Month: April 2025

Master research agreement aims to ‘drive progress that benefits society’

HOUSTON, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rice University and ExxonMobil have entered into a master research agreement to collaborate on research initiatives focused on sustainable energy solutions. This landmark collaboration reflects their shared commitment to addressing global challenges in energy, climate and the environment while leveraging their unique expertise and coastal location in the heart of the world’s energy capital, Houston.

“This collaboration underscores Rice’s mission to accelerate long-lasting advances in sustainable energy,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. “By combining Rice’s interdisciplinary expertise with ExxonMobil’s leadership in the energy sector, we are laying the foundation for transformative solutions that are aspirational, accessible and attainable. Together, we aim to drive progress that benefits society and ensures a sustainable and secure energy future.”

The collaboration builds on Rice’s interdisciplinary approach to innovation, drawing from the university’s strengths in materials science, polymers and catalysts, high-performance computing and applied mathematics. Together with ExxonMobil, Rice aims to develop systematic and comprehensive solutions that support the global energy transition and align with the university’s strategic plan to create sustainable futures.

“Our commitment to science and engineering, combined with Rice’s exceptional resources for research and innovation, will drive solutions to help meet growing energy demand,” said Mike Zamora, president of ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co. “We’re thrilled to work together with Rice.”

The first research project under this agreement is already underway. Led by Qilin Li, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rice and co-director of the NEWT Center (Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment), the project focuses on developing advanced technologies to treat desalinated produced water from oil and gas operations for beneficial reuse.

Li’s innovative approach uses electrochemical advanced oxidation processes to remove persistent volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds and ammonia-nitrogen — contaminants that pose risks to human health and the environment. Her work aims to improve water treatment technologies, enabling the safe and beneficial reuse of produced water for applications such as agriculture, wildlife and industrial processes. In addition, the project explores the potential to recover ammonia and produce hydrogen, contributing to sustainable resource management.

“Our agreement with ExxonMobil highlights Rice’s ability to bring together diverse expertise to create lasting solutions,” said Ramamoorthy Ramesh, executive vice president for research at Rice. “This collaboration allows us to tackle key challenges in energy, water and resource sustainability by harnessing the power of an interdisciplinary systems approach.”

With more projects set to launch in the coming months and years, the agreement is expected to significantly advance Rice’s leadership in sustainability and its role in driving impactful advances in the energy sector, university officials said.

About Rice University
Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of architecture, business, continuing studies, engineering and computing, humanities, music, natural sciences and social sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. Internationally, the university maintains the Rice Global Paris Center, a hub for innovative collaboration, research and inspired teaching located in the heart of Paris, and Rice Global India in Bengaluru. With 4,776 undergraduates and 4,104 graduate students, Rice’s undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction and No. 7 for best-run colleges by the Princeton Review.

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SOURCE Rice University

TEMPE, Ariz., April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A $5 million gift from longtime Arizona State University supporter Annette Beus and her family will help fund scholarships for students in ASU’s new School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering, set to welcome its first class in fall 2026, pending accreditation.

The donation will support 72 students and be used to raise an additional $15 million, with the goal of reaching $20 million by July 2026. That total would fund scholarships for the first two student cohorts at the school, which is part of ASU Health.

The new medical school aims to train physician-engineers—doctors who combine medicine, engineering, and technology, including artificial intelligence and data science.

“As we launch a new kind of medical school, we are extremely grateful to Annette Beus for a gift that will directly support students and inspire others to invest in this vision,” said ASU President Michael Crow.

Annette Beus and her late husband, Leo, have long supported ASU. Their philanthropy has significantly shaped the university. In 2014, their gift helped create the Beus Center for Law and Society, home to the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. In 2019, they donated $10 million to establish the Beus Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser Lab in the Biodesign Institute, which houses the world’s first CXFEL. They also founded the Beus Center for Cosmic Foundations in 2022 to study the early universe.

“We as a family have always supported education for young people,” Annette Beus said. “Of all the donations we’ve made, scholarships have my heart.”

Beus believes the School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering can drive innovation and improve health outcomes locally and globally.

Founding dean Sarah Hollingsworth Lisanby called the scholarships transformative: “This gift removes the barrier of tuition and empowers the best and brightest to become physician-engineers who will transform health care through technology.”

