Month: November 2025

DAEJEON, South Korea, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Korea Innovation Foundation (INNOPOLIS), currently operating the 2025 Global Technology Commercialization Support Program (North America), announces that 2 innovative companies, LEEBIO, and Airlab are chosen for the support program.

This initiative selects innovative technology companies in the fields of machinery, energy, AI/IoT and bio health. The program provides comprehensive consulting support to help these companies apply their technologies and products on a trial basis to local facilities or projects operated by overseas companies and institutions, enabling on-site commercialization.

1. LEEBIO – AI-driven water quality tester

The first company, LEEBIO, announced on the 6th that its next-generation smart water management device, AQUAL Pro S, won the Digital Healthcare Innovation Award at CES 2026. The device introduces AI Predictive Prevention, which analyzes regional and historical water quality data to anticipate potential contamination before it occurs. This allows users to take preventive action rather than respond after issues arise.

AQUAL Pro S also links water quality data with personal health information, offering customized hydration guidance, filter replacement alerts, and health reports—an approach that reframes water monitoring as part of daily wellness, earning strong praise from CES judges.

Ease of use has been enhanced through the integration of optical, turbidity, and electrochemical sensors into a single compact unit, delivering lab-level performance for everyday users.

A major improvement is its bacterial detection time, reduced from the typical 48 hours to about 12 hours using fluorescence-based technology—enabling faster decisions in food, hospitality, and water treatment industries.

The device measures over 20 indicators, including turbidity, TDS, temperature, and bacteria, with real-time results displayed via screen and mobile app.

At CES 2026, LEEBIO will showcase AQUAL Pro S at the K-water Pavilion (Eureka Park, Venetian Expo, Hall G — 62833), highlighting its design, sensor system, and interface.

A company spokesperson stated that AQUAL Pro S sets a new benchmark for intelligent water quality management by combining AI-driven prediction with personalized health insights. This CES Innovation Award marks a significant milestone for the company, and they will continue strengthening their leadership in the global WaterTech sector.

Inquiries: LB@leebio.co.kr 

Website: www.leebio.co.kr 

The CES Innovation Awards are based upon descriptive materials submitted to the judges. CTA did not verify the accuracy of any submission or of any claims made and did not test the item to which the award was given.

2. AirLab – Nose Mask Nose Air Clean

Pollen allergies are a growing global concern, affecting over 40 million Americans and hundreds of millions worldwide. Climate change has intensified this issue, especially among children and the elderly, underscoring the urgent need for practical and comfortable respiratory solutions.

The second company, Airlab, and its Nose Mask Nose Air Clean provides an innovative intranasal filtration system that helps users breathe clean air safely and discreetly. The device features a patented woven filter made from 300 strands of hanji (Korean traditional paper) natural fibers, blocking 70% of PM2.5 fine dust, 30–45% of vehicle exhaust gases, and 99.9% of harmful bacteria, including COVID-19. Infused with peppermint or phytoncide, it offers a refreshing and hygienic breathing experience.

The ergonomic, transparent silicone design ensures a natural, barely visible fit, while its reusable frame and replaceable filters make it both economical and sustainable. Designed in multiple sizes and made from eco-friendly materials, the product suits users of all ages and sensitivities.

Supported by patented 3mm automatic weaving technology in Korea, Japan, the U.S., and China, Airlab is expanding this “world’s only” filter innovation globally. By enabling comfortable protection against pollen, pollution, and pathogens, Nose Mask Nose Air Clean contributes to healthier, more active lives worldwide.

Inquiries: lhk747@daum.net

Website: https://www.airlab.kr/

If you have any questions about these three energy sector items, please feel free to contact us at the information below:

Email : bsr@bsrkorea.com

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SOURCE Korea Innovation Foundation

DESLOC V150 Plus: The World’s First Self-Sustaining Solar Smart Lock, Powered by a Built-in 4.8″ Industry-Leading Perovskite Solar Panel

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DESLOC Smart Lock proudly announces the world’s first smart lock powered by a perovskite solar system: the V150 Plus Solar Smart Lock. Designed for typical American suburban porches—bright yet rarely exposed to direct sunlight—and aimed at alleviating homeowners’ concerns about smart lock power consumption, V150 Plus redefines what it means to be truly solar-powered. The product will be showcased at CES 2026.

