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Classiq Collaborates with BMW Group and NVIDIA to Drive Quantum Computing Applicability in Electrical Systems Engineering

Classiq Technologies

Classiq today announced a collaboration with NVIDIA and the BMW Group to optimize mechatronic systems, marking a significant advance in the sophistication of quantum computing implementation in the automotive sector. The initiative is focused on solving a complex computational challenge to find the optimal architecture of electrical and mechanical systems. This problem involves defining the optimal combination of components, from electrical engines and batteries to coolers, and how these should be connected. The goal of this project is to enhance efficiency and reduce energy waste, which can result – among other things – in the increased efficiency of electric vehicles. Classiq’s sophisticated approach demonstrated how cutting-edge quantum algorithms may be used to address the problem, including the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) and the Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd (HHL) algorithm. The latter of these approaches leverages amplitude and digital encoding to efficiently solve and convert complex linear equations, utilizing a novel Quantum Analog to Digital Conversion (QADC) process. The project resulted in the BMW Group’s quantum experts creating a highly sophisticated quantum program, with many quantum sub-routines, among the most complex quantum programs implemented to date. The implementation was enabled by the advanced modeling and compilation capabilities of the Classiq platform. The large and complex quantum circuit implementation was simulated using NVIDIA GPUs and the powerful NVIDIA CUDA-Q platform. “Our collaboration with Classiq and NVIDIA has enabled an innovative quantum implementation that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the application to automotive technologies,” said Lukas Mueller, Lead Future Compute at BMW Group IT. “NVIDIA’s quantum stack has been instrumental in simulating this complex algorithm, facilitating its detailed testing and refinement.” “This project exemplifies the power of collaboration in the quantum computing sphere. By bringing together the best of quantum hardware, software and automotive domain expertise, we have achieved groundbreaking advancements in a remarkably short time,” said Nir Minerbi, CEO of Classiq Technologies. “Quantum computing, which has the potential to transform society, will require accelerated computing with extreme performance for users to take full advantage of its value,” said Tim Costa, director of HPC and quantum computing at NVIDIA. “NVIDIA’s collaboration with innovators such as the BMW Group and Classiq is pushing the boundaries of quantum simulation and helping to usher in an era of useful quantum computing.” Quantum computing is still a nascent technology, and further effort is required to bring the developed solution to industrial applicability. Classiq and its collaborators continue to develop the interface between automotive technology and quantum computing by expanding the boundaries of quantum design, implementation, and computation. About Classiq Classiq Technologies, the leading quantum software company, provides an all-encompassing platform (IDE, compiler and OS) with a single point of entry into quantum computing, taking you from algorithm design to execution. The high-level descriptive quantum software development environment, tailored to all levels of developer proficiency, automates quantum programming. This ensures that a broad range of talents, including those with backgrounds in AI, ML and linear algebra, can harness quantum computing without requiring deep, specialized knowledge of quantum physics. Classiq democratizes access to quantum computing and equips its users to take full advantage of the quantum computing revolution, including access to a broad range of quantum hardware. Classiq’s core technology, algorithmic quantum circuit compilation, is engineered to power the quantum ecosystem of today and the future. Classiq works closely with quantum cloud providers and advanced computation hardware developers providing software for use with quantum computers, HPC and quantum simulators. Backed by investors such as HPE, HSBC, Samsung, Intesa Sanpaolo and NTT, Classiq’s world-class team of scientists and engineers has distilled decades of quantum expertise into its groundbreaking quantum engine. Follow Classiq on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) or YouTube, and visit the Slack community and https://www.classiq.io to learn more. Contact Details Rainier Communications Michelle McMahon mmcmahon@rainierco.com Company Website http://www.classiq.io/

June 20, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Ryvid partners with Sosa Metalworks for a truly custom Electric Motorcycle

