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Illuccix® Approved in the United Kingdom

MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: TLX, Nasdaq: TLX, Telix, the Company) today announces that the United Kingdom (UK) Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for its prostate cancer PET[1] imaging agent Illuccix® (kit for the preparation of gallium-68 gozetotide injection).

Illuccix is indicated in the UK for the detection and localization of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive lesions in adults with prostate cancer, using PET. PSMA-PET imaging[2] represents a major advancement in prostate cancer management, largely replacing conventional imaging methods (bone scan, CT[3] scan) as the standard of care after initial diagnosis and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Global guidelines highlight the superior accuracy of PSMA-PET for the staging of primary disease and evaluation of BCR/biochemical persistence (BCP)[4].

Gary Cook, MD, Professor of Molecular Imaging at Kings College London School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, commented, “PSMA-PET supply shortages in the UK and Europe have escalated over the past 12 months as demand increases, which has led to delays for men in urgent need of a scan to direct clinical management. It is great news that Telix can now help address this unmet need and improve equity of access in the UK through their Illuccix imaging agent and network distribution model.”

Raphaël Ortiz, Chief Executive Officer, Telix International added, “PSMA-PET imaging is one of the most important developments in prostate cancer detection in recent years and we are delighted that we can now bring Illuccix to physicians and their patients across the UK. A key advantage of Illuccix is that the radioisotope (gallium-68) can be produced using a generator locally, taking just a few minutes with minimal equipment. Reliable service delivery combined with greater scheduling flexibility, including in non-metropolitan locations, will benefit patients, physicians and clinical sites in the UK.”

Illuccix will be made available in the UK through Telix’s exclusive distribution partner, Xiel Limited, a specialist distributor of nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and diagnostic radiology technologies across the UK and Ireland. To order or enquire about Illuccix availability, UK healthcare professionals can email: radiopharm@xiel.co.uk or call +44 (0)1749 372217.

About Illuccix®  

Telix’s prostate imaging product, gallium-68 (68Ga) gozetotide injection (also known as 68Ga PSMA-11 and marketed under the brand name Illuccix®), has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)[5], by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)[6], by Health Canada[7], by the Danish Medicines Agency[8], and by the UK MHRA. Illuccix is currently in national approval review in 19 European countries following a positive decentralized procedure (DCP) opinion by BfArM[9].

About Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited

Telix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutic and diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals and associated medical technologies. Telix is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with international operations in the United States, Canada, Europe (Belgium and Switzerland), and Japan. Telix is developing a portfolio of clinical and commercial stage products that aims to address significant unmet medical needs in oncology and rare diseases. ARTMS, IsoTherapeutics, Lightpoint, Optimal Tracers and RLS are Telix Group companies. Telix is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: TLX) and the Nasdaq Global Select Market (Nasdaq: TLX).

Telix’s osteomyelitis (bone infection) imaging agent, technetium-99m (99mTc) besilesomab, marketed under the brand name Scintimun®, is approved in 32 European countries and Mexico. Telix’s miniaturized surgical gamma probe, SENSEI®, for minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery, is registered with the FDA for use in the U.S. and has attained a Conformité Européenne (CE) Mark for use in the European Economic Area. No other Telix product has received a marketing authorization in any jurisdiction.

Visit www.telixpharma.com for further information about Telix, including details of the latest share price, ASX and SEC filings, investor and analyst presentations, news releases, event details and other publications that may be of interest. You can also follow Telix on LinkedInX and Facebook.

Telix Investor Relations

Ms. Kyahn Williamson
Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited
SVP Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Email: kyahn.williamson@telixpharma.com

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited Disclosure Committee on behalf of the Board.

Legal Notices

You should read this announcement together with our risk factors, as disclosed in our most recently filed reports with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our registration statement on Form 20-F filed with the SEC, or on our website.

The information contained in this announcement is not intended to be an offer for subscription, invitation or recommendation with respect to securities of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (Telix) in any jurisdiction, including the United States. The information and opinions contained in this announcement are subject to change without notification.  To the maximum extent permitted by law, Telix disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any information or opinions contained in this announcement, including any forward-looking statements (as referred to below), whether as a result of new information, future developments, a change in expectations or assumptions, or otherwise. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained or opinions expressed in the course of this announcement.

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that relate to anticipated future events, financial performance, plans, strategies or business developments. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “outlook”, “forecast” and “guidance”, or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on Telix’s good-faith assumptions as to the financial, market, regulatory and other risks and considerations that exist and affect Telix’s business and operations in the future and there can be no assurance that any of the assumptions will prove to be correct. In the context of Telix’s business, forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about: the initiation, timing, progress and results of Telix’s preclinical and clinical trials, and Telix’s research and development programs; Telix’s ability to advance product candidates into, enrol and successfully complete, clinical studies, including multi-national clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals for Telix’s product candidates, manufacturing activities and product marketing activities; Telix’s sales, marketing and distribution and manufacturing capabilities and strategies; the commercialisation of Telix’s product candidates, if or when they have been approved; Telix’s ability to obtain an adequate supply of raw materials at reasonable costs for its products and product candidates; estimates of Telix’s expenses, future revenues and capital requirements; Telix’s financial performance; developments relating to Telix’s competitors and industry; and the pricing and reimbursement of Telix’s product candidates, if and after they have been approved. Telix’s actual results, performance or achievements may be materially different from those which may be expressed or implied by such statements, and the differences may be adverse. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

©2025 Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited. The Telix Pharmaceuticals®, Telix Group company, and Telix product names and logos are trademarks of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited and its affiliates – all rights reserved. Trademark registration status may vary from country to country.

