Author: sHq_LoGiNz

NOAA-Backed TDC Funding is Advancing the Next Generation of Ocean Data and Technology Solutions

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Continuum Ocean Enterprise Accelerator announced today the award of $323,000 in non-dilutive Technology Development and Commercialization (TDC) funding to 4 ocean enterprise startups. This follows the January award of $1.2M in TDC funding to 14 startups advancing the next generation of ocean data and intelligence technology solutions.

Backed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Enterprise Accelerator Program , the TDC awards are designed to accelerate commercialization, support real-world pilot deployments, and strengthen U.S. leadership in the rapidly growing ocean enterprise economy. The funding is delivered through The Continuum , a national network of ocean enterprise accelerators created to move ocean intelligence and marine technologies from validation to market adoption. The TDC Awards are designed to bridge the critical gap between technology readiness and customer acceptance. Award recipients will use the funding to advance pilot projects, validate ocean data, deepen customer discovery, and build partnerships with commercial end users.

“This latest wave of The Continuum’s TDC awards exemplifies the interconnectedness of our partnership, featuring 3 startups that graduated from Seaworthy Collective’s cohorts and received Braid Theory’s support through their commercialization prep and ocean enterprise accelerator” said Daniel Kleinman, Founder and CEO of Seaworthy Collective. “These awards signify tangible commercialization progress. We are excited to see the founders achieve major developmental milestones with these awards and look forward to continuing to support their journeys across our ecosystem of dedicated partners.”

TDC Award Recipients

• CASTUS Technologies Inc. develops AI-powered mapping technology to locate and track floating objects in marine environments. With TDC funding, the company will advance its platform from an advanced prototype to full commercial readiness through three operational pilot deployments. These pilots will validate CASTUS’s predictive intelligence platform in real-world conditions and demonstrate measurable efficiency gains.
• SeaTrac Systems Inc. develops solar powered, uncrewed surface vessels. This project will advance a new hybrid USV from concept to a production-ready design, enabling near-term commercialization and establishing a new product line extending SeaTrac’s proven technology into mission areas beyond the capabilities of the SP-48.
• SkyWind Solutions delivers an AI-powered platform delivering hyperlocal weather forecasts. With TDC funding, SkyWind Solutions will deploy and operate scalable infrastructure to support 5–8 pilot forecasting deployments, enabling concurrent model training, continuous daily forecasting, and significantly faster onboarding.
• Vital Ocean LLC enables an AI-powered platform advancing ocean resilience and decision making. With TDC funding, the company will finalize the MVP of its Permit Accelerator and validate the platform through a commercial pilot.

Applications for the Continuum programs are open throughout the year. To learn more and apply at TheContinuum.blue.

About the Continuum: The Continuum is a national network of ocean enterprise accelerators created to move ocean intelligence and marine technologies from validation to market adoption. It brings together seven partners – Braid Theory, Ocean Exchange, Seaworthy Collective, St. Pete Innovation District, Tampa Bay Wave, the University of South Florida, and the World Ocean Council – to provide founders with coordinated commercialization pathways, industry access, and market-driven support.

Alison Barlow
info@thecontinuum.blue
727-231-4643

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-continuum-awards-funding-to-4-ocean-enterprise-startups-302735883.html

SOURCE St. Pete Innovation District

Written for his daughter’s fourth birthday, the hardcover picture book illustrated by Marta Dorado is available now at sophiesbigday.com

ATLANTA, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Emery & Lila Press today announced the release of Sophie’s Big Day (Almost), a debut children’s picture book written by Ndikumo Riva Kajangu and illustrated by Marta Dorado. The 40-page hardcover, written as a birthday gift for the author’s four-year-old daughter, is available now at sophiesbigday.com with an initial print run of 5,000 copies for North American distribution.

The book follows Sophie Fox, a spirited young fox in striped pajamas who desperately wants to ride the school bus with her older brother on the first day of school. When she learns she must wait, Sophie discovers that being little has its own kind of magic. The book targets children ages 3 to 7 and was written over eight months by Kajangu, who composed much of it on his phone at 2 a.m. and on whatever paper was nearby when the words arrived.

“I came to this country at 10 years old with zero English,” said Kajangu, founder of Atlanta-based autism platform Neo Sophia Inc. “I built a company for children who need a voice and can’t pay for one. I wrote a book from scratch for a little girl who turns four on April 11. Sophie is her. The almost moments, the big plans, the determination. I wrote this because I wanted her to know that almost is not failure. Almost is where the story begins.”

Kajangu founded Neo Sophia Inc. to provide free autism screening and specialist access to families through its mobile app, Screener – Early Help, available on iOS and Android. The book’s illustrations were created by Marta Dorado, a Spain-based children’s book illustrator represented by Astound US Inc.

Sophie’s Big Day (Almost) is available at sophiesbigday.com. ISBN: 979-8-9956267-0-1.

About Emery & Lila Press Emery & Lila Press is an independent children’s book imprint founded by Ndikumo Riva Kajangu and based in Atlanta, Georgia. The imprint publishes stories rooted in family, curiosity and the in-between moments of childhood.