Ryvid, Inc

Ryvid – the California-based Electric Motorcycle manufacturer – partnered with custom bike builder Cristian Sosa at Sosa Metalworks in Las Vegas to create a stunning interpretation of the Ryvid Anthem Electric Motorcycle. Better known for his traditional metal fabrication, the Ryvid Anthem was Cristian’s first attempt at a battery-powered motorcycle and the results are stunning. And in addition to the striking bodywork, the Ryvid team was delighted to discover Cristian had retained the Anthem’s unique height adjustable seat, which allows a broad range of riders to comfortably fit the Anthem. Cristian established Sosa Metalworks in September 2012 with his brother, Roberto, focusing on custom metal fabrication. Creating one-off metal pieces for custom projects, Cristian has specialized in motorcycles, which led him to become the lead metal fabricator at Count’s Kustoms for Discovery Channel's Counting Cars series. Cristian’s collaboration with Ryvid kicked off at the One Motorcycle Show in 2023 where he encountered the Anthem and company founder Dong Tran. “I had the opportunity to speak to Dong and he explained some of the features. What really stood out to me was the steel frame design,” Cristian recalled. “I'd been interested in building an electric bike and knew I could do something cool around the frame, so the Anthem was a perfect fit.” BUILDING THE SOSA ANTHEM Whenever Cristian approaches a new project, he tries to imagine how a classic machine would look in the future. And this is what attracted him to the Anthem because it already had ultra-modern design. However, Cristian had to take a different approach because where he’d normally design around the motor and transmission, with the Anthem he had to focus on the folded steel frame and removable battery pack. “These elements dictated the use of sharper, straighter lines compared to the curved designs I often use,” Cristian explained. “Stepping outside my comfort zone was what made this challenge so much fun.” Whereas steel is favored for classic motorbikes, Cristian prefers aluminum for modern machines. Not only does it fit the theme better but it’s lighter, helping overall performance. “Aluminum is harder to work than steel because it requires welding on both sides, but it’s softer and easier to shape,” Cristian said. “I also really like how hand-polished aluminum looks; I try to avoid mirror-polishing anything because I feel it loses its soul.” “I did most of the work on the Ryvid project by hand but also incorporated my fast-cut CNC table into the design and build process, which is something I’ve never done before. Once every part was cut, I shaped them by hand on the power hammers,” Cristian continued. “Hammering requires a lot of time but it’s my favorite part of the process because I can get into my zone.” Thanks in part to the technology used, the entire build took about three weeks to complete, including the design process. “ It can be difficult to find a design direction, but once it was decided I then practically built the bike twice; first as a design buck, which allowed the templates to be created, and then replicated it in aluminum,” Cristian said. “Every now and then, I make something that comes out better than I imagined, and this is one of those times. I remember when we were assembling the bike and it caught me by surprise. I couldn’t believe how well it came together and how good it looked. It has a classic feel but the lines makes it seem very aggressive and slightly futuristic, which I wasn’t expecting.” One of the Ryvid Anthem’s standout features is its removable 4.3kWh battery with integrated charger used to power the 72V air-cooled, brushless DC motor. It also has a unique height adjustable seat, which can be positioned to suit the rider at the flick of a switch. Cristian was careful to integrate the technology, keeping the Anthem fully functional. The beautifully crafted Sosa seat unit flows from the central spine and, despite its appearance of solidity, can easily be raised and lowered with the Anthem’s electronic system. Similarly, the side panels can be removed to access the battery’s latch system, allowing it to be lowered and removed for remote charging, if required. RIDING “I’ve always loved motorcycles, which have always represented gas-powered engines to me. In fact, the powerplant often inspired my designs, but you don’t have that with an electric motorcycle. Instead, I learned from riding the Ryvid Anthem that you focus on the actual ride rather than the motor, which is something that’s really grown on me. It becomes a completely different ways of riding. And while I love getting on a bike that you have to kickstart and work for it, there’s something beautiful about jumping on a bike and just twisting the throttle,” Cristian explained. “Some days I feel like driving and some I days I want to walk: two completely different modes