Author: sHq_LoGiNz

“Building What’s Next” week positions AfroTech as the place where Black technologists build companies and policy solutions that scale

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AfroTech Conference 2025, held October 27–31 at the George R. Brown Convention Center and citywide in Houston, drew 40,000+ attendees and convened leaders and founders from government, health systems, and top tech firms to advance human-centered AI, equitable medtech, and culture-driven tech entrepreneurship. The week featured hundreds of sessions and citywide activations that connected innovators, investors, and enterprises under the theme “Building What’s Next.”

At-a-Glance

• Attendance: 40,000+ attendees citywide
• Programming: Hundreds of sessions across cybersecurity, AI, fintech, medtech, sustainability, and culture (Executive Stage, Health Stack Summit, AfroTech U for students, and Expo Hall full of product innovation)
• Partners: Presenting and leading partners included UnitedHealth Group (Health Stack Summit), Microsoft, Amazon, Capital One, Meta, GE HealthCare, PwC, Uber, and L’Oréal Groupe—representing technology, finance, healthcare, consumer goods, and lifestyle innovation across AfroTech’s stages and activations.
• Press: 94 credentialed media covered the event, driving 40M+ social impressions across #AFROTECH25 in the 30-day window surrounding the conference.
• Local impact: AfroTech 2025 drew over 40,000 attendees across Houston, building on its 2024 impact that generated tens of millions of dollars in local economic activity and record demand for hotels, venues, and restaurants.

Program highlights & outcomes

• Human-Centered AI at scale: Mustafa Suleyman (CEO, Microsoft AI) framed a practical, human-centered approach to production AI — the conversation set the tone for reporting and investor panels on responsible AI adoption across industry.
• AI and democracy: Stacey Abrams examined AI’s effects on civic life and democratic institutions, generating crossover coverage in tech and policy outlets.
• Health Stack Summit: Presented by UnitedHealth Group, the Summit put women’s health and equitable medtech at the forefront, leading to new conversations among health systems, startups, and investors on expanding access.
• Culture + commerce: Creative programming (Creator Summit in partnership with Dream Con) and brand activations amplified Black creativity as an economic engine.

Quotes

“AfroTech is where the world experiences innovation through the lens of community,” said Morgan DeBaun, Founder & CEO, Blavity Inc. “This year’s conference embodied what’s next, from real-world AI applications to transformative discussions in health and venture, bridging access and opportunity in every space.”

“We see partnerships form, careers accelerate, and ideas turn into reality,” added Jeff Nelson, Co-Founder & COO, Blavity Inc. “That’s the heartbeat of this movement.”

Media assets & interviews

High-resolution photos, recap footage, session clips, and speaker sound bites are available. Spokespeople and select speakers are available for interview upon request.

ABOUT BLAVITY INC.
Founded in 2014, Blavity Inc. is the leading media and technology company serving Black millennials and Gen Z. Its portfolio includes AfroTech, 21Ninety, Home & Texture, Travel Noire, Blavity House Party, and Talent Infusion—reaching over 100 million people monthly. Please visit blavityinc.com.

ABOUT AFROTECH CONFERENCE
AfroTech is the global hub for Black tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The AfroTech community convenes over 75,000 professionals and 150+ global companies a year and hosts their flagship AfroTech Conference for a week of keynotes, panels, networking, and culture-driven tech programming. Please visit afrotechconference.com.

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SOURCE AfroTech

Invisible’ innovations that maximise energy and cost savings while enhancing everyday well-being

• Beko Europe continuously focusing
   on innovations that make a difference in people’s everyday lives
• Energy optimisation, long-life engineering, and predictive maintenance features at the core of Beko’s range of connected appliances
• HomeWhiz®, powered by AI and real-time data, transforms consumer experience into a more sustainable and adapted way of smart living

AMSTERDAM, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On Smart Home Day, a global initiative which recognises the innovations and technologies that are transforming homes around the world into intelligent, interconnected living spaces, Beko Europe – one of the leading companies in the global home appliances industry draws attention to its range of connected appliances and their power to sustainably transform how we live.

Circular design, long-life engineering, and intuitive, human-centric technology help users mitigate rising energy costs while enhancing their well-being through personalised convenience. Beko’s connected appliances turn sustainability into everyday savings through energy optimisation, long-life engineering, and predictive maintenance features, while HomeWhiz® makes smart living accessible for all combining sustainable performance with intelligent comfort.