About Neo Sophia Inc. Neo Sophia Inc. is an Atlanta-based startup building free autism early screening and management tools for families. Free parent specialist support is available at AMAP.neosophia.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emery–lila-press-releases-debut-childrens-picture-book-sophies-big-day-almost-by-atlanta-and-neo-sophia-founder-author-ndikumo-riva-kajangu-302734328.html

SOURCE Neo Sophia

Written for his daughter’s fourth birthday, the hardcover picture book illustrated by Marta Dorado is available now at sophiesbigday.com

ATLANTA, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Emery & Lila Press today announced the release of Sophie’s Big Day (Almost), a debut children’s picture book written by Ndikumo Riva Kajangu and illustrated by Marta Dorado. The 40-page hardcover, written as a birthday gift for the author’s four-year-old daughter, is available now at sophiesbigday.com with an initial print run of 5,000 copies for North American distribution.

The book follows Sophie Fox, a spirited young fox in striped pajamas who desperately wants to ride the school bus with her older brother on the first day of school. When she learns she must wait, Sophie discovers that being little has its own kind of magic. The book targets children ages 3 to 7 and was written over eight months by Kajangu, who composed much of it on his phone at 2 a.m. and on whatever paper was nearby when the words arrived.

“I came to this country at 10 years old with zero English,” said Kajangu, founder of Atlanta-based autism platform Neo Sophia Inc. “I built a company for children who need a voice and can’t pay for one. I wrote a book from scratch for a little girl who turns four on April 11. Sophie is her. The almost moments, the big plans, the determination. I wrote this because I wanted her to know that almost is not failure. Almost is where the story begins.”

Kajangu founded Neo Sophia Inc. to provide free autism screening and specialist access to families through its mobile app, Screener – Early Help, available on iOS and Android. The book’s illustrations were created by Marta Dorado, a Spain-based children’s book illustrator represented by Astound US Inc.

Sophie’s Big Day (Almost) is available at sophiesbigday.com. ISBN: 979-8-9956267-0-1.

About Emery & Lila Press Emery & Lila Press is an independent children’s book imprint founded by Ndikumo Riva Kajangu and based in Atlanta, Georgia. The imprint publishes stories rooted in family, curiosity and the in-between moments of childhood.

About Neo Sophia Inc. Neo Sophia Inc. is an Atlanta-based startup building free autism early screening and management tools for families. Free parent specialist support is available at AMAP.neosophia.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emery–lila-press-releases-debut-childrens-picture-book-sophies-big-day-almost-by-atlanta-and-neo-sophia-founder-author-ndikumo-riva-kajangu-302734328.html

SOURCE Neo Sophia

Written for his daughter’s fourth birthday, the hardcover picture book illustrated by Marta Dorado is available now at sophiesbigday.com

ATLANTA, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Emery & Lila Press today announced the release of Sophie’s Big Day (Almost), a debut children’s picture book written by Ndikumo Riva Kajangu and illustrated by Marta Dorado. The 40-page hardcover, written as a birthday gift for the author’s four-year-old daughter, is available now at sophiesbigday.com with an initial print run of 5,000 copies for North American distribution.

The book follows Sophie Fox, a spirited young fox in striped pajamas who desperately wants to ride the school bus with her older brother on the first day of school. When she learns she must wait, Sophie discovers that being little has its own kind of magic. The book targets children ages 3 to 7 and was written over eight months by Kajangu, who composed much of it on his phone at 2 a.m. and on whatever paper was nearby when the words arrived.

“I came to this country at 10 years old with zero English,” said Kajangu, founder of Atlanta-based autism platform Neo Sophia Inc. “I built a company for children who need a voice and can’t pay for one. I wrote a book from scratch for a little girl who turns four on April 11. Sophie is her. The almost moments, the big plans, the determination. I wrote this because I wanted her to know that almost is not failure. Almost is where the story begins.”

Kajangu founded Neo Sophia Inc. to provide free autism screening and specialist access to families through its mobile app, Screener – Early Help, available on iOS and Android. The book’s illustrations were created by Marta Dorado, a Spain-based children’s book illustrator represented by Astound US Inc.

Sophie’s Big Day (Almost) is available at sophiesbigday.com. ISBN: 979-8-9956267-0-1.

About Emery & Lila Press Emery & Lila Press is an independent children’s book imprint founded by Ndikumo Riva Kajangu and based in Atlanta, Georgia. The imprint publishes stories rooted in family, curiosity and the in-between moments of childhood.

About Neo Sophia Inc. Neo Sophia Inc. is an Atlanta-based startup building free autism early screening and management tools for families. Free parent specialist support is available at AMAP.neosophia.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emery–lila-press-releases-debut-childrens-picture-book-sophies-big-day-almost-by-atlanta-and-neo-sophia-founder-author-ndikumo-riva-kajangu-302734328.html

SOURCE Neo Sophia

Featuring Tim Howard, the spot explores how fandom extends far beyond the stadium walls into everyday moments

CLERMONT, Ky., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the Official Spirits Partner of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), Jim Beam®, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, is launching “Home Field Advantage,” a new campaign featuring American soccer legend Tim Howard. As the world’s biggest tournament comes to North America, Jim Beam is calling on fans across the country to rally behind the U.S. Men’s National Team and show that home field advantage lives wherever fans are.

