Author: sHq_LoGiNz

March 3, 2026 /3BL/ – The Biomimicry Institute, a not-for-profit organization co-founded by Janine Benyus in 2005 with the mission to catalyze a nature positive, regenerative, and inclusive future, has opened applications for the 2026 Ray of Hope Accelerator. This global, founder-focused program supports early-stage startups that look to nature’s 3.8 billion years of evolution as a blueprint for solving today’s most urgent challenges. Ten selected companies will receive $15,000 in non-dilutive funding, along with an immersive nature retreat, and virtual programming including a weekly curriculum, expert mentorship, and access to a vibrant network of investors and industry leaders to help scale their impact. Applications are open through April 24, 2026.

Since its launch in 2020, the Ray of Hope Accelerator has supported nearly 60 early-stage startups ranging from pre-seed through Series A from 19 countries, 35% of which are women-led. Today over 90% of the portfolio companies remain in operation, and collectively they have raised more than $250 million in investment.

Building on this momentum, the Institute is seeking the world’s most promising and impactful nature-inspired startups for its 2026 cohort.

“Last year’s cohort was one of our strongest yet,” said Amanda Sturgeon, CEO of the Biomimicry Institute. “We witnessed founders not only refining breakthrough technologies inspired by nature, but also bringing to life solutions that address climate change and biodiversity loss. They reaffirmed that nature-inspired innovation is not a niche approach, it is a powerful pathway to regenerative systems change. We are excited to welcome the next ten visionary teams who are ready to learn from life itself how to address the challenges of our time.”

The Institute is focused on ventures that address the polycrisis of climate change and biodiversity loss, and eliminate the linear “take, make, waste” paradigm. In addition, solutions should be grounded in deep scientific research, informed by biological principles, processes or systems, or are enabling bio-inspired innovation.

The selected companies will participate in a six-month accelerator starting in August valued at more than $50,000 in in-kind services. The program includes industry mentorship, science-based storytelling expertise, and connections to corporate leaders and mission-aligned investors. Founders will also gather for a four-day immersive Nature Retreat, where they will deepen their leadership skills, build community, and cultivate a biomimicry-driven philosophy to guide their companies.

“As I see it, the biomimicry startup community has reached critical mass. As a category, it has more than enough companies that are successfully scaling to prove the merit of nature-inspired design” says John A. Lanier, Executive Director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and founding funder of the Accelerator, “we are heartened that more companies are starting with biomimicry as a central tenet, and that more investors are actively seeking them out as a result.”

To explore the full portfolio of Ray of Hope Accelerator alumni, Visit the Portfolio page on Biomimicry.org to explore the full list of Ray of Hope Accelerator alumni.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit biomimicry.org/innovation/accelerator/.

####

About the Biomimicry Institute

The Biomimicry Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by Janine Benyus in 2005, on a mission to create a nature positive, inclusive, and regenerative world inspired and guided by nature’s genius. The Biomimicry Institute is embarking towards a ten-year vision to dramatically scale the impact that biomimicry is having on some of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Since its founding 20 years ago, the Institute has worked to spread the practice of looking to the solutions developed by living organisms over billions of years to provide insight and inspiration for effective, efficient, and sustainable innovations and approaches to addressing our own challenges. As the Institute embarks on their third decade, they are fully committed to work across sectors and disciplines to spread the wisdom of nature-inspired, actionable solutions across our world. For more information, visit biomimicry.org.

Media Contact:

Anna Konstantinova
Biomimicry Institute, Director of Strategic Communications
anna.konstantinova@biomimicry.org

Technology is transforming how we live and work, and artificial intelligence is reshaping Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) in profound ways. In this episode, host Angelique Dickson, President of the Inogen Alliance and EVP of Antea Group USA, is joined by Charlotte Buffoni, EHS Practice Director at Antea Group UK, Julie Kreger King, Senior Consultant and Technology Segment Leader at Antea Group USA, and Karl Huntzicker, Global VP of Health and Safety at Salesforce. Together they discuss how AI is being integrated into EHS practices, the challenges of trust and accuracy, the impact on the workforce, and the evolving role of EHS professionals in this new era.

 

Listen now on:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube

 

Time Stamps

01:02 Introducing Guests and Setting the Stage

02:54 How EHS Teams Are Using AI Today

06:09 Practical Applications and Early Wins in Tech

09:40 Regulatory Research and Policy Challenges

15:23 Impacts of AI on the Workforce

20:26 New Skills and Mindsets for EHS Professionals

26:28 Benefits, Risks, and Emerging Industry Practices

30:26 Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in EHS

 

Guest Quotes

“AI is not the end all, be all… it needs to be guided, trained, and managed by humans consistently in order for it to be effective and accurate.” – Karl“Using AI can allow EHS teams to move away from repetitive tasks… freeing them up to focus more on strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagement.” – Charlotte“It’s an iterative process. The more time you spend engaging with AI, the more comfortable and effective you become. Every EHS professional needs to start that journey now.” – Julie

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 3, 2026 /3BL/ – Discovery Education today announced the appointment of Kara Schlageter as the organization’s first Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), marking a significant milestone in its ongoing investment in secure, responsible AI innovation that protects educator and student privacy.

