating the market of the capabilities of AI-augmented robots, must be the number one priority of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Systems Integrators if they wish to see greater uptake of hardware and for the value of new robotics products to be realized by the manufacturing market.”

These findings are from ABI Research’ Manufacturing Survey H2 2024 market report. This report is part of the company’s Industrial, Collaborative & Commercial Robotics research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights.

About ABI Research

ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers.

ABI Research是一家全球性的技术情报公司,拥有得天独厚的优势,充当终端市场公司和技术解决方案提供商之间的桥梁,通过提供独家研究和专业性指导,推动成功的技术实施和提供经证明可吸引和留住客户的战略,无缝连接这两大主体。

For more information about ABI Research’s services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com.

Contact Info:
Global
Jason Scheer
Tel: +1.516.624.2562
pr@abiresearch.com

 

Clarifai Joins Vultr Cloud Alliance to Deliver Scalable, Cost-Optimized, Full-Stack AI

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Clarifai, a global leader in AI and pioneer of the full-stack AI platform, today announced it has joined the Vultr Cloud Alliance. This collaboration enables enterprises to build, deploy, and scale AI workloads with enhanced flexibility and control over performance, governance, and cost, leveraging Clarifai’s platform and Vultr’s global high-performance cloud infrastructure.

The collaboration brings together Clarifai’s full-stack AI platform, which covers everything from model development to deployment and governance, with Vultr’s global reach, security, regulatory compliance (including HIPAA, SOC 2+, and more), and operational excellence. Vultr’s infrastructure includes high-performance CPUs, managed Kubernetes through Vultr Kubernetes Engine (VKE), managed databases like Apache® Kafka, scalable storage, bare metal servers, and a wide choice of the latest AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, offering optimal price-to-performance.

Together, Clarifai and Vultr offer organizations the ability to run any model in any environment with complete control over performance, governance, and offering up to 90% cost savings.

“Combining capabilities with these leading industry partners means customers can now deploy and manage their AI workloads efficiently across Vultr’s global cloud, gaining full control over costs and performance while getting access to a broader range of GPUs”, said Alfredo Ramos, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Clarifai. “This is about enabling all clouds, all compute, and all AI models on one platform.”

By working together, joint Clarifai and Vultr customers can save at least 70% on the costs of the NVIDIA A100 80 GB compared to hyperscalers, with potential for greater savings through a longer-term commitment. Customers can purchase single A100 GPUs or in blocks of 8 GPUs.

Key highlights of the partnership include:

  • Any AI Model, Any GPU: Users can deploy any open-source, foundation, or custom AI model, including Clarifai’s own, across Vultr’s extensive GPU lineup, such as AMD Instinct MI300X, MI325X, and NVIDIA HGX B200, HGX H100, A100 PCIe, and L40S. This allows optimization for performance, power efficiency, or cost, supporting AI workloads from inference to fine-tuning.
  • Unified Compute Orchestration: Clarifai’s compute orchestration allows deploying any model in a secure, scalable, containerized environment managed via a single interface. Models are deployed across Vultr resources using managed Kubernetes clusters or bare metal servers, with dynamic provisioning and automatic scaling via Vultr Kubernetes Engine (VKE). Built-in governance provides centralized visibility over performance, cost, and access, simplifying AI operations and improving efficiency.
  • Edge AI Capabilities: Clarifai’s edge AI platform enables deploying lightweight, high-performance models directly to edge devices, including air-gapped and offline environments. Combined with Vultr’s global footprint of 32 data center regions reaching 90% of the global population with low latency (2-40 ms), this delivers real-time intelligence at the data source. This is particularly valuable for use cases like predictive maintenance, industrial quality control, public safety, and content moderation.

“Our partnership with Clarifai is exactly what the Vultr Cloud Alliance is all about—bringing together best-of-breed technologies to give customers real choice, real performance, and real value. Clarifai’s full-stack AI platform paired with Vultr’s global GPU infrastructure means organizations can build and deploy AI models faster, scale efficiently, and reduce cost. It’s a practical, high-impact solution for teams looking to take control of their AI workloads—whether in the cloud, at the edge, or across hybrid environments.” said Kevin Cochrane, Chief Marketing Officer, Vultr.

