Tag: PR Newswire

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World-famous Laugh Factory Hollywood will host an America’s Got Talent Comedy Showcase on Wednesday, January 28 at 9:45 PM, featuring promising young comedians from across America.

The showcase will be led by four-time Emmy winner and comedy legend Howie Mandel, whose distinguished career also includes serving as a judge on America’s Got Talent, and hosting Deal or No Deal. He most recently starred in a Laugh Factory production, the motion picture Toad, directed by Adam Rifkin.

Mandel will guide the showcase. Standout performers may be selected as contestants for America’s Got Talent.

Laugh Factory has always been recognized for discovering and nourishing young comics. It is also a place where many of the greatest stars of comedy—such as Richard Pryor, Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Tim Allen, Eddie Murphy, and Chris Rock—have come to refine their new material.

“Laugh Factory Hollywood is a place where fresh faces of comedy come to hone their acts,” said Howie Mandel. “I’m looking forward to enjoying some great standup comedy sets and discovering who is ready to take the next step to stardom.”

“We’re excited to host this special America’s Got Talent showcase,” said Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada. “I’ve watched Howie perform for four decades, and in all those years, I’ve never seen him have a bad show. Every time I see him, I laugh at everything he does, and so does the rest of his audience. He is simply a master comedian.”

Additional information is available at https://www.agtauditions.com/howie 

About Laugh Factory:
For more than 45 years, Laugh Factory has conducted community outreach efforts to help those in need, such as its Comedy Camp (which has helped thousands of kids (including Tiffany Haddish, Nick Cannon and Amanda Bynes) to increase their confidence and self-esteem. Laugh Factory also feeds thousands of people annually with its free Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts and comedy shows and has raised tens of millions of dollars for charitable organizations at its clubs around the nation. 

Laugh Factory • 8001 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90046 • www.laughfactory.com

Contact: Greg Waskul at gregwaskul@aol.com or (818) 926-0079
or Anne Edmond at pforpublicist@gmail.com or (917) 238-1229

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SOURCE LAUGH FACTORY

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World-famous Laugh Factory Hollywood will host an America’s Got Talent Comedy Showcase on Wednesday, January 28 at 9:45 PM, featuring promising young comedians from across America.

The showcase will be led by four-time Emmy winner and comedy legend Howie Mandel, whose distinguished career also includes serving as a judge on America’s Got Talent, and hosting Deal or No Deal. He most recently starred in a Laugh Factory production, the motion picture Toad, directed by Adam Rifkin.

Mandel will guide the showcase. Standout performers may be selected as contestants for America’s Got Talent.

Laugh Factory has always been recognized for discovering and nourishing young comics. It is also a place where many of the greatest stars of comedy—such as Richard Pryor, Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Tim Allen, Eddie Murphy, and Chris Rock—have come to refine their new material.

“Laugh Factory Hollywood is a place where fresh faces of comedy come to hone their acts,” said Howie Mandel. “I’m looking forward to enjoying some great standup comedy sets and discovering who is ready to take the next step to stardom.”

“We’re excited to host this special America’s Got Talent showcase,” said Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada. “I’ve watched Howie perform for four decades, and in all those years, I’ve never seen him have a bad show. Every time I see him, I laugh at everything he does, and so does the rest of his audience. He is simply a master comedian.”

Additional information is available at https://www.agtauditions.com/howie 

About Laugh Factory:
For more than 45 years, Laugh Factory has conducted community outreach efforts to help those in need, such as its Comedy Camp (which has helped thousands of kids (including Tiffany Haddish, Nick Cannon and Amanda Bynes) to increase their confidence and self-esteem. Laugh Factory also feeds thousands of people annually with its free Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts and comedy shows and has raised tens of millions of dollars for charitable organizations at its clubs around the nation. 

Laugh Factory • 8001 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90046 • www.laughfactory.com

Contact: Greg Waskul at gregwaskul@aol.com or (818) 926-0079
or Anne Edmond at pforpublicist@gmail.com or (917) 238-1229

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/laugh-factory-hollwood-to-host-americas-got-talent-comedy-showcase-starring-howie-mandel-on-wednesday-january-28th-302661024.html

SOURCE LAUGH FACTORY

CO280 CDR: A year defined by multi-megatonne contracts, project milestones, and global leadership

VANCOUVER, B.C., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CO280 Solutions Inc. (CO280), a leading developer of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., has been named on Cleantech Group’s 2026 Global Cleantech 100. This annual list recognizes companies poised to deliver market-ready climate solutions that advance a cleaner, more resilient global future.