Traditional solar smart locks have long struggled to deliver true perpetual power. Common crystalline-silicon solar panels cannot charge in low-light conditions, such as shaded porches. As a result, most so-called solar locks remain dependent on battery replacements every few months, frustrating homeowners who value convenience, security, and sustainability.

V150 Plus solves this fundamental problem. Its perovskite solar panel can start charging in very low light—just ≥200 lux, like dim indoor lighting. On a typical day, with about 4,000 lux of light—like cloudy days or shaded porches—it produces enough energy to power the lock all day. This means the lock can work continuously without ever needing a battery change. This isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a game-changing innovation that makes a real difference for everyday homes.

The innovation goes beyond the solar panel itself. While most so-called solar locks on the market rely on external polycrystalline panels, the V150 Plus features an industry-first integrated solar design, seamlessly embedding the high-efficiency perovskite module directly into the lock body. Coupled with a proprietary light-sensing energy management algorithm, it dynamically monitors ambient light and battery status, allocating energy for optimal performance at all times. The result is a maintenance-free, eco-friendly smart lock built to last a lifetime.

This breakthrough is perfectly suited for the U.S. market, where more than two-thirds of newly built single-family homes feature porches, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Traditional battery-powered smart locks require frequent maintenance, making them less ideal for households with semi-shaded or covered entrances. The V150 Plus delivers a hands-off, reliable, and truly sustainable solution—giving homeowners uncompromised security and convenience without the burden of constant battery management.

The DESLOC V150 Plus Solar Smart Lock is more than a product; it’s a category-defining innovation. DESLOC will present the V150 Plus at CES 2026, Jan 6–9, Venetian Expo, Booth 52871, Las Vegas, NV, giving visitors a first look at the world’s first low-light solar smart lock. The real story is clear: DESLOC has officially claimed the first place in bringing this revolutionary technology to the world.

About DESLOC
DESLOC is a global professional smart lock brand dedicated to making secure, smart living accessible to all. With over 16 years of industry experience and more than 400 patents, DESLOC builds high-quality smart locks that combine dependable performance with user-first design. Trusted by around 10 million families worldwide, DESLOC continues to lead with innovation that brings smart technology into every home’s security.

Media Contact:
press@desloc.com
www.desloc.com

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SOURCE DESLOC

Highlights

• First Graphene enters exclusive agreement to develop, produce, market and sell graphene-based carbon paste products with Halocell Australia
• Carbon paste is a conductive coating used to improve performance across a range of flexible printed electronics, energy generation and storage devices
• Market-ready product already used in perovskite solar cells manufactured by Halocell and has a wide array of common applications

SYDNEY, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — First Graphene Limited (ASX:FGR; “First Graphene” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce it has entered an exclusive Licence Agreement (“Agreement”) with Halocell Australia (“Halocell”) to manufacture, market and sell graphene enhanced carbon paste.

The 12-month Agreement gives First Graphene global exclusivity over development and sale of the PureGRAPH^® containing product, with Halocell receiving a 10% royalty on sales as well as using the product in manufacturing its commercially available perovskite solar cells (“PSC”).

This is an addition to the existing Joint Development Agreement and Cooperative Research Centre Project (CRC-P) Partners Agreement reached in June 2022 and August 2023 respectively.

Market-ready product with multiple sector applications

Under the pre-existing CRC-P Partners Agreement, FGR and Halocell have successfully investigated and introduced graphene to carbon paste with a focus on fine tuning formulation, concentrations, components and syntheses.

The paste is already used in the manufacture of Halocell’s PSCs, which has doubled PSC efficiency to more than 30% and dramatically reduced production costs via roll-to-roll (“R2R”) deposition technology producing thin-film perovskites.

It is preferred over traditional conductors such as gold because of significant material and production cost reductions while maintaining high performance output and enhancing robustness.

Halocell’s indoor PSCs are already sold in the global market for use in small electronic devices due to their ability to achieve high power conversion efficiency in low light conditions.

There are 44 additional devices identified across the satellite, aerospace, IoT, electronics and renewable energy sectors that could benefit from PSC technology (refer ASX announcement 27 August 2025).

Halocell, in partnership with V-Tol Aerospace and Li-S (ASX:LIS), is already developing a lightweight power solution including next generation solar and batteries to significantly increase the flight duration of electric powered drones.

The graphene-based carbon paste can also be applied to a range of conductive applications such as heating systems and sensors, ceramic coatings, electrodes and electrochemical mixes.