[1] Positron emission tomography.

[2] Imaging of prostate-specific membrane antigen with positron emission tomography.

[3] Computed tomography.

[4] EAU Guidelines. Edn. presented at the EAU Annual Congress Paris 2024. ISBN 978-94-92671-23-3.: https://uroweb.org/guidelines/prostate-cancer;  Prostate cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. 2023: https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/guidelines-by-topic/esmo-clinical-practice-guidelines-genitourinary-cancers/clinical-practice-guidelines-prostate-cancer/eupdate-prostate-cancer-treatment-recommendations

[5] Telix ASX disclosure 20 December 2021.

[6] Telix ASX disclosure 2 November 2021.

[7] Telix ASX disclosure 14 October 2022.

[8] Telix media release 11 February 2025.

[9] The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte). Telix ASX disclosure 17 January 2025.

 

BWT ALPINE FORMULA ONE TEAM PARTNERS WITH OAKBERRY

MIAMI, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BWT Alpine Formula One Team proudly announces a new partnership with OAKBERRY, the superfood brand, world-famous for organic and delicious Açaí bowls and smoothies.

BWT Alpine Formula One Team proudly announces a new partnership with OAKBERRY.
BWT Alpine Formula One Team proudly announces a new partnership with OAKBERRY.

OAKBERRY is leading the charge in the rapidly growing market with their vegan, gluten-free healthy and 100% organic OAKBERRY Açaí products, bringing the superfood to consumers around the world.

The partnership between BWT Alpine Formula One Team and OAKBERRY will promote healthy eating as together they bring the all-natural Açaí to the racetrack.

With over 800 stores in more than 45 countries, including Australia, the United States, Europe, Asia and Middle East, OAKBERRY will add a special Açaí bar to the Formula One Paddock in the BWT Alpine Formula One Team Motorhome at European Grands Prix. Team guests and personnel will be able to fuel up with goodness as they enjoy the healthy product while at the track.

OAKBERRY branding will also feature prominently on the team’s 2025 challenger, the A525, all 24 races of the season.

Oliver Oakes, Team Principal, BWT Alpine Formula One Team:
“We are very excited to team up with OAKBERRY for the upcoming Formula One season. Our guests and team members will be treated to a healthy and authentic Açaí experience as they bring the superfood to BWT Alpine Formula One Team. The shared dynamic culture between fans of OAKBERRY and Formula One make this partnership hugely valuable.”

Georgios Frangulis, OAKBERRY Founder and CEO:
“We are very true to our legacy at OAKBERRY and I believe legacy is something that runs on Alpine Formula One DNA. With our global expansion strengthening yearly, it makes total sense for us to partner up with brands and platforms that can deliver the awareness we look for and most importantly, has its values aligned with ours.”

About OAKBERRY:
OAKBERRY was founded in Brazil in 2016 by Georgios Frangulis and Renato Haidar following a dream to create a quick-service superfood brand that is delicious, easy and fun to eat, and accessible to everyone. That dream became OAKBERRY’s refreshing and indulgent menu of açaí bowls and smoothies served up in visually appealing layers of açaí and customizable, unlimited toppings at shops worldwide. OAKBERRY’s açaí is sustainably sourced from Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest and is an abundant source of energy, rich in antioxidants, and organic with no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors added.

A fast-growing brand with over 800 locations across more than 40 countries, OAKBERRY’S fully verticalized business model provides flexibility and operational efficiencies for its growing franchise model. To learn more about OAKBERRY, visit https://www.oakberry.com/en-us and follow along on social media at @oakberryusa; for franchise opportunities visit https://oakberryfranchise.com/.

About BWT Alpine Formula One Team:
BWT Alpine Formula One Team competes in the FIA Formula One World Championship with Grand Prix race winner Pierre Gasly and Formula 1 rookie Jack Doohan, under the leadership of Team Principal Oliver Oakes and Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore. The team, bought by the Benetton Family in 1986, was moved to Enstone, Oxfordshire, in 1992 where it is still based today. Renault bought the Italian-run team in 2000 and rebranded as Alpine F1. The team has a winning legacy, having won the Formula One World Championship seven times, including the Drivers’ World Championship (1994, 1995, 2005 and 2006) with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, and the Constructors’ World Championship (1995, 2005 and 2006). The team’s most recent triumph came at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, the 50th victory overall. The team finished the 2024 season strongly with two podium finishes and ended the year sixth place overall in the Constructors’ Championship.

Media Contacts:
BWT Alpine Formula One Team: media@alpinef1.com
OAKBERRY: Haley Silvers haley.silvers@rfbinder.com

 

Coreline Soft signs partnership with ParagonCare… Participation in ALCC 2025

  • Strategic partnership with Australian comprehensive healthcare company ParagonCare (ASX:PGC)
  • Demonstration of global lung cancer screening optimization product AVIEW LCS Plus at ALCC 2025 to be held on the 19th
  • Consulting based on experience in winning global lung cancer screening orders in Germany, Italy, and 5 European countries

ADELAIDE, Australia and SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Coreline Soft, a global leader in AI-based medical solutions, has announced its entry into Australia, one of the three major medical device markets in Asia and the Atlantic. It recently revealed a strategic partnership with ParagonCare (ASX:PGC), a leading Australian comprehensive healthcare company, and its participation in the Australian Lung Cancer Conference (ALCC 2025) to be held on the 19th.