For the 17^th edition, Cleantech Group collaborated with over 75 leading investors, corporates, and innovation experts to identify CO280 as one of the most promising companies in cleantech with 10+ projects in development and 4.3+ million tonnes of permanent CDR contracted to date.

2025 Year in Review: How CO280 accelerated the development of durable CDR at scale

CO280 retrofits pulp and paper mills with modular carbon capture units to capture and permanently store biogenic CO2, delivering a method of high-quality, affordable, and scalable CDR called bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Its partnership model boosts pulp and paper industry profitability by generating a new revenue stream, helping to protect forestry jobs in rural areas across North America.

Here is CO280’s 2025 Year in Review:

• 4.3+ Million Tonnes of Total CDR Contracted: Over the past year, CO280 has accelerated pulp and paper BECCS at the multi-megatonne scale—contracting over 4 million tonnes with the market’s leading buyers. At over 4.3 million total tonnes contracted to date, CO280 is one of the top five global suppliers of carbon removal by tonnes sold according to cdr.fyi.
• 10+ Projects in Development: The pulp and paper industry in North America produces over 100 million tonnes of biogenic CO2 annually. CO280 is developing more than 10 carbon capture and removal projects in partnership with North America’s leading pulp and paper companies. Altogether, these projects stand to deliver up to 7 million tonnes per annum of durable CDR.
• 4 Projects in Pre-FEED and FEED: Four CO280 projects have reached the Pre-FEED and FEED stages with anticipated FID from 2026 to 2028. The projects are located at pulp and paper mills located in the U.S. Gulf Coast and Canada, and the resulting CDR credits will be sold to buyers in the voluntary carbon market.
• 1 Successful CDR Field Pilot: Together with SLB Capturi, a leading provider of carbon capture technology, CO280 conducted a carbon capture field pilot in the U.S. Gulf Coast to test the real-world performance of liquid amine carbon capture on biogenic CO2 from pulp and paper mills. The pilot successfully met or exceeded all key performance indicators, from carbon capture rate efficiency to energy consumption, and validated that the technology is ready today for commercial-scale deployment at pulp and paper mills.
• 2X Team Growth: To support the development and deployment of pulp and paper BECCS at scale, CO280 has doubled its team across projects, finance, commercial, and engineering—and is continuing to hire for new positions that will make the global mandate for permanent, high-quality CDR a reality.

Cleantech 100: Unlocking new value across climate and industry

Integration with existing industries and infrastructure is unlocking new, scalable revenue across the cleantech ecosystem. From domestic manufacturing to AI, decarbonization coupled with innovation is set to eliminate supply chain vulnerabilities, strengthen domestic capacity, and accelerate economic benefits.

“This year’s Global Cleantech 100 reflects a market in transition—one that is becoming more disciplined, more discerning, and ultimately more resilient,” said Richard Youngman, CEO at Cleantech Group. “While the adjustment phase has been painful for some parts of the ecosystem, we are also witnessing remarkable bursts of innovation responding to new sources of demand, from AI-driven power needs to critical materials security.”

Across industries like power, materials, paper, and water, cleantech solutions are expanding production capacity and mitigating risk—all while safeguarding jobs in manufacturing. In the U.S. alone, retrofitting pulp and paper mills to capture and sequester biogenic CO2 is a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity for the U.S. forest products industry, which represents approximately 5% of U.S. manufacturing GDP. The pulp and paper industry directly employs over 930,000 workers and supports millions of indirect jobs in rural communities.

“By retrofitting mills to capture and sequester biogenic CO2, we’re delivering millions of tonnes of durable CDR to our customers and transforming the economics of the pulp and paper industry,” said Jonathan Rhone, Co-Founder and CEO of CO280. “CO280 has the potential to invest billions of dollars in a critical North American industry—and help secure jobs for forestry workers for decades to come.”