Schlageter brings more than 25 years of experience with expertise in leading cybersecurity, enterprise risk, and large-scale transformation across complex, highly regulated environments. She is widely recognized as a transformational executive who bridges the human and technical aspects of cybersecurity. She has a proven record of helping global organizations translate cyber risk into confident, business-aligned decisions.

As digital learning accelerates, district needs around privacy and protection are evolving—prompting Discovery Education to expand its investment in strong, transparent, and educator-centered data practices. The creation of the CISO role reflects the company’s commitment to meeting these evolving needs proactively and responsibly.

As CISO, Schlageter will lead Discovery Education’s information security, governance, and risk management strategy, guiding how every solution is built on rigorous, secure-by-design principles.

“Kara’s appointment as our first Chief Information Security Officer reflects Discovery Education’s unwavering commitment to responsible innovation. Security, privacy, and trust must be built into every product we create, especially as we accelerate our innovation with AI,” said Brian Shaw, Discovery Education’s Chief Executive Officer. “Kara’s people first approach and deep experience strengthening cybersecurity in complex environments will ensure we continue delivering solutions educators can rely on.”

“Digital learning is evolving rapidly, and the opportunity to reinforce trust has never been greater,” said Kara Schlageter, Discovery Education’s CISO. “Protecting educators and students is a shared responsibility, and I look forward to partnering across Discovery Education to embed secure-by‑design practices into every capability we build to provide the strongest possible foundation for teaching and learning.”

• Role: First Chief Information Security Officer at Discovery Education
• Executive Leader: Kara Schlageter, cybersecurity and risk expert with 25+ years of experience.
• Mandate: Lead information security, governance, and risk management strategy and implementation.
• Objective: Build and maintain secure-by-design K-12 teaching and learning solutions.
• Impact: Strengthen the foundation for responsible AI innovation and data practices that safeguard educators and students, and reinforce trust across districts, schools, and partners.

###

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12 digital solutions help educators engage all students and support academic achievement. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools that are effective, engaging, and easy to use, Discovery Education enables educators to deliver powerful learning experiences in 45% of U.S. K-12 schools and across 100+ countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Learn more at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contact 
Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

DP World has placed Chile’s first fully electric container Reach Stacker into operation at its multipurpose terminal in Lirquén Port — a move that will eliminate approximately 60,000 liters of diesel annually, equivalent to preventing around 160,000 kilograms of CO₂ emissions each year.

The milestone marks a significant step forward in decarbonizing heavy-duty port equipment — a category traditionally reliant on diesel due to its size, power demands, and lifting capacity.

Reach Stackers — specialized cranes used to lift and stack shipping containers — have historically been difficult to electrify. But advances in battery autonomy and fast-charging systems have now made it possible to power equipment of this scale efficiently and reliably.

The new SANY SRSC45E3 model features a telescopic boom capable of lifting up to 45 tons, modernizing Chile’s port equipment fleet while strengthening renewable-powered operations.

Eliminating Diesel Through Next-Generation Battery Technology

Electrifying heavy port machinery was once constrained by battery limitations. Older lead-acid systems required extended charging times — often sidelining equipment for an entire shift — or cumbersome battery swaps that were impractical given the size and weight of industrial units.

Today, modern lithium-ion batteries have transformed what is possible.

The new Reach Stacker features a fast-charging system that allows rapid recharging and opportunity for charging during downtime or shift changes. This eliminates the need for battery swaps while maintaining operational continuity and productivity.

By replacing diesel combustion with renewable-powered electricity, the unit not only reduces emissions but also operates more quietly — lowering noise pollution within the terminal and surrounding community.

Importantly, the 60,000 liters of diesel savings and 160,000 kilograms of avoided CO₂ refer to just one unit. As additional diesel-powered equipment is replaced over time, emissions reductions will continue to scale.

Powered by 100% Renewable Energy in Chile

The Reach Stacker operates exclusively on certified renewable electricity. All DP World operations in Chile are powered by 100% renewable energy sourced from hydroelectric plants.

In 2021, Chilean energy company Colbun recognized DP World as the first port operator in South America to receive renewable energy certification — laying the foundation for equipment electrification across its terminals.

To support this transition, DP World carried out electrical infrastructure upgrades at Lirquén, including enhancements to one of its substations to ensure sufficient on-site charging capacity for heavy-duty electric machinery. These upgrades align with the company’s long-term investment strategy to further modernize and decarbonize operations.

Building on Sustainable Logistics Leadership in Chile

The launch builds on DP World’s broader sustainability efforts across Chile’s logistics network.