Joint solutions are applicable across various industries, including:

  • Energy, Aerospace, and Manufacturing: Implement predictive maintenance and improve asset management using AI for visual inspection, edge AI, and global infrastructure.
  • Media and Entertainment: Accelerate AI workloads for content moderation, metadata generation, and asset management on GPU instances. Leverage real-time image, video, and document analysis and state-of-the-art AI models for full motion video and sports analytics.
  • Defense and Public Safety: Deploy AI models for security surveillance, object detection, and domain awareness in secure, air-gapped, or edge environments.

Organizations ready to enhance their AI deployments can get started today at preferential pricing. Reserve their GPU cluster via: https://www.clarifai.com/explore/contact-us-gpu-clusters

For more information on the Vultr Cloud Alliance, visit here.

About Clarifai
Clarifai is a global leader in AI and the pioneer of the full-stack AI lifecycle and orchestration platform that helps organizations create and control AI workloads on any environment with a unified platform. With over a decade of experience supporting millions of custom models and billions of operations for the largest enterprises and governments, Clarifai pioneered compute innovations like custom scheduling, batching, GPU fractioning, and autoscaling. Clarifai empowers users to efficiently run any model, anywhere, at any scale. Learn more at www.clarifai.com.

About Vultr
Vultr is on a mission to make high-performance cloud infrastructure easy to use, affordable, and locally accessible for enterprises and AI innovators around the world. Vultr is trusted by hundreds of thousands of active customers across 185 countries for its flexible, scalable, global Cloud Compute, Cloud GPU, Bare Metal, and Cloud Storage solutions. Founded by David Aninowsky and self-funded for over a decade, Vultr has grown to become the world’s largest privately held cloud infrastructure company. Learn more at www.vultr.com

For more information or media requests, contact: pr@clarifai.com

SKF inaugurates magnetic bearing factory in Morocco to meet increased demand

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SKF has inaugurated its new factory in Tangier, Morocco, which initially will employ around 60 people. The factory will manufacture components for magnetic bearings and high-speed electric motors, enabling SKF to meet the increased demand for these solutions while strengthening the Group’s position as a global leader in this area.

The factory will enable the production of modular and scalable products that can be easily integrated into various applications. Due to their ability to operate efficiently at high speeds, free of friction and with minimal maintenance, magnetic solutions are essential for high-speed machinery such as compressors, turbines, and motors, as well as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, and semi-conductors. 

“We are excited about the economic and competitive advantages this new facility will bring, positioning SKF as a key partner in the sustainability transformation. By enhancing our supply chain, we can reduce lead times, improve customer delivery performance, and offer competitive solutions. This investment also supports our commitment to sustainability and innovation through decarbonization, electrification, and system intelligence,” says Thomas Fröst, President, Independent and Emerging Business.

Magnetic bearings allow the contactless levitation of rotors through a controlled magnetic field. SKF’s magnetic solutions enable industrial applications to achieve high performance, energy efficiency, and reliability that surpass conventional technological solutions. By minimizing friction and eliminating the need for lubrication, SKF’s magnetic solutions reduce the carbon footprint of industrial machinery and play a key enabling role in emerging sustainable energy sectors. For more information about SKF magnetic bearings and systems, please click here.

Previous press release on similar topics:
22 May 2023: SKF invests in magnetic bearing manufacturing to meet increasing demand [link to press release]

Aktiebolaget SKF
      (publ)

For further information, please contact:
Press Relations: Carl Bjernstam, +46 31-337 2517; +46 722 201 893; carl.bjernstam@skf.com 
Investor Relations: Sophie Arnius, +46 31-337 8072; +46 705 908072; sophie.arnius@skf.com 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/skf/r/skf-inaugurates-magnetic-bearing-factory-in-morocco-to-meet-increased-demand,c4152542

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/637/4152542/3458029.pdf

20250520 SKF inaugurates magnetic bearing factory in Morocco to meet increased demand

https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-magnetic-bearings,c3410974