Looking ahead, cleantech solutions like CO280 CDR will continue to advance systems integration, market development, and business innovation to create scalable, repeatable climate solutions for lasting impact.

“The 2026 Global Cleantech 100 arrives at a pivotal moment,” said Anthony DeOrsey, Research Manager at Cleantech Group. “Around the world, governments and industries are no longer innovating for efficiency alone—they are innovating for durability. This year’s honorees reflect that shift.”

To learn more about how CO280 is leading permanent CDR development in North America, join Co-Founders Jonathan Rhone and Natalie Khtikian at the 2026 Cleantech Forum North America.

About CO280
CO280 is a leading developer of projects that produce high-quality, permanent, and affordable carbon dioxide removal (CDR). In partnership with pulp and paper companies, CO280 is working to capture and store millions of tonnes of biogenic CO2 annually to bring the highest-integrity CDR credits to the market while revitalizing the forest products industry. To learn more, visit: www.co280.com. 

About Cleantech Group
Cleantech® Group is the human intelligence authority on global cleantech innovation. By blending our intelligence, proprietary data, and the global network we’ve cultivated for more than 20 years, we deliver insights you can trust and guidance you can act on.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/co280-recognized-as-a-2026-global-cleantech-100-company-302660304.html

SOURCE CO280

CO280 CDR: A year defined by multi-megatonne contracts, project milestones, and global leadership

VANCOUVER, B.C., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CO280 Solutions Inc. (CO280), a leading developer of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., has been named on Cleantech Group’s 2026 Global Cleantech 100. This annual list recognizes companies poised to deliver market-ready climate solutions that advance a cleaner, more resilient global future.

For the 17^th edition, Cleantech Group collaborated with over 75 leading investors, corporates, and innovation experts to identify CO280 as one of the most promising companies in cleantech with 10+ projects in development and 4.3+ million tonnes of permanent CDR contracted to date.

2025 Year in Review: How CO280 accelerated the development of durable CDR at scale

CO280 retrofits pulp and paper mills with modular carbon capture units to capture and permanently store biogenic CO2, delivering a method of high-quality, affordable, and scalable CDR called bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Its partnership model boosts pulp and paper industry profitability by generating a new revenue stream, helping to protect forestry jobs in rural areas across North America.

Here is CO280’s 2025 Year in Review:

• 4.3+ Million Tonnes of Total CDR Contracted: Over the past year, CO280 has accelerated pulp and paper BECCS at the multi-megatonne scale—contracting over 4 million tonnes with the market’s leading buyers. At over 4.3 million total tonnes contracted to date, CO280 is one of the top five global suppliers of carbon removal by tonnes sold according to cdr.fyi.
• 10+ Projects in Development: The pulp and paper industry in North America produces over 100 million tonnes of biogenic CO2 annually. CO280 is developing more than 10 carbon capture and removal projects in partnership with North America’s leading pulp and paper companies. Altogether, these projects stand to deliver up to 7 million tonnes per annum of durable CDR.
• 4 Projects in Pre-FEED and FEED: Four CO280 projects have reached the Pre-FEED and FEED stages with anticipated FID from 2026 to 2028. The projects are located at pulp and paper mills located in the U.S. Gulf Coast and Canada, and the resulting CDR credits will be sold to buyers in the voluntary carbon market.
• 1 Successful CDR Field Pilot: Together with SLB Capturi, a leading provider of carbon capture technology, CO280 conducted a carbon capture field pilot in the U.S. Gulf Coast to test the real-world performance of liquid amine carbon capture on biogenic CO2 from pulp and paper mills. The pilot successfully met or exceeded all key performance indicators, from carbon capture rate efficiency to energy consumption, and validated that the technology is ready today for commercial-scale deployment at pulp and paper mills.
• 2X Team Growth: To support the development and deployment of pulp and paper BECCS at scale, CO280 has doubled its team across projects, finance, commercial, and engineering—and is continuing to hire for new positions that will make the global mandate for permanent, high-quality CDR a reality.

Cleantech 100: Unlocking new value across climate and industry

Integration with existing industries and infrastructure is unlocking new, scalable revenue across the cleantech ecosystem. From domestic manufacturing to AI, decarbonization coupled with innovation is set to eliminate supply chain vulnerabilities, strengthen domestic capacity, and accelerate economic benefits.