Manufacturing sample graphene enhanced carbon paste material at First Graphene’s Henderson facility is planned to commence within the next month.

First Graphene Managing Director and CEO Michael Bell said:

“First Graphene and Halocell’s partnership is going from strength to strength, introducing PureGRAPH^® to accelerate solar technology improvements and bringing enhanced PSCs to market.

Through this Agreement, we can leverage carbon paste intellectual property already developed and take this product to global markets, which is mutually beneficial to Halocell in meeting their own ambitious manufacturing targets to help meet growing product demand for PSCs.

While the carbon paste market is set to more than double to circa US$2.8 billion by 2032, the real opportunity comes from the multitude of applications and products that can benefit from better performance, longevity and efficiency our PureGRAPH^® offers.”

Halocell Australia CEO Paul Moonie said:

“Working with FGR to introduce functionalised graphene into our perovskites has produced groundbreaking module efficiency and R2R production results.

We see this additional agreement as an excellent opportunity to market graphene-enhanced carbon paste to technology developers around the world and demonstrate how Australian manufacturing is at the forefront of this new age material revolution.”

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SOURCE First Graphene Ltd

• “K-APEC” showcases the integration of the economy, technology, culture, and business; praised worldwide as the most dynamic in APEC history
• The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announces that APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 achieved the largest attendance, most sessions, and longest duration in the summit’s history
• Around 25,000 people attended CEO Summit side events (cumulative), while Gyeongju recorded a 22.8% increase in visitors during the APEC period

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025, held in Gyeongju from October 28 to 31, set records for the largest number of participants, the most sessions, and the longest duration. Hailed by international media and industry as one of the most dynamic global economic forums to date, the summit brought together technology, culture, and business.

Marking one month since the conclusion of the APEC CEO Summit, KCCI highlighted the summit’s achievements and impact in its report, APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 by Numbers.

Record Participation: 2,224 participants including 1,852 from global companies and 372 from government and the public sector

This year’s summit, held under the theme “Bridge, Business, Beyond,” featured U.S. President Donald Trump delivering the opening keynote and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang closing the summit, drawing significant global attention. Many of the world’s top 50 publicly traded companies by market capitalization participated, including Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup; Matt Garman, CEO of AWS; and Joaquin Duato, CEO of Johnson & Johnson. Their combined market capitalization totals approximately USD 20 trillion.

The summit drew a record 2,224 participants, the highest number in its history. This included 1,852 business leaders from 713 global companies — approximately 200 more than last year’s event in Peru and around 460 more than the U.S. summit two years ago. In addition, 372 representatives from government and public-sector organizations participated. 12 APEC member economy leaders took the stage to share their vision for the future of global economic cooperation.

[Comparison with recent APEC CEO Summits]

KCCI stated, “Beyond simply expanding in size, the summit achieved a multi-layered and inclusive structure with participation from governments, industry, and academia. By successfully hosting the business-led APEC CEO Summit alongside the government-led APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, the event underscored not only the diplomatic significance of APEC but also the importance of a private-sector platform.”

‘K-APEC Model’ Debuts: Integrating the economy, technology, culture, and business

This year’s summit was more than a discussion venue; it showcased the K-APEC Model and served as a comprehensive business platform, integrating technology, culture, and business.

Outside the official sessions, approximately 25,420 participants (cumulative) attended side programs. Among them, 11,145 visited the K-Tech Showcase, an exhibition of technologies from leading global companies, while 2,270 attended the Future Tech Forum, which focused on AI, shipbuilding, defense, retail, digital assets, and future energy.

The Wine & Liquor Fair attracted 9,362 participants and drew strong on-site enthusiasm. Attendees experienced member economies’ cultures through their signature beverages, with government delegations personally introducing their national drinks. In addition, 1,673 people took part in the Diamond Sponsor Networking, while cultural programs such as the Art Exhibition and Beauty & Wellness Program attracted a total of around 1,000 participants.

[APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 Side Events]

The economic spillover effects were also significant. According to an analysis by KCCI and Deloitte, the summit generated an estimated 7.4 trillion Korean won in economic impact and created about 22,000 jobs.

The increase in visitors to Gyeongju following the summit was also remarkable. According to Gyeongju City and the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of visitors to Gyeongju during the month surrounding the APEC period (October 1 to November 4) reached 5,896,309, a 22.8% rise from 4,798,838 during the same period last year. Foreign visitors totaled 206,602, up 35.6% from 152,363 the previous year.