This partnership focuses on accelerating lung cancer screening projects at major hospitals based on the Australian National Lung Cancer Screening Program, which will be launched in July, and improving the quality of healthcare services in Australia through experience in operating AI-based workflows. The two companies plan to combine ParagonCare’s extensive distribution network and Coreline Soft’s technological innovation to set a new standard for the Australian healthcare system.

Additionally, both Coreline Soft and ParagonCare will participate in the Australian Lung Cancer Conference (ALCC 2025) on the 19th, providing expert consulting tailored to Australia’s screening environment. This conference will bring together leading Australian lung cancer researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to share the latest information and current issues in lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Coreline Soft plans to maximize diagnostic accuracy and establish customized treatment plans for patients by demonstrating advanced products and providing expert lung cancer consulting in cooperation with ParagonCare.

The AVIEW LCS Plus, which will be demonstrated at the conference, is a product that has already been used for national lung cancer screening in several European countries. It has a track record of improving diagnostic accuracy and operational efficiency by being optimized for large-scale diagnostic programs.

It has been supplied to national lung cancer screening projects such as Germany’s HANSE, Italy’s RISP, and 4ITRL, which involved five European countries, achieving significant success and accelerating the introduction of AI screening processes. Following the success of HANSE, AI has been recommended as a mandatory first-line diagnosis for lung cancer screening in Germany, with similar movements noted in major European countries including France.

“The collaboration with ParagonCare will be a significant turning point in the Australian market. By merging AI technology and medical services, we will provide better lung cancer screening solutions throughout Australia and contribute to raising awareness of the importance of early detection of lung cancer,” said Jason (Junghyuck) Suh, Director of Overseas Business at Coreline Soft.

HALF OF SINGLE AUSSIES ARE READY TO WINE AND DINE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

  • New OpenTable research shows 40% of Australians plan to dine out this Valentine’s Day with 72% of coupled-up Aussies planning to enjoy a dinner date[1]
  • 50% of single Australians said they’d go on a first date at a restaurant on Valentine’s Day[1]
  • According to OpenTable, Valentine’s Day dining was up 18% in 2024 YoY[2]
  • OpenTable has announced the Top 50 Most Romantic Restaurants in Australia to help diners choose their Valentine’s venue

SYDNEY, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Forget flowers and romantic cliches, dining out will define Valentine’s Day this year as singles and groups join coupled Aussies to redefine this traditionally romantic holiday. New research from OpenTable, a leader in restaurant tech, has found that nearly half (40%) of Australians plan to mark the occasion with a restaurant reservation this year.[1]

A romantic evening out at a restaurant tops the list for 72% of Aussies in a relationship on Valentine’s Day, and amongst those dining out on Valentine’s Day, a sharing style menu is likely to be the preferred (64%) dining option. But it’s not just couples looking to make a reservation on 14 February, 50% of single Australians said they’d go on a first date at a restaurant on Valentine’s Day, with millennials (58%) the most likely to take a chance on love.[1]

The trend is set to continue this year with a quarter of Aussies planning to dine out with friends to celebrate Valentine’s Day and 17% celebrating over dinner on Galentine’s Day.

“Recent OpenTable research has shown that Aussies have big dining plans this Valentine’s Day, and having been one of the biggest dining days in 2024, it’s no surprise that a quarter of Australians surveyed prefer to receive an experience over a gift for Valentine’s Day[1],” said OpenTable’s Drew Bowering.“OpenTable’s annual Top 50 Romantic Restaurants list is the perfect place for diners to discover an incredible restaurant to book and enjoy a special meal with a partner or friends this Valentine’s Day.”

Whether it’s date night with a partner, friends or someone new, Australians are set to embrace love this Valentine’s Day and are spoilt for choice with an abundance of incredible restaurants across the country. On Valentine’s Day in 2024, 79% of OpenTable diners opted to try somewhere new[4] – a trend that’s anticipated to increase this year, as 81% of respondents who are planning to dine out said they plan to book at a new restaurant[1].

To help romance-seekers discover their next favourite spot, OpenTable has compiled a list of the Top 50 Most Romantic Restaurants in Australia in 2025 (in alphabetical order by state/territory)[5]:

New South Wales

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

About OpenTable
OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), helps more than 60,000 restaurants worldwide fill 1.7 billion seats a year. OpenTable’s world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion.

[1]Consumer Research Methodology:  An online survey was conducted by PureSpectrum among 1505 Australian consumers. Fieldwork took place between Monday December 23rd 2024 – Monday 6th January 2025.

[2]OpenTable Data: OpenTable looked at seated diners from online reservations for all restaurants active on the OpenTable platform in Australia on February 14, 2023 and compared to February 14, 2024.

[3]OpenTable Data: OpenTable looked at seated diners from online reservations for all restaurants active on the OpenTable platform in Australia by party size on February 13, 2023 and compared to February 13, 2024.

[4]OpenTable Data: OpenTable looked at seated diners from online reservations for all restaurants active on the OpenTable platform in Australia  on February 14, 2024 and compared to February 14, 2023. Diners were considered ‘new’ to a restaurant if they had never previously booked and been seated through OpenTable online reservations at the restaurant.

[5]Top Restaurant Methodology: OpenTable’s Top 50 Restaurants in Australia for 2024 list is generated from over 200,000 verified OpenTable diner reviews and dining metrics from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. Restaurants with a minimum threshold of diner reviews were considered and evaluated by a compilation of unique data points, including diner ratings, the percentage of five star reviews, the number of alerts set, the percentage of reservations made in advance, percentage of capacity and direct searches. Metrics were weighted to comprise an overall score, used to rank the list. The qualified restaurants were then ranked by the percentage of reviews with the tag “romantic”. The resulting list appears A-Z, not in ranked order.