“This year’s Global Cleantech 100 reflects a market in transition—one that is becoming more disciplined, more discerning, and ultimately more resilient,” said Richard Youngman, CEO at Cleantech Group. “While the adjustment phase has been painful for some parts of the ecosystem, we are also witnessing remarkable bursts of innovation responding to new sources of demand, from AI-driven power needs to critical materials security.”

Across industries like power, materials, paper, and water, cleantech solutions are expanding production capacity and mitigating risk—all while safeguarding jobs in manufacturing. In the U.S. alone, retrofitting pulp and paper mills to capture and sequester biogenic CO2 is a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity for the U.S. forest products industry, which represents approximately 5% of U.S. manufacturing GDP. The pulp and paper industry directly employs over 930,000 workers and supports millions of indirect jobs in rural communities.

“By retrofitting mills to capture and sequester biogenic CO2, we’re delivering millions of tonnes of durable CDR to our customers and transforming the economics of the pulp and paper industry,” said Jonathan Rhone, Co-Founder and CEO of CO280. “CO280 has the potential to invest billions of dollars in a critical North American industry—and help secure jobs for forestry workers for decades to come.”

Looking ahead, cleantech solutions like CO280 CDR will continue to advance systems integration, market development, and business innovation to create scalable, repeatable climate solutions for lasting impact.

“The 2026 Global Cleantech 100 arrives at a pivotal moment,” said Anthony DeOrsey, Research Manager at Cleantech Group. “Around the world, governments and industries are no longer innovating for efficiency alone—they are innovating for durability. This year’s honorees reflect that shift.”

To learn more about how CO280 is leading permanent CDR development in North America, join Co-Founders Jonathan Rhone and Natalie Khtikian at the 2026 Cleantech Forum North America.

About CO280
CO280 is a leading developer of projects that produce high-quality, permanent, and affordable carbon dioxide removal (CDR). In partnership with pulp and paper companies, CO280 is working to capture and store millions of tonnes of biogenic CO2 annually to bring the highest-integrity CDR credits to the market while revitalizing the forest products industry. To learn more, visit: www.co280.com. 

About Cleantech Group
Cleantech® Group is the human intelligence authority on global cleantech innovation. By blending our intelligence, proprietary data, and the global network we’ve cultivated for more than 20 years, we deliver insights you can trust and guidance you can act on.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/co280-recognized-as-a-2026-global-cleantech-100-company-302660304.html

SOURCE CO280

Study focuses on fluidized bed design and the structure and performance of various kinds of oxygen carriers

JEONBUK-DO, South Korea, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Traditional techniques of converting fossil fuels for heat and power generation and chemical production increase carbon footprint, harming society and environment. To mitigate this problem, carbon capture and storage technologies aimed at lowering carbon dioxide emissions and encompassing renewable energy utilization, circular economy, and green chemical synthesis are promising. Chemical looping is one such innovative technology. These processes—representing efficient technologies for hydrogen and chemical production applications—involve the cyclic oxidation and reduction of metal oxide particles in fluidized bed reactors.

In a recent study, a team of researchers led by Dr. Jester Lih Jie Ling, a post-doctoral researcher at Jeonbuk National University, has comprehensively reviewed the latest innovations in chemical looping. Their insightful findings were made available online on 7 October 2025 and have been published in Volume 256 of the journal Renewable Energy on 1 January 2026.

Dr. Ling highlights the major contributions of their work. “Our work highlights key advancements in fluidized-bed reactors that enhance reforming, gasification, and hydrogenation within chemical looping systems. It also emphasizes enhanced oxygen carrier materials with higher reactivity, durability, and resistance—critical attributes for long-term, stable operation.”

The researchers highlight various bed material criteria for both oxygen carriers and feedstocks in reactors, including oxygen vacancy, fuel/feedstock type, carbon deposition, agglomeration, and economical and environmental considerations. Importantly, the technological advancements in chemical looping in fluidized bed reactors enables the use of liquid and solid feedstocks, in addition to a wide variety of chemical pathways.

This review further suggests that the characteristics of oxygen carriers are significant from a microscopic perspective. They impact the yield and purity of the synthesized chemicals. Therefore, the synthesis method of the oxygen carriers plays a pivotal role in determining the overall performance of the process. Some representative methods include sol-gel, spray-drying, mechanical mixing, impregnation, co-precipitation, and freeze granulation techniques.

Considering the huge importance of oxygen carriers—such as perovskite, spinel, core shell, and Cu, Fe, Ni, and Mn-based carriers in chemical looping fluidized bed reactors, the team elaborates upon their structure and physical properties, as well as their performance during complex multiredox cycles. In this way, they contribute to the development of a physical standard for oxygen carriers in various energy and chemical conversion processes, including hydrogen production via steam reforming and water splitting, ammonia synthesis through nitrogen looping, syngas-derived fuels and chemicals, and light olefins and selective oxidation products.

Furthermore, the present work emphasizes the importance of controlling fluidization regime and constructing particle models that combine thermodynamic properties and hydrodynamic motions for yield optimization in chemical looping processes. It also highlights the loss due to thermal and chemical reaction stresses as an area of interest for future research.

“The implementation of chemical looping processes in fluidized bed reactors is in alignment with the increasing demand for sustainable and low carbon renewable energy technologies, particularly when biomass is used as a feedstock with solar thermal energy for bioenergy carbon capture storage applications. Its benefits encompass low-emission power generation with inherent carbon dioxide separation, carbon footprint reduction in chemical production, particularly hydrogen, and industrial decarbonization. Overall, this review is expected to guide the further development of chemical looping fluidized bed reactors,” concludes Dr. Ling.

Reference
Title of original paper: Recent innovations in chemical looping: Fluidized bed design and oxygen carrier performance
Journal: Renewable Energy
DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124575

 About Jeonbuk National University 
Website: https://www.jbnu.ac.kr/en/index.do

Contact:
Yoonbeom Kim
82 63 270 4638
407439@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Jeonbuk National University

CONCORD, N.H., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — More than 500 students from across New Hampshire will gather at the Grappone Conference Center on Wednesday, Jan. 28 with a simple message: they love their schools and they are grateful for school choice. The event, which includes student speakers, dance performances, and art showcases, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week.

At the event, students and parents will share personal stories about how school choice has shaped their lives. Over the past decade, the Granite State has significantly expanded K–12 education options, broadening access to public, public charter, magnet, private, online, home, and non-traditional learning environments.

Organized by the Children’s Scholarship Fund – New Hampshire in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the event will take place from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at Grappone Conference Center (70 Constitution Ave, Concord, NH 03301).

“Education freedom is what makes moments like these possible,” said Kate Baker Demers, Executive Director of Children’s Scholarship Fund – New Hampshire. “National School Choice Week highlights how families, when given the freedom to choose the right learning environment, can see their children thrive. These performances are living proof that when opportunity meets talent, students flourish.”

National School Choice Week runs Jan. 25–31 and includes 28,000 events across America. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about the various education options available to families, empower parents to find the learning environment that best suits their child’s needs, and help them feel confident in navigating those choices.

For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/new-hampshire-student-showcase.

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K–12 school choice can change their children’s lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children’s needs. Our three charitable programs––National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares––raise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/next-week-concord-educational-showcase-to-highlight-student-talent-and-k12-school-options-302656358.html

SOURCE National School Choice Week

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When catastrophic wildfires swept across Los Angeles County on January 7, 2025, the devastation to families and communities was immediate and profound. The very next day, the California Community Foundation (CCF) activated its Wildfire Recovery Fund, quickly rallying donors and community partners to deliver life-saving support to thousands of residents facing displacement and loss.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of more than 48,000 donors, CCF raised over $100 million and has distributed tens of millions in immediate cash aid and resources to survivors through more than 260 nonprofit organizations. Their efforts have focused not only on immediate relief – such as temporary housing, food, and financial assistance – but also on long-term recovery, infrastructure rebuilding, and strengthening the community’s resilience against future disasters.

