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Databricks Acquires BladeBridge Technology and Talent to Accelerate Data Warehouse Migrations

Together, Databricks and the BladeBridge team will support enterprise migrations to Databricks SQL, which has surpassed a $600 million revenue run rate

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Databricks, the Data and AI company, today announced that it has welcomed the team behind BladeBridge, a leading provider of AI-powered enterprise data warehouse migration solutions, to Databricks. Together, Databricks and BladeBridge will help organizations streamline the code assessment and conversion process vital to data warehouse migrations to Databricks SQL from Snowflake, Teradata and other sources with a proven, LLM-driven approach. Ultimately, this enhanced migration process will help customers quickly and seamlessly transition to the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform.

Organizations are increasingly looking to modernize their siloed, legacy data warehouses to Databricks SQL, Databricks’ intelligent data warehouse. This shift allows them to capitalize on Databricks SQL’s industry-leading price-performance, efficiency and AI innovations. Powered by AI, Databricks SQL auto-optimizes workloads to improve efficiency and performance and delivers intelligent experiences that help anyone gain insights from their data, with no SQL or technical expertise required. In the past year, Databricks SQL revenue grew more than 150%, surpassing $600 million run rate.

BladeBridge + Databricks
BladeBridge has become one of the most advanced and popular automation solutions for migrating from existing data warehouses, including Snowflake, Redshift, and Teradata, to Databricks SQL. Now, organizations migrating to Databricks will gain access to BladeBridge’s proven AI-driven solution to automate code analysis and conversion across more than 20 enterprise data warehouses and ETL tools, significantly reducing manual effort and ensuring consistent, high-quality code output. This transaction supports Databricks’ strategy to help enterprises quickly achieve data intelligence across their entire data estate.

A key technology partner to system integrators like Accenture, Capgemini, Celebal Tech, Ness Digital and Tredence, BladeBridge provides customers with clear insight into the scope of conversion, LLM-powered code refactoring, and easy validation of migrated systems. To date, BladeBridge has successfully supported hundreds of customers in their Databricks SQL migration journeys.

“Databricks SQL is the fastest-growing data warehouse on the market. Over ten thousand organizations have chosen Databricks SQL thanks to its price performance and AI innovations. As more and more companies choose Databricks as the foundation for an open, flexible data architecture, we want to make it easier than ever to move from legacy data warehouses to the Data Intelligence Platform,” said Ali Ghodsi, Co-founder and CEO of Databricks. “By joining forces with the BladeBridge team, we can help every organization accelerate their move to Databricks with significantly lower migration cost and effort.”

“At BladeBridge, we set out to solve frustrating challenges for companies looking to modernize their data stack, and today we’ve helped hundreds of organizations successfully migrate to cloud data platforms,” said Simon Eligulashvili, Co-founder and Executive Vice President of BladeBridge. “We are thrilled to join the Databricks team to continue our mission — to help companies reach their data modernization goals — faster and at a far greater scale.”

“As a trusted data engineering specialist, we understand that meeting customers’ aggressive project timelines is a key success metric,” said Ranjit Tinaikar, CEO at Ness Digital. “Over the years, we have built a strong partnership with BladeBridge, collaborating on over a hundred enterprise data warehouse migrations. We look forward to deepening this relationship with Databricks as a strategic partner and delivering many more successful projects in the future.”

This announcement follows Databricks’ recent $15 billion financing, which values the data intelligence leader at $62 billion. The company expects to cross $3 billion revenue run rate and be free cash flow positive in the fourth quarter ending January 31, 2025.

About Databricks
Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 10,000 organizations worldwide — including Block, Comcast, Condé Nast, Rivian, Shell and over 60% of the Fortune 500 — rely on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to take control of their data and put it to work with AI. Databricks is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices around the globe and was founded by the original creators of Lakehouse, Apache Spark™, Delta Lake and MLflow. To learn more, follow Databricks on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact: Press@databricks.com

ReTo Announces Receipt of Nasdaq Delisting Determination and Plan to Appeal

BEIJING, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: RETO) (“ReTo” or the “Company”), a manufacturer of equipment for production of eco-friendly materials in China, today announced that the Company received a delisting determination notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) on January 29, 2025, notifying the Company that given its Class A shares, par value US$0.10 per share (the “Class A Shares”), had a closing bid price at less than $1 over the previous 30 consecutive business days, the Company is not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement as set forth in Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). Further, because the Company is not eligible for any compliance period since the Company has effected a reverse stock split over the prior one-year period, pursuant to Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(iv), the Class A Shares will be scheduled for delisting from Nasdaq at the opening of business on February 7, 2025, unless the Company requests an appeal of such determination to a hearings panel (the “Panel”).