At its San Antonio terminal, DP World has supported Chile’s electric mobility transition by facilitating the arrival of hundreds of electric buses — including one of the largest electric bus shipments in the country’s history.

At Lirquén, DP World has also handled major renewable energy cargo operations, including the unloading of some of the largest wind turbine components ever managed at the terminal, supporting the country’s expanding clean energy infrastructure.

Together, these initiatives reflect a consistent strategy: integrating sustainability not only into cargo handling and logistics operations, but into the very equipment that powers port activity.

Advancing Port Decarbonization at Scale

The commissioning of Chile’s first electric Reach Stacker signals a new phase in port modernization aligned with DP World’s global decarbonization goals.

As battery technologies continue to evolve and supporting infrastructure expands, electrification is becoming increasingly viable for heavy-duty applications once considered out of reach. Ports — as critical nodes in global supply chains — have a central role to play in reducing emissions across trade networks.

By eliminating 60,000 liters of diesel and preventing 160,000 kilograms of CO₂ annually with this first unit alone, DP World is demonstrating how trade infrastructure can evolve to meet both economic and environmental objectives.

From enabling electric mobility to handling renewable energy infrastructure and now electrifying core port machinery, DP World is helping power Chile’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable trade.

Learn more about DP World’s “Our World, Our Future” global sustainability work.

Originally published by Mastercard

Back from Taipei – inspired by what’s next for urban mobility 

I recently returned from Taipei, where our teams and partners took an important step forward in making everyday travel simpler. Together with Taishin International Bank, we launched contactless payments on the Taipei Metro, a great example of how we’re focused on transit and bringing the benefits of open-loop experiences to riders: tap in with the card or wallet you already carry, no extra transit card or top-ups needed. 

We’ve paired this with our Mastercard Priceless Planet Coalition – tap, ride, plant – so each tap contributes to our reforestation efforts and makes sustainability part of daily routines in a simple, tangible way. 

Proud of the collaboration behind this milestone and energized by what we’ll continue to build with our partners.

Continue reading here

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

GENEVA, March 3, 2026 /3BL/ – The Tire Industry Project (TIP) announced today the release of the End-of-Life Tire Toolkit 2.0, a comprehensive, practical guide to implementing more sustainable end-of-life tire (ELT) management systems, reducing waste and fostering circularity within the sector worldwide.

The latest Toolkit outlines approaches for developing resilient, transparent and effective ELT management systems amid diverse regulatory and market conditions. It is designed for policymakers, industry associations and tire manufacturers, while also offering valuable insights to the sector’s recyclers, recovery operators, retailers, researchers and civil society organizations. Building on the first edition published in 2021, this Toolkit is the only known consolidation of the latest knowledge, real-world case studies and insights from ELT experts on the evolving challenges and opportunities across the ELT value chain.

Globally, more than one billion tires reach the end of their usable life every year. While ELTs and their materials represent a valuable resource for the circular economy, management systems remain highly fragmented, with uneven collection, recovery and recycling outcomes across regions.

The latest Toolkit builds on years of work by TIP and its member companies as well as the collective effort of experts from organizations across the tire value chain who are committed to circularity. It offers an array of tools for assessing existing systems, identifying gaps and implementing improvements, including:

• Maturity assessment tools: Step-by-step frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness of ELT management systems across key stages in the ELT process.
• Concrete examples: Case studies of ELT management systems from nine countries, illustrating a range of regulatory approaches and system maturities.
• Practical guidance for improvement: Action-oriented recommendations tailored to core audiences, covering the full ELT value chain from collection and sorting to processing and management.

The Toolkit also supports progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including improved resource efficiency in consumption and production (8.4), the sustainable management and use of natural resources (12.2) and substantially reducing waste generation (12.5).

“Effective ELT management is both an environmental imperative and a source of long-term value creation,” said Tania Paratian, Director of Action and Engagement at TIP. “We developed the ELT Toolkit 2.0 to offer stakeholders, no matter where they are in the world or in their ELT management journey, a strong practical foundation for building their sustainability efforts. The initiative supports our commitment to advancing more sustainable ELT management worldwide, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals.” 

---

-ENDS-

xxxx- Notes to Editors -xxxx

About TIP 

Formed in 2005, the Tire Industry Project (TIP) is a voluntary CEO-driven initiative with a mission to anticipate, understand and address global environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues relevant to the tire industry and its value chain.​ 

TIP acts by commissioning independent research of the highest standards, collaborating on sectoral solutions and engaging with external stakeholders. ​ 

TIP is part of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), bringing together 10 leading tire companies that represent more than 60% of the world’s tire manufacturing capacity. ​ 

In 2025, TIP marked its 20th anniversary—a milestone that reflects its long-term commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering collective industry action to improve sustainability across the tire value chain.​ 

For more information, visit The Tire Industry Project.