To highlight the reach of the Wildfire Recovery Fund, CCF recently released an interactive report entitled “Rising Together: A Year of Impact.” This 2025 Impact Report offers an unprecedented, transparent look at how philanthropic dollars and community partnerships translated into real help for wildfire survivors in Los Angeles County. The report chronicles CCF’s rapid response, innovative recovery strategies, and grassroots partnerships in real time – showing not just how much was raised, but where funds were deployed, who was helped and what obstacles remain. It also features survivor stories, the measurable reach of emergency and rebuilding grants and collaborative advocacy that led to new survivor-focused policy victories.

For fire survivors, the report isn’t just a set of numbers – it’s proof that they are not alone and that recovery is ongoing. The report highlights initiatives and policies born from community feedback and survivor voices. It also outlines how the foundation’s long-term commitment means support doesn’t end after the headlines fade. Survivors can find information on ongoing aid, advocacy, and opportunities to help shape the next steps toward full community renewal and resilience.

This report also shows how donor support turned into immediate action – with every dollar going directly to those most in need, thanks to CCF absorbing all administrative costs. Donors can see the difference their gifts made, from putting cash directly in survivors’ hands, to keeping families in their homes, supporting mental health, and championing fairer insurance laws. It doesn’t just tell you what was done; it shows the lives changed, communities healed, and the forward momentum your generosity creates for years to come.

Looking ahead, CCF’s commitment goes beyond immediate relief to long-term recovery and resilience. Through ongoing partnerships, advocacy and community-driven solutions, CCF continues to stand with wildfire survivors, helping to rebuild stronger, more equitable, and more hopeful communities for everyone impacted.

Media Contact:
Ben Poston 
bposton@calfund.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-community-foundation-releases-la-wildfire-report-a-year-of-impact-302660459.html

SOURCE California Community Foundation

MANNHEIM, Germany, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — osapiens, a leading provider of enterprise software for sustainable growth, today announced that it had entered into an agreement for Decarbonization Partners, a joint venture between BlackRock and Temasek, to lead a US$ 100 million Series C fundraising round, subject to regulatory approvals. Decarbonization Partners will join existing investors Goldman Sachs Alternatives, which led the US$ 120 million Series B in 2024, and Armira Growth, which led the US$ 27 million Series A investment in 2023.

osapiens provides enterprise software that enables companies to manage regulatory compliance, sustainability, and operational efficiency across their entire value chain on a single platform. The osapiens HUB currently offers more than 25 enterprise-grade solutions, all of which run on a multi-tenant infrastructure that enables AI-driven automation and seamless cross-company collaboration. The platform combines transparency and efficiency solutions to help companies minimize risks, maximize efficiency, and respond with high agility and adaptability to changing regulatory and business requirements – setting industry standards.

The proceeds from the investment will be used to accelerate product innovation and fuel growth in existing and new international markets, further strengthening osapiens’ position as a global platform for sustainable growth.

“This investment is a strong validation of our strategy and our long-term vision,” said Alberto Zamora, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of osapiens. “It demonstrates that sustainable growth and AI-driven efficiency remain top priorities for global investors. Decarbonization Partners is an exceptional partner for us. With a focus on sustainability and the combined global presence and investment expertise of BlackRock and Temasek, they bring exactly the perspective and scale we need for our next phase of growth to become the indisputable global category leader in sustainable growth for enterprises of all sizes.”

Matthias Jungblut, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of osapiens, said: “Decarbonization Partners understands both the regulatory dynamics companies face today and the business opportunity of AI-driven efficiency that comes with it. Their deep experience in scaling category-defining technology companies makes them a perfect strategic fit alongside Goldman Sachs Alternatives and Armira Growth.”

“osapiens is redefining how companies achieve transparency, compliance, and operational excellence across increasingly complex supply chains,” said Dr. Meghan Sharp, Global Head and Chief Investment Officer of Decarbonization Partners. “Enterprises around the world are looking for trusted, scalable software to meet rising regulatory, sustainability and decarbonization expectations. osapiens’ platform delivers the clarity organizations need to operate and grow responsibly.”