 

INSEAD celebrates five years of impact in North America during its second Americas Conference 2025

SAN FRANCISCO and SINGAPORE and FONTAINEBLEAU, France, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — INSEAD, The Business School for the World, celebrated five years of impact of its San Francisco Hub for Business Innovation during its second Americas Conference 2025 on 7-8 February.

Over 250 business leaders, government officials, INSEAD alumni, faculty, and staff convened for insightful and lively conversations centered around the theme: ‘The Future is Now: Bridging Business, Technology, and Humanity’.

The central question driving all the debates was: How can we harness the incredible potential of AI while prioritizing the well-being of humanity. Key themes that emerged included the ability for leaders to see beyond AI hype, a need to embrace disruption, the importance of organization-wide training and the value of balancing a strategic approach with the ability to experiment.

Francisco Veloso, Dean of INSEAD, Vic Woo, Senior Director of the INSEAD San Francisco Hub for Business Innovation and Mrs. Kristin Skogen Lund, Chairperson of the INSEAD Board, launched the celebration with a vibrant lion dance.
Francisco Veloso, Dean of INSEAD, Vic Woo, Senior Director of the INSEAD San Francisco Hub for Business Innovation and Mrs. Kristin Skogen Lund, Chairperson of the INSEAD Board, launched the celebration with a vibrant lion dance.

INSEAD Dean Francisco Veloso said, “Celebrating five years of excellence of our San Francisco Hub is a significant milestone for INSEAD. It reflects our vision, resilience, and strong foundation to make an even greater impact in North America. As we look ahead, INSEAD remains committed to delivering cutting-edge programs and transformative education, combining global excellence with regional impact.

Five Years of Impact: Foundations for the Future

Through research, teaching, corporate partnerships and events, the INSEAD San Francisco Hub for Business Innovation (the Hub) has made a significant local and regional impact. Key milestones:

  • 2020: San Francisco Hub for Business Innovation inaugurated—expanding the school’s global presence in a dynamic ecosystem of cutting-edge technology, venture finance, and innovative education.
  • 2021: Strengthened networks through lifelong learning—despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hub hosted virtual sessions and webinars, connecting alumni and business leaders across North America and reinforcing its role as a center for knowledge and transformation.
  • 2021: Welcomed the first Master in Management class — 21 students from diverse cohort participated in global exchanges, gaining insights from top faculty and industry experts.
  • 2022: Expanded custom programs for U.S. companies, enhancing executive learning opportunities. The Hub also facilitated immersive Silicon Valley experiences by hosting the Global Executive MBA Key Management Challenges and the MBA elective “Building Business in Silicon Valley”. 
  • 2023: Hosted the inaugural INSEAD Americas Conference to discuss sustainable innovation’s impact on business and society. It also saw the launch of the INSEAD Business Sustainability Series.
  • 2024: Expanded global influence through collaborations with World Economic Forum, the European Innovation Council, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business School, Berkeley Haas, Stanford GSB, and other institutions, solidifying the Hub as a centre for learning and exchange.
  • 2025: Celebrated its 5th anniversary, now serving 4,000+ U.S.-based alumni as a hub for thought leadership, collaboration and professional growth. Over 55 years, 58% of INSEAD graduates have reached C-level leadership.

Key Highlights from the Americas Conference

  • Launch of INSEAD Institute of Human and Machine Intelligence. Unveiled by the Dean of Research Lily Fang, the Institute aims to understand technology and its impact on every aspect of business and society. It seeks to remain at the frontier of the science, while continuously exploring how the developments impact society.
  • Launch of The AI-First Entrepreneurship Lab. Led by Hyunjin Kim, Assistant Professor of Strategy, the Lab is designed to support entrepreneurs worldwide to create high-growth startups through: An acceleration program based on cutting-edge best practices in leveraging AI;  In-person experiences in San Francisco, Abu Dhabi and Singapore; Ongoing support via our global community of innovators, mentors, and academics; Partnerships with leading VCs and companies developing new AI tools.
  • “INSEAD Day” Declaration: San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu declared February 7 as ‘INSEAD Day’ and remarked: “By fostering collaboration between government, business, and academia, we can drive innovative policies and initiatives that strengthen San Francisco’s role as a global hub for business and technological advancement. INSEAD—an international management education institute, expanding its impact in North America from its strong bases in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—perfectly aligns with the city’s aspiration to be a world-recognized center for social and economic growth.”
  • Second INSEAD Business Sustainability Award. Led by Karel Cool, Professor of Strategy, the Award recognize INSEAD alumni who are realizing exceptional achievements in aligning business success with sustainability demands. The winners are:
    – Paul Manwell: Founder at TC Labs in Silicon Valley which leads the application of GenAI for reducing energy use at legacy heavy industry (refineries, petrochemicals)
    Georgina Grenon: The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Sustainability Director who played a key role in ensuring Paris was one of the most sustainable Olympics ever.
    Zach Brown: Founder of Creattura from Japan, which pioneers the use of satellite data and low-tech sensors to transform rice production, reduce methane emissions and decarbonize food supply chains.
    Rafael Zanardo Nascimento: COO at Lemon Energy, a Brazilian climatech that connects retail power consumers with local renewable power plants to provide renewable energy that is up to 20% cheaper than energy from the grid with no need for solar panels and no CAPEX.