that get you to the same place and put you in a completely different mindset. I feel what makes an electric motorcycle attractive is the simplicity and efficiency. There are times when I prefer that. “The Anthem is also very light (313 lb), which really makes it fun to ride. And that was another reason I worked with aluminum to keep the weight as low as possible. “I’ve been riding the bike almost daily since we got back from the One Motorcycle Show and it’s so much fun,” Cristian revealed. LOOKING AHEAD After Cristian Sosa got involved in the Anthem project, Ryvid launched its second model at the 2024 One Motorcycle Show; the Outset. Based on the same frame, battery and motor as the Anthem, Outset is a scrambler-style machine with taller. multi-road tuned suspension, a narrower, longer dirt bike-style seat, wider handlebars, and more. Cristian is already looking forward to his next electric project: “Let’s make something happen with the new Outset!” he laughed. “And I want to thank the Ryvid crew for the ride; it’s been fun.” If somebody wanted to recreate the Sosa Anthem, they can contact Sosa Metalworks directly via sosametalworks.com. “I only build one bike at a time. It’s very rare for me to jump from project to project. I like to focus on one project until it’s completed. I normally work around the client’s budget, which allows me to gauge the amount of time I can spend on it. But I never cut corners. I’ve been doing this for more than 25 years and one of the advantages of my experience is the skills I’ve acquired allow me to do things faster, while the tools and machinery I’ve acquired speed up the process even more. These things allow me to spend more time on the design aspect and craftsmanship,” Cristian concluded. AVAILABLE TO ORDER The Ryvid Anthem Electric and Ryvid Outset Electric are available to order now from ryvid.com. The $6,495 Anthem is available for immediate delivery in a choice of six colors. Deliveries of the new $5,995 Outset will begin in the Summer in either Sector Red or Vapor Grey. Riders must have a motorcycle license in order to ride both the Anthem and Outset. The Anthem and Outset share a rigid steel backbone frame, instrument display, removable 4.3kWh battery with integrated charger, 72V air-cooled, brushless DC motor, controller, and sealed belt drive. Both machines are capable of 75mph+ top speed and will provide up to 70 miles range* on the Outset or 75 miles* on the Anthem. The battery can be charged quickly from both 110V and 220V supplies. Outset has an 33” seat height but its compliant suspension and narrow cushion means it will comfortably accommodate a range of riders. The Anthem seat is adjustable from 31-34” to accommodate an even wider range of riders. Weighing just 313 and 315 lb, respectively, the Anthem and Outset share featherweight architecture and a low center of gravity. With the major components positioned at axle level, both bikes exhibit extraordinary handling characteristics, making them extremely easy to change direction at high speed or maneuver at low speed. Another benefit of electric power is the Ryvid Reverse Drive. At the push of a button when stopped, the rider is able to move the motorcycle backwards at walking speed to extricate it from perhaps a tight parking position or awkward slope. *Range is currently estimated on the the Ryvid Outset until it's subjected to the same Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule as the Anthem to establish recognized city and highway range figures, which are available at ryvid.com. Battery range may vary and can depend on conditions such as rider weight, speed, temperature, wind, tire pressure, terrain, incline, etc. EDITOR’S NOTE Additional high-resolution images of the Ryvid-Sosa Anthem are available at ryvid.com/pages/media-room A Ryvid-Sosa Anthem video is available to view and share here: youtu.be/XfpGlzpjS-A?si=utyJjOsFMlW9z4VT ABOUT RYVID Ryvid is a cutting-edge manufacturing corporation in the high-growth field of Electric Light Vehicles. Founded by enthusiasts, engineered by innovators, and designed by aerospace industry gearheads, the Ryvid mission is to create more sustainable and enjoyable personal mobility. The company name was derived by merging Rhythm and Avid; elements of motion and emotion that define the experience of using our products. Ryvid produces revolutionary, lightweight, affordable electric motorcycles with a significantly lower carbon footprint than its competitors. With the same innovation applied to all models, Ryvid is poised to revolutionize urban commuting. Ryvid products are designed and assembled in California. For further information, please visit ryvid.com The Ryvid Anthem is available for delivery now at $6,495. The new Ryvid Outset is available at $5,995, with deliveries beginning Summer 2024 Contact Details Greg Emmerson greg@theidagency.com Company Website https://ryvid.com/

