Tag: PR Newswire

–Genius Tracker TF^™ now accommodates up to 1.7° post-to-post, enabling the industry’s lowest grading requirement on challenging terrain–

NORWALK, Conn., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GameChange Solar, a global leader in solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking systems, announced the next generation of Genius Tracker TF^™, its terrain-following solar tracker. Genius Tracker TF now features exceptional slope adaptability of up to 1.7 degrees between posts. This upgrade allows solar developers to unlock more project sites with difficult topography and dramatically reduce grading costs and environmental impacts by reducing or eliminating grading.

“Terrain challenges can be a big barrier to developing utility-scale solar projects,” said Derick Botha, Chief Commercial Officer at GameChange Solar. “Genius Tracker TF helps our customers overcome those challenges by offering a tracker solution that works to reduce or eliminate grading by working with the contours of the land.”

Genius Tracker TF^™ is engineered to conform to natural land contours, eliminating the need for costly grading or complex articulating joints. Its streamlined design boosts profitability by reducing civil work, shortening construction timelines, and minimizing disruptions from elevated work zones. Proven on diverse terrain, TF delivers safe, high-yield performance while supporting faster, more efficient installations on even the most challenging sites.

About GameChange Solar

GameChange is one of the top three global providers of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 43 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun’s movement across the sky and optimize plant performance while protecting the array from damaging weather conditions.

For more information, visit www.gamechangesolar.com

Contact:
Lisa Andrews
Director of Marketing
GameChange Solar
lisa.andrews@gamechangesolar.com

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SOURCE GameChange Solar

• KAPSARC introduces its first brand refresh since 2016, reflecting its evolution into a trusted advisory think tank locally and globally
• The new visual identity retains the original logo artwork, now refined with a cleaner and more modern design and a new color palette using emerald green for the icon and graphite gray for the text
• Emerald green represents wisdom, foresight, and sustainability, while graphite gray reflects clarity, communication, and a material critical to the energy transition, together highlighting KAPSARC’s role in informing data-driven policy toward a net-zero future

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KAPSARC has unveiled its first brand refresh since its official launch in 2016, marking a significant milestone in the Center’s strategic growth as an advisory think tank committed to advancing Saudi Arabia’s energy sector and informing global policies through evidence-based advice and applied research.

 

 

The core logo has been retained for continuity and institutional recognition but refined for a bolder, more contemporary appearance. The new color palette, prominently featuring emerald green and graphite gray, conveys meanings deeply aligned with the Center’s mission.

Emerald green represents wisdom, foresight, and sustainability, reinforcing KAPSARC’s dedication to rigorous data and insightful analysis. It also symbolizes prosperity and growth, highlighting the Center’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Furthermore, the color reflects Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity and its ambitious sustainability initiatives aimed at excellence and societal well-being.

Graphite gray, inspired by the Greek root graphein, meaning “to write,” emphasizes clarity and effective communication in policy advising. Additionally, graphite’s critical role in energy storage technology underscores KAPSARC’s focus on supporting the global energy transition and sustainability efforts.

KAPSARC is an advisory think tank dedicated to advancing knowledge on energy, environmental, and regional economic issues. As an accredited observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), KAPSARC actively contributes to global climate and environmental dialogues. Its mission is to advance Saudi Arabia’s energy sector and inform global policy through evidence-based advice and applied research.

For more information on KAPSARC activities, please visit: www.kapsarc.org.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2722288/KAPSARC_Logo.jpg
Video: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2722824/KAPSARC.mp4

 

 

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SOURCE KAPSARC

Black Girls Code + The Doux announce the Black Beauty AI Challenge

ATLANTA, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Black Girls Code + The Doux are launching the Black Beauty AI Challenge, a first-of-its-kind opportunity for girls and young women to use AI as a tool for self-expression, creating original videos that reflect how they define beauty, style, and culture. Their voices and visions will contribute to shaping how AI sees and understands the depth and diversity of Black identity.

“If Black creators don’t guide what AI learns from us, we risk being overlooked—or worse, misrepresented by others,” says Maya Smith, CEO and Creative Director of The Doux. “The Black Beauty AI challenge is about taking control of that narrative by challenging these young women to run the code.” 