Mrs. Kristin Skogen Lund, Chairperson of the INSEAD Board, Francisco Veloso, Dean of INSEAD, Peter Joos, Deputy Dean of INSEAD, Vic Woo, Senior Director of the INSEAD San Francisco Hub for Business Innovation, Karel Cool, Professor of Strategy, together with the winners of the second INSEAD Business Sustainability Award
Mrs. Kristin Skogen Lund, Chairperson of the INSEAD Board, Francisco Veloso, Dean of INSEAD, Peter Joos, Deputy Dean of INSEAD, Vic Woo, Senior Director of the INSEAD San Francisco Hub for Business Innovation, Karel Cool, Professor of Strategy, together with the winners of the second INSEAD Business Sustainability Award

For more information of INSEAD San Francisco Hub for Business Innovation, visit here.

Contact us: news@insead.edu

Aker Carbon Capture proposes a cash dividend of NOK 3.5 billion

FORNEBU, Norway, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aker Carbon Capture ASA (ACC), an Aker Horizons portfolio company, today announced that the Board of Directors of ACC has proposed an extraordinary cash dividend of NOK 3.5 billion, of which Aker Horizons is expected to receive approximately NOK 1.5 billion based on its 43.27% ownership in ACC.

In June 2024, ACC and SLB announced the completion of a transaction combining their carbon capture businesses in a joint venture (JV), since renamed SLB Capturi. ACC retains a 20% ownership stake in the JV and SLB holds the remaining 80%. ACC booked a gain on the sale of NOK 4.9 billion in its consolidated accounts.  

Going forward, ACC will, through its ownership in SLB Capturi, continue to support the development of the carbon capture business of SLB Capturi. The cash position remaining in ACC following the proposed dividend distribution will enable ACC to retain a sufficiently robust balance sheet to fulfill its role and responsibilities as a minority owner of SLB Capturi, and will back ACC’s remaining pro-rata guarantee exposure for projects awarded prior to the formation of the JV.

ACC’s proposed cash dividend is among other things subject to approval by an extraordinary general meeting in ACC, expected to be held on or about 7 March 2025. Please refer to ACC’s announcement for more details.

For further information, please contact:

Jonas Gamre, Investor Relations, Tel: +47 97 11 82 92
jonas.gamre@akerhorizons.com

Mats Ektvedt, Media, Tel: +47 41 42 33 28
mats.ektvedt@corpcom.no

About Aker Horizons:

Aker Horizons develops green energy and green industry to accelerate the transition to Net Zero. The company is active in renewable energy, carbon capture and sustainable industrial assets. As part of the Aker group, Aker Horizons applies industrial, technological and capital markets expertise with a planet-positive purpose to drive decarbonization globally. Aker Horizons is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and headquartered in Fornebu, Norway. Across its portfolio, the company is present on five continents.

www.akerhorizons.com

About Aker Carbon Capture:

Aker Carbon Capture ASA was established as a separate entity in 2020, building on more than 20 years long experience and maturation of the carbon capture technology within Aker. Following an agreement with SLB, a joint venture between SLB and Aker Carbon Capture was established

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

https://news.cision.com/aker-horizons/r/aker-carbon-capture-proposes-a-cash-dividend-of-nok-3-5-billion,c4104692

NEOM Investment Fund partners with Paradromics to drive innovation in neurotechnology healthcare

Strategic partnership with Paradromics will accelerate advancements in brain-computer interfaces and establish a Center of Excellence in NEOM.

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Paradromics, Inc., a global leader in high-data rate brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, announced a strategic investment from NEOM, the sustainable region taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia.

The Paradromics Cortical Module is a microwire implantable device that records individual brain signals and turns thought into action.
The Paradromics Cortical Module is a microwire implantable device that records individual brain signals and turns thought into action.

Led by NEOM’s strategic investment arm, NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), the partnership will advance the development of BCI-based therapies, which aim to restore, enhance or replace lost neurological functions for individuals with conditions that impair movement, communication or cognitive function. As part of the agreement, a Brain-Computer Interface Center of Excellence will be established within NEOM to spearhead ambitious clinical research and eventually serve as the premier center for BCI-based healthcare in the MENA region and beyond.

“At NIF, we are committed to enabling NEOM’s bold vision of redefining the future of healthcare by investing in transformative technologies that push boundaries and address humanity’s toughest challenges,” said Majid Mufti, CEO of NIF. “Paradromics was selected as a strategic partner for their groundbreaking advancements in BCIs and our shared mission of shaping industries, solving critical challenges and driving meaningful impact.”

Paradromics has developed the world’s most advanced BCI platform, engineered for longevity and real-time data processing. Paradromics BCI is concealed under the skin and seamlessly bridges the gap between the brain and digital devices. Using artificial intelligence (AI), the Paradromics BCI translates recorded brain signals into actionable health data.

Paradromics’ initial application focuses on restoring independent communication through digital devices for individuals living with spinal cord injuries, stroke, or ALS, a motor neuron disease. Paradromics is also developing future applications to enhance the treatment of mental health conditions, including mood disorders and chronic pain.

“This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Paradromics and the broader BCI industry,” said Matt Angle, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Paradromics. “NEOM and Paradromics both have expansive visions for the future of mental health that are highly aligned. Working together, we can accelerate the rate of innovation in BCI and expand access to impactful BCI-based therapies.”