June 19, 2024 06:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Days After Successful IPO, Fly-E Rings The Closing Nasdaq Bell And Celebrates E-Two-Wheel Market’s Future

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Ringing the opening or closing bell on the Nasdaq MarketSite is a rite of passage for a lucky few companies bestowed with that honor each year. It not only celebrates a company’s status as a public entity but showcases its strength in the market and with investors. Not to mention, it brings a little brand recognition. After all, the closing bell is broadcast on screens across the nation. Fly-E Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLYE), the maker of electric bikes, scooters, motorcycles and accessories, joined that elite club, with chairperson and CEO Andy Ou ringing the closing bell Wednesday. The gesture celebrated a successful startup that completed its initial public offering last week. It also comes at a time when the electric bike, scooter and motorcycle market is taking off. The global electric scooter market had a value of $24.67 billion last year and is predicted to reach $50.78 billion by 2032. Driving adoption is a push by governments around the world to curb emissions. With cities getting more crowded, hopping on an e-scooter or bike is not only greener, but a quick and easy way to get around. Fly-E Raises $9 Million From IPO In Fly-e’s IPO, the 2.25 million share offering was priced at $4 per share. The company, which raised $9 million in its IPO, granted underwriters a 30-day overallotment option to purchase an additional 337,500 shares at the IPO price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. Fly-e is using net proceeds from the offering to cover the purchase of inventory and production costs of its vehicles, the expansion of its retail stores, its technology, research and development initiatives, and for general corporate purposes. Started in 2018 and currently based in New York City, Fly-e is an electric vehicle company that is principally focused on designing, installing and selling smart electric motorcycles, electric bikes, electric scooters and related accessories under the brand “Fly E-Bike”. The company’s product line currently consists of 21 e-motorcycle products, 21 e-bike products and 34 e-scooter products, which it sells both online and through a network of 39 retail stores mainly in the U.S. The stores are strategically positioned in major metropolitan U.S. markets. In addition, Fly-e is opening locations in South America and Europe. Fly-e plans to expand its footprint of stores to other densely populated metro areas with some of the proceeds from its IPO. To keep costs down, most of the company’s manufacturing is handled in its China-based factories and assembled in the U.S. The goal is to become a leader in the electric two-wheel transportation market. High-Flying And Profitable While Fly-e is a high-flying growth IPO, its financials are much more stable than the run-of-the-mill startups that find profitability elusive as they chase growth. Fly-e reported $1.2 million in net income for the first nine months of 2023. Revenue grew 46% in the same time frame. Gross margins are 39% and the company is EBITDA and net profit positive. Fly-e attributes its margin strength to its growing maintenance, service business and accessories sales. That should increase further, along with an uptick of in-use bike counts, the company reports. All of this should be welcome news to its investors since cash-burning IPOs are losing their luster. Fly-e demonstrates a company can be an early-stage growth stock and still show financial discipline. The e-scooter, bike and motorcycle market is taking off, and Fly-e is emerging as an important player. It's a story investors may want to pay attention to. After all, the Nasdaq MarketSite certainly is. Featured photo by Nick Chong on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

June 14, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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How U Power (NASDAQ: UCAR) Is Addressing Key Concerns For Widespread EV Adoption – Including Range Anxiety And Charging Times