“Smart Home Day is a moment for our industry to take stock of the work we do for our consumers. At Beko Europe, we focus on innovations that genuinely make a difference in people’s everyday lives.” said Akın Garzanlı, CEO of Beko Europe. “HomeWhiz reflects this approach by connecting our products through technology that helps consumers manage their homes more efficiently, reduce energy use, and make sustainable living a simple, natural part of daily life. This Smart Home Day, we are proud to champion the hidden innovations.”

HomeWhiz®, the central smart home platform for Beko Europe’s brands, adapts to consumers’ habits and provides personalised insights on energy and water management. Powered by AI and real-time data, it helps optimise performance and efficiency while enhancing well-being through human-centric intelligent technology. With water and energy management, predictive maintenance, adaptive features, remote software updates, and an AI Voice Assistant, HomeWhiz^@ enables appliances that learn, improve, and support long-term reliability.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, consumers are seeking reliability and efficiency from their home appliances. HomeWhiz’s^@ predictive maintenance flags minor issues in products before the issues escalate into damaged products that need replaced, limiting the need for costly fixes to faulty machines. A quiet, behind the scenes feature that puts consumers at ease.

Beko Europe’s commitment to smart home innovation goes also through the intelligent laundry range across different brands, which demonstrates how unseen technologies can quietly transform everyday routines.

Combining AI-driven adaptability with superior energy efficiency, Whirlpool’s SenseWash and AdaptiveWash technologies take the complexity out of laundry care. SenseWash’s intelligent sensors senses textile type, dirt level, and load size, then adjusts the wash automatically. Connected through the intuitive HomeWhiz® app, the appliances learn from every wash, offering increasingly personalised performance through AdaptiveWash. Focusing on well-being through personalized convenience and human-centric intelligent technology, the brand offers predictive maintenance, adaptive features across different categories, as well as remote software updates and an AI Voice Assistant, enabling consumers to enjoy products that continuously improve, learn, and respond to their needs while maintaining long-term reliability and performance.

The energy and water management feature in the HomeWhiz® app tracks appliance performance and turns complex data into simple, actionable insights. It helps consumers see not just how much energy and water they use, but why – by revealing patterns that shape daily habits. With EnergySpin cutting consumption by up to 35%^[1] versus the brand’s standard models, Beko demonstrates how smart living combines efficiency and reliability, empowering consumers to live sustainably without compromise.

ABOUT BEKO EUROPE

Beko Europe is a leading home appliance company dedicated to improving the lives of its consumers through a diverse range of innovative and sustainable products and solutions. It is 75% owned by Beko B.V. and 25% owned by Whirlpool Corporation. As part of Beko, recognized as the “Number 1 Home Appliances Company in Europe,”* Beko Europe offers a portfolio of 16 brands (Beko, Whirlpool**, Grundig, Hotpoint, Arctic, Ariston**, Leisure, Indesit, Blomberg, Bauknecht, ElektraBregenz, Privileg, Flavel, Altus, Ignis, Polar) that provide quality appliances to millions of households across the region. Building on its parent company’s 70-year legacy of innovation, Beko Europe promotes sustainability in the home through advanced technology, skilled human resources, and strong manufacturing capabilities. Its people-centric design approach integrates functionality, sustainability, and appealing design. Aligned with the Paris Agreement and the Science-Based Targets initiative, Beko Europe supports its parent company’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The parent company’s dedication to sustainability is globally recognized, as evidenced by its highest score in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) in the DHP Household Durables industry for the sixth consecutive year (based on the results dated 22 November 2024) and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the eighth consecutive year.*** Beko has been recognized as the 17th most sustainable company on TIME Magazine and Statista’s 2025 list of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies. Beko’s vision is ‘Respecting the World, Respected Worldwide.’   

www.bekoeurope.com

*Source Euromonitor International Limited; Consumer Appliances 2025 edition, Beko Corp, Large Appliances as per “Major Appliances”, GBO, retail volume, 2024 data.

**Licensee limited to certain jurisdictions.

***The data presented belongs to Arçelik A.Ş., a parent company of Beko.

[1] In addition to the Eco 40-60 program (declaration program) the energy consumption of Cottons, Synthetics, Xpress/Super Express, Delicates, Mix, Handwash, Wool, Darkcare, and Outdoor/Sports programs is up to 35% less compared to the Beko WTV 9636 XS0 washing machine, without compromising washing performance. EnergySpin is also available in Coldwash, 20°C, Drum Clean, and Downloaded programs.

