Seventy Years On, Cortina d’Ampezzo’s Olympic Legacy Shapes the Blueprint for 2026

International Olympic Committee news

Key Facts

  • An enduring legacy: Cortina d’Ampezzo’s 1956 Olympic venues, innovations and global profile remain integral to the town’s identity and year-round vitality.
  • Progress beyond sport: From pioneering broadcast and sporting technology in 1956 to record women’s participation in 2026, Cortina’s Olympic story reflects wider social and technological progress.
  • Legacy for a changing mountain reality: Milano Cortina 2026 leverages its Olympic legacy to strengthen the resilience of local communities in the face of climate change.

Seventy years after hosting the Olympic Winter Games, Cortina d’Ampezzo is preparing for its next chapter. Milano Cortina 2026 builds on the legacy of the 1956 Games, with a planning model that makes the most of what already exists, and an approach focused on creating long-term value for Alpine communities in a changing mountain environment.

Legacy that lives on

In Cortina, the Olympic Games’ spirit lives on to this day. The Olympic Ice Stadium remains part of local life, while the Tofane slopes that staged some of skiing’s great moments continue to host elite competitions. The Games broadened Cortina’s links to the world and raised its international profile, anchoring tourism and year-round activity in this Dolomite valley.

Spirit of innovation

That legacy was shaped not only by what was built, but also by how the Games were experienced. Cortina 1956 was notable for a series of sporting and technological innovations that helped position Cortina not just as a host, but also as a reference point for the evolution of winter sport.

Advances in timekeeping set new standards: cross-country skiing results were measured to one-hundredth of a second, a level of precision later adopted by international sports federations for major competitions.

In alpine skiing, starting gates were used for the first time, with official start times triggered by optical signals and a buzzer alerting the athlete – a system used at every Olympic Winter Games since.

Planning with the future in mind

One of the most telling decisions in 1956 was what Cortina chose not to build. There was no Olympic Village: athletes stayed in local hotels or were hosted by families, drawing on existing hospitality capacity and reflecting a clear focus on what would continue to serve the community long after the Games had ended.

When venues were built, it was with the future in mind. Seventy years on, Cortina’s 1956 competition venues still anchor the town’s identity. Almost 70 per cent of its permanent venues remain in use today, regularly hosting FIS World Cup and ski and curling World Championship events. Several will again take centre stage in 2026, ensuring that investments are targeted, efficient and enduring.

That mindset resonates strongly today. With 85 per cent of competition venues already existing, Milano Cortina 2026 organisers are making the best use of world-class venues already woven into the landscape across Northern Italy’s cities, valleys and Alpine towns.

In Cortina, the Olympic Ice Stadium will host curling and wheelchair curling. The Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre will host alpine skiing and para-alpine skiing events.

Sliding sports are also set to return to the Cortina Sliding Centre (Eugenio Monti), through a full redevelopment of the historic track. Deeply ingrained in the town’s sporting heritage, the venue has long been associated with Cortina’s Olympic identity. While the IOC encouraged the use of an existing track in another country to minimise construction, national authorities opted to rebuild the Cortina track to host bobsleigh, skeleton and luge for the 2026 Games, and the hope is now that it will continue the long-held tradition in sliding sports.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Villages will again redefine the concept of Olympic living, responding to the needs of the host communities. Six Olympic Villages will adapt to their surroundings, through new construction or the use of existing hotels and facilities. In Cortina, a temporary Alpine town has been created for the Games to welcome 1,400 residents against the dramatic backdrop of the Pomagagnon and Tofane peaks.

Opening doors to the world

The 1956 Games also transformed how Cortina connected with visitors and viewers. These were the first Olympic Winter Games to be broadcast live, in black and white, across eight European countries – a remarkable shift for an event previously experienced mainly by those able to travel to the mountains.

For the first time, winter sport reached audiences as real-time images: skiers carving down the Tofane, skaters circling the rink, a small Alpine town briefly becoming a shared European living-room spectacle.

On the ground, access to Cortina improved as well. While upgrades to the road network were already planned, the staging of the Games accelerated their delivery, supported by significant national investment. Those connections continue to serve residents and visitors today.

Together, these developments made Cortina’s landscape instantly recognisable far beyond Italy, and reinforced its position as an open, connected mountain town. Today, Cortina is home to around 6,000 people in low season, rising to around 50,000 in winter months.

Inclusion milestones that echo across decades

Cortina 1956 also left an imprint on the Olympic story itself. At the Opening Ceremony, the Olympic oath was sworn by a woman for the first time, Italian alpine skier Giuliana Chenal-Minuzzo – a symbolic moment that broadened representation on the Olympic stage.

Seventy years on, Milano Cortina 2026 is set to mark another milestone: 47 per cent of athlete places reserved for women, and 50 women’s events – the most ever at the Olympic Winter Games – reflecting sustained progress towards greater gender balance in winter sport.

A new mountain reality

The region shaped by the Cortina 1956 Olympic Winter Games now faces new challenges. Shorter and less predictable winters are putting increasing pressure on winter tourism economies across Alpine countries, including Italy.

For mountain communities, these changes intersect with broader questions: how to sustain year-round livelihoods, how to retain younger generations, and how to keep local services resilient in the face of growing seasonal uncertainty.

This is where Olympic legacy must mean more than preservation. Through accelerated electricity infrastructure upgrades, the modernisation of the Codivilla Hospital, and the promotion of Cortina as a leading wellness destination, Milano Cortina 2026 is strengthening long-term resilience for the local community.

Seventy years on, Cortina 1956’s story is no longer only about what the Games left behind. It is about how those legacies continue to evolve, responding to the region’s needs and enabling it to thrive in a new mountain reality.

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LA Kings Teamed Up with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to Celebrate National Blood Donor Month

As hospitals across Southern California continue to face a critical need for pediatric blood donations, AEG’s LA Kings partnered with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) throughout January to raise awareness and encourage lifesaving donations as part of National Blood Donor Month.

The month‑long initiative took place at select LA Kings home games, where fans were invited to roll up their sleeves and help address an ongoing shortage of blood products used to treat children with cancer, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Each blood donation had the potential to help save the lives of up to two children receiving care at CHLA.

To thank participants, donors received one complimentary ticket to a select LA Kings home game in January, while appointments were encouraged to ensure a safe and efficient donation process.

“National Blood Donor Month is an important opportunity to highlight how vital blood donations are, especially for children facing serious medical conditions,” said Amanda Apel, Senior Director of Community Relations for the LA Kings. “By partnering with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we were proud to raise awareness and give our fans an easy way to make a meaningful impact off the ice.”

By the end of January, the initiative collected 98 units of blood, with the potential to help save the lives of up to 200 pediatric patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is a global leader in pediatric medicine, providing specialized care to children from across Southern California and beyond. Founded in 1901, CHLA is the largest pediatric hospital in Los Angeles County and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

The partnership reflects the LA Kings’ broader commitment to community health through the Kings Care Foundation, which supports programs focused on youth health, education, and wellness across Greater Los Angeles. Initiatives like National Blood Donor Month underscore the organization’s ongoing effort to drive measurable impact beyond the rink and strengthen the communities it serves.

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Lenovo Is Transforming Learning and Inspiring the Future With New Chromebooks for Education

January 29, 2026 /3BL/ – Lenovo announced at the Future of Education Technology Conference® (FETC) 2026 new additions to its portfolio of Chromebook devices to power teaching and learning. These education solutions and more will also be presented at Bett UK 2026, January 21-23, where Lenovo will engage with global education innovators about the future of edtech; AI literacy, safety, and security; device durability and repairability; and more.

From immersive classrooms to research labs, Lenovo, the world leader in supplying laptops, desktops, infrastructure, and smart devices to education, helps institutions inspire the future of learning by empowering education systems with safeguarded, AI-enabled solutions that personalize learning, protect data, and prepare students for the careers of tomorrow.

“The workforce of the future requires smarter technology today,” said Chris Babson, General Manager, Commercial Education Portfolio, Lenovo. “From our Chromebook portfolio to our full stack of technology solutions from the pocket to the cloud, Lenovo places technology in the hands of learners and teachers to help them build stronger learning outcomes.”

Lenovo Chromebooks

Lenovo devices with Google ChromeOS help bring the latest technology to the classroom, including AI-enabled learning, security features, and device management. The newest additions to the Lenovo Chromebook portfolio for education include the Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5, Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5, Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, and the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 15.

“Lenovo devices with Google ChromeOS help school systems maintain future-proofed fleets that are more secure and easier to deploy, empowering teachers, staff, and students with a more agile experience through powerful applications and AI capabilities,” said Benny Zhang, General Manager, Chromebook Business, Lenovo.

Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5

The Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5 is a rugged and lightweight device that helps K-12 students thrive wherever learning happens. Fueled by either the Intel® Processor N150 or MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor, this go-everywhere device boasts an 11.6” or 12.2” touch or non-touch display. With a new, innovative design, this Chromebook is built to withstand the rigors of student life. It boasts impressive repairability and serviceability with customer replaceable unit (CRU) components, as well as Lenovo durability and MIL-SPEC testing that protects against drops, spills, and bumps.

The improved 50WHr battery and enhanced Wi-Fi 7 and 4G LTE connectivity mean students can keep learning even when they’re unplugged. With additional ports, including dual USB-C ports, the Lenovo Chromebook 100e is more versatile than ever and ready for peripherals that accelerate learning.

Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5

January 14, 2026 /3BL/ – The Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5 delivers impressive versatility at exceptional value for K-12 students. Fueled by either an Intel® Processor N150 or N250, or MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor, this convertible device empowers students to tackle every assignment with confidence. Because on-the-move learning is standard, this device is resilient in the face of every accidental bump, drop, and spill, with MIL-SPEC testing1.

Customers can choose from two touch display sizes—11.6” or 12.2”—both within the same streamlined chassis design. The new USI 2.0 stylus with a better grip enables natural interaction with the screen and securely tucks away when not in use. Other enhanced features boost the UX, including the dual USB-C ports, improved serviceability with CRU components, and faster connectivity with Wi-Fi 7. Add the larger 50WHr battery with up to 16 hours2 of unplugged productivity, the Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 is the go-to learning device for on-the-go students.

Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 14

Powered by the Intel® Core™ 3 Processor N355, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 delivers high-productivity features that make the grade for teachers and administrators. Starting at 1.4kg and boasting all-day battery life3 for ideal portability, this durable device is ready for students.

Teacher performance and administrator efficiency will be enhanced by a superior user experience that includes a bold 16:10 display with over 87% screen-to-body ratio, Waves MAXX Audio for crisp sound, and a 5MP camera with a physical shutter. Plus, easy access to Google AI features assists in daily tasks like content creation, image editing, and research organization, so students can focus on learning outcomes. Built for the next generation, this device not only optimizes learning but also prioritizes sustainability and repairability with CRU components.

The recently announced Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 15 with Google AI features and powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, also further extends Lenovo’s broad portfolio of Chromebook options. Available in both consumer and education models, the Chromebook Plus i (15”, 10) wows with a 15-inch 2K IPS display and audio tuned by Waves, keeps the user productive with up to 11 hours of battery life4, a full numpad and a larger touchpad, a fingerprint reader, and a 5MP webcam with privacy shutter.

Chrome Portal for Lenovo Device Orchestration

Lenovo Device Orchestration (LDO) for education is an intelligent endpoint management solution that empowers IT teams to monitor, manage, and optimize their school or district’s entire fleet of devices to predict and prevent common issues. LDO makes it easier to enhance device health, security, and performance across operating systems, reducing downtime and boosting staff and student productivity.

ChromeOS is now supported on LDO. IT staff can onboard a school system’s entire ChromeOS fleet with Google Admin Console connector through LDO and see all its Chromebook devices in one place within a dedicated Chrome Management page.

With the power to view accurate and detailed Chromebook data from Google and Lenovo in a simple interface, IT administrators can filter by telemetry data such as last check-in, battery health, last user, and more to analyze, manage, and protect fleets.

Lenovo at FETC and BETT

For more information about these products and services for education, visit Lenovo at Booth 900 at FETC 2026 and Stand NH20 at Bett 2026.

Availability

The Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5, Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5, and Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 / 15 will be available in select markets worldwide in the first half of 2026.

Product Specifications

  Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5 Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5
Dimensions & Weight (L x W x D) (mm): 288.9 x 210 x 19.7
(inches): 11.37 x 8.27 x 0.78
(kg/lbs): 1.27 / 2.71
(mm): 287 x 212 x 20.33
(inches): 11.3 x 8.35 x 0.80
(kg/lbs): 1.35 / 2.97
Display 11.6” 16:9 HD Non-touch /Touch
12.2” 16:10 WU Non-Touch
11.6″ 16:9 HD Touch with Gorilla Glass
12.2” 16:10 WU Touch with Gorilla Glass
Processor Intel® Core™ N-150
MediaTek Kompanio 540
Intel® Processor N150 or N250
MediaTek Kompanio 540
Graphics Integrated Graphics Integrated Graphics
AI Definition Google AI Google AI
Memory5 Up to 8GB Up to 8GB
Storage6 Up to 64GB UFS Up to 128G
OS ChromeOS ChromeOS
Battery7 50Whr CRU 50Whr CRU
Power Adapter Type-C 65W (Rapid Charge and Rapid Charger Pro) Type-C 65W (Rapid Charge and Rapid Charger Pro)
Keyboard Top-load keyboard
Spill-resistant (360ml)
Anti-pry keys
Top-load keyboard
Spill-resistant (360ml)
Anti-pry keys
Camera 720p UFC 5MP/720p front-facing
8MP/5MP world-facing camera (optional)
Ports 2x USB-C
2x USB-A
1x HDMI
1x Audio jack
2x USB-C
2x USB-A
1x HDMI
1x Audio jack
Audio Waves MAXX Audio Waves MAXX Audio
Connectivity Wi-Fi 7/6E
Up to Bluetooth® 5.4
4G/LTE CAT 6 eSIM
Wi-Fi 7/6E
Bluetooth® 5.4
4G/LTE CAT 6 eSIM, 5G
Colors Luna Grey Luna Grey
  Lenovo Chromebook Plus i (14″,11)  Lenovo Chromebook Plus i (15″, 10)
Dimensions & Weight (L x W x D) (mm): 320 x 223.5 x 19.9
(inches): 12.38 x 8.63 x 0.62
Starting at 1.4 kg / 3.0 lbs.
(mm): 344 x 242 x 18.9
(inches): 13.54″ x 9.52″ x 0.75″
Display 14.0″ 16:10 WU, IPS, 400 nits
14.0” 16:10 WU Touch (optional)
15.3″ WU (1920 x 1200), IPS, 16:10, 400nits, Optional: 100% sRGB, 120Hz, Touchscreen
Processor Intel® Core™ 3 Processor N3558 Intel® Core™ 3 Processor N355
Graphics Integrated Graphics Integrated Graphics
AI Definition Google AI Google AI
Memory9 Up to 8GB LPDDR5 8GB
Storage10 Up to 256GB UFS (Intel)
Up to 128G UFS (MediaTek)
Up to 256GB UFS
OS ChromeOS ChromeOS
Battery11 50 Whr, up to 14 hours 50 Whr with Rapid Charge Pro (65W adapter only) Up to 12 Hours
Power Adapter 65W adapter, Type-C 65W adapter, Type-C
Keyboard Backlit/Non-backlit
Spill-resistant keyboard
Non-backlit keyboard
Camera 5M / 720p with webcam privacy shutter and dual microphone 5MP RGB + Dual Microphone Webcam with Physical Shutter
Ports 2x USB-C 10Gbps
2x USB-A 5Gbps
1x HDMI
1x Audio Jack
2x USB-C 10Gbps
1x USB-A 5Gbps
1x HDMI 
1 x Audio Combo Jack
1 x MicroSD Card Slot
Audio Waves MAXX Audio 2 x 2W Speakers, with MaxxAudio by Waves®
Connectivity WI-FI
Wi-Fi 7/6E
4G LTE/5G, eSim
Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth 5.3
Colors Luna Grey Luna Grey

[1] MIL-STD 810H establishes a methodology for testing products against environmental stresses under controlled laboratory conditions. Lenovo uses the U.S. Department of Defense’s MIL-SPEC standards to test devices against hazardous physical and environmental conditions to determine durability. Such testing is not a guarantee of future performance under these test conditions. Abuse, like that contained in MIL-STD 810H testing, is not covered under Lenovo’s standard warranty.
[2] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors.
[3] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors.
[4] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors.
[5] Available user storage and internal memory is less due to operating system, software and other functions utilizing part of this capacity; may change with software updates.
[6] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors.
[7] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors.
[8] To maximize a tight budget and still enjoy the ChromeOS experience for efficient productivity tasks, email, browsing, this device is available as a Lenovo Chromebook. Powered by either Intel® Processor N150/N250 or MediaTek Kompanio 540, this standard Lenovo Chromebook (14”, 11) delivers ample performance to boost learning outcomes—all at great value.
[9] Available user storage and internal memory is less due to operating system, software and other functions utilizing part of this capacity; may change with software updates.
[10] Available user storage and internal memory is less due to operating system, software and other functions utilizing part of this capacity; may change with software updates.
[11] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors.
 

LENOVO is a trademark of Lenovo. Google is a trademark of Google, LLC. Intel, Core and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Wi-Fi is a trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. USB Type-C® and USB-C® are registered trademarks of USB Implementers Forum. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Lenovo is under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2026 Lenovo Group Limited. All rights reserved.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

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Recognizing the Leadership of David Grant, 2025 BIER Co-Chair and Incoming 2026 Chair

As we reflect on the year behind us and look ahead to 2026, we are pleased to recognize and sincerely thank David Grant, BIER’s 2025 Steering Committee Co-Chair and incoming 2026 Chair, for his leadership, experience, and steady guidance.

David brings deep institutional knowledge and long-standing experience within both BIER and the broader beverage industry. His familiarity with the organization, combined with his extensive industry tenure, allows him to quickly cut to what matters most and keep discussions focused on practical outcomes.

As Co-Chair, David has been consistently pragmatic and thoughtful in his approach. He brings a high level of rigor to decision-making and a clear-eyed perspective on what it takes to move from intention to action. He is particularly focused on ensuring that BIER’s work reflects real commitment by translating shared goals into tangible collaboration and measurable progress.

David has been a strong advocate for aligning resources and effort with stated priorities, encouraging members to engage deeply and supporting initiatives that drive substantive collective action rather than symbolic alignment. His emphasis on accountability and follow-through has been invaluable as BIER continues to evolve and strengthen its impact.

David’s leadership throughout 2025 builds on a strong foundation of engagement with BIER and the beverage sector more broadly. In his role at PepsiCo, he leads global climate and water solutions, focusing on watershed health, operational resilience, agricultural systems, and identifying and scaling innovative technologies that advance sustainability outcomes. This integrated, systems-level perspective has been a valuable asset to BIER’s Steering Committee discussions and strategic direction.

As BIER enters its 20th year, David steps into the role of Chair at a pivotal moment for the organization and the sector. His experience, discipline, and commitment to meaningful collaboration position BIER well for the year ahead. We are grateful for David’s contributions as Co-Chair and look forward to his continued leadership as he assumes the role of Chair in 2026.

Thank you, David, for your dedication, clarity, and steady leadership, and for helping guide BIER toward its next chapter of collective impact.

The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) is a technical coalition of leading global beverage companies working together to advance environmental sustainability within the beverage sector.

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When Wildfires Strike: The Vital Role of Continuous Care and Community

January 2026 marks one year since Eaton Canyon wildfires swept across the Los Angeles area of California, leaving a trail of destruction and uncertainty in their wake. Amid the chaos of the fires, the importance of reliable and continuous healthcare became clear, especially for people relying on life-sustaining treatments like dialysis.

For DaVita, the commitment to patients and teammates (employees) never wavered. When the fires threatened communities, DaVita teams at the local and national level jumped into action to help patients receive uninterrupted care. This commitment included securing alternative treatment locations, providing resources and emotional support and coordinating transportation during a stressful time.

“We just started to think about, okay, what makes good sense in order to get patients treated the next day,” Mona Marin, group facility administrator for DaVita, says.

The fires tested the resilience of the healthcare system and also highlighted the strength and compassion within the community. Stories emerged of teammates supporting patients’ well-being. These acts of unwavering support are a testament to the bonds built withing the healthcare experience — and strengthened in the face of adversity.

“Patients really realized how much the team cared,” Marin shares.

Twenty-five DaVita patients had their homes affected by the fires. This included Emily Thomas, who is a peritoneal dialysis patient. When she lost her home, her DaVita care team made sure she had access to the care she needed in an environment where she found empathy and strength. As Thomas and her family continue to rebuild, she continues to receive the kidney care she needs in center.

Leaning into their support, Thomas now shares that her care team has started to feel like family and a source of comfort. She says:

“In the face of disasters, you find out who people really are, and that’s what gives you hope.”

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Ten 2025 Ray of Hope Accelerator Teams to Host Online Demo Day

January 29, 2026 /3BL/ – Join us for this year’s Ray of Hope Accelerator Demo Day. A 90-minute interactive showcase of ten startups using nature’s strategies to solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges. After six months in our accelerator, these founders are ready to share how biomimicry is shaping the future of energy, materials, water, biodiversity and more. Come prepared to ask questions and dig in.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

12:00-1:30 p.m. EST on Zoom

You’ll Meet:

Anew Material: Coatings inspired by natural adhesion strategies
Ecotune: Bio-inspired next-generation materials
Emboa Medical: Catheters inspired by the boa constrictor’s fang
Limax Biosciences: Surgical adhesives inspired by slug mucus
New Dawn Bio: Cultured wood grown from tree stem cells
OptionV Energy: Vanadium mining inspired by the Amanita mushroom
Parsons Kinetics: Wind turbines inspired by the Triplaris americana seed
PolyGone Systems: Microplastic filters inspired by floating plant roots
Praio: Protocells for efficient and sustainable biomanufacturing
Pyri: Wildfire detection devices inspired by Serotinous pine cones

The Ray of Hope Accelerator is a six-month initiative of the Biomimicry Institute that supports early-stage, nature-inspired startups developing regenerative solutions to global environmental challenges. Made possible through the support of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, the program provides non-dilutive funding, tailored mentorship, impact and sustainability business training, storytelling support, and access to a global network of experts, investors, and partners to help founders strengthen and scale their biomimicry-driven innovations.

Click here to register for Demo Day.

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Wesco Named to Forbes 2026 List of America’s Most Successful Mid Cap Companies

PITTSBURGH, January 29, 2026 /3BL/ — Wesco International, Inc. (NYSE: WCC), a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services, and supply chain solutions, announced it has been named to Forbes 2026 list of America’s Most Successful MidCap Companies, which recognizes companies that have demonstrated strong financial performance and long-term value creation.

Forbes compiled the list using financial data from FactSet, screening publicly traded companies with a market capitalization between $5 billion and $20 billion. The top 100 companies were ranked based on earnings growth, sales growth, return on equity and total stock return over the past five years, with greater weight placed on performance in the most recent year. All financial data used for the ranking is as of December 5, 2025.

“This recognition highlights Wesco’s ability to deliver sustained financial performance in a dynamic and competitive environment,” said John Engel, Chairman, President and CEO. “Being named to Forbes’ list of America’s Most Successful MidCap Companies underscores how our focus on serving our customers, profitable growth and disciplined capital allocation has translated to strong results over time.

Forbes’ full list of America’s Most Successful Mid‑Cap Companies can be found at https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-mid-cap-companies/.

About Wesco 

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $22 billion in annual sales in 2024 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, educational institutions, government agencies, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

Contact Information

Jennifer Sniderman

Vice President, Corporate Communications

jennifer.sniderman@wescodist.com

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GENIE Life Power Coaching launches a research-grounded 12-week program to help high-level professionals restore clarity, purpose, and sustainable energy

LONDON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — More than 14 million an Union citizens currently live and work outside their home country, often navigating unfamiliar professional and cultural environments where exhaustion, isolation, and identity challenges are increasingly common (Eurostat). While burnout has gained widespread attention, peer-reviewed research points to a deeper and frequently overlooked issue: Identity Strain, driven by prolonged career misalignment and identity fragmentation.

Studies indicate that nearly 80% of expatriates experience negative mental health symptoms directly linked to their work environment, including loneliness, detachment, and loss of meaning (ScienceDirect, 2022). These effects are not the root problem; they stem from ‘profound identity shifts’ triggered by international relocation and sustained role misalignment (Szkudlarek, 2008).

According to Balázs Ujlaki, Certified Holistic Life Coach and Founder of GENIE Life Power Coaching, Identity Strain erodes energy long before visible burnout appears.

“Burnout isn’t the root cause—it’s the symptom,” says Ujlaki. “Research confirms that expatriation disrupts identity at a fundamental level. I’ve worked with professionals who slowly sacrificed their energy and sense of self to careers that no longer fit. GENIE helps people recognize misalignment early, while they still have the capacity to realign.”

The GENIE Approach: Proactive Realignment

The GENIE Life Power Accelerator is a prevention-first, 12-week program designed to address Identity Strain at its source. It supports expatriate professionals in:

  • Identifying misalignment between identity, values, and career roles
  • Releasing limiting narratives and job-title fusion
  • Reconnecting with authentic purpose and motivation
  • Restoring clarity and sustainable energy

Proprietary GENIE Alignment Compass Dashboard

Central to the program is the GENIE Alignment Compass Dashboard, a proprietary visual framework integrating the Enneagram, Six Human Needs, core values, strengths, life roles, and the Japanese IKIGAI model. Unlike static assessments, the Compass provides actionable insights showing where energy is drained and where recalibration is needed.

“The Compass gives clients language for what they’ve been sensing but couldn’t articulate,” Ujlaki explains. “By addressing identity fragmentation proactively, we prevent Identity Strain before it turns into exhaustion.”

The GENIE Life Power Accelerator combines evidence-based assessments, guided coaching, reflection tools, and habit tracking—grounded in neuroscience and academic research—to deliver sustainable transformation.

About GENIE Life Power Coaching
GENIE Life Power Coaching supports high-level European expatriates aged 38–50 in resolving career misalignment, identity fragmentation, and Identity Strain. genielifepowercoaching.com

Media Contact: info@balazsujlaki.coach 

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2872591/Bala_zs_Ujlaki.jpg

 

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DP World, Official Logistics Partner of Vancouver Canucks, Hosts Game Night

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, January 29, 2026 /3BL/ – DP World, the Official Logistics Partner of Canucks Sports & Entertainment (CSE), hosted a Game Night in Vancouver for more than 200 employees and valued partners, celebrating teamwork, collaboration, and the strong relationships that support DP World’s operations across Canada.

On January 27, 2026, DP World employees, customers and partners gathered at Rogers Arena to take in the Vancouver Canucks matchup against the San Jose Sharks. Attendees enjoyed a premium game-day experience, including a Penalty Box Experience, T-shirt toss, and Shoot to Thrill contest.

Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, said: “This Game Night reflects the values we share with the Vancouver Canucks – teamwork, dedication, and a strong sense of community. Our employees, customers and partners play a critical role in keeping supply chains moving, and this event was a way to recognize their contributions while creating a memorable shared experience.”

The Game Night builds on DP World’s ongoing partnership with Canucks Sports & Entertainment and aligns with the company’s broader commitment to employee engagement, collaboration, and local connection.

As Canada’s largest container terminal operator, DP World connects Canadian businesses to global markets through an integrated network focused on efficiency, sustainability, and long-term growth. With key operations in British Columbia – including Fraser Surrey, Nanaimo, Prince Rupert, and Vancouver – as well as on the Atlantic Coast in Saint John, New Brunswick, the company employs a significant workforce in the Vancouver metro area.

“At DP World, we believe strong partnerships and engaged teams are essential to success,” added Smith. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Canucks and creating opportunities that bring our people and partners together while giving back to the communities where we operate.”

Watch the DP World and CSE partnership video here.

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For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com

For media enquiries, please contact:

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications
M: (+1) 704-605-6159
E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com

About DP World

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in global trade.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW.

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PSEG Recycled More Than 86% of Its Generated Materials

While our crews are out building and maintaining the systems that power our customers’ homes and businesses, they’re also finding ways to cut waste and support local nonprofits.

By recycling and repurposing materials – from wetland mats to wooden pallets and more – we recycled more than 86% of the material we generated in 2024, diverting it from landfills and helping partners like America’s Grow-a-Row serve more families. 

In our latest LinkedIn article, we share how thoughtful choices on our job sites help power our communities – and support them – long after the work is done. 

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Reinvest in our communities

Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG) is a predominantly regulated infrastructure company focused on a clean energy future. Guided by its Powering Progress vision, PSEG aims to power a future where people use less energy, and it’s cleaner, safer and delivered more reliably than ever. With a continued focus on sustainability, PSEG has appeared on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for 17 consecutive years. PSEG is included on the 2023-2024 list of U.S. News’ Best Companies to Work For. PSEG’s businesses include Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Long Island (https://corporate.pseg.com).

View original content here.

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