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Electric vehicles are growing in popularity as the world seeks a greener future. That’s true around the world with electric cars accounting for 18% of vehicles sold last year, up from just 2% five years ago. That growth could be even greater, but large-scale adoption of these emissions-free cars and trucks is proving elusive – something that is true in many countries. Range anxiety is a big reason. The fear of running out of battery life is too great for some consumers and fleet operators to overcome. Then there’s charging. It can take time to get the vehicle powered up, depending on the system and demand. U Power (NASDAQ: UCAR), the Nasdaq-listed EV power solution company, believes it has the solution to overcome those challenges and spur greater EV adoption across the globe. It is betting that UOTTA – its proprietary battery-swapping technology – can overcome range fears and eliminate any wasted time waiting for a vehicle to charge. This battery-swapping model is appealing because customers only need to pay for the vehicle when purchasing a vehicle through the battery bank. After that, they pay a monthly rental fee for the battery. Not only does this reduce the procurement cost of EVs but the rental and service fees for battery swapping during daily operations are 30% to 50% cheaper than fast charging. Since batteries are swapped out, it extends the lifespan of the batteries and protects the environment since the dismantling and recycling of the batteries after retirement complies with environmental policies. Speed Is Power With U Power’s advanced technology, consumers and fleet operators can replace dead EV batteries with fully charged ones in under five minutes. That removes the time challenges, and with swapping stations eventually located around the world, it eliminates the fear of running out of battery life. U Power isn’t your run-of-the-mill EV battery-swapping player, either. The company started out in 2013 as a vehicle-sourcing services company focused on lower-tier cities in China. Since then, U Power has forged partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers. Utilizing a distinctive financial model coupled with customized vehicle offerings, the company has filled the market gap beyond the 4S dealership network, establishing over 800 operational outlets across China. In 2017, U Power emerged as one of the earliest entrants into the new energy electric vehicle sales market. Leveraging market insights and accumulated experience, U Power pioneered the UOTTA battery-swapping technology in 2019. Collaborating with automotive manufacturers, the company introduced various models of battery-swapping vehicles for commercial use, successfully penetrating the market. Moreover, U Power is also a key contributor to the drafting of China's battery-swapping standards. With its industry influence and advantages, U Power achieved a milestone in 2023 by becoming the world's first publicly listed company specializing in electric vehicle battery-swapping technology. Since then, the company has been busy churning out new technology, securing 14 patents and 24 pending patent applications in China. Last year, it sold and delivered six battery-swapping stations to four customers. All told it has already sold eleven battery-swapping stations, and its solutions include UOTTA-powered EVs, battery-swapping stations and a data management platform synchronizing real-time data. U Power is also forging partnerships with Chinese automobile manufacturers to jointly develop commercial-use UOTTA-powered EVs, such as ride-hailing passenger EVs, small logistics EVs and light electric trucks. Major Collaborations Spurring Growth The company’s efforts towards forging partnerships were also on display recently with U Power inking a deal with Dutch electric vehicle company UNEX t o provide battery-swapping vehicles and swapping station services to Associação Nacional dos Transportes Rodoviários em Automóveis Ligeiros (ANTRAL), the association representing public passenger road transport companies operating light vehicles designated as taxis in Portugal. ANTRAL will use U Power’s UOTTA technology and battery swapping station model. Through the collaboration, the two aim to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector by 2030, in line with the European Union's decarbonization targets and Portugal's regulatory requirements for taxi vehicles. Combining U Power’s battery-swapping station model and UNEX’s extensive network and market know-how, U Power said the goal is to sell the taxi industry EVs and install charging and battery-swapping stations. The first phase of the agreement is expected to provide two swapping stations and 120 battery-swapping taxis. ANTRAL operates more than 1,000 taxis, covering over 80 million kilometers annually, with carbon emissions reaching 1,440 tons and fuel costs close to €10 million. By adopting UOTTA battery swapping services, U Power said related costs are expected to be reduced by 30-50%, aligning with the EU's goal of achieving 30 million "zero-emission" electric vehicles by 2030. "This collaboration between UNEX and ANTRAL that utilizes our UOTTA technology marks a significant stride towards promoting sustainable transportation and reducing emissions. By combining our battery-swapping expertise with their commitment to decarbonization, we aim to facilitate the transition of taxi fleets from fossil fuels to electric mobility,” said Jia Li, Chairman and CEO of U Power. “This partnership highlights the global taxi industry's shift towards electrification, which will lead to reduced operational costs, increased driver earnings, and lower carbon footprints.” About 50,000 to 60,000 European taxis are expected to transition to electric vehicles in the next three to five years, presenting a big opportunity, reports U Power. Collaborations like that are behind the company’s revenue growth of 153.5% from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2023. As U Power collaborates with more and more customers, it is building a brand and reputation in the market, which the company expects will drive further growth in the future. It is a big opportunity. The market size for battery swapping and electric commercial vehicles is projected to reach RMB 176,615.1 million in 2026, growing at a CAGR of 68.1% from now until then, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan, cited by U Power. Setting Its Sights Internationally Beyond its deal with ANTRAL, U Power is making inroads in other areas of its international expansion, including in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and Peru. The company is focused on electrifying the commercial vehicle sector, particularly targeting urban taxis, buses, logistics vehicles, and transportation vehicles in mines. A crucial aspect of U Power's strategy is to collaborate with local industry-specific clients, integrating successful experiences from China with the specific demands of these clients. This approach involves systematizing the output of battery swapping stations, swapping vehicles, and battery banks, facilitating the rapid development of battery swapping services. In Peru, U Power just embarked on a collaborative pilot test with a Peruvian mining firm to evaluate electric heavy-duty vehicles on an established haulage route. This venture aims to identify an efficient substitute for traditional fuel-powered trucks, offering the potential to cut energy use and reduce operational costs, reports U Power. Then there’s its deal with Cornerstone Technologies Holdings Limited, a leading EV charging solution provider and charge point operator based in Hong Kong with an increasing presence across Southeast Asia. Under their memorandum of understanding, the two are jointly exploring and developing a strategic business relationship. “Through this collaboration, we believe our battery swapping stations will gain increased visibility in our target markets. We look forward to building a successful relationship that delivers sustainable value for our shareholders,” said Li. Even business with U Power’s existing customers is growing, underscoring the quality and innovative nature of its technology. Earlier this month, U Power announced it received a follow-on purchase order for its advanced dual-mode intelligent battery swapping stations from a major taxi operator in Jilin, China. These dual-mode intelligent battery swapping stations feature separate robotic guided vehicles (RGVs) for battery removal and installation. The use of robotics reduces the battery swapping time from between three to five minutes to two to three minutes. What’s more, U Power said the maintenance cycle of the swapping stations has been optimized, reducing weekly maintenance time by around six hours and enhancing operational efficiency by approximately 15%. As U Power transitions from a vehicle-sourcing business to providing comprehensive battery-swapping solutions based on its proprietary UOTTA technology, it is going beyond just selling battery-swapping equipment and vehicles, offering customers big and small an ecosystem of greener vehicle technology. The company is betting its technology and offering will play a pivotal role in making the world greener one fleet at a time. Featured photo by Ernest Ojeh on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

June 12, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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NOVUS INK Advisors and Solidus Capital Group Team-up to Serve Growing Transatlantic Commercial Interests of Mid-Market Enterprises

NOVUS INK Advisors

NOVUS INK Advisors and Solidus Capital Group signed a services agreement today to provide integrated senior advisory and execution services to small-and mid-market enterprises amid thriving commercial interests between the United States and Europe. The two firms aim to accelerate client services by combining expertise and resources to support growth into new markets, encompassing management counsel, valuation, performance tracking, board advisory, marketing, communication, public and government affairs. The collaboration will enable NOVUS INK Advisors and Solidus Capital Group to meet the unique needs of global small-and mid-market enterprise clients operating across business-to-consumer, business-to-business, and business-to-government segments. The transatlantic economy is proving remarkably robust in the face of global economic and geopolitical disruptions. No two other regions in the world are as deeply integrated as the United States and Europe, according to the 2024 Transatlantic Economy Report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AmCham EU, Johns Hopkins SAIS and the Transatlantic Leadership Network. The report states: "the $8.7 trillion transatlantic economy employs more than 16 million workers in mutually onshored jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. It is the largest and wealthiest market in the world, accounting for half of total global personal consumption and close to one-third of world GDP in purchasing power. Ties are solid in foreign direct investment, portfolio investment, banking claims, trade and affiliate sales in goods and services, digital links, energy, mutual R&D investment, patent cooperation, technology flows, and sales of knowledge-intensive services." The services agreement will be overseen by a committee chaired by Pia De Lima and Daniel Diaz, NOVUS INK Advisors' Managing Partners, and Andreas Dal Santo, Solidus Capital Group's Managing Director. NOVUS INK Advisors is based in Miami. Solidus Capital Group, affiliated with Atlantic Business Labs, is based in New York. NOVUS INK Advisors is a communication, public and government affairs lobbying firm. NOVUS INK Advisors' practice areas include Corporate, Band and Product Reputation, Business Strategy, Crisis and Reputation Risk, Financial Services, Investor Relations, Mergers & Acquisitions, Brand and Product Marketing Communications Strategy, and Public and Government Affairs. NOVUS INK Advisors is a registered lobbying firm. To learn more, visit: www.NovusInk.com. Solidus Capital Group specializes in management consulting, business valuation, and board advisory services for firms expanding into North America, Latin America, and Europe. It is spearheading an ecosystem of companies, consultants, and subject matter experts with experience from different industries and regions to support corporate and institutional clients' global strategies and growth into new markets. To learn more, visit www.solidus-capital.com. CONTACTS: NOVUS INK Advisors: client.services@NovusInk.com Solidus Capital Group: client.services@Solidus-Capital.com Contact Details NOVUS INK Advisors Client Services client.services@NovusInk.com Company Website https://www.novusink.com/about

June 11, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Shareholder Proposal Seeks Reevaluation of Exec. Incentives for EVs at GM