This gift is part of ASU’s Changing Futures campaign, which focuses on expanding access to education, advancing health, promoting sustainability, and supporting innovation through philanthropic partnerships.

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SOURCE Arizona State University

Selected Startups to Pitch at EarthX’s 9^th Annual E-Capital Summit for $15,000 non-dilutive cash prize. Ocean Exchange Returns to Earthx2025 to Host Blue Economy Pitch Showcase.

DALLAS, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EarthX has announced the ten semi-finalists for the 2025 EarthX Climate Tech Prize, selected from more than 200 global applicants. These early-stage startup companies span industry sectors including heavy industry/manufacturing, energy, agtech/food, and the circular economy — and will compete for a $15,000 non-dilutive cash prize and the opportunity to pitch before leading global investment, industry, and innovation leaders at the 9^th Annual EarthX E-Capital Summit taking place Tuesday, April 22 through Thursday, April 24^th in Dallas, Texas.

The 2025 EarthX Climate Tech Prize, powered by Climate Solutions Prize in Montreal, is awarded annually to early-stage ventures with less than $250,000 in revenue and under $500,000 in dilutive funding. Semi-finalists were selected by EarthX and innovation leaders from Austin Technology Incubator, Capital Factory, Greentown Labs, and Unreasonable Group. Last year’s winner was En Solucion, co-founded by Alex Athey, a Texas-based agtech company that produces chemical-free food sanitation. Winners from previous years include an agtech business in Kenya, a materials science business in New York, and an industrial innovator in Texas.

This year’s Semi-Finals will feature 3-minute lightning pitches on Wednesday, April 23 on the E-Capital Summit Investment Forum Stage, with audience members voting live to determine which 3–4 companies will advance to the Finals on Thursday, April 24 at 1:30 p.m. on The TV Stage at Earthx2025.

2025 EarthX Climate Tech Prize Semi-Finalists Include:

• Aeon Blue (Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada) – Produces sustainable eFuels by combining hydrogen generation with direct air capture of CO₂ in a single clean-tech process.
• EnnoFlow Technologies (Austin, TX, USA) – Merges edge AI with energy infrastructure to create automated, flexible, and efficient virtual power networks.
• HighGround Ranch Developers (Plano, TX, USA) – Funds and connects regenerative ranches with tech platforms to scale climate-friendly agriculture.
• OptiCloud (Jackson, WY, USA) – Optimizes digital infrastructure with AI tools that reduce cloud waste, energy use, and operational costs.
• Mithril Minerals (Austin, TX, USA) – Develops advanced robotics for low-cost extraction of critical minerals from ocean polymetallic nodules.
• Petra Power (Solon, OH, USA) – Develops compact, fuel-flexible solid oxide fuel cells that deliver high-efficiency, zero-emission electricity for vehicles.
• PowerBox Technology (Champaign, IL, USA) – Provides integrated solar and storage systems that ensure uninterrupted industrial power and lower energy expenses.
• ResonanceX (Santiago de Chile, Chile) – Designs resonant electromagnetic circuits for carbon-free power generation.
• Venki Energy (Silver Spring, MD, USA) – Creates removable rooftop solar racking to enable a subscription-based solar model and expand rooftop access.
• Zero Electric (Austin, TX, USA) – Repurposes EV batteries into storage systems to support fast EV charging and enhance grid resiliency.

“EarthX is proud to platform and support early-stage sustainability-focused innovators,” said Vikram Agrawal, Senior Director of EarthxCapital, who helps EarthX curate the event. “These entrepreneurs aren’t just imagining a cleaner, more sustainable future — they’re building it with breakthrough technologies that tackle real-world challenges across energy, industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. We need more leaders like them who are developing pragmatic solutions that benefit industry, our people, and our planet.”

Ocean Exchange Blue Economy Pitch Showcase Returns to Earthx2025
For the second year, EarthX is proud to host the Ocean Exchange Pitch Competition, held as part of the “Brave New Ocean” conference at EarthX 2025. Building on the success and best practices of the E-Capital Summit, Ocean Exchange will spotlight seven cutting-edge blue economy startups working at the intersection of data science, clean water, and ocean intelligence.