SKF magnetic bearings

https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-tangier-factory,c3410972

SKF Tangier factory

https://news.cision.com/skf/i/thomas-frost,c3410973

Thomas Frost

BingX AI Evolution Begins: A $300M Vision to Build the Future of AI-Powered Crypto

PANAMA CITY, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BingX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 AI company, is excited to announce a bold, incremental strategy BingX AI Evolution to mark its 7th anniversary. This is a transformative blueprint that places artificial intelligence at the core of its innovation and operational roadmap. As part of this strategic shift, BingX plans to invest $300 million over the next three years to accelerate AI integration across its platform and ecosystem. This milestone initiative underscores BingX’s mission to redefine crypto with AI, driving meaningful progress across the Web3 space by embedding AI into every aspect of user experience, exchange operations, and future industry collaboration.

BingX AI Evolution Begins: A $300M Vision to Build the Future of AI-Powered Crypto
BingX AI Evolution Begins: A $300M Vision to Build the Future of AI-Powered Crypto

“We are thrilled to share this evolution as we celebrate our 7th anniversary. This is not just a product update — it’s a strategic reorientation,” said Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at BingX. “In the future, AI will become a defining engine of our evolution, enabling faster and smarter experiences. We want BingX to be more than just a trading platform — we want it to be a place where users feel empowered and genuinely supported by intelligent tools at every step of their journey. As AI grows more powerful, it’s crucial that innovation remains aligned with user needs and long-term trust. This drives our commitment to leading AI integration in crypto with both ambition and responsibility.”

AI as a Companion in Every User Journey

BingX will deploy AI across every stage of the user experience, beginning with an AI-powered tool to support users across various scenarios. From real-time market insights and position diagnostics to intelligent trade suggestions and trader analysis, the tool is designed to help users trade smarter and feel more confident. It addresses common concerns like market uncertainty and complex strategies. This marks the first step in making AI a true companion in every user journey.

Meanwhile, BingX Labs will accelerate investments in AI-native Web3 projects, incubating innovations that bridge decentralized technologies with machine learning capabilities.

AI at the Core of BingX DNA

Looking ahead, BingX is set to become an AI-native company in its operations, culture, and decision-making. From internal processes to strategic direction, AI will influence how BingX thinks, acts, and grows.

This long-term vision goes beyond the exchange platform, as BingX commits to playing a leadership role in building a responsible, resilient, and interoperable Web3 AI ecosystem. Through deep collaboration with industry partners, the exchange aims to co-create frameworks that ensure innovation is aligned with security, ethics, and shared standards.

AI x Web3: Shaping the Intelligent Future of Crypto

BingX recognizes that talent is the cornerstone of this revolution and aims to become the top-of-mind destination for individuals eager to lead and shape the next wave of breakthroughs in this dynamic field.

Meanwhile, BingX will establish a dedicated institute for AI research and innovation, designed to be the engine room for breakthroughs at the intersection of AI and Web3. This initiative reflects BingX’s long-term vision to not only adapt to the future — but actively build it.

BingX’s growth underscores its commitment to this AI evolution. The platform now serves over 20 million users worldwide and ranks among the Top 5 crypto derivatives trading platforms. Through BingX Labs, over $15 million has already been invested to accelerate innovation and support the broader Web3 ecosystem. As BingX moves forward, its AI-driven approach will continue to shape a more intelligent, inclusive, and connected digital economy — leading with purpose, inspiring progress, and unlocking smarter ways to AI-native future of crypto.

About BingX 

Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange and Web3 AI company, serving a global community of over 20 million users. With a comprehensive suite of AI-powered products and services, including derivatives, spot trading, and copy trading, BingX caters to the evolving needs of users across all experience levels, from beginners to professionals. Committed to building a trustworthy and intelligent trading platform, BingX empowers users with innovative tools designed to enhance performance and confidence. In 2024, BingX proudly became the official crypto exchange partner of Chelsea Football Club, marking an exciting debut in the world of sports sponsorship.

For more information please visit: https://bingx.com/