The Black Beauty AI Challenge gives participants as young as 13 a chance to win up to $1,500 in cash prizes. Submissions from participants will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges.

“At Black Girls Code, we show girls and young women that technology is theirs to shape and to connect to their lived experiences because the future of AI is being written right now,” said Cristina Mancini, CEO of Black Girls Code. “This challenge is about nurturing confidence and sparking creativity to empower women to lead in this new tech era.”

How It Works: Participants will create a 60-90 second AI-generated video that expresses their unique perspective. The challenge is open to two age tracks:

• Youth Track: Ages 13–17
• Young Adult Track: Ages 18–25

To ensure a level playing field, cash prizes will be awarded only to entries created using free versions of tools such as Kaiber.ai, Runway ML, Luma Labs, Pika, CapCut, or Canva. All participants are encouraged to use whatever tools best enable them to showcase their creativity and skill set. Submissions created with paid or subscription-based platforms are enthusiastically welcomed but will be considered only for honorary recognition.

• $1,500 – People’s Choice
• $1000 – 1st
• $750 – 2nd
• $500 – 3rd
• $150 Doux gift card – 4th
• $100 Doux gift card – Honorary Mentions

VIP judging committee chairs:

• Maya + Brian Smith, co founders THE DOUX
• Cristina Mancini, CEO BLACK GIRLS CODE

VIP judging committee members:

• Akili King, Senior Beauty Editor, ESSENCE
• Blake Newby, Content Creator + TV Personality
• Claire Sulmers, Founder FASHIONBOMB DAILY
• Jackie Fields, Deputy Beauty Director, PEOPLE
• Julee Wilson, Beauty Editor at Large COSMO
• Olivia Hancock, Senior Beauty Editor at Byrdie

No prior coding or tech experience is required. All participants must identify as female and reside in the continental United States.

The top entries in each age group will be featured on Instagram and TikTok. Finalists and winning videos will also be showcased at a NYC pop-up gallery on MLK Day 2026, celebrating creativity, culture, and digital storytelling. To learn how to enter, click here.

About Black Girls Code: Since 2011, Black Girls Code has been at the forefront of creating a more inclusive tech industry by inspiring, educating, and equipping young girls and women with the skills to lead and thrive in technology. Through culturally relevant programs for learners ages 7-18 and career acceleration initiatives for adults 18+, BGC is not just closing the opportunity gap—it’s shaping the future of tech by championing the next generation of innovators and leaders. @blackgirlscode

About The Doux: Founded in 2018 by Maya and Brian Smith, The Doux is a Black-owned Atlanta-based independent haircare brand blending salon-quality performance with bold, hip-hop-inspired aesthetics. Available nationally at stores including Target, Walmart, Sally Beauty, and CVS, The Doux has become the fastest growing textured haircare brand in the nation. Follow along on Instagram at @ilovethedoux.

Media contact:
Jono Waks / JonoPRO – jono.waks@gmail.com

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SOURCE The Doux

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Farmer sentiment weakened in June following two months of improvement, as tracked by the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The barometer dropped 12 points to 146 from the previous month. A change in producers’ expectations for the future served as the primary factor in the shift, with the Index of Future Expectations sinking 18 points to 146. The Current Conditions Index, however, lost only 2 points, standing now at 144. A drop in optimism about future agricultural exports seems to have influenced producers’ weakened outlook. Even with the June declines, all three indices persist at higher levels than a year ago. The barometer survey took place between June 9-13.

The Farm Financial Performance Index dropped 5 points to 104, with producers projecting a slightly weaker financial outlook for their farms in June than in May. An index above 100 indicates that U.S. farmers expect a stronger financial performance in 2025 than in 2024. The index has ranged from 101 to 111 since January. Helping to support this outlook are strong income prospects for the livestock sector, especially for beef producers.

The Farm Capital Investment Index, meanwhile, rose 5 points from May to 60, nearly matching April’s reading of 61. The investment index increased as the percentage of farmers who said it’s a good time to invest reached 24%, up from 19% in May. The percentage of respondents who indicated it’s a bad time to invest was unchanged from a month earlier. Based on responses to an additional question in the producer survey, the improvement in the investment index is not expected to translate into higher farm machinery sales. The percentage of producers stating that they planned reductions in farm machinery purchases compared to last year climbed to 54% in June, up 6 points from May.

The Short-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index fell 4 points to 120 in June. An index above 100 signals cautious optimism among producers about farmland values since it means more producers expect values to rise than fall. The main factor in this month’s change in the index stems from the falling percentage of producers (37% to 32%) who expect values to rise. The percentage of producers who expect values to hold steady increased 6 points to 56%.

Shifting producer expectations for ag exports seem to be driving the shift in farmer sentiment. From May to June, the percentage of producers who said they expect increasing agricultural exports over the next five years dropped to 41% from 52%. By contrast, the percentage of respondents who expect declining exports rose 4 points to 16%. The June reading was more negative than in May, but still notably more optimistic than in March, when 30% of those surveyed said they expected exports to decline in the future.

The June survey again asked producers for their perspective on if “free trade benefits agriculture and most other American industries.” Similar to the May survey results, only 31% of farmers in June said they strongly agreed with the statement. This stands in contrast to responses received to this question in fall 2020. When asked this question five years ago, 49% of respondents said they strongly agreed that free trade was beneficial.

The four most recent barometer surveys sought to learn more about farmers’ perspectives on the effect of U.S. trade policies on farm income. Each survey included a question that asked what impact they expected from the imposition of tariffs on their farm’s income. The May and June surveys confirmed ongoing producer worries about the tariffs’ impact on farm income. However, the percentage of producers who expect a negative or very negative impact has dropped since March and April. Most respondents (56%) in March and April said they expected a negative impact from U.S. tariff policy on their farms’ income. That percentage slipped to 45% in May and June. The percentage of respondents indicating that they expected a positive or very positive impact of the tariffs on their farm’s income shifted upward to 27% in May and June from 23% in March and April.

“Overall, we see weakened agricultural producer sentiment coupled with their weakened expectations for the future,” said Michael Langemeier, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “Reduced optimism about the future of U.S. agriculture’s export prospects stands out as a major cause of the shift in sentiment. Although farmers remain concerned that U.S. tariff policies will reduce their income, fewer producers in May and June said they expect a negative or very negative impact on their income than they did in March and April.”

About the Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture

The Center for Commercial Agriculture was founded in 2011 to provide professional development and educational programs for farmers. Housed within Purdue University’s Department of Agricultural Economics, the center’s faculty and staff develop and execute research and educational programs that address the different needs of managing in today’s business environment.

About CME Group

As the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, CME Group enables clients to trade futures, options, cash and OTC markets, optimize portfolios, and analyze data — empowering market participants worldwide to efficiently manage risk and capture opportunities. CME Group exchanges offer the widest range of global benchmark products across all major asset classes based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural products and metals. The company offers futures and options on futures trading through the CME Globex platform, fixed income trading via BrokerTec and foreign exchange trading on the EBS platform. In addition, it operates one of the world’s leading central counterparty clearing providers, CME Clearing.

CME Group, the Globe logo, CME, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Globex, and E-mini are trademarks of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. CBOT and Chicago Board of Trade are trademarks of Board of Trade of the City of Chicago, Inc. NYMEX, New York Mercantile Exchange and ClearPort are trademarks of New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. COMEX is a trademark of Commodity Exchange, Inc. BrokerTec is a trademark of BrokerTec Americas LLC and EBS is a trademark of EBS Group LTD. The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“S&P DJI”). “S&P®”, “S&P 500®”, “SPY®”, “SPX®”, US 500 and The 500 are trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC; Dow Jones®, DJIA® and Dow Jones Industrial Average are service and/or trademarks of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. These trademarks have been licensed for use by Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. Futures contracts based on the S&P 500 Index are not sponsored, endorsed, marketed, or promoted by S&P DJI, and S&P DJI makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in such products. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research university leading with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities in the United States, Purdue discovers, disseminates and deploys knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 107,000 students study at Purdue across multiple campuses, locations and modalities, including more than 58,000 at our main campus in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 14 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its comprehensive urban expansion, the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue Computes and the One Health initiative — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.

Sources and Notes block:
Source: Michael Langemeier, mlangeme@purdue.edu, 765-494-9557

Author: Steve Koppes

Image caption: Farmer sentiment weakens on cloudy trade outlook. (Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer/James Mintert)

CME-G

 

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SOURCE CME Group

Over $100,000 in financial and technology grants awarded globally to support educators and innovation

NEW YORK, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Echo360, the global leader in transformative learning and AI-powered education technology, today announced the recipients of its 2025 e³ Tech Grants Program, awarding more than $100,000 in combined financial and technology support to educators and researchers worldwide. Now in its fifth year, the e³ Tech Grants Program reinforces Echo360’s ongoing commitment to advancing transformative teaching and learning through targeted investment and hands-on resources.

“As educational institutions face mounting financial stress, from flat or declining funding to enrollment volatility, every dollar counts,” said Murad Velani, President and CEO of Echo360. “Our 2025 grant awards demonstrate how Echo360 stands shoulder to shoulder with educators, equipping them not only with needed funding, but with technologies and training that amplifies instructional innovation around the world.”

Echo360 Grantmaking: Legacy of Support
Since 2021, Echo360 e³ Tech Grants have advanced edtech learning equity, engagement, and evidence through two types of awards:

1. Impact Grants: Financial support for empirical pedagogical research and proof–of–concept projects
2. Innovation Grants: Technology access grants, offering the EchoSystem AI enriched platform, including GoReact, the market leading AI Video Assessment tool.

This reflects a long-standing commitment by Echo360 to fund innovation and supply tools that scale across classrooms, labs, and corporate training environments globally.

Higher Ed Under Pressure
Colleges and universities around the world continue to grapple with daunting financial headwinds. A 2025 Fitch Ratings report warns many U.S. institutions face “deteriorating” finances due to enrollment declines and rising costs. In the U.K., the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) notes one in three schools operates at a deficit. Meanwhile, Australia’s Universities Accord highlights financial sustainability as a sector-wide concern.

“The Echo360 grant is enabling us to create high-quality, multi-angle videos that we anticipate will transform how physiotherapy students engage with complex manual techniques,” said Julie Bayliss, Lecturer in the Curtin School of Allied Health and 2025 grant recipient. “We believe that this technology will give students the flexibility to learn at their own pace while ensuring equitable access to expert demonstrations; something we couldn’t have achieved without this support.”

2025 e3 Tech Grant Highlights
Recipients of the 2025 awards span three regions:

APAC:

• Murdoch University
• RMIT University
• La Trobe University
• University of Queensland
• Queensland University of Technology
• Curtin University
• Australian Catholic University
• Australian National University
• Swinburne University of Technology
• Unitec
• Box Hill Institute

EMEA:

• St. George’s University of London
• Queen Mary University
• University of Nottingham

NORTH AMERICA:

• Allen University
• Gallaudet University
• Loyola Marymount University
• Colorado State University
• Schreiner University
• University of Houston–Clear Lake
• Saint Michael’s College
• Northampton Community College
• Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine
• Capital University
• Wilkes Community College
• University of Nebraska Medical Center
• Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing
• Forsyth Technical Community College

Full grant details and application information available at www.echo360.com/company/grants.

About Echo360
Echo360 is the global edtech leader enabling transformative learning experiences for education and business through the Echosystem™, the world’s first and only enterprise Learning Transformation Platform™ (LTP™). Serving over 2,000 customers and 5 million learners, instructors, trainers, and frontline workers across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, Echo360 integrates content creation (EchoInk™), video management (EchoVideo™), engagement (EchoEngage™), and assessment (EchoExam™)—now extended by GoReact’s AI-powered video-based skill assessment and feedback. Echo360; Transforming Learning.

About e3 Tech Grants: The e³ Formula
Echo360’s global commitment is embodied in these core values:
– Equity – Ensuring every learner is supported regardless of environment or access
– Engagement – Promoting active, immersive learning experiences
– Evidence – Driving innovation through measurable outcomes

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jeff Peterson
Echo360
612-859-0488
jpeterson@echo360.com

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SOURCE echo360

Honor the spirit of Independence Day by rolling up a sleeve to give blood

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a powerful show of unity and commitment to saving lives, the American Red Cross and the Defense Health Agency’s Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) have joined forces in a new partnership to fortify the nation’s blood supply and support America’s heroes.

This collaboration enables the Military Health System to receive life-saving blood products from the Red Cross, while expanding Red Cross blood drives on military installations and even aboard ships. The result: more opportunities for generous donors to give blood and a stronger, more resilient blood supply for both military and civilian communities.

“This partnership is a game-changer,” said Dr. Mary Ann Spott, acting director of the Armed Services Blood Program. “Together, we’re ensuring that our service members—whether in combat operations, in military hospitals, or on domestic bases —have access to the blood they need, while also reinforcing the civilian healthcare system.”

“The Red Cross has a long history of supporting our service members and we are honored to expand our support to help those in need of vital blood transfusions,” said Micah Holliman, director of national partnerships for American Red Cross Blood Services. “We are at our strongest when we come together. Blood donation is a simple yet powerful act of patriotism and compassion.”

The Red Cross, ASBP, and the Department of Defense share a unified mission: to meet the blood needs of active-duty service members in times of peace and conflict. Now more than ever, this partnership enhances that mission by ensuring our nation is always prepared with a reliable, responsive blood supply that supports military operations and saves lives.

Every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. All blood types are needed on an ongoing basis, but of greatest immediate need is Type O blood which doctors reach for in emergency situations. Type O negative is the universal type and Type O positive can be safely transfused to approximately 80 percent of the population. Individuals of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to make an appointment to donate in the coming weeks to help ensure a strong supply this summer. To find a blood drive or schedule a donation, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

All who come to give July 1-14, 2025, will get an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while supplies last. Donors can personalize their one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker! For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/goodr.

This Independence Day, let us unite in the American spirit of giving and give the gift of life. One American nation. One lifesaving mission. One drop at a time.

More Ways to Give, More Lives to Save
“Working in a hospital setting in patient administration, I see firsthand how critical blood donations are,” said Captain Bryan Wallace who donated blood for the first time at a Red Cross blood drive at Maxwell Air Force Base in May. “When I saw this awesome opportunity, I thought, what better time to give than now?”

Military spouses, retirees, and government civilians with base access can now donate blood at either ASBP or Red Cross drives without leaving the installation. Service members at sea will also have more chances to donate while deployed. And civilians who give blood at public Red Cross drives may support military personnel by helping maintain a robust community blood supply which will be shared with the military when needed.

“Every donation is a lifeline,” said Holliman. “Whether it’s a soldier overseas, a veteran at home, or a patient in a local hospital, your blood donation makes a difference.”

A Legacy of Service
This partnership builds on the long-standing Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces program, which helps members of the military, veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Maintaining a global presence on more than 100 military installations and deployment sites worldwide, the Red Cross provides communication between service members and their families during times of emergency. The Red Cross also aims to improve the health and wellness of people in the military community through behavioral health and wellness workshops, hospital, clinic and peer support programs and the provision of care, comfort, and therapy items.

About Blood Donation
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

About the Armed Forces Blood Program
The Armed Services Blood Program is the official Department of Defense provider of blood products for the U.S. armed forces. As a division of the Defense Health Agency, we focus on equipping service members, their families, retirees, and veterans worldwide with the lifesaving blood products needed, whether on the battlefield or in military hospitals, in peace and in war. For more information, please visit dha.mil/militaryblood.

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SOURCE American Red Cross

Solutions focus on enhancing crop resilience, protecting yields, and addressing critical challenges in the global food system

The company emerges after four years of platform development with an initial commitment of $50 million from Flagship Pioneering

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Flagship Pioneering, the bioplatform innovation company, today unveiled Terrana Biosciences™, a company pioneering RNA-based agricultural solutions to deliver protective and enhanced crop traits without altering the plant genome. Through its proprietary RNA technology platform, Terrana is developing targeted products designed to work at any time in a plant’s lifecycle, enabling a continuous product pipeline that is adaptive and responsive to variable climate conditions and capable of generating new solutions at a fraction of the time and cost associated with conventional agriculture approaches. Flagship has initially committed $50 million to Terrana to scale operations and develop its first products in crop protection and yield.

“At Flagship Pioneering, we build groundbreaking platforms that address the world’s most pressing challenges. With Terrana, we are bringing an entirely new dimension of innovation to agriculture through similar RNA technology that we pioneered in human health,” said Noubar Afeyan, Ph.D., Co-Founder of Terrana, Founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering. “This approach will empower farmers with precise, adaptive solutions to combat threats to crops in fields and orchards and enhance resiliency, sustainability, and productivity in the global food system.”

Trees and crops naturally use a vast ecosystem of self-replicating RNAs to influence trait expression. These native RNAs are abundant, diverse, and are already part of the plant’s own biology, functioning like a native language that helps to communicate traits like growth, stress response, and development. Using advanced AI and computational models, Terrana has assembled a vast library of RNAs and built a design system that enables efficient assembly of novel functional crop traits, generated with unprecedented precision, versatility and speed. The platform has already created three novel technology classes, demonstrated proof of concept in tomatoes, corn, and soy, and generated a pipeline of 15+ potential products in specialty and row crops.

Tools developed using Terrana’s platform will enable farmers to fight and prevent disease and pests, adapt quickly to climatic conditions, and maintain soil health. Terrana’s solutions are fine-tuned for amplification, mobility in plants, stability in different environments, and heritability across plant generations. Terrana’s product candidates also avoid the trade-offs of existing conventional approaches, which often can be applied only at a specific time in the plant’s life cycle and come with negative environmental impacts.

“RNA-based technology has delivered lifesaving advancements in human health. We are now applying this same approach to reimagine what’s possible for agriculture,” said Ignacio Martinez, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Terrana and General Partner at Flagship Pioneering. “Using the language of nature, we can give plants new instructions, yielding adaptable solutions rooted directly in the plant’s natural physiology. Our approach opens a new world of possibilities in annual and perennial crops for the benefit of farmers, people and the planet.”

“Today, farmers make many important and costly decisions about seeds, fertilizers and crop protection before the crop year even begins, requiring them to rely on projections and historical trends from prior growing seasons rather than responding to real-time conditions on the ground,” said Ryan Rapp, Co-Founder and CEO of Terrana Biosciences and Origination Partner at Flagship. “What’s more, the increased pace of climate fluctuations and disease threats far exceeds today’s slow and expensive R&D processes, leaving farmers all too often behind the curve. Terrana’s ability to unlock all aspects of seed and crop traits in plants enables an entirely new set of agile solutions that can be applied at any time in the growing season, from seed to postharvest. In an increasingly unpredictable environment – from wildly fluctuating global markets to extreme weather events to fast-moving pest and disease pressures – farmers need these new tools to enable timely, efficient, nimble and, critically, cost-saving decision making.”

In addition to Rapp, Terrana’s leadership team includes Matthew Lingard, Chief Technology Officer of Terrana and Senior Principal at Flagship, Folashade Sabitu, Head of Regulatory and Ramtin Ahmadi, Vice President of Strategy and Operations. Terrana also benefits from guidance from a board of directors that includes Martinez, longtime leader in global agriculture Hugh Grant, Invaio’s CEO and Flagship CEO-Partner Amy O’Shea, and Flagship’s Chair of Asia Pacific and Strategic Advisor, André Andonian. To learn more about Terrana, visit www.terranabio.com.

About Terrana Biosciences

Terrana Biosciences combines RNA technology with advanced computational biology to deliver sustainable solutions for modern agriculture. Through its proprietary platform, the company is pioneering new technology classes and generatively designing versatile RNA-based products for every aspect of plant health, from seed to stem. Founded by Flagship Pioneering in 2021, Terrana is led by an experienced team, including RNA and plant pathology experts.

About Flagship Pioneering

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds bioplatform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $60 billion in aggregate value. Flagship is operating with $14 billion of assets under management as of its latest capital raise, announced in July 2024. The current Flagship ecosystem comprises over 40 companies, including Foghorn Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FHTX), Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA), Sana Biotechnology (NASDAQ: SANA), Generate Biomedicines, Inari, Indigo Agriculture, Lila Sciences, Tessera Therapeutics and Valo Health.

Media Contact: press@flagshippioneering.com

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SOURCE Flagship Pioneering

VIENNA, Va., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the nation recognizes the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, SourceAmerica^® celebrates the contributions people with disabilities make to the American economy.