APEC CEO Summit emerges as a platform for actionable cooperation

A total of 17,952 media reports covered the event, including 11,772 domestic and 6,180 international stories. Global media outlets praised the summit, describing it as “the most dynamic and innovative CEO Summit in APEC history” and highlighting that “Korea has emerged as a global hub for economic cooperation based on advanced technology.”

Social media responses were equally strong. From October 27 to November 2, mentions of the APEC CEO Summit across major platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook exceeded 300,000, with over 1.1 billion impressions and around 4 million engagements (likes, comments, shares, etc.). These statistics were analyzed by global media monitoring platforms Meltwater and Tubular.

The high level of attention across both traditional media and social platforms demonstrates that the APEC CEO Summit has established itself as a substantial discussion platform that delivers practical outcomes, rather than remaining a ceremonial international event. The summit has been recognized as a starting point for developing actionable cooperative agendas and projects that go beyond a one-off gathering.

In his closing remarks on October 31, KCCI Chairman Chey Tae-won stated, “At the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 in Gyeongju, global leaders gathered to explore directions for solidarity, cooperation and innovation, and to develop practical solutions. Since APEC is not just a forum for discussion but a platform for action, we will follow through with linked projects to help strengthen global economic resilience and inclusivity, and to promote shared prosperity among member economies.”

Chey presented the 3C action framework as a practical response to the summit’s 3B theme, urging business leaders to take the lead in implementation.

APEC Business Leaders’ 3C Action Framework

1. Close the Gaps: Establish shared principles on digital technologies and financing to narrow the economic and social divides created by AI and digital transformation.

2. Co-create Value: Address challenges like climate, energy and technology through solidarity and collaboration, turning them into new business opportunities.

3. Commit to Tomorrow: Treat AI and carbon neutrality not as burdens but as opportunities for sustainable growth, and advance a long-term, joint roadmap for action.

Following the APEC CEO Summit, participating companies are discussing follow-up collaborations including joint investments in global AI data centers, restructuring semiconductor supply chains and strengthening technology partnerships, proposing new technology demonstration models using Korea as a global testbed, and establishing global CEO-linked investment and innovation channels.

Lee Sung-woo, Head of the APEC CEO Summit Korea Preparatory Headquarters at KCCI stated, “This summit marks a meaningful moment in which a global cooperation platform driven by the private sector has begun operating in earnest,” adding, “KCCI plans to continue follow-up programs — including joint projects, technology cooperation, and expanded investment — in collaboration with APEC member economies, global companies, and industry leaders.”

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SOURCE APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Footprints Floors, a national leader in residential flooring services, proudly announces the launch of its First Annual First Fruits Service Day on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, a new corporate initiative dedicated to serving family-focused organizations and community programs across the country.

First Fruits is the charitable arm of Footprints Floors and reflects the company’s core values of integrity, faith, service, and community care. The new service day deepens this commitment by giving corporate team members the opportunity to volunteer with nonprofits that support families, youth, and vulnerable or underserved populations.

Corporate Team Serving in Denver

The Denver-based corporate team will partner with Joyful Light Youth Theater, a nonprofit dedicated to offering faith-centered youth theater programs that inspire creativity, confidence, and community connection. Corporate volunteers will assist with an improvement project that helps prepare the organization’s performance space for future productions, supporting Joyful Light Youth Theater’s mission to strengthen and encourage local families through participation.

Nationwide Corporate Participation

Corporate employees located outside of Denver will engage in service projects within their own communities. Team members are encouraged to select organizations aligned with the First Fruits mission, which focuses on:

• Holistic family care
• Youth education and enrichment
• Adoption support and orphan care

This decentralized approach enables Footprints Floors’ corporate staff to create meaningful impact across the country while advancing the company’s commitment to strengthening families.

Commitment to Service

To support widespread participation, Footprints Floors is providing paid volunteer hours for all corporate employees. The introduction of the First Fruits Service Day marks a significant expansion of the company’s philanthropic efforts and reinforces its long-term vision of cultivating a culture of service.

“First Fruits cultivates hope and empowers families to reach their full potential,” said Jon Jarvis, who leads the First Fruits initiative at Footprints Floors. “This first annual service day reflects our identity as a company. One that cares deeply about the communities we serve.”

Footprints Floors intends for the First Fruits Service Day to become an annual corporate tradition, continuing the company’s mission to uplift families and local communities through acts of service and generous support.