Dr. Mahmoud AlYamany, Head of NEOM’s Health and Well-Being sector, added, “Our partnership with Paradromics represents a major step forward in addressing the critical needs of individuals facing motor paralysis, speech impairment and other debilitating conditions. This collaboration accelerates groundbreaking clinical research in BCI-based therapies that will offer hope and life-changing solutions to millions worldwide.”

The partnership with Paradromics is part of a growing portfolio of disruptive technology investments by the NIF, underscoring its pivotal role in enabling NEOM’s commercial success by accelerating the growth of its 15 sectors, creating jobs and galvanizing the investment community.

About Paradromics Inc.

Paradromics is building the industry-leading brain-computer interface (BCI) platform. Its advanced neurotechnology captures brain signals at unmatched speeds and will connect users to boundless AI-enabled treatments for motor impairment, chronic pain, addiction, depression, and other mental health conditions. Paradromics’ first clinical product, Connexus® BCI, is designed to help people unable to speak due to debilitating motor conditions to communicate independently through digital devices. For more information, visit www.paradromics.com or contact media@paradromics.com.

Media Contact:
Renee Day
rday@paradromics.com 

Global Times: From tale of ‘Chang’e flying to the moon’ to legend of ‘Chang’e’ lunar exploration

BEIJING, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 15th day of the first month on the Chinese lunar calendar marks the Lantern Festival.

The moon is full in the sky, and families are reunited on Earth. This brings the story of “the lady Chang’e flying to the Moon,” as well as the mission of Chang’e lunar exploration to people’s minds.

From ancient myth to modern-day legend, we reflect on the integration of culture and technology, exploring the deeper driving forces behind China’s development. Innovative culture is undoubtedly one of the key elements.

With a history of over 5,000 years, the spirit of innovation, a most distinctive trait of the Chinese nation, has not only been internalized as an enduring spiritual heritage of the Chinese people and enriched the soil for an innovative culture, but also externalized in the practical development of the New Era, stimulating the momentum for innovative progress.

As the most technologically advanced lunar exploration mission in China’s space history to date, Chang’e-6 has established an important milestone in China’s lunar exploration program, offering a unique perspective through which we can observe the innovative spirit of the Chinese people and the innovative culture of the New Era.

In his 2025 New Year’s message, Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the technological innovation achievements such as how “the Chang’e-6 lunar probe collected samples from the far side of the moon,” stating that “all this epitomizes the lofty spirit and dreams of the Chinese people to explore stars and oceans.”

During a meeting with the representatives of space scientists and engineers who participated in the research and development of the Chang’e-6 lunar mission, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that the achievements of the lunar exploration project embody the wisdom and hard work of several generations of Chinese aerospace workers, and demonstrate the remarkable accomplishment the country has made in scientific and technological self-reliance in recent years.

The New Era is far from ordinary. Why is it that China could always grow up in the baptism of wind and rain and emerge stronger after withstanding tests? In 2025, which marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), what enables the country to achieve its set goals? As China moves toward grand objectives, what empowers the country to overcome difficulties and challenges?

From the tale of “Chang’e flying to the moon” to the legend of “Chang’e” lunar exploration missions, people could see a vivid revelation of the secrets behind the continuous vitality of the Chinese nation and a bright future for vibrant Chinese modernization.

Dreams are never just dreams 

The Chinese people possess the great spirit of dreaming and creation. As a cultural achievement of combining the basic tenets of Marxism with the excellent traditional Chinese culture, the innovative culture of the New Era inherits the genes of the excellent traditional Chinese culture and provides an endless source of power for the pursuit of dreams.

Xi has emphasized, “The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee’s decision to implement the lunar exploration project is to pursue the nation’s unyielding dream of flying into the sky and reaching for the moon.”

The legend of “Chang’e flying to the moon” is also where dreams begin.

Over 2,000 years ago, the Qin bamboo slips in the text “Gui Cang” recorded the story of “Chang’e flying to the moon.” Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet from the ancient Chu state, which existed more than 2,200 years ago during the Warring States Period (475 BC-221 BC), first mentioned the moon rabbit in his long poem “Tianwen,” meaning “Heavenly Questions.” These ancient myths are beautiful and touching, with stories having been passed down through the ages in books and by word of mouth.

For thousands of years, from the verse in the ancient classic Book of Songs, to poet Li Bai’s “My heart yearns for the blue sky and to embrace the bright moon,” and to poet Su Shi’s “We share the beauty of the moon thousands of miles apart”… Classic cultural masterpieces shine like stars in the sky and these are the verses that people can recite effortlessly.

As far back as the Xia Dynasty (2070-1600 BC), ancient Chinese had developed the lunar calendar based on the cycles of the moon to guide agricultural production. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Wan Hu attempted to fly to the sky using a self-made rocket, becoming the first recorded “moon mission” in human history. The brilliant cultural lineage illuminates the past and present, a shared memory embedded in Chinese people’s genetic heritage.

“Exploring the vast universe, developing space programs and becoming an aerospace power have always been the dream we’ve been striving for.” In the luster of the Chinese people’s lives, dreams are never just dreams.

The legend of flying to the moon, the longing for the moon, and the ambition to embrace the moon have been passed down through civilization, and forged into an incredibly tenacious spirit – the courage to pursue and realize dreams.

In the late hours of December 15, 2013, Xi made a special visit to the Beijing Aerospace Control Center. At the same time, 380,000 kilometers away from Earth, the Chang’e-3 lunar probe successfully landed in the moon’s Sinus Iridium, or the Bay of Rainbows, and the first moon rover Yutu (Jade Rabbit) safely departed from the lander to explore the lunar surface.