Disability Pride Month is observed in July to mark the significance of signing the ADA into law on July 26, 1990. This month is a time to highlight an important part of American history and the incredible achievements of people with disabilities.  

“Every day, individuals with disabilities provide critical products, made in America, and services to support military readiness and national security,” said Richard Belden, president and CEO of SourceAmerica. “As we acknowledge Disability Pride Month throughout July, it’s important to honor the impact this essential workforce makes in communities across the U.S.”

SourceAmerica is an AbilityOne authorized enterprise that administers the AbilityOne^® Program – one of the nation’s largest sources of employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities, including veterans. Individuals with disabilities are employed through the Program in every state, Washington, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico. More than 39,000 people with disabilities work hard every day to manufacture military uniforms, American flags, and other critical supplies for U.S. troops. They also provide facility support services, food services and contact center and IT services and more to military and federal government customers.

“Nearly 63% of working-age people with disabilities in the U.S. do not have jobs,” Belden said. “Disability Pride Month is a time to turn the spotlight on how this underutilized workforce can strengthen the economy and reduce the burden on government assistance programs.”

Job seekers with disabilities can visit the SourceAmerica Job Board to build free resumes, access 250 free skills-based training courses and apply for open positions within the AbilityOne network and other employers nationwide.

About SourceAmerica
SourceAmerica connects government customers and other organizations to a national network of AbilityOne authorized providers that hire a talented segment of the workforce—people with disabilities. Established in 1974, SourceAmerica is committed to increasing economic inclusion and advocating for a more accessible future of work for people with disabilities. SourceAmerica, an AbilityOne authorized enterprise, harnesses the momentum and boosts the capability of its network and customers as a leading job connector for the disability community. To learn more, visit SourceAmerica.org and follow @SourceAmerica on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE SourceAmerica

PHOENIX, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Colossal, the fundraising powerhouse behind Baby of the Year, is proud to announce the launch of its newest campaign, Toddler of the Year—a charming new spin-off created for tiny 2 – 3-year-old humans who just missed the baby-age bracket. Hosted by beloved TV personality Mario Lopez, this legitimate and purpose-driven competition gives toddlers across the nation their moment to shine while raising funds for a meaningful cause.

Toddler of the Year: Legitimate and Purpose Driven

The inspiration behind Toddler of the Year was simple: after witnessing the overwhelming enthusiasm for Baby of the Year, Colossal saw an opportunity to include even more families whose little ones had outgrown the diaper days. Rather than let them miss out on the fun (and the impact), a new fundraising campaign was created to celebrate the next age group—because toddlers deserve the spotlight, too.

Colossal Supports Toys for Tots

Through the Toddler of the Year campaign, Colossal is proud to support Toys for Tots, a charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. For over 77 years, Toys for Tots has delivered holiday joy to millions of children across the country. With trusted partners like Hasbro, the competition is bound to be a success, and essential funds will be raised to put toys in the hands of children who might otherwise go without them.

$24 Million in 2024 for Baby2Baby

Colossal has a proven track record in charitable fundraising through creative, community-powered competitions. In 2024, the Baby of the Year campaign raised over $24 million in support of Baby2Baby, helping provide diapers, clothing, and other essentials to children living in poverty. Across all campaigns over the past four years, Colossal has helped raise more than $187 million, benefiting charitable causes, working with verified nonprofit organizations to raise the bar for fundraising.

“Toddler of the Year is exactly what we are all about—giving families a fun and legit way to celebrate their little ones while making a real difference,” said Mary Hagen, CEO of Colossal. “It’s joyful, it’s meaningful, and it’s one more way we’re helping communities come together for good.”

Lead the Hollywood Parade

The top toddler will take center stage at the 2025 Hollywood Christmas Parade, leading the festivities in front of cheering crowds. Along with national media recognition and the official title of Toddler of the Year, the tiny champion will also enjoy the pride and encouragement of a supportive online community that helped make it all possible.

Registration is now open. Families are encouraged to register for consideration, and if selected, rally their networks and join this one-of-a-kind opportunity to do good while celebrating childhood in all its messy, magical glory.

Facts About Toddler of the Year

• FACT: Toddler of the Year is a fully legitimate, professionally managed fundraising campaign that gives families a safe, transparent, and fair way to celebrate their toddlers while supporting the charity Toys for Tots, with Mario Lopez serving as the official host.
• FACT: Entry to Toddler of the Year is completely free. Parents can review all eligibility requirements and learn about the competition’s tournament-style voting process by visiting the campaign website’s official Rules page.
• FACT: Since its inception, Colossal has raised over $187 million through similar campaigns, including $24 million in 2024 for Baby2Baby, proving the real and lasting impact this campaign has for children and families in need.

To learn more or get involved, visit toddleroftheyear.org.

ABOUT COLOSSAL
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions, participants have the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact. Colossal competitions serve as fundraising campaigns for DTCare, a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization, which then grants donation funds to specified charities at the completion of the competitions. In 2024, Colossal was recognized as a finalist for the 2024 Champions of Change Awards, presented by AZ Business Magazine, and was named a Top Workplace by AZCentral.

Media Contact:
Anne-Marie Pritchett
602-633-4163
pr@colossal.org

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SOURCE COLOSSAL

ZHUHAI, China, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HyperStrong, a global leading provider of battery energy storage system (BESS) solutions, and Repono AB, a European developer of large-scale energy storage projects, have formalised their strategic collaboration through a Partnering Agreement on 23 June, aimed at jointly advancing 1.4GWh grid-scale energy storage projects across Europe by 2027.

The strategic partnership brings together complementary skills required for the rapid, large-scale deployment of electricity storage. Repono’s project development expertise including site development, permitting, and grid interconnection, will be complemented by HyperStrong’s full-scope system integration capabilities, including BESS solution delivery and associated lifecycle services. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to accelerating the energy transition, while supporting Europe’s ambition to scale local value chains and strengthen long-term industrial resilience.

“We are excited to deepen our partnership with Repono to accelerate the deployment of safe, high-performance, and cost-effective energy storage infrastructure in Europe,” said Mr. Pingyang Wang, Senior Vice President of HyperStrong International and President of EMEA Region. “This collaboration reflects our long-term commitment to the European market and our shared ambition to enable grid stability and energy transition in the region.”

Mr. Karim Nils Grueber, CEO of Repono, stated: “HyperStrong brings strong technical know-how and proven experience in delivering integrated BESS solutions which is complementary to Repono’s extensive expertise in project development and more than 100,000 hours of BESS operations experience. We will lead with excellence in project design, permitting, and EPC coordination. Together, we aim to unlock the potential of grid-scale storage as a backbone for Europe’s energy transition.”

Mr. Greger Landén, CTO of Repono, also expressed: “We have together with HyperStrong spent the last six months evaluating their technology and approach to the energy storage area. We have not only found a partner that is truly focused on performance and safety that aligns well with our values, but also a great team willing to discuss and develop our common approach in line with our needs for enabling the green transition in the European market.”

Under the agreement, both parties will engage in joint planning and project reviews, including technical and commercial alignment on identified pipeline projects. The agreement reflects a shared intent to leverage their complementary strengths for mutually beneficial success in future grid-scale projects.

ENDS

About HyperStrong

Beijing HyperStrong Technology Co., Ltd. (“HyperStrong”, 688411.SH) is a global leading energy storage system (ESS) integrator and service provider. Founded in 2011, with more than 13 years of research and development, as well as experience garnered through more than 300 energy storage projects and more than 30GWh of deployment, HyperStrong offers a portfolio of ESS products and one-stop solutions for the full spectrum of utility-scale, commercial and industrial applications. Having built four smart manufacturing bases, three R&D centers, two testing labs and a global marketing center, HyperStrong empowers clients worldwide to achieve their energy transition and carbon neutrality goals.

For more information about HyperStrong, visit: www.hyperstrong.com.

About Repono

Repono AB is a Sweden-based energy infrastructure developer focusing on large-scale renewable and storage projects in the European market. Repono’s expertise spans project origination, permitting, financing, and coordination of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities with a focus on leveraging from the operational and software experience within the company.

For more information about Repono AB, visit: www.repono.com.

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SOURCE Beijing HyperStrong Technology Co., Ltd.