Photo:  https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812022/Beko_Europe_Infographic.jpg
Photo:  https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812023/Beko_Europe_1.jpg
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Logo:   https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812020/Beko_Europe_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE Beko Europe

ATLANTA, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cox Enterprises, gener8tor and the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub hosted the inaugural Cox Cleantech Accelerator LIVE on October 30, showcasing 10 leading startups at the forefront of environmental innovation. Each one has a goal to make the world cleaner while also positively impacting their customers’ bottom line. The Atlanta showcase connected early-stage companies with investors, business leaders and industry partners committed to scaling sustainable solutions.

“At Cox, our goal is not just to support individual companies but to build an ecosystem that drives long-term, scalable solutions to climate change,” said Jack Semrau, Atlanta Venture Ecosystem lead at Cox Enterprises. “Events like Cox Cleantech Accelerator LIVE give investors the opportunity to engage directly with founders who are creating technologies that will benefit both business and society.”

Cox has made strategic investments over the past decade to support Atlanta as a top tech hub. The company has supported over 400 startups, unlocking thousands of new, fresh ideas while also creating a significant number of jobs.

At the showcase, the different startups displayed their unique approaches to contemporary challenges, including making utility infrastructures more resilient and helping corporations and governments reduce energy usage and produce more reuseable resources.

“Atlanta is becoming a hub for cleantech innovation, and we’re proud to help entrepreneurs tap into this momentum,” said Miguel Granier, managing director of the Cox Cleantech Accelerator. “These startups are tackling critical issues from renewable energy and sustainable transportation to food systems and waste reduction. We’re excited to connect them with the mentorship, network and investment they need to scale.”

Granier led a panel joined by investors Micah Kotch, a partner at Blackhorn Ventures, and Anthony Oni, a managing partner with Elevate Future Fund at Energy Impact Partners. The panel shared insights on energy and cleantech investments, especially as America rebuilds its factories and industries. The group also offered strategic advice for advancing the cleantech momentum in the Atlanta region.

The Cox Cleantech Accelerator is a 12-week program designed to support early-stage cleantech startups. The Accelerator reflects Cox Enterprises’ long-standing commitment to sustainability. Cox has invested over $2B in cleantech businesses and technologies since 2007.By fostering new ventures, Cox is helping to drive both economic growth and environmental impact in Georgia and the Southeast.

In collaboration with gener8tor, a global venture firm and accelerator, and the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub, the program supports diverse founders while positioning Atlanta as a premier destination for cleantech innovation. The Accelerator’s first two cohorts have attracted startups from across the U.S. and the world. This underscores the region’s growing role as a center for sustainable technology and economic development.

To learn more about the Cox Cleantech Accelerator and the 2025 startups, visit CoxCleantech.com/acceleratorlive25. View a recording of the showcase here.

About Cox Enterprises Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive and media industries, as well as a leading investment platform with strategic positions in emerging technologies driving the future of agriculture, renewable energy and public sector software. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cox is a global company with $23 billion in annual revenues and a proud history of over 125 years. To learn more about Cox and its commitment to its people, planet and communities, visit CoxEnterprises.com.

About gener8tor gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate accelerator programs and conferences in more than 45 communities across 25 states and three countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as the Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.

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SOURCE Cox Enterprises

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) is proud to announce its upcoming feature on Empowered, the acclaimed Public TV series hosted by award-winning actress Meg Ryan. The segment will spotlight NIBS’ leadership in advancing building science, resilience, and innovation across the built environment.

As a trusted authority in the industry for over 50 years, NIBS continues to drive impactful change through research, education, and collaboration with government, academia, and private sector partners. The Empowered feature will highlight NIBS’ mission to improve the safety, sustainability, and performance of buildings nationwide, a mission rooted in its founding by the U.S. Congress in 1974. For over 50 years, NIBS has served as a vital interface between government and the private sector, advancing building science and technology to improve the built environment. Through its leadership in developing standards, promoting resilience, and fostering innovation, NIBS continues to shape a safer and more sustainable future for American communities.

“We’re honored to be featured on Empowered and to share our story with a broader audience,” said George Guszcza, President and CEO of NIBS. “This opportunity allows us to showcase the critical work being done to strengthen America’s infrastructure and promote resilient communities.” The feature will include clips from NIBS Board members Nancy Novak and Sandra Benson, who discuss the critical role NIBS plays in shaping the building sciences industry, sharing their perspectives on its impact, leadership, and future direction.