Startups participating in the Ocean Exchange Pitch Showcase include:

• Actea: Applies machine learning to ocean climate modeling to provide insights into the future of ocean climate that will enable long term investment.
• Atdepth: Provides advanced ocean assessment tools, including their Ocean Digital Twin (ODT) Ari, which enables real-time, high-resolution simulations of ocean processes that maximize operational efficiency and value for maritime industries.
• Ceretune: Their biodegradable, self-buoyant fabric supports seed-based plant growth on water, converting excess ocean phosphorus and nitrogen into biomass to combat nutrient pollution.
• Fathom Science: Provides ultra-high-resolution ocean, wave, and weather analytics to enhance safety and efficiency for maritime industries, including ports, shipping, and offshore platforms.
• Nucleic Sensing Systems: Develops autonomous, field-deployable monitoring tools, such as the “Tracker,” which continuously analyze environmental DNA and RNA to provide real-time data on biological activity, aiding in the detection and mitigation of pathogens and invasive species in aquaculture and other environments.
• Onvector: Develops a technology that destroys per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using its proprietary Plasma Vortex innovation, which breaks down PFAS molecules into measurable, harmless components and addresses contamination in groundwater, soil, landfill leachate, and industrial wastewater.
• Salient Predictions: Salient Predictions leverages ocean and land-surface data, combined with machine learning and climate expertise, to deliver highly accurate subseasonal-to-seasonal weather forecasts ranging from 2 to 52 weeks in advance.

The Ocean Exchange pitch event will take place on Thursday, April 24, during the Brave New Ocean program, which focuses on accelerating ocean enterprise and sustainability innovation. The winner of the competition will be awarded a $25,000 grant to help accelerate their commercialization.

“We’re excited to partner again with EarthX to help spotlight the incredible entrepreneurs who are driving tangible progress on protecting our oceans and untapping the blue economy,” says Millicent Pitts, CEO of Ocean Exchange. “The blue economy represents one of the greatest opportunities of our time—not just for coastal resilience and marine conservation, but for sustainable innovation that fuels economic growth and community prosperity.”

About the E-Capital Summit
The invitation-only EarthX E-Capital Summit convenes investors, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, policymakers, dealmakers, and others in the investment and innovation ecosystem to accelerate industry innovation and investment in clean technologies and resilience. Over the past eight years, innovators who have participated in the EarthX E-Capital Summit have gone one to raise over $5 billion in collective funding. The Summit includes a complementary Family Office Summit which convenes a global group of high net-worth investors, industrialists, and philanthropists interested in exploring investment, innovation, and philanthropic opportunities in environmental sustainability and conservation.

Notable 2025 E-Capital Summit Speakers Include:

• Christopher Miller, Former Acting Secretary, United States Department of Defense
• Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, entrepreneur and philanthropist, founder of Tiger 21
• Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet, US Navy, former Acting Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Acting Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 
• Jack Selby, Managing Director, Thiel Capital
• Dr. Sylvia Earle, National Geographic Explorer at Large; Founder, Mission Blue
• Bobby Tudor, CEO Artemis Energy Partners; Retired Founder and CEO of Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co.
• Pablo Vegas, President & CEO, ERCOT
• Pat Wood, CEO, Hunt Energy Network and former Chairman of the Texas PUC and US FERC
• General David Petraeus, Partner and Chairman of KKR Global Institute and former Director, US Central Intelligence Agency
• Sid Miller, Commissioner, Texas Department of Agriculture

For more on EarthX and the full EarthX2025 agenda, which will take place from April 21-25 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, TX, visit www.EarthX.org. To apply to attend the E-Capital Summit, visit https://earthx.org/conferences/e-capital-summit/. To learn more about Ocean Exchange, visit www.oceanexchange.org.

ABOUT EARTHX
EarthX is a global environmental non-profit founded to inform, inspire, and drive impact towards securing a sustainable future for the planet. We apply an integrated and interdisciplinary approach, creating events, media, education, and public advocacy initiatives to galvanize awareness and action around key ecological and economic challenges. EarthX was founded in 2010 as Earth Day Dallas in an effort to increase environmental awareness in the local community. From 2010 to 2023, EarthX convened EarthX EXPO, the world’s largest green gathering in the days surrounding Earth Day in April. EarthX’s conferences and events convene governments, business and NGO leaders and a diverse array of attendees to cut across industry and political silos to bridge perspectives, leverage expertise, and foster multi-partisan collaboration that drives progress toward environmental solutions.

About Ocean Exchange
Ocean Exchange is a global ecosystem whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable blue economy. A 501c3, Ocean Exchange fulfills this mission through a rigorous, multi-level program that includes annual monetary awards, promoting registered Solutions Inspiring Action across multiple communication channels, and facilitating access to the global network comprising its Board of Directors, Delegates, Solutions Review Team, Executive Team and other experts from around the world. Its award finalists have raised $3.1 billion in investment, IPO and exit transactions. Ocean Exchange’s mission is funded largely by private donations including those from Royal Caribbean, Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, Oceankind, Marine Research Hub of South Florida, Angus Littlejohn, Jr. Family, Apollo Opportunity Foundation, and other business and family philanthropic entities who share the passion for healthy oceans.

About Climate Solutions Prize
The Climate Solutions Prize is a unique initiative aimed at accelerating innovation in climate technology by incentivizing researchers and startups to develop groundbreaking technological solutions. The Climate Solutions Prize rewards the developers of the highest-potential projects with financial support, mentorship and collaboration they need to bring their solutions to market. Each year, winners of the Climate Solutions Prize are announced at the Climate Solutions Prize Festival. The Festival offers not only a platform for showcasing competitors’ innovations, but also a unique opportunity for networking and collaboration among all the key players in the climate technology ecosystem: researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, government officials and industry leaders.

E-Capital Summit Innovation Partners
Activate Boston, AREI, ARPA-E, BRITE Energy Innovators, C10 Labs, Cleantech Leaders Roundtable, Cleantech Open, Cleantech San Diego, CleanTX, Cleveland Water Alliance, Climate – KIC, CSU Strata, Current, Energy Tech Nexus, Federal Labs Consortium, Gener8tor, Halliburton Labs, Impact Hub, Innovation Crossroads, Leaders on Purpose, LightWorks, Marine Research Hub, MaRS Discovery District, Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator, MassChallenge, New Energy Nexus, New Ventures, North Texas Innovation Alliance, NYU Urban Future Lab, Ocean Exchange, SeaAhead, Seaworthy Collective, SMU Hunt Institute for Social Entrepreneurship, Texas Venture Alliance, The Water Council, US India Chamber of Commerce, USGBC.

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SOURCE EarthX

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The American Water Works Association (AWWA) today expressed strong support for new legislation that would create a collaborative approach to cybersecurity in the water sector.

The Water Risk and Resilience Organization (WRRO) Establishment Act (H.R. 2594), introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 2, authorizes an independent, non-federal organization to lead the development of cybersecurity requirements in the water sector, supported by oversight from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“This bill represents exactly the kind of thoughtful collaboration we need to address a very serious threat to our nation’s water systems,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “The best and most efficient way to protect water operations and customer information is to leverage the knowledge of cybersecurity experts and utility leaders, while assuring strong federal oversight.”

“As cybersecurity threats continue to grow, this legislation recognizes the unique challenges facing the water sector and gives professionals with relevant expertise a seat at the table when developing cyber requirements,” LaFrance added. “Reliable water service is critical in protecting public health, promoting economic success, and supporting national security.”

Nearly 200 AWWA members visited with members of Congress last week to support the WRRO Establishment Act and elevate other critical water issues during the annual AWWA Water Matters Fly-In.

AWWA has advocated for a collaborative approach to cybersecurity for several years, emphasizing the vast differences in size, capacity, and resources among utilities across the country. A one-size-fits-all approach to cybersecurity would be a challenge for many water systems, especially those serving small and rural communities. The WRRO’s collaborative structure ensures that water professionals can contribute their technical knowledge and utility expertise to the discussion and development of cybersecurity requirements.

“AWWA is grateful for the visionary leadership of Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR) that led to the introduction of this legislation,” LaFrance said. “We look forward to working with Rep. Crawford and many other leaders in Congress to advance the bill.”

Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most vital resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life. 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/awwa-supports-introduction-of-collaborative-cybersecurity-legislation-302427848.html

SOURCE American Water Works Association

BORDENTOWN, N.J., April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TIGRIS Aquatic Services, LLC (TIGRIS), a leading provider of aquatic management and environmental services, announced today that it has acquired LakePro, Inc., a respected aquatic services company based in Swartz Creek, Michigan.

The acquisition marks TIGRIS’s entry into the Michigan market, enhancing its reach across the Midwest. LakePro also furthers TIGRIS’s mission to cultivate beautiful, safe and compliant water environments for their customers fostering healthy communities and prosperous businesses.

Founded in 2001 by Paul and Christina Dominick, LakePro has provided science-based aquatic vegetation control, water quality management, and lake consulting services to clients throughout Michigan and Northern Indiana. The company has earned a strong reputation for technical expertise and customer care, making it a strategic fit with TIGRIS’s growing network.

“The addition of LakePro strengthens our presence in the Midwest and brings decades of trusted local experience into the TIGRIS family,” said David Pullins, CEO of TIGRIS Aquatic Services. “We’re excited to welcome their talented team and to build on their legacy while delivering expanded capabilities and resources to clients across the region.”

“Joining TIGRIS is a great move for our team and our clients,” said Paul Dominick, former owner of LakePro. “We’ve always focused on science-driven, client-centered service—and TIGRIS shares those same values. With their backing, we’re excited for what comes next for our team.”

The LakePro acquisition is part of TIGRIS’s continued strategy to expand its national presence through the integration of like-minded, high-quality aquatic service providers. TIGRIS now operates in over a dozen states and remains focused on delivering scalable, sustainable solutions for waterway management and ecological stewardship.

About TIGRIS Aquatic Services, LLC
TIGRIS Aquatic Services LLC, a portfolio company of Plexus Capital, LLC, is the premier provider of sustainable stormwater management services to residential, commercial and municipal markets throughout the United States. Offering a wide range of services from locations across the country, TIGRIS is the single source provider for inspection, consultation, routine maintenance, testing, installation and repair of stormwater conveyance systems. Thousands of clients across the country—from homeowners and lake associations to PGA golf courses, municipalities and Fortune 500 corporations—rely on TIGRIS to maintain the performance, beauty and compliance of their ponds, lakes, wetlands and stormwater systems.

About LakePro, Inc.
Founded in 2001 and based in Swartz Creek, Michigan, LakePro, Inc. specialized in the management of lakes, ponds, and other freshwater systems across Michigan and Northern Indiana. With a science-first approach and a commitment to client service, LakePro offered aquatic vegetation control, water quality monitoring, and lake consulting services for over two decades. The company built a reputation for reliability, environmental stewardship, and technical excellence in freshwater management.

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SOURCE TIGRIS

LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In response to the current Administration’s decisions that will create significant funding gaps for many vital domestic HIV programs, ETAF is launching a competitive emergency grant cycle to provide financial resources to organizations in need.

This new initiative will be aimed at ensuring that critical, wrap-around health services for HIV treatment & prevention and programs focused on Transgender communities can continue to operate into the near future.

The application process for this emergency grant cycle opens on April 16, 2025 and will remain open until May 31, 2025. During this period, organizations that have the following direct-service programs are encouraged to apply:

• Transgender HIV Services & Wellness Support: Transgender people are disproportionately at risk of acquiring HIV and falling out of treatment due to socioeconomic, mental health, and stigma-related issues. Programs supporting HIV treatment, prevention, and holistic services to support the transgender community will be prioritized.
• Women & Youth Wrap-Around Health Services: Women and youth, particularly LGBTQ+ youth, are disproportionately impacted and face unique barriers to accessing HIV prevention and treatment. Programs providing housing assistance, crisis support, case management & care coordination, workforce development, and other essential care services tailored for individuals at risk of or living with HIV will be prioritized.

“We recognize that many nonprofit organizations and initiatives rely heavily on government funding, and we are committed to helping them navigate these unforeseen challenges. Many HIV-service organizations will face unexpected financial hurdles due to the recent policy changes, and it is crucial that we respond swiftly,” said Cathy Brown, Executive Director, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

The main purpose of this emergency grant cycle is to provide the necessary support to those organizations that are making a difference in our most vulnerable communities, ensuring that essential services remain available to those who need them most. The grant application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible. Interested organizations are encouraged to read ETAF’s grant policy here and submit a proposal through ETAF’s application portal here.

For more information about the emergency grant cycle and how to apply, please visit ETAF.org or contact us at admin@etaf.org.

About The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF)

Working tirelessly on the AIDS crisis throughout the 1980s, Elizabeth Taylor established The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991 to carry out her vision for an AIDS-free world. ETAF works to provide the direct care needed for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Emphasizing Elizabeth’s voice, commitment and concentration on marginalized communities, ETAF in partnership with Gilead Sciences, Inc. works to modernize the criminal laws and penalties that affect people living with HIV. ETAF’s programs have also expanded to ensure that HIV prevention education and access to treatment is available through domestic and international initiatives.