NLPC

On June 4, National Legal and Policy Center will present a shareholder proposal at the General Motors Company advocating for GM’s board of directors to reevaluate the electric vehicle expansion targets included in its executive compensation packages. The proposal, identified as Item No. 5 on the 2024 proxy ballot, argues that GM’s focus on electric vehicles is misaligned with both the market demand for EVs and the economic realities the company faces. Last month NLPC filed a proxy memo with the Securities and Exchange Commission that explains its rationale for the proposal. GM, like many in energy-intensive sectors, has increasingly aligned its corporate strategies with a poorly substantiated, government-subsidized, and corporate media-amplified “scientific consensus” that carbon emissions will result in catastrophic effects to the planet, and to humans. These scenarios are increasingly unlikely, yet the corporate media continues to portray them as the default. Supposedly, this climate crisis can only be averted if governments and consumers adopt environmentally friendly technology, such as electric vehicles, en masse. However, electric vehicles aren’t good for the environment. Even with government subsidies, they’re expensive and unprofitable. Further, consumers don’t want to make the switch. Luke Perlot, Associate Director of NLPC's Corporate Integrity Project, stated, “Our proposal encourages a reassessment of GM’s current executive compensation incentives, which overly prioritize electric vehicle production without adequate consideration of the associated economic, environmental, and ethical risks. Instead, the company should remove these incentives and give its executive team the opportunity to pursue growth strategies without political bias.” Key Details of the Proposal: Misalignment with Market Realities: Despite substantial investments and executive incentives, the anticipated demand for EVs has not materialized at the projected scale. An open letter to President Biden signed by over 5,000 auto dealerships warned of lack of demand for EVs. Economic Viability and Subsidy Dependence: GM's profitability in the EV sector is heavily reliant on government subsidies, which are subject to political changes and could be repealed as early as 2025. Without these subsidies, the division’s path to achieving positive pre-tax earnings, currently projected for no sooner than 2025, appears increasingly precarious. Environmental and Ethical Challenges: The extraction and processing of rare-earth elements, crucial for these batteries, are predominantly concentrated in regions with poor environmental and labor standards. This not only leads to severe ecological damage, but also involves significant human rights abuses, including forced labor. Further, these elements are primarily processed in China, a geopolitical adversary of the United States. “Consumers still want internal combustion engine vehicles,” Perlot added, “and GM’s competitors are making substantial investments to meet their demand. The company cannot afford to be left behind because of misguided incentives.” Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

June 03, 2024 11:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

NAFA’s Second Annual Fleet Safety Symposium: Uniting Fleet Professionals for Safer Roads

NAFA Fleet Management Association

Safety is critical in the fleet industry, and NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, is dedicated to advancing safety standards across the board. In support of this commitment, NAFA is hosting its second annual Fleet Safety Symposium, "Enhancing Fleet Safety: An Interactive Fleet Safety Event," from June 24-26 at Oakton Community College in Chicago, IL. “The Fleet Safety Symposium is a cornerstone of NAFA’s commitment to promoting safety in fleet management. This event is designed to provide our members with practical strategies and tools to implement effective safety practices within their operations,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “We look forward to seeing the collaborative efforts of our participants as they work together to enhance safety standards across the industry.” Building on last year’s success, this year’s symposium introduces new, cutting-edge content aimed at addressing the evolving challenges in fleet operations. Participants will engage in interactive sessions focused on enhancing safety awareness, mitigating risks and fostering a culture of safety excellence. Jerry Curl, Chief Operating Officer at G&D Trucking Inc./Hoffman Transportation LLC, will help lead the symposium, guiding attendees through the event and driving insightful discussions. Fleet Safety Symposium Highlights and Key Features: Interactive Sessions: Engage in dynamic discussions designed to enhance safety awareness and mitigate risks. “Trip Up the Expert” Session: Challenge industry experts to uncover blind spots and develop innovative solutions to safety challenges. Expert-Led Discussions: Participate in thought-provoking conversations and real-world case studies. Hands-On Activities and Group Exercises: Experience practical training that fosters a proactive approach to safety management. Focus Areas: Safety Planning Safety Culture Safety Tools and Technologies Safety Policy Implementation This event will provide attendees with the tools, strategies and insights needed to drive positive change within their fleet operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of drivers, vehicles and communities. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.nafa.org/events/fleetsafetysymposium/ NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year. For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Contact Details Keaveny Hewitt +1 919-622-5276 khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com Company Website https://www.nafa.org/

May 30, 2024 02:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Halving of BTFS Storage Rewards