The Company intends to timely request a hearing before the Panel. The request will stay the suspension of the Company’s securities and the delisting process pending the Panel’s decision. While the appeal is pending, the Class A Shares will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbols “RETO.” There can be no assurance that the Panel will grant the Company an extension period or that the Company will ultimately regain compliance with all applicable requirements for continued listing on Nasdaq.

About ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc.

Founded in 1999, ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc., through its operating subsidiaries in China, is engaged in the research and development, manufacture and sales of equipment used for production of eco-friendly construction materials. The Company provides consultation, design, implementation and installation of its equipment and   related parts, as well as engineering support and  technical advice and services. For more information, please visit: http://en.retoeco.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. These statements include, among others, statements regarding the Company’s plans to regain compliance with the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement. The Company’s actual results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties. The reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission discuss these and other important factors and risks that may affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial conditions. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

For more information, please contact:

ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc.
Tel: +86-10-64827328
Email: ir@retoeco.com or 310@reit.cc

Neutrogena® Introduces Tate McRae as Global Brand Ambassador

On the Heels of its 10th Anniversary, the Brand’s Iconic Hydro Boost Collection Is
Revealing a Juicy, Fresh Take

SKILLMAN, N.J., Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) announces global sensation Tate McRae as the newest face of Neutrogena®. This announcement marks the debut campaign under Neutrogena’s bold new positioning, ‘Beauty to a Science,’ which exemplifies the brand’s 90-year history of developing advanced clinical science while designing incredible product experiences.

 

Global Brand Ambassador, Tate McRae and Global Innovation Partner, Dr. Muneeb Shah start in latest Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel Campaign

Neutrogena’s new campaign highlights products from its award-winning Hydro Boost range, including the Water Gel. This commemorates Hydro Boost’s 10th anniversary as one of the brand’s top-selling facial moisturizers, which jumpstarted the hyaluronic acid ingredient category. On average, a jar of Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is sold every two seconds worldwide1.

At just 21 years old, McRae has captivated audiences as a chart-topping artist and dancer.  Now, as she prepares to release her third album, So Close to What, and hit the road for a world tour, the campaign shares her must-have secret to juicy skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost.

“I’m thrilled to partner with Neutrogena – a brand I’ve trusted since I was young. What I love about this campaign is how real it feels. We’ve all been there—those moments where your brain just won’t stop spiraling, and the last thing you need is the overthinking messing up your skin,” said McRae, Neutrogena® Global Brand Ambassador. “That’s why I’m obsessed with Hydro Boost. It keeps my skin hydrated and is the perfect reminder that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to work.”

Neutrogena engages best-in-class scientists and partners with leading dermatologists to develop breakthrough solutions that both advance clinical efficacy and provide incredible product experience. In the upcoming campaign, McRae stars alongside Neutrogena® Global Innovation Partner, Dr. Muneeb Shah, to highlight how stress and overthinking can affect skin.

“By featuring Tate and her infectious energy, alongside Dr. Shah, whose expertise helped to make him the most followed dermatologist on social media, we’re bridging the gap between beauty and science, creating a powerful message for the next generation,” said Andrew Stanleick, Kenvue’s President of Skin Health & Beauty in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “With Neutrogena Hydro Boost, we’re redefining hydration and showing how skincare can empower you to feel your best every day.”

As a Neutrogena® Global Ambassador, McRae will be featured in marketing initiatives across multiple platforms, including TV, social, digital, point of sale, and will also integrate the brand into her own future projects. The campaign emphasizes Hydro Boost’s ability to enhance skincare routines with a weightless formula that magnifies the power of hyaluronic acid for juicy, deeply hydrated skin.

About Kenvue
Kenvue Inc. is the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue. Built on more than a century of heritage, our iconic brands, including Aveeno®, BAND-AID® Brand, Johnson’s®, Listerine®, Neutrogena® and Tylenol®, are science-backed and recommended by healthcare professionals around the world. At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Our teams work every day to put that power in consumers’ hands and earn a place in their hearts and homes. Learn more at www.kenvue.com.