About osapiens:

osapiens – one platform for sustainable growth

osapiens develops software that empowers companies to drive sustainable growth across their entire value chain. The osapiens HUB, a multi-tenant hyperscaler platform designed to enable cross-company collaboration and AI automation, combines over 25 solutions in two categories: Transparency solutions enable companies to report on financial and non-financial data, manage supply chains, mitigate risks of all kinds (including cyber-risks and trade- and geopolitical risks), and ensure compliance with product, reporting and supply chain regulations. Efficiency solutions enable AI-driven supplier collaboration, maintenance, service, and distribution processes to improve operational performance and strengthen competitiveness.

osapiens was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 2018 by Alberto Zamora, Stefan Wawrzinek, and Matthias Jungblut. Its international team of over 550 dedicated professionals across Europe and the United States supports more than 2,400 customers worldwide, including global category leaders like Coca-Cola North America, Lidl, Carrefour, OTTO, and the Acciona-Nordex Group.

About Decarbonization Partners:

Decarbonization Partners is a joint venture between Temasek and BlackRock focused on late-stage venture capital and early growth private equity investing in next-generation companies that provide solutions and technologies to help accelerate global efforts to achieve a net zero global economy by 2050. Decarbonization Partners combines Temasek and BlackRock’s complementary platforms and expertise in sourcing and underwriting private investments, portfolio and risk management, and sustainable technology and analytics. Decarbonization Partners invests in a wide range of companies that have proven technology and need capital to scale. The partnership attracted US$1.40 billion in capital from a diverse set of over 30 institutional investors across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2860577/osapiens_Founders.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2860576/osapiens_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE Resonance

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ukraine House Davos proudly returns for its eighth year as a beacon of unity, resilience, and opportunity alongside the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19–22, 2026.

Recognized as the leading platform for Ukraine’s voice during the forum, Ukraine House Davos unites global leaders, visionaries, and changemakers to spotlight Ukraine’s remarkable journey, one defined by courage, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to a brighter future for Europe and the world.

Co-organized by UMAEF, Victor Pinchuk Foundation, and Horizon Capital, Ukraine House Davos 2026 will convene senior government officials, business leaders, investors, policymakers, and media for a dynamic program of high-level discussions and interactive sessions.

As Ukraine approaches the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the world’s attention is fixed on this courageous nation’s remarkable resilience, ensuring a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine and its rightful place in Europe, and the boundless opportunities that lie ahead. A platform for vision and action, this year’s program is anchored in the belief that Ukraine’s frontline experience and innovative spirit are shaping not only the nation’s recovery, but also the future of Europe.

From pioneering advancements in technology and energy to forging new economic partnerships, Ukraine House Davos 2026 will showcase a country driving innovation and dynamism amid adversity.

“At this pivotal moment, Ukraine House Davos is honored to present the world with a vision of hope, strength, and partnership,” said Ulyana Khromyak, Executive Director of Ukraine House Davos. “Our program will highlight the extraordinary resilience and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people and invite the global community to join us in building a more secure, innovative and prosperous future for all.”

Program Highlights Include:

• A Shared Vision for a Just and Sustainable Peace in Europe: Exploring the foundations of lasting peace—sovereignty, justice, accountability, and human dignity.
• Europe’s Future Energy Powerhouse: Accelerating Ukraine’s energy transformation to capitalize on its untapped gas reserves, strong distributed generation potential and vast infrastructure.
• Tech-Democracy Partnerships: Ukraine’s emergence as a global leader in defense innovation, digital warfare, and technology-driven governance.
• Partners in Prosperity: Charting a new era of U.S.–Ukraine economic partnership, and unveiling the $1 trillion investment opportunity for post-war reconstruction.
• First Out of the Gate: Celebrating Kyivstar’s historic IPO on Wall Street as a symbol of investor confidence in Ukraine’s future.
• GovTech in Ukraine: Convening digital ministers, tech innovators and policy visionaries to showcase Ukraine’s digital leadership and its relevance for modern governance worldwide.
• Learning to Stay Strong: Highlighting Ukrainian government and NGO efforts on the education front, fueling Ukraine’s resilience and preparing the next generation for success.
• Business Field Meets Battlefield: Insights from Ukrainian military personnel on how civilian expertise is transforming defense and leadership and bringing insights back from the battlefield.
• Deepening Ukraine-EU Cooperation: Strengthening strategic sectors and supply chains through innovative partnerships that bring enormous benefits to the whole of Europe.
• Innovating Aid with Ukraine: Exploring Ukraine’s growing impact as a provider of scalable, evidence-based solutions to global issues, from mental health to rehabilitation to veteran care.
• The Battle Tested Harvest, Screening of ‘The Farmer of Kherson’: Contributing to global food security despite farmland being mined, grain siloes bombed and farmers targeted.
• Bring Ukraine’s Children Home: Shining a spotlight on the plight of abducted children, the nation’s quest for justice, and those working tirelessly to return Ukrainian children to their homes.
• From Resilience to Reconstruction: Leaders in business, economic and investment share their vision for Ukraine’s future and key to unlocking its full reconstruction potential.

A complete list of events and registration may be found at www.ukrainehousedavos.com

Ukraine House Organizing Committee is comprised of three women who volunteer their efforts to produce this event: Jaroslawa Johnson, President and CEO, UMAEF; Svitlana Grytsenko, Member of the Board, Victor Pinchuk Foundation; Lenna Koszarny, Founding Partner and CEO, Horizon Capital, and led by Executive Director Ulyana Khromyak.

Ukraine House Davos is made possible due to UMAEF, Victor Pinchuk Foundation and Horizon Capital, and to generous partners, most notably our Gold Partners the Temerty Foundation, Interpipe, Kyivstar, and VISA/PrivatBank; our Panel Partner Kernel; and Networking Partners the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine and Modern-EXPO.

Ukraine House Davos invites all World Economic Forum participants to join us at Promenade 59, Davos, or connect via livestream, to be part of these vital conversations and to witness Ukraine’s story of courage, resilience, and renewal.

Ukraine House Davos will open to accredited guests 19 January 2026 at 15:30 CET through 21:00 CET at Promenade 59, Davos, Switzerland.

We invite you to visit our website to register your attendance and to discover more: http://www.ukrainehousedavos.com 

Follow Ukraine House Davos via social media at:

X: @UKRHouseDavos
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Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861294/Ukraine_House_Davos_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE Ukraine House Davos

CANGZHOU, China, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Nandagang Wetland in Cangzhou, China, recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List, is a vital hub along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway and an important sanctuary for global biodiversity. Building on this ecological significance, the Cangzhou International Communication Center has launched the Nandagang International Photo Competition as a platform for global dialogue on wetland ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, inviting visual stories that deepen public understanding and contribute to the shared responsibility of protecting our planet’s natural heritage.

The competition is anchored by a legendary jury, featuring two of the most influential figures in photojournalism: Nick Ut and Ringo Chiu. Their participation highlights the competition’s commitment to visual storytelling and ecological conservation. They are joined by a distinguished panel of international experts, including Michael Nelson (United States), Albert Dros (Netherlands), Marcio Cabral (Brazil), and Marlondag (Peru).

“This is a high-end platform with a global vision, featuring a jury of six world-renowned masters. This competition undoubtedly deserves the close attention of the international community. With its massive base of photography enthusiasts, China is now cultivating the ‘tip of the pyramid’ in photographic talent. ” — Zhu Yunkuan, former Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Yunnan Photographers Association.

Competition Quick Facts:

• Thematic Categories: Nandagang Wetland Birds; Global Wetland Landscape; Wildlife & Nature
• Total Prize Pool: Includes a $1,100 USD Grand Prize and multiple Amazon Gift Cards
• Entry Fee: Free of charge (No hidden costs)
• Submission Deadline: January 29
• How to Enter: Submit single photos or series to cangzhouNDGphotoweek@gmail.com 
• Official Website: https://globalsouthernnews.com/ndg

About Nandagang International Photo Competition

As part of the UNESCO-listed “Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II),” Nandagang Wetland is indispensable to ecological balance. The Nandagang International Photo Competition seeks to elevate global awareness of environmental and wildlife conservation. May the lenses uncover Nandagang Wetland’s breathtaking allure, inviting participants and audiences alike to embrace this nature-focused celebration, gain inspiration, and unite to safeguard our shared home for sustained life vitality.

Organizing Committee:

• Host: Cangzhou International Communication Center
• Organizer: Xinhua Net North America Corporation
• Media Support: Xinhua Net Hebei Channel

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unesco-listed-nandagang-wetland-launches-photo-contest-with-pulitzer-winning-judges-302660884.html

SOURCE Cangzhou International Communication Center