Following the successful missions of Chang’e-3, Chang’e-4, Chang’e-5, and Chang’e-6, Xi met with space scientists and engineers who participated in these groundbreaking projects. 

The Chinese top leader emphasized, “China is a big country and must attach importance to the real economy and take the path of self-reliance. Core technologies in key fields should be based on independent research and development.”

Xi also stressed promoting the lunar exploration spirit and giving full play to the advantages of the new system of pooling national resources and strengths to ascend the peak of science and technology, and serve the country’s overall development. He emphasized embarking on a new interplanetary exploration journey step by step, promoting the innovative development of China’s space exploration cause, and making greater contributions to humanity’s peaceful use of space.

These heartfelt innovation exhortations carry the weight of Chinese people’s earnest aspirations for pursuing dreams. Rooted in dreams, grounded in innovation, and realized through practical efforts – this is the logical framework of great undertakings.

“If foreigners could do it, why couldn’t we Chinese do it? ” This statement by Qian Xuesen, the founding father of Chinese aerospace exploration, encapsulates the ambition and determination of China’s researchers to reach new heights in technology.

“Mom, when I go to college, I want to study aerospace engineering. I will find a way to visit the moon and help Grandma and you realize this dream!” This was the aspiration of Ye Peijian, chief commander and designer of the Chang’e-1 project, who grew up listening to stories about the moon from his grandmother and mother, inspiring him to pursue a career in space exploration.

Dreams can be vast and grand, but the journey to realize them is often fraught with challenges, twists, and turns.

At the Beijing Planetarium, a piece of lunar rock no larger than a soybean quietly sits on display, attracting visits from numerous astronomy enthusiasts. In 1978, the US government gifted China this one gram lunar rock. Half of it was used for scientific research to uncover the rock’s “past and present,” while the other half was showcased for educational purposes.

“At that time, my dream was to have a piece of lunar rock that China had collected itself,” reminisced Ouyang Ziyuan, the first chief scientist for China’s moon exploration program, filled with emotion. 

When dreams are ignited, the relentless efforts of countless dream chasers, nurtured by a culture of innovation, converge into an unstoppable force.

Since the beginning of the New Era, China has entered the best period for technological innovation.

From the Chang’e lunar missions to the “Tianhe,” the core module of China’s space station, the “Tianwen” Mars exploration and the shining “Beidou” satellite system, and from “Crust 1” delving deep into Earth to the “Fendouzhe (Striver)” submersible exploring the depths of the ocean – these remarkable achievements reflect the Chinese nation’s profound connection to the stars and the sea. They also serve as the most vivid manifestation of the innovative spirit that Chinese civilization has bestowed upon Chinese people.

A journey of trials and triumphs 

There is no smooth road to innovation, let alone a shortcut. In the New Era, a culture of innovation inspires a spirit of perseverance in the face of challenges, paving the way for the realization of dreams.

In ancient Chinese mythology, there exists a unique spirit characterized by remarkable qualities – from Pangu creating the world, and Nuwa patching up the sky, to Kuafu chasing the sun, Jingwei filling up the sea and Yugong removing mountains. These tales not only ignite dreams and inspire wisdom, but also advocate for proactive engagement and encourage action.

On the journey of national rejuvenation, countless “impossibilities” have transformed into “certainties” through this unwavering pursuit of dreams. The tale of “Chang’e flying to the moon” has evolved into the legend of “Chang’e” lunar exploration, illustrating how myths can be transformed into legendary narratives.

This is the footprint of innovation, marked by a courageous spirit of exploration.

In January 2004, China’s lunar exploration program was officially initiated. In October 2007, Chang’e-1 was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province. 

With a lack of components, no ground testing conditions, and uncertainty about how to reach the moon, a research team of scientists under the age of 30, on average, began developing the first artificial satellite to orbit the moon from scratch. Sun Jiadong, the program’s first chief designer, remarked, “From the moment Chang’e-1 took off for the moon, I knew that once the door to lunar exploration was opened, the pace of deep space exploration would not stop.”

On December 14, 2013, Chang’e-3 landed on the moon, marking the first time that China had sent a spacecraft to soft land on the surface of an extraterrestrial body. It pioneered thermal control technology for two-phase fluid circuits and was equipped with a 360-degree panoramic camera, an infrared spectrometer, and an X-ray spectrometer, along with a new landing buffer system, autonomous navigation, and remote control systems. “The more difficult the path, the more we want to explore it,” said Sun, reflecting the team’s innovative spirit.

After Chang’e-3 successfully landed on the moon, what was the backup Chang’e-4 to do? The answer was to go to the far side of the moon!

Following numerous debates, Wu Weiren, the chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program, insisted, “We should give Chang’e-4 greater vitality and more functions to explore the far side of the moon, which has never been reached by human spacecraft.”

In January 2019, Chang’e-4 made history by achieving the first soft landing on and exploration of the moon’s far side, leaving its first footprints in lunar exploration history. In December 2020, Chang’e-5 returned to Earth with 1,731 grams of lunar samples, marking China’s first extraterrestrial sample return while completing the three-step plan of orbiting, landing, and returning.

In June 2024, Chang’e-6 touched down on the far side of the moon and collected samples from this rarely explored terrain for the first time in human history. The launch schedules for Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 have been confirmed, and China plans to send humans to the moon by 2030.

As we embark on a new journey in this New Era, how do we continue to gain advantages, take initiative, and secure the future? The key lies in the spirit of daring to innovate and dream.