About Neutrogena®
For over 90 years, Neutrogena® has been developing breakthrough skincare solutions that both advance clinical efficacy and provide incredible product experience. From science-led innovation to accessible education, we are driven by a mission to democratize skin health & beauty. Our products address skin needs across ages, skin types and tones. Neutrogena® is a brand of Kenvue Brands LLC, a subsidiary of Kenvue Inc.

About Tate McRae:
Singer, songwriter, and dancer triple threat Tate McRae has garnered over 12.6 billion career streams and multiple #1 Top 40 hits. Her versatility as a performer has captivated audiences around the world. Whether she’s delivering a powerful vocal performance or executing high-energy choreography, Tate brings a unique blend of artistry and authenticity to every stage. Her highly anticipated third album So Close To What is releasing February 21st.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding Neutrogena’s introduction of Tate McRae as Global Brand Ambassador. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “will,” “anticipates,” “estimates” and other words of similar meaning. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Kenvue and its affiliates.

A list and descriptions of risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Kenvue’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings, available at www.kenvue.com or on request from Kenvue. Kenvue and its affiliates undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or developments or otherwise.

1 *Based on global unit sales data for L52W ending Oct 2024

Media Contact: 
Jenni Évora 
Communications Lead, Neutrogena
jevora@kenvue.com 

New Global Brand Ambassador is the face of latest Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel campaign.
New Global Brand Ambassador is the face of latest Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel campaign.

 

 

SunCar Technology Group Announces Follow-On Public Offering

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SunCar Technology Group Inc. (“SunCar”) (Nasdaq: SDA), an innovative leader in cloud-based B2B auto services and auto e-insurance in China, today announced a firm commitment underwritten follow-on public offering of an aggregate of up to $50 million of Class A Ordinary Shares, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Ordinary Shares”). In connection with the offering, SunCar intends to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase an aggregate of up to $7.5 million additional Class A Ordinary Shares at the public offering price less the underwriting discount. The net proceeds from this offering will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

BTIG, LLC is acting as lead book-running manager for the offering, and Macquarie Capital Limited and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. are acting as joint bookrunners. The closing of the proposed offering is subject to market and other conditions and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the proposed offering.

The securities described are being offered by SunCar pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-279916) that was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on June 3, 2024 and declared effective by the SEC on June 14, 2024. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to and describing the terms of the proposed offering will be filed with the SEC.

Before you invest, you should read the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in that registration statement and other documents filed with the SEC for more information about SunCar and this offering. You may obtain these documents free of charge by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. When available, copies of the preliminary prospectus and the accompanying prospectus relating to the securities being offered may also be obtained from BTIG, LLC, Attention: ECM, General Counsel, 65 East 55th Street, New York, New York 10022, by email at IBLegal@btig.com or by email at btig-ibd-equitycapitalmarkets@btig.com; or Macquarie Capital Limited, Attention: MacCap US-Asia ECM Execution, Level 22, One International Finance Centre 1 Harbour View Street, Central Hong Kong, by email at: maccap.usasiaecmexecution@macquarie.com; or Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Attention: Syndicate Prospectus Department, 85 Broad Street, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10004, by email at EquityProspectus@opco.com.

This press release does not and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of SunCar’s Class A Ordinary Shares, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of such shares, in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About SunCar Technology Group Inc.

Founded in 2007, SunCar is transforming the customer journey for auto services and auto insurance in China, the largest passenger vehicle market in the world. SunCar develops and operates cloud-based platforms that seamlessly connect drivers with a wide range of auto services and insurance coverage options through a nationwide network of sales partners. As a result, SunCar has established itself as the leader in China in the B2B auto services market and the auto eInsurance market for electric vehicles. SunCar’s intelligent cloud platform empowers its enterprise clients to access and manage their customer database and offerings optimally, and drivers gain access to hundreds of services from tens of thousands of independent providers in a single application. For more information, please visit: https://suncartech.com.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding the offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the offering, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date they were first issued and are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond SunCar’s control. SunCar’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the risks related to the offering of the shares and uncertainties related to market conditions. These and other potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed in SunCar’s filings and reports with the SEC, including the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as well as other filings and reports that are filed by SunCar from time to time with the SEC. SunCar anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change and you should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and not place undue reliance on such statements. SunCar undertakes no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing SunCar’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Contact Information:

SunCar:

Investor Relations: Ms. Hui Jiang
Email: IR@suncartech.com
Legal: Ms. Li Chen
Email: chenli@suncartech.com

U.S. Investor Relations:

Matthew Abenante, IRC
President
Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
Tel: 347-947-2093
Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

Argentina and Chile to Join Qatar’s Years of Culture Initiative for a Yearlong Creative Exchange in 2025

Major exhibitions, design exchanges and photography journeys to return for diverse programme

DOHA, Qatar, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative has announced the Argentine Republic and the Republic of Chile as its partner countries for 2025, two nations enriched by Arab heritage through centuries of migration and cultural exchange as well as a shared enthusiasm for sport. The 2025 partnerships will showcase shared influences – from cuisine to language – while establishing new collaborations across the initiative’s core focus areas of cultural preservation, creative industries, social development, and innovation.

This annual global exchange was launched 13 years ago by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to strengthen connections between Qatar and other nations through long-term cultural partnerships rooted in mutual respect and understanding. Programmes to be featured this year include performances, exhibitions, sporting and culinary events, photography projects, residency schemes, volunteer trips, and more.

Past partner countries include Morocco (2024), Indonesia (2023), and the MENASA region, which was celebrated during the initiative’s 10th anniversary and the Arab world’s first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Years of Culture Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said: “We founded Years of Culture in 2012 to promote respect and understanding between Qatar and other nations, nurturing connections among people and encouraging dialogue through bilateral cultural exchange. Now, building on a foundation of success, we are elevating the initiative to a new level by forming Years of Culture partnerships with two nations within a region of the globe. We welcome Argentina and Chile as the first partners in this new era for the 2025 Years of Culture.”

His Excellency Argentinian Ambassador Guillermo Nicolás said: “For five decades, diplomatic relations between Qatar and Argentina have been characterised by mutual respect, expanding trade, and complementary economies. This Year of Culture offers a unique platform to deepen these ties by celebrating our artistic heritage and forging new creative partnerships. We look forward to sharing Argentina’s culture and traditions while discovering Qatar’s diverse offerings.”

His Excellency Chilean Ambassador Patricio Díaz Broughton remarked: “Chile’s innovative spirit has resonated globally, from architectural collaborations such as the upcoming Art Mill Museum in Qatar, designed by Chile’s Alejandro Aravena, to partnerships in sustainable energy. Joining Qatar’s Year of Culture underscores our shared commitment to creativity and sustainability. We are eager to exchange ideas and traditions that highlight the friendship between our nations.”

Further events and community celebrations will be announced throughout the year. For updates, follow Years of Culture on social media @YearsofCulture or visit the website at yearsofculture.qa.

Breinrock and the Sustainable Revolution in Financial Technology

LONDON, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Fintech industry continues to thrive, driving innovation and reshaping global finance. At the forefront of this revolution is Breinrock, a rising star in the financial technology landscape, recognised for its pioneering approach to cross-border payments. As highlighted in the World Economic Forum’s recent report on sustainable Fintech growth, the sector’s success is increasingly linked to companies that balance innovation with responsibility—a philosophy Breinrock embodies.

Zoran Radovanovic - Breinrock
Zoran Radovanovic – Breinrock

The UK’s Fintech Dominance
The United Kingdom has cemented itself as a Fintech powerhouse, attracting $5 billion in investments last year—more than the rest of Europe combined. This dominance is supported by initiatives such as regulatory sandboxes, which allow companies to test products in real-world conditions. The country’s diversity also plays a pivotal role: 45% of Fintech employees in the UK come from abroad, fostering innovation through global perspectives.

Breinrock, with its headquarters in London and a footprint spanning Europe, North America, and the Middle East, reflects the dynamism of the UK’s Fintech scene. Its founder, Zoran Radovanovic, attributes the company’s success to its ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with tailored, localised support. “Our strength lies in merging global reach with local expertise,” Radovanovic says. “We’ve built a platform that delivers secure, efficient payment solutions while addressing the unique needs of businesses in different regions.”