Debuting on April 7, the hero film captures the true heartbeat of the tournament: the places where fans gather to watch, cheer, and celebrate. At a time when stadium access may be out of reach for many, Jim Beam shines a spotlight on backyard barbecues, neighborhood bars, and watch parties that define the fan experience. From living rooms to local hangouts, these everyday settings become the ultimate home field advantage – proving that while matches are played on the pitch, they’re powered by fans everywhere.

“At Jim Beam, we’ve always believed in the power of shared moments,” said Regan Clarke, vice president of American Whiskey, Suntory Global Spirits. “The world’s biggest tournament is a global stage, but it’s the local gatherings that create real home field advantages. We’re proud to raise a glass and unite in spirit with fans across the country as they come together to support the U.S. Men’s National Team.”

Beyond the hero spot, Jim Beam is also introducing a new limited-edition Jim Beam x USSF bottle design, giving fans a tangible way to celebrate and show their support throughout the tournament. Whether cheering from the stands, a barstool, or the backyard, fans can raise a refreshing Beam & Lemonade, the go-to cocktail of the moment, and make the 2026 limited-edition bottle a symbol of shared pride during one of the biggest moments in global sports, when passion and community come together. Now available for purchase at select retailers nationwide.

In the lead-up to the tournament, Jim Beam will roll out a fully integrated campaign across digital, social and experiential platforms, with consumer activations designed to deepen engagement and drive fan participation nationwide.

The campaign will run across select cable channels, YouTube TV, Roku, Netflix, ESPN+, Peacock, Meta & Reddit.

About Jim Beam®: Jim Beam is the world’s best-selling bourbon, crafted by eight generations of family distillers since 1795. Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh-generation Master Distiller, and Freddie Noe, Jim Beam’s eighth-generation Master Distiller, have stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. The Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black®, Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam Flavors, and Jim Beam Rye among other offerings. For more information, go to www.jimbeam.com, @jimbeamofficial on Instagram and @jimbeam on Twitter.

About Suntory Global Spirits: As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Press Contacts:
Exposure: JimBeam@Exposure.net

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jim-beam-debuts-home-field-advantage-campaign-celebrating-the-spirit-of-fans-beyond-the-pitch-ahead-of-the-worlds-biggest-tournament-302735760.html

SOURCE Jim Beam

Featuring Tim Howard, the spot explores how fandom extends far beyond the stadium walls into everyday moments

CLERMONT, Ky., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the Official Spirits Partner of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), Jim Beam®, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, is launching “Home Field Advantage,” a new campaign featuring American soccer legend Tim Howard. As the world’s biggest tournament comes to North America, Jim Beam is calling on fans across the country to rally behind the U.S. Men’s National Team and show that home field advantage lives wherever fans are.

Debuting on April 7, the hero film captures the true heartbeat of the tournament: the places where fans gather to watch, cheer, and celebrate. At a time when stadium access may be out of reach for many, Jim Beam shines a spotlight on backyard barbecues, neighborhood bars, and watch parties that define the fan experience. From living rooms to local hangouts, these everyday settings become the ultimate home field advantage – proving that while matches are played on the pitch, they’re powered by fans everywhere.

“At Jim Beam, we’ve always believed in the power of shared moments,” said Regan Clarke, vice president of American Whiskey, Suntory Global Spirits. “The world’s biggest tournament is a global stage, but it’s the local gatherings that create real home field advantages. We’re proud to raise a glass and unite in spirit with fans across the country as they come together to support the U.S. Men’s National Team.”

Beyond the hero spot, Jim Beam is also introducing a new limited-edition Jim Beam x USSF bottle design, giving fans a tangible way to celebrate and show their support throughout the tournament. Whether cheering from the stands, a barstool, or the backyard, fans can raise a refreshing Beam & Lemonade, the go-to cocktail of the moment, and make the 2026 limited-edition bottle a symbol of shared pride during one of the biggest moments in global sports, when passion and community come together. Now available for purchase at select retailers nationwide.

In the lead-up to the tournament, Jim Beam will roll out a fully integrated campaign across digital, social and experiential platforms, with consumer activations designed to deepen engagement and drive fan participation nationwide.

The campaign will run across select cable channels, YouTube TV, Roku, Netflix, ESPN+, Peacock, Meta & Reddit.

About Jim Beam®: Jim Beam is the world’s best-selling bourbon, crafted by eight generations of family distillers since 1795. Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh-generation Master Distiller, and Freddie Noe, Jim Beam’s eighth-generation Master Distiller, have stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. The Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black®, Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam Flavors, and Jim Beam Rye among other offerings. For more information, go to www.jimbeam.com, @jimbeamofficial on Instagram and @jimbeam on Twitter.

About Suntory Global Spirits: As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Press Contacts:
Exposure: JimBeam@Exposure.net

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jim-beam-debuts-home-field-advantage-campaign-celebrating-the-spirit-of-fans-beyond-the-pitch-ahead-of-the-worlds-biggest-tournament-302735760.html

SOURCE Jim Beam