BitTorrent

Singapore, May 28, 2024 – To sustain the growth and success of the BitTorrent ecosystem, BTFS is set to implement a halving on the next round of rewards for storage miners on the BTFS network. From 00:00 (UTC) June 25, 2024, the daily rewards for storage miners on the BTFS network will be halved from 15 billion BTT to 7.5 billion BTT. The BitTorrent File System (BTFS) is a decentralized file storage system that utilizes blockchain technology and peer-to-peer transmission. It allows users to store their files across multiple nodes in a distributed manner, enhancing file security and reliability. BTFS also offers rapid file transfer and access, giving users greater convenience in managing and sharing files. By integrating key features of the BitTorrent Chain (BTTC), such as cross-chain connectivity and multichannel payment options, BTFS significantly enhances user experience. Currently, the BTFS network is experiencing rapid growth with over 8 million nodes across the network, including more than 6 million super miners, according to BTFS SCAN. To support the efficient operations of these nodes, BTFS initiated a rewards program and has provided an aggregate of 25 trillion BTT since the launch of BTFS Mainnet in 2019. Every two years, the BTFS rewards halving will occur causing the rewards for all storage miners across the network to be cut in half. (Halving roadmap) Moreover, halving will also prompt miners to improve node performance by optimizing node operation and reducing waste. In addition, an upgrade of the official website for the BTFS technical community and the release of BTFS v3.0 Mainnet will be scheduled in sync with the halving. These developments are expected to improve the efficiency of the BTFS protocol, expand the user base, and enhance its overall functionality. Looking ahead, BTFS is committed to continuously refining its storage rewards strategies. The goal is to expand the network of nodes participating in file storage on BTFS, providing developers with an efficient, secure, and reliable storage solution boosting both the capacity and the transaction efficiency of the BTTC network. About BTFS The BitTorrent File System (BTFS) is both a protocol and a web application that provides a content-addressable peer-to-peer mechanism for storing and sharing digital content in a decentralized file system, as well as a base platform for decentralized applications (Dapp). The BTFS team has been working on the latest network operations and BTT market sentiment, etc., to make a series of dynamic adjustments such as upload prices and airdrop reward schemes. About BitTorrent Founded with a leading peer-to-peer sharing technology standard in 2004, BitTorrent, Inc. is a consumer software company based in San Francisco. Its protocol is the largest decentralized P2P network in the world, driving 22% of upstream and 3% of downstream traffic globally. Its flagship desktop and mobile products, BitTorrent and µTorrent, enable users to send large files over the internet, connecting legitimate third-party content providers with users. With over 100 million active users, BitTorrent products have been installed on over 1 billion devices in over 138 countries worldwide. Since November 2018, TRON (TRX), Binance (BNB), and Bitcoin (BTC) holders have the opportunity to purchase one-year subscriptions of BitTorrent or µTorrent products, including Ads Free and Pro for Windows. Pro includes anti-virus and anti-malware screening, file converting and playability in HD. Users can visit bittorrent.com or utorrent.com to learn more. Website | Telegram | Medium | X | Media Contact John Chen press@bittorrent.com Contact Details John Chen press@bittorrent.com

May 28, 2024 07:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Ilika CEO highlights strong 2024 financial performance and key developments

Ilika PLC

Ilika PLC CEO Graeme Purdy discusses the company’s positive trading update for the year to 30 April 2024 with Proactive London’s Stephen Gunnion. The company expects to announce revenues of approximately £2.1 million from £0.7 million a year earlier and ended the period with cash and cash equivalents of £11.9 million, providing a solid foundation for future operations. Key highlights included a ten-year licensing agreement with Cirtec Medical LLC in the US to commercialise miniature batteries for medical devices and wireless sensors. Additionally, Ilika announced a 12-month collaboration with the Tata Group’s Agratas to develop Goliath cells, aiming for a 50 amp-hour battery by the first half of 2025. The company’s financial position is supplemented by a recent £1.7 million capital raise aimed at advancing the Goliath programme. Planned investments include upgrading dry room capabilities to handle moisture-sensitive materials and enhancing testing equipment for larger battery prototypes. Purdy also provided an update on the Stereax production line, noting significant progress at the Massachusetts facility, with equipment commissioning and qualification underway. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

May 17, 2024 02:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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