Revolutionising Global Payments
Breinrock’s operations extend across 40 currencies, underpinned by regulatory licenses in key markets such as the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, and the UAE. Its mission is clear: to simplify international transactions through a seamless blend of technology and human touch. Unlike many competitors, Breinrock prioritises personalisation. Its local teams provide bespoke support, ensuring that even the most complex financial scenarios are handled with care. Advanced data analytics enhance its services, offering clients valuable insights into market trends while safeguarding against fraud.

Global Expansion and Recognition
Having already established offices in London, Prague, Toronto, Limassol, and Dubai, Breinrock is strategically positioned to serve clients around the clock. Its plans to expand into Australia and the United States by 2026 underscore its ambition to become a truly global financial powerhouse. Breinrock’s unique approach has not gone unnoticed. The company was a standout participant at the Money20/20 Expo in Las Vegas, one of the most influential events in the payments industry. Its emphasis on establishing local payment routes, combined with a commitment to sustainability, aligns with the broader Fintech trends highlighted in recent analyses of the sector’s fastest-growing companies.

Streamlined Compliance and Client-Centric Innovation
A major challenge in global finance is compliance, but Breinrock has turned this into a competitive advantage. Its hybrid onboarding process—blending automated systems with human oversight—ensures a smooth transition for new clients. Robust verification methods and risk management tools protect customers without sacrificing efficiency. Radovanovic explains, We’ve created a process that is as secure as it is efficient. Compliance isn’t just a requirement; it’s an opportunity to build trust with our clients.” This client-focused approach has positioned Breinrock as a leader in sustainable growth, echoing the sentiments of the World Economic Forum’s report. By addressing both the technological and human elements of finance, the company is setting a standard for what Fintech innovation should look like in the future.

The Future of Fintech and Breinrock’s Role
As Fintech continues to expand globally, companies like Breinrock are proving that success isn’t just about technology—it’s about understanding and meeting the needs of diverse clients. With its strategic investments, local expertise, and commitment to innovation, Breinrock is poised to join the ranks of Fintech’s most successful projects. For businesses navigating the complexities of global finance, Breinrock offers a partner that combines efficiency, security, and personalisation. As the industry evolves, Breinrock is set to remain at the forefront, transforming international payments one transaction at a time. For more information, please see: https://www.Breinrock.com

META KEYS:

Breinrock, Breinrock Fintech, Financial Technology, Radovanovic, Zoran Radovanovic, Breinrock Radovanovic, Zoran Radovanovic Breinrock, Client-Centric Innovation, Beinrock Compliance, Breinrock Global Payments, Global Payments

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/breinrock_logo.jpg
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/breinrock_radovanovic.jpg

Press Contact:
Fuse News Group
Mrs. Shirley Daniels
News@FuseNewsGroup.com

Woolpert-RS&H JV Selected for $249M Shared Capacity, Architecture and Engineering Contract to Support USACE Japan

The five-year contract will support a wide variety of facility and infrastructure projects for the Japan Engineer District

MISAWA, Japan, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has selected the joint venture of Woolpert and RS&H to provide architecture and engineering services under a five-year, $249 million shared capacity, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract supporting its Japan Engineer District. Services will include preparing related concept designs, completing designs, and supporting documentation to support military services, agencies, and a range of infrastructure and facility projects throughout Japan.

Facility and infrastructure project types supported under this contract include training support, lodging, storage, telecommunications, secure data operations, aircraft operations and maintenance, airfields, roadways, ship and waterfront operations and infrastructure, utilities, and environmental mitigation. 

“Supporting warfighters and their families across Japan is a challenge well suited to the Woolpert-RS&H team,” RS&H Vice President and Woolpert-RS&H JV Program Director Rich Stump said. “Both of our companies have a history of strong performance for our military customers across Japan—and working with Woolpert allows us to leverage the talent of our combined companies in service to the important military missions in the Japan District’s area of responsibility.”

Woolpert Program Director Shawn Moore, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, said this is Woolpert and RS&H’s first joint venture serving the USACE Japan Engineer District. Collectively, the two firms have executed more than 40 projects across Japan for JED since 2011.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to continue our support for the Japan Engineer District and its military clients, warfighters, and families serving in Japan,” Moore said. “Our Woolpert-RS&H team looks forward to this latest opportunity, and to help support the many important Government of Japan and U.S. military missions, installations, and federal agencies in executing their vital requirements throughout mainland Japan and the island of Okinawa.”

“Each project provides a new opportunity to combine our cutting-edge design with Japan’s local building techniques,” Woolpert Project Architect Hala Abdelaziz said. “We are excited to get started and look forward to delivering functional, thoughtful designs that serve the needs of the end user and help to enhance the USACE’s missions across Japan.”

This contract will run through 2029.

About Woolpert
Woolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) firm, with a vision to become one of the best companies in the world. We innovate within and across markets to effectively serve public, private, and government clients worldwide. Woolpert is a Top 50 ENR Global Design firm, has earned eight Great Place to Work certifications, and actively nurtures a culture of growth, inclusion, diversity, and respect. Founded in 1911 in Dayton, Ohio, Woolpert has been America’s fastest-growing AEG firm since 2015. Woolpert has over 2,700 employees and more than 60 offices on five continents. For more, visit woolpert.com.

Media Contact
Lynn Rossi
312-837-2017
lynn.rossi@woolpert.com

 

Sequins™ Announces Availability of First Products – Bolsters Team for Commercialization

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sequins, a newly-funded start-up in the next generation sequencing (NGS) ecosystem, announced today the availability of their first commercial products – the Sequins Metagenomics Core Control and Whole Genome Sequencing Core Control Sets, along with an evaluation program for circulating tumor DNA Controls.

These easy-to-use internal spike-in controls set a new standard for workflow monitoring and optimization, enabling standardization within and between samples, equipment, operators and laboratories. Sequins can also be manufactured with molecular ladders to provide a quantitative measure and standard for normalization.

Based on innovative technology and design, Sequins (sequencing spike-ins) are synthetic nucleic acid controls that directly mirror naturally occurring sequences. Because Sequins retain the same nucleotide composition as the natural sequences, they enable accurate representation of genomic complexity without compromising integrity of samples and results. Sequins perform equivalently throughout standard sequencing workflows, providing a true measure of control.

  • Sequins Metagenomics Core Control Set offers unprecedented power for normalization and quantification of microbes in complex samples and covers more than 50 microbial species at varying abundances to emulate environmental samples.
  • Sequins WGS Core Control Set establishes a new standard for workflow monitoring and optimization and covers a range of variant classes that include difficult genetic variants, germline variants at simple repeats, homopolymers, structural variants, common variants, microsatellites, and mitochondrial DNA.
  • Sequins ctDNA Evaluation Set provides a customizable backbone for workflow monitoring, quantification, and limit of detection calibration for ctDNA assays covering nine important cancer genes at varying allele frequencies.

“Sequins technology represents a leap forward in the measurement and improvement of sequencing assays. We provide a truly universal platform for internal standards with the potential to enable enhanced assay development for our customers. We’ve invested heavily in quality, commercially ready production, and QC capabilities, empowering customers to adopt Sequins for their most valuable and ambitious programs. With the launch of our commercially available products and On-Demand platform across a broad range of genomics applications, we’re excited to work with leading laboratories as our industry develops towards more powerful, accurate, and cost-effective tests,” said Alex Gough, CEO and Co-Founder.

Sequins recently hired Jeremy Preston, an industry leading executive and commercial leader in the genomics space, as Senior Vice President, and are currently building out the infrastructure and team to drive successful adoption for customers and rapid growth. Jeremy’s industry tenure spans over 20 years with leadership roles across the commercial spectrum at Affymetrix, Illumina, and CS Genetics.

“I’m thrilled to have joined the team at Sequins and to have yet another opportunity to bring impactful technology to market. I believe that Sequins will quickly become a ubiquitous and foundational component of NGS assays across the ecosystem. Our ability to service the dynamic nature of the industry with on-demand products in the future, will help drive best practices across genomics and sequencing-based clinical testing,” said Jeremy Preston, SVP.

About Sequins

Sequins is a privately held genomics technology company located in San Francisco, USA and Sydney, Australia. Born from a successful and widely published research program in Co-Founder Professor Tim Mercer’s lab at the Garvan Institute in Sydney, Sequins has developed an innovative DNA and RNA sequencing control standards platform. Based on mirroring technology, Sequins controls can be spiked into individual samples without compromising sample integrity and results.

For more information, visit www.sequins.bio and follow us on Bluesky and LinkedIn