For more information, visit ETAF.org or contact Jake Arman, ETAF at jarman@etaf.org.

Request for Proposals

Summary

• 501©(3) Direct-service organizations based and operating in the United States
• In support of funding gaps due to loss of federal funding for programs supporting HIV-services and/or prevention services
• Funds may not be used for lobbying or regranting to 501©(4) entities

Award Terms

• Funds must be used within 12 months of being received
• Mid-year and End of year reports will be required

To Apply

All proposals must be submitted through ETAF’s grant portal linked here:

https://apply.elizabethtayloraidsfoundation.org/

All proposals must be submitted by May 31, 2025 6:00pm PT. Contact admin@etaf.org for any questions or technical assistance.

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SOURCE The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation

National Charity Ride Offers Platform for Riders from Around the Country to Raise Funds and Support Families of Fallen or Disabled U.S. Military Service Members & First Responders

In its Second Year, Indian Motorcycle Sets a New Fundraising Goal of $250,000

Indian Motorcycle to Giveaway Brand-New, Sport Chief RT to Top Fundraiser, Additional Product & Prizes Offered for Various Levels of Donations

MINNEAPOLIS, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, is proud to announce the return of its Folds of Honor national charity ride, benefitting families of fallen or disabled U.S. military service members and first responders. On September 20, 2025, riders around the country can join a ride at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership. Riders can donate or register now at the Indian Motorcycle IMRG National Charity webpage.

Building on the success from last year, the 2025 charity ride aims to support even more families of military personnel and first responders. In 2024, Indian Motorcycle demonstrated the generosity and dedication of its owners’ community, as the program eclipsed its goal of $50,000 and raised $114,000 for Folds of Honor. This year, Indian Motorcycle has set its sights even higher, setting an ambitious goal of $250,000 to further amplify the impact of its charitable mission. 

“The incredible response from our riders and supporters last year proved just how much this cause means to our community,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “We are building on that momentum to make an even greater impact in our second year. This event is not just about the ride – it’s a powerful tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect us, and a testament to our community’s unwavering support.”

Every donation, big or small, drives the mission to support families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders. To amplify fundraising efforts, Indian Motorcycle will auction a custom Sport Chief RT, donating all the proceeds raised to Folds of Honor. As an added incentive, donors can earn exclusive rewards, including a brand-new, 2025 Indian Sport Chief RT for the top fundraiser and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the auction for the runner-up.

“We are incredibly grateful to Indian Motorcycle and the dedicated riders who support our mission,” said Lt Col Dan Rooney, Founder and CEO of Folds of Honor. “By participating in our second charity ride and contributing to these fundraising efforts, riders are making a profound commitment to honoring our nation’s heroes and providing life-changing educational opportunities for their families.”

For nearly 20 years, Folds of Honor has provided educational support to the families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders. Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 62,000 educational scholarships totaling approximately $290 million in educational impact.

The Folds of Honor charity ride serves as one of many events featuring the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group (IMRG). With approximately 137 chapters and 7,500 riders from around the country, IMRG hosts hundreds of rides and events each year for members and general motorcycle riders alike. To learn more, visit the IMRG webpage.

Registration and donations are now available at the IMRG National Charity webpage. For more information, please visit IndianMotorcycle.com, or follow along on Facebook, X and Instagram.

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

ABOUT FOLDS OF HONOR
Folds of Honor is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of US military service members and first responders who have fallen or been disabled while serving our country and communities. Our educational scholarships support private school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12, tuition for college, technical or trade school and post-graduate work, including a master’s degree, doctorate, or professional program. Funds for a second bachelor’s degree or trade/technical program certification are also available. Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 62,000 scholarships totaling about $290 million in all 50 states. Among the students served, 45 percent are minorities. A total of 91 percent of expenses fund our mission of providing educational scholarships to the families of our nation’s heroes. It is rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum on Candid. It was founded by Lt Col Dan Rooney, the only-ever F-16 fighter pilot (with three combat tours in Iraq) and PGA Professional. He is currently stationed at Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Service at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship visit foldsofhonor.org.

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SOURCE Indian Motorcycle