This is a collaborative force of innovation. A drill and a shovel may seem like simple tools, but ensuring their proper use on the moon involves complex innovations that embody the wisdom of many teams.

The design of lunar sampling equipment draws on geologists’ experiences of digging on Earth; the lunar soil structure detector developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences acts as “eyes” providing information support; the “arm” for lunar soil collection is a robotic arm developed by a team from the Harbin Institute of Technology; and the strength of the “joints” and “hands” comes from the motor components and drilling subsystems developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

As China’s most complex and technologically advanced space system engineering project, the lunar exploration program is large-scale, systemically complex, and highly integrated, coordinated by the China National Space Administration and involving 3,000 institutes and nearly 100,000 participants.

“The three-step overall plan of the lunar exploration program could not have been completed on time without the traditional advantages of socialism in concentrating resources and the support of a new national system,” said Hu Hao, chief designer of the Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 missions.

When collective strength is harnessed, nothing is insurmountable. The government, enterprises, and research institutions work together, integrating five major systems: Satellites, launch vehicles, launch sites, measurement and control, and ground applications. From seasoned academicians to fresh graduates born in the 1990s, their unified collaboration has made the Chang’e program a collective effort, paving the way to the moon.

Innovation has always been fraught with challenges. China’s lunar exploration program has achieved six consecutive successes. The spirit of lunar exploration forged by researchers is a decisive factor in this success.

Xi has urged efforts to promote the spirit of lunar exploration, characterized by “chasing dreams, daring to explore, collaborating to overcome challenges, and achieving win-win cooperation,” to further enhance the national confidence and pride of all Chinese people, and build up a great force to comprehensively promote the building of a strong country and the realization of national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

This year’s Spring Festival Gala featured a collaborative performance of the yangge dance by humans and machines. Behind the robot’s ability to manipulate handkerchiefs lies the perfect support of AI-driven full-body motion control technology.

The production and sales of new energy vehicles have also exceeded 12 million units, maintaining the world’s top position for 10 consecutive years, reflecting the strong support of new quality productive forces. China’s grain output has reached a new milestone of 1.4 trillion jin (700 billion kilograms) for the first time, with technology helping farmers secure their “golden rice bowls,” showcasing the intrinsic motivation for building a strong agricultural nation.

The tide of the new era is surging. Countless stories of technological innovation are emerging, and an increasingly rich atmosphere of innovation culture is taking shape, providing stronger momentum for the giant ship “China” to move forward.

Only open cooperation is the right path 

Technological progress is a global and contemporary issue, and only open cooperation is the right path. Continuously enriching and developing in an open and inclusive manner, and gathering the strength of the world through mutual learning and collaboration, are distinctive features of the innovation culture in the New Era.

Xi has pointed out: “The Chang’e lunar missions, which belong to both China and all people in the world, have provided a broad stage for international scientific and technological cooperation, and contributed Chinese wisdom and strength to the world’s deep space exploration.”

Opening international applications for lunar soil samples, Russian researchers discovered unusual metallic iron-like linear crystals in the lunar soil collected by the Chang’e-5 probe. Carrying international payloads such as the European Space Agency’s lunar surface ion analyzer, France’s lunar radon detector, Italy’s laser retroreflector, and Pakistan’s CubeSat satellite, the Chang’e-6 missions assisted Pakistan in capturing its first lunar image and helped France complete its first lunar landing space project.

“Outer space is the common territory of humanity, and space exploration is a common cause for all mankind.” The lunar exploration program has always been welcoming, promoting the global sharing of scientific achievements and ensuring that aerospace technology benefits humanity.

For Chang’e-1, to ensure 24-hour uninterrupted tracking, China collaborated with the European Space Agency and relevant departments in Chile, using four foreign tracking stations for control. For Chang’e-4, the neutron radiation detector aboard the lander was developed by Germany, and ground station that China built in Argentina played an important role in the monitoring and control of the mission.

Technological innovation has never been a solitary endeavor or a closed-door affair. One important reason for the success of the lunar exploration program is its unwavering commitment to open innovation, planning, and promoting technological development with a global perspective, and strengthening international cooperation in all aspects.

Open cooperation leads to mutual benefits and win-win outcomes

China’s juncao,” which transcends mountains and seas, has taken root in over 100 countries, becoming “a gift from China to the world.” “China’s Sky Eye,” which continues to open up to the global scientific community, has helped research teams from 15 countries, including the US, the Netherlands, and Australia, conduct over 900 hours of observations, continually expanding humanity’s limits in observing the sky. Agreements on intergovernmental scientific cooperation have been signed with over 80 Belt and Road Initiative partner countries, promoting the sharing of innovative achievements.

Promoting open cooperation in science and technology is becoming a vivid practice of building a community of shared future for mankind. The world is interconnected, and humanity shares a common destiny.

China has always relied on the hard work and innovative creativity of its people to develop and strengthen itself, achieving national development by combining the stimulation of intrinsic motivation with the peaceful utilization of external resources, firmly grasping the fate of its own development and progress in its own hands.

China has always placed its own development within the coordinate system of human development, jointly addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and energy security, actively integrating into the global innovation network while deeply participating in global scientific governance, and working with countries around the world to create an open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory international environment for scientific and technological development.

Innovation determines the future, and reform concerns the fate of the nation. Chinese modernization is full of momentum; the future of China is limitless. Let us unite our hearts and minds while gazing at the stars, and strive tenaciously while staying grounded, as we move toward our grand goals. 

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1328338.shtml