Empowered, hosted by Meg Ryan, is a nationally distributed educational TV series that features compelling stories shaping the future of society. The show focuses on spotlighting innovative sectors and influential thought leaders, using advanced filming techniques and a unique distribution platform to reach millions of households nationwide.

The Public Television segment begins distribution on November 3, reaching more than 170 participating Public Television stations nationwide. It will air as interstitial programming throughout 2026.

About the National Institute of Building Sciences

Created by an act of Congress in 1974 to be the nation’s authoritative source of findings and recommendations on the impact and improvement of the built environment for the American people. At the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), we connect research, policy, and practical application to advance innovation in the built environment. Our mission is to create a safer, more resilient, and technologically advanced infrastructure that serves American communities and strengthens our nation’s future.

From shaping industry standards to guiding digital transformation, we empower building professionals, policymakers, and owners to make informed decisions that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. We convene experts across sectors to develop solutions that ensure construction, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness keep pace with evolving challenges.

Building American Innovation isn’t just our tagline—it’s our commitment. We foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia to drive forward-thinking strategies for resilient communities. Because at NIBS, we don’t just build structures, we build solutions.

 For more information, visit nibs.org or follow @bldgsciences on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

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SOURCE National Institute of Building Sciences

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total October sales of 25,161 vehicles; a decrease of 32.6 percent compared to October 2024. Year-to-date sales totaled 344,825 vehicles sold; a decrease of 1.7 percent compared to the same time last year. With 27 selling days in October, compared to the same the year prior, the company posted a decrease of 32.6 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

CPO sales totaled 6,177 vehicles in October, an increase of 2.5 percent compared to October 2024. Year-to-date sales totaled 62,700; an increase of .3 percent compared to the same time last year.

October 2025 sales highlights include:

• Second best October sales of CX-50 with 8,351 vehicles sold.

Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported October sales of 6,815 vehicles, an increase of .1 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 70,832 vehicles sold; an increase of 14.3 percent compared to the same time last year.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported October sales of 9,282 vehicles; an increase of 10 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 84,351 vehicles sold; an increase of 9 percent compared to the same time last year.

About Mazda North American Operations
Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com.

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Threads.

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

National nonprofit marks a major milestone — funding 100,000 activities worth $36 million for sports, fine and performing arts, camps, STEM enrichment, and more.

OAKTON, Va., Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Our Military Kids^®, a national nonprofit providing activity funding for eligible military children and teens, is celebrating a major milestone this week: 100,000 activity awards worth $36 million given to military children across the country.

To mark this achievement, Our Military Kids is thrilled to introduce 8-year-old Gavin, the 100,000th activity award recipient. During his mother’s National Guard deployment, Gavin is using an Our Military Kids activity award to pay for his hockey fees.

Moved by the impact of receiving his activity award packet — which came not only with a check for hockey, but a personalized award certificate, dog tags, patch, and more — Gavin’s family sent in a video expressing their gratitude:

<<WATCH GAVIN’S VIDEO>>

“Gavin was over the moon and became very emotional about the award,” his mother told us. “It really does show what this program does for the kids, especially during a vulnerable time in their lives. This activity award was especially helpful during this time of uncertainty with the government shut down and me being overseas. Thank you again so much!”

Since 2004, Our Military Kids has funded a wide range of programs — from soccer, baseball, and art classes to Scouts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and computer coding — helping children explore passions, develop new skills, and create lasting memories despite the challenges of military life.

This milestone has been made possible due to the generosity of Our Military Kids investors and partners, whose dedication continues to light the way for thousands of military families navigating hardship and variability.

Even as Our Military Kids celebrates 100,000 activity awards given, this crucial work is not done. With thousands of families serving and receiving combat-injury care, there are even more children waiting, worrying, and needing a reminder that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

<<DONATE TO SUPPORT MORE CHILDREN>>

Our Military Kids stands steadfast in supporting these families for the next 100,000 activities and beyond.

About Our Military Kids^®

Our Military Kids is a national nonprofit offering activity awards for children (ages 1-18) of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, OR Veterans receiving care for combat-related injuries or illnesses. Learn more and apply online at: ourmilitarykids.org

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SOURCE Our Military Kids