Media Contact: Jeremy Wasinger, communications@footprintsfloors.com

ABOUT FOOTPRINTS FLOORS Founded in 2008 by U.S. Air Force veteran Bryan Park, Footprints Floors provides professional flooring installation and refinishing services nationwide with a focus on exceptional craftsmanship and customer care. The company also operates First Fruits, its charitable arm dedicated to supporting families through partnerships that advance holistic care, youth enrichment, and adoption support. Footprints Floors’ sister brand, Footprints Bath & Tile, offers full-service bathroom remodeling and custom tile installation. Learn more at footprintsfloors.com.

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SOURCE Footprints Floors

BEARS EARS NATIONAL MONUMENT, Utah, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition (BEITC) was recognized nationally for excellence by the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development’s prestigious Honoring Nations Awards. The announcement recognizes BEITC’s groundbreaking leadership in Indigenous stewardship, Inter-Tribal governance and the collaborative management of Bears Ears National Monument.

Founded by the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Zuni Tribe, and the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, the Coalition was honored for advancing a model of Tribal collaboration, cultural stewardship, and consensus-based decision-making rooted in Traditional Knowledge.

“This award affirms what our elders and leaders have taught us, that Indigenous governance is powerful, effective, and necessary,” said Anthony Sanchez Jr., Head Councilman of the Zuni Tribe and Co-Chair of the BEITC. “Our work at Bears Ears is about responsibility, healing, and protecting the cultural legacy of our Nations for future generations. For the Zuni people, these lands hold the footprints of our ancestors, and it is our duty to care for them with reverence and humility.”

One major milestone considered by the Harvard Project was the 2025 finalization of the Bears Ears Resource Management Plan, the first management plan to implement Tribal–federal collaborative management for a U.S. national monument. The plan, shaped by the Bears Ears Commission and grounded in Traditional Knowledge, affirms the role of Tribal Nations as co-stewards of their ancestral homelands. Through initiatives like youth leadership programs, cultural landscape protection, and educational partnerships, BEITC’s model is already inspiring other Indigenous efforts across the country.

The Honoring Nations award is the premier national recognition of Tribal governance excellence, administered by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center. As an honoree, BEITC joins 142 alumni awardees and receives national recognition.

“This recognition belongs to our entire Coalition, the five Tribes have stood together and continue to lead with vision and care,” said Davina Smith (Diné), Co-Chair of the BEITC. “I’m deeply grateful to our partner organizations, agency partners, and all who have supported our shared mission. Most of all, thank you to the Tribal members, leaders, and knowledge holders of the Hopi, Zuni, Ute Mountain Ute, Ute Indian Tribe, and Navajo Nation. Your prayers, strength, and teachings make this work possible. This is what stewardship can look like when Tribes help shape the future of the lands they’ve cared for since time immemorial.”

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the outstanding programs recognized by the 2025 Honoring Nations awards,” said Charissa Miijessepe-Wilson (Prairie Band Potawatomi/Kickapoo), Director of the BEITC. “Each of these initiatives reflects the strength, innovation, and deep cultural grounding of Tribal governance in action. From language revitalization to food sovereignty, environmental stewardship to intergovernmental partnerships, these projects are powerful examples of Indigenous leadership meeting the moment. We’re honored to be in your company and inspired by your work.”

This year’s High Honors awards recognized the transformative leadership of the Cherokee Nation, whose tribally affiliated medical school is reshaping rural and Tribal healthcare; the Jicarilla Apache Nation, whose water-sharing agreement strengthens ecological stewardship and Tribal sovereignty; and the Lummi Nation, whose Sche’lang’en Village provides a powerful model of healing, reunification, and culturally grounded wrap-around services. We celebrate their achievements and the powerful momentum of Indigenous governance across Indian Country.

Learn more about the Honoring Nations program at https://ash.harvard.edu/

About the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition (BEITC):
The BEITC is a fiscally sponsored project of the Resources Legacy Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Founded by the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Zuni Tribe, and Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, the Coalition supports the Bears Ears Commission in leading the first-ever Tribal–federal collaborative management of a national monument.

Through advocacy, cultural stewardship, youth engagement, and the integration of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge into land management, BEITC works to protect the Bears Ears cultural landscape and ensure that future generations of Tribal people remain connected to their ancestral homelands. Follow the Coalition on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

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SOURCE Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition