Month: February 2026

HOUSTON and OXFORD, England, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Velocys today announced that it has implemented manufacturing and delivery efficiencies that reduce total investment cost for its microFTL™ technology by more than 30 percent. The efficiencies were confirmed during design and engineering work conducted for two advanced Fischer–Tropsch (FT) Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) projects: Altalto in the UK and NovaSAF™ 1 in Uruguay.

As SAF mandates expand globally, developers and investors are increasingly focused on one central challenge: cost. While policy incentives and offtake frameworks are crucial, long-term SAF scale-up depends on materially lowering the capital required to build and operate commercial facilities.

In response to these market signals, Velocys re-examined its FT technology offering across both projects, working closely with strategic manufacturing partners to streamline reactor fabrication, standardisation, and delivery. The resulting design and execution optimisations have driven step-change reductions in total installed cost without compromising performance, operability, or technology readiness.

In the UK, the Altalto waste-to-SAF project is nearing the front-end engineering and design (FEED) phase, supported by prior funding from the UK Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuels Fund. The project’s capacity has been reassessed, resulting in significant overall CAPEX reduction. Shifting to an execution strategy that optimises stick‑built and modular construction, while also updating the technology stack, reduced project risks and cut previous cost estimates for Velocys’ proprietary technology by 30 percent. These enhancements materially improve the project’s economic positioning as it moves toward a final investment decision.

In parallel, NovaSAF 1, a biogas-to-SAF project being developed by Syzygy Plasmonics, will also benefit from the updated FT configuration. Through in-depth collaboration, Velocys identified an opportunity to better align its offering with the client’s prioritisation of speed, efficiency, and cost control. The design was modularised and streamlined to focus on process-critical requirements, removing unnecessary features and replacing customised elements with proven, standardised components. This resulted in a 50 percent reduction in CAPEX compared to the original design. The project recently reached a major commercial milestone with a long-term offtake agreement signed with Trafigura, and is moving closer to final investment decision.

These projects demonstrate how FT-based SAF pathways can meet the dual challenge facing aviation decarbonisation: achieving meaningful lifecycle carbon reductions while delivering economics that are viable at commercial scale.

“Across the SAF market, the message from developers and investors has been consistent,” said Mathew Viergutz, CEO of Velocys. “Capital efficiency matters. We are listening. By standardising how our FT technology is manufactured and delivered, and by working closely with experienced industrial partners, we have unlocked substantial cost reductions that materially improve project viability. The progress at Altalto and NovaSAF 1 shows that FT SAF is not only technically proven, but increasingly investable.”

Velocys continues to apply these manufacturing and delivery efficiencies across its broader project pipeline, reinforcing its role as a long-term technology partner focused on enabling commercially scalable SAF production.

About Velocys
Velocys is a leading technology innovator in the production of sustainable aviation fuel and other low-carbon fuels through its proprietary Fischer-Tropsch process. Its microFTL™ microchannel reactor technology enables efficient, modular production that can be deployed globally. Learn more at www.velocys.com.

microFTL™ is a trademark of Velocys.
NovaSAF™ is a trademark of Syzygy Plasmonics

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/velocys-unlocks-more-than-30-cost-reduction-for-microftl-technology-deployment-through-standardisation-and-delivery-efficiencies-helps-advance-two-flagship-ft-saf-projects-302692841.html

SOURCE Velocys

HOUSTON and OXFORD, England, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Velocys today announced that it has implemented manufacturing and delivery efficiencies that reduce total investment cost for its microFTL™ technology by more than 30 percent. The efficiencies were confirmed during design and engineering work conducted for two advanced Fischer–Tropsch (FT) Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) projects: Altalto in the UK and NovaSAF™ 1 in Uruguay.

As SAF mandates expand globally, developers and investors are increasingly focused on one central challenge: cost. While policy incentives and offtake frameworks are crucial, long-term SAF scale-up depends on materially lowering the capital required to build and operate commercial facilities.

In response to these market signals, Velocys re-examined its FT technology offering across both projects, working closely with strategic manufacturing partners to streamline reactor fabrication, standardisation, and delivery. The resulting design and execution optimisations have driven step-change reductions in total installed cost without compromising performance, operability, or technology readiness.

In the UK, the Altalto waste-to-SAF project is nearing the front-end engineering and design (FEED) phase, supported by prior funding from the UK Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuels Fund. The project’s capacity has been reassessed, resulting in significant overall CAPEX reduction. Shifting to an execution strategy that optimises stick‑built and modular construction, while also updating the technology stack, reduced project risks and cut previous cost estimates for Velocys’ proprietary technology by 30 percent. These enhancements materially improve the project’s economic positioning as it moves toward a final investment decision.

In parallel, NovaSAF 1, a biogas-to-SAF project being developed by Syzygy Plasmonics, will also benefit from the updated FT configuration. Through in-depth collaboration, Velocys identified an opportunity to better align its offering with the client’s prioritisation of speed, efficiency, and cost control. The design was modularised and streamlined to focus on process-critical requirements, removing unnecessary features and replacing customised elements with proven, standardised components. This resulted in a 50 percent reduction in CAPEX compared to the original design. The project recently reached a major commercial milestone with a long-term offtake agreement signed with Trafigura, and is moving closer to final investment decision.

These projects demonstrate how FT-based SAF pathways can meet the dual challenge facing aviation decarbonisation: achieving meaningful lifecycle carbon reductions while delivering economics that are viable at commercial scale.

“Across the SAF market, the message from developers and investors has been consistent,” said Mathew Viergutz, CEO of Velocys. “Capital efficiency matters. We are listening. By standardising how our FT technology is manufactured and delivered, and by working closely with experienced industrial partners, we have unlocked substantial cost reductions that materially improve project viability. The progress at Altalto and NovaSAF 1 shows that FT SAF is not only technically proven, but increasingly investable.”

Velocys continues to apply these manufacturing and delivery efficiencies across its broader project pipeline, reinforcing its role as a long-term technology partner focused on enabling commercially scalable SAF production.

About Velocys
Velocys is a leading technology innovator in the production of sustainable aviation fuel and other low-carbon fuels through its proprietary Fischer-Tropsch process. Its microFTL™ microchannel reactor technology enables efficient, modular production that can be deployed globally. Learn more at www.velocys.com.

microFTL™ is a trademark of Velocys.
NovaSAF™ is a trademark of Syzygy Plasmonics

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/velocys-unlocks-more-than-30-cost-reduction-for-microftl-technology-deployment-through-standardisation-and-delivery-efficiencies-helps-advance-two-flagship-ft-saf-projects-302692841.html

SOURCE Velocys

HOUSTON and OXFORD, England, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Velocys today announced that it has implemented manufacturing and delivery efficiencies that reduce total investment cost for its microFTL™ technology by more than 30 percent. The efficiencies were confirmed during design and engineering work conducted for two advanced Fischer–Tropsch (FT) Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) projects: Altalto in the UK and NovaSAF™ 1 in Uruguay.

As SAF mandates expand globally, developers and investors are increasingly focused on one central challenge: cost. While policy incentives and offtake frameworks are crucial, long-term SAF scale-up depends on materially lowering the capital required to build and operate commercial facilities.

In response to these market signals, Velocys re-examined its FT technology offering across both projects, working closely with strategic manufacturing partners to streamline reactor fabrication, standardisation, and delivery. The resulting design and execution optimisations have driven step-change reductions in total installed cost without compromising performance, operability, or technology readiness.

In the UK, the Altalto waste-to-SAF project is nearing the front-end engineering and design (FEED) phase, supported by prior funding from the UK Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuels Fund. The project’s capacity has been reassessed, resulting in significant overall CAPEX reduction. Shifting to an execution strategy that optimises stick‑built and modular construction, while also updating the technology stack, reduced project risks and cut previous cost estimates for Velocys’ proprietary technology by 30 percent. These enhancements materially improve the project’s economic positioning as it moves toward a final investment decision.

In parallel, NovaSAF 1, a biogas-to-SAF project being developed by Syzygy Plasmonics, will also benefit from the updated FT configuration. Through in-depth collaboration, Velocys identified an opportunity to better align its offering with the client’s prioritisation of speed, efficiency, and cost control. The design was modularised and streamlined to focus on process-critical requirements, removing unnecessary features and replacing customised elements with proven, standardised components. This resulted in a 50 percent reduction in CAPEX compared to the original design. The project recently reached a major commercial milestone with a long-term offtake agreement signed with Trafigura, and is moving closer to final investment decision.

These projects demonstrate how FT-based SAF pathways can meet the dual challenge facing aviation decarbonisation: achieving meaningful lifecycle carbon reductions while delivering economics that are viable at commercial scale.

“Across the SAF market, the message from developers and investors has been consistent,” said Mathew Viergutz, CEO of Velocys. “Capital efficiency matters. We are listening. By standardising how our FT technology is manufactured and delivered, and by working closely with experienced industrial partners, we have unlocked substantial cost reductions that materially improve project viability. The progress at Altalto and NovaSAF 1 shows that FT SAF is not only technically proven, but increasingly investable.”

Velocys continues to apply these manufacturing and delivery efficiencies across its broader project pipeline, reinforcing its role as a long-term technology partner focused on enabling commercially scalable SAF production.

About Velocys
Velocys is a leading technology innovator in the production of sustainable aviation fuel and other low-carbon fuels through its proprietary Fischer-Tropsch process. Its microFTL™ microchannel reactor technology enables efficient, modular production that can be deployed globally. Learn more at www.velocys.com.

microFTL™ is a trademark of Velocys.
NovaSAF™ is a trademark of Syzygy Plasmonics

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/velocys-unlocks-more-than-30-cost-reduction-for-microftl-technology-deployment-through-standardisation-and-delivery-efficiencies-helps-advance-two-flagship-ft-saf-projects-302692841.html

SOURCE Velocys

Among the largest corporate sponsorship deals in youth sports, this groundbreaking alliance connects workforce innovation with athlete development

GENEVA and HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio and CHANDLER, Ariz., Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – SPIRE Academy, a premier multisport boarding school and training institution, and Vensure Employer Solutions, a global leader in HR technology and workforce solutions, today announced a $6 million, multi-year partnership. The agreement represents one of the largest corporate sponsorships in youth sports history and positions Vensure HR as the top-tier sponsor across SPIRE’s programming and events.

“SPIRE is developing the next generation of leaders, and their impact in youth sports and education is growing fast,” said Phil Urso, Chief Sales Officer at Vensure HR. “What impressed us most about SPIRE is their commitment to the whole athlete. They’re not just training competitors, they’re preparing young people for success beyond sports. That mission aligns perfectly with our work helping organizations build stronger teams and develop talent. We’re proud to support their growth and excited about the opportunities this partnership creates to reach families who value performance, development, and preparation for the future.”

“Youth sports sponsorship is no longer niche marketing. It’s one of the most effective ways to reach families in an authentic, trusted environment,” said Amy Liles, Head of Corporate Partnerships at SPIRE. “What makes this partnership special is the alignment between our missions. Vensure HR and our other partners like Third Federal Savings and Loan, Waffle House and Chick-fil-A are not just putting their name on our facilities, they’re investing in what matters: future talent, performance development, and community impact. They understand that the young people training at SPIRE today are the workforce leaders of tomorrow, and that connection between athlete development and career readiness is what makes this collaboration so powerful.”

The partnership arrives as youth sports sponsorships gain momentum in the marketing landscape. According to a 2026 national study by YouGov Sport and Priority Partnerships, 84 percent of parents hold positive views toward youth sports sponsorships, and 68 percent say they’re more likely to buy from a brand that sponsors their child’s team than a pro team they follow. Youth sports also drive 2.5x more attention than influencer marketing while offering a trusted, brand-safe environment.

The agreement includes brand visibility across high-profile SPIRE moments, including national basketball events, naming rights of the Vensure HR SPIRE Performance Research Institute, and community programming. Both organizations emphasize long-term development and innovation as core alignment points, with plans to explore collaborative initiatives that connect athlete development pathways with workforce readiness.

“This partnership reflects where youth sports and workforce development are headed,” said Steve Sanders, CEO of SPIRE Academy. “Vensure HR helps businesses solve complex people challenges through innovative HR solutions and technology. At SPIRE, we help young people become high performers in sports, school, and life. The alignment between what we do and what Vensure does is natural. We’re both focused on developing talent, building systems that work, and creating opportunities for long-term success. This partnership is rooted in real impact and shared values.”

With more than 161,000 clients worldwide and over $150 billion in payroll processed annually, Vensure Employer Solutions is one of the fastest-growing companies in the HR sector. The company recently expanded its technology portfolio with the acquisition of Distro, an AI-powered recruiting platform that brings intelligent automation to high-volume hiring.

The partnership also reflects SPIRE’s continued growth and expanding national profile. With state-of-the-art training facilities, academic programs, and a track record of developing collegiate and professional athletes across multiple sports, SPIRE has become a destination for families seeking comprehensive athlete development.

For more information about SPIRE Academy’s upcoming sports camps or admissions information, visit spireacademy.com.

About SPIRE Academy

SPIRE Academy is an international boarding school, performance training center, and event campus located in Northeast Ohio. With more than 850,000 square feet of indoor training space and over 800 acres of facilities, SPIRE is one of the largest youth athletic complexes in North America. SPIRE combines elite sports training, flexible academics, and real-world skill development for high school and postgraduate student-athletes. The Academy also operates national events, leagues, camps, and a performance research institute, drawing participants from over 35 countries each year. Learn more at spireacademy.com.

About Vensure Employer Solutions

Vensure Employer Solutions is the largest privately held organization in the HR technology and service sector, providing a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including HR/HCM technology, managed services, global business process outsourcing (BPO), and employer of record (EOR) services. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Vensure and its family of companies serve over 161,000 businesses across all 50 states and more than 154 countries, processing over $153 billion in annual payroll. Vensure helps businesses streamline operations and accelerate growth with customized, tech-enabled strategies that support both employers and employees. Visit vensure.com for more information.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spire-academy-and-vensure-employer-solutions-announce-6-million-partnership-agreement-302692873.html

SOURCE SPIRE Academy

Among the largest corporate sponsorship deals in youth sports, this groundbreaking alliance connects workforce innovation with athlete development

GENEVA and HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio and CHANDLER, Ariz., Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – SPIRE Academy, a premier multisport boarding school and training institution, and Vensure Employer Solutions, a global leader in HR technology and workforce solutions, today announced a $6 million, multi-year partnership. The agreement represents one of the largest corporate sponsorships in youth sports history and positions Vensure HR as the top-tier sponsor across SPIRE’s programming and events.

“SPIRE is developing the next generation of leaders, and their impact in youth sports and education is growing fast,” said Phil Urso, Chief Sales Officer at Vensure HR. “What impressed us most about SPIRE is their commitment to the whole athlete. They’re not just training competitors, they’re preparing young people for success beyond sports. That mission aligns perfectly with our work helping organizations build stronger teams and develop talent. We’re proud to support their growth and excited about the opportunities this partnership creates to reach families who value performance, development, and preparation for the future.”

“Youth sports sponsorship is no longer niche marketing. It’s one of the most effective ways to reach families in an authentic, trusted environment,” said Amy Liles, Head of Corporate Partnerships at SPIRE. “What makes this partnership special is the alignment between our missions. Vensure HR and our other partners like Third Federal Savings and Loan, Waffle House and Chick-fil-A are not just putting their name on our facilities, they’re investing in what matters: future talent, performance development, and community impact. They understand that the young people training at SPIRE today are the workforce leaders of tomorrow, and that connection between athlete development and career readiness is what makes this collaboration so powerful.”

The partnership arrives as youth sports sponsorships gain momentum in the marketing landscape. According to a 2026 national study by YouGov Sport and Priority Partnerships, 84 percent of parents hold positive views toward youth sports sponsorships, and 68 percent say they’re more likely to buy from a brand that sponsors their child’s team than a pro team they follow. Youth sports also drive 2.5x more attention than influencer marketing while offering a trusted, brand-safe environment.

The agreement includes brand visibility across high-profile SPIRE moments, including national basketball events, naming rights of the Vensure HR SPIRE Performance Research Institute, and community programming. Both organizations emphasize long-term development and innovation as core alignment points, with plans to explore collaborative initiatives that connect athlete development pathways with workforce readiness.

“This partnership reflects where youth sports and workforce development are headed,” said Steve Sanders, CEO of SPIRE Academy. “Vensure HR helps businesses solve complex people challenges through innovative HR solutions and technology. At SPIRE, we help young people become high performers in sports, school, and life. The alignment between what we do and what Vensure does is natural. We’re both focused on developing talent, building systems that work, and creating opportunities for long-term success. This partnership is rooted in real impact and shared values.”

With more than 161,000 clients worldwide and over $150 billion in payroll processed annually, Vensure Employer Solutions is one of the fastest-growing companies in the HR sector. The company recently expanded its technology portfolio with the acquisition of Distro, an AI-powered recruiting platform that brings intelligent automation to high-volume hiring.

The partnership also reflects SPIRE’s continued growth and expanding national profile. With state-of-the-art training facilities, academic programs, and a track record of developing collegiate and professional athletes across multiple sports, SPIRE has become a destination for families seeking comprehensive athlete development.

For more information about SPIRE Academy’s upcoming sports camps or admissions information, visit spireacademy.com.

About SPIRE Academy

SPIRE Academy is an international boarding school, performance training center, and event campus located in Northeast Ohio. With more than 850,000 square feet of indoor training space and over 800 acres of facilities, SPIRE is one of the largest youth athletic complexes in North America. SPIRE combines elite sports training, flexible academics, and real-world skill development for high school and postgraduate student-athletes. The Academy also operates national events, leagues, camps, and a performance research institute, drawing participants from over 35 countries each year. Learn more at spireacademy.com.

About Vensure Employer Solutions

Vensure Employer Solutions is the largest privately held organization in the HR technology and service sector, providing a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including HR/HCM technology, managed services, global business process outsourcing (BPO), and employer of record (EOR) services. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Vensure and its family of companies serve over 161,000 businesses across all 50 states and more than 154 countries, processing over $153 billion in annual payroll. Vensure helps businesses streamline operations and accelerate growth with customized, tech-enabled strategies that support both employers and employees. Visit vensure.com for more information.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spire-academy-and-vensure-employer-solutions-announce-6-million-partnership-agreement-302692873.html

SOURCE SPIRE Academy