Leading Alzheimer's Disease Research Nonprofit Welcomes Four Renowned Experts in Therapeutics Development

WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cure Alzheimer's Fund (CureAlz) today announced the appointments of Drs. Michelle Arkin, Ronald B. DeMattos, Donna M. Huryn, and Kalpana Merchant to the organization's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).

The SAB provides strategic guidance on CureAlz's scientific direction and research investment strategy. Drawing on extensive experience translating scientific discoveries into therapies, its members help ensure CureAlz's research investments focus on the most promising opportunities to prevent Alzheimer's disease, reduce risk, and accelerate the development of new treatments that can improve the lives of people affected by the disease.

"The addition of Drs. Arkin, DeMattos, Huryn, and Merchant further strengthens an already-exceptional Scientific Advisory Board and reinforces our commitment to identifying and funding the highest-impact Alzheimer's research," said Meg Smith, CEO of Cure Alzheimer's Fund. "The SAB's guidance helps ensure every research dollar is invested where it has the greatest potential to accelerate discoveries that lead to more effective treatments for people living with Alzheimer's disease—and ultimately, to a cure."

CureAlz does not accept funding or direction from pharmaceutical or biotech companies but values the insights and expertise SAB members developed during their industry tenures.

Collectively, the four new SAB members have decades of experience spanning target identification, drug discovery, and clinical development of Alzheimer's treatments.

Michelle Arkin, Ph.D., is Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vice Dean for Research Technology and Entrepreneurship in the School of Pharmacy, and Executive Director of the Small Molecule Discovery Center at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Arkin's chemical biology lab develops methods and molecules to target "undruggable" proteins—drawing on prior industry experience at Sunesis Pharmaceuticals and ongoing roles advising pharmaceutical companies and scientific journals, and as co-founder of four therapeutics startups.

Ronald B. DeMattos, Ph.D., previously spent more than 20 years in neuroscience discovery at Eli Lilly, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer for Neurobiologics. He led the development of numerous therapeutic candidates that advanced to clinical studies in Alzheimer's patients, including donanemab—the FDA-cleared amyloid-lowering antibody for the treatment of early Alzheimer's disease sold under the brand name Kisunla™.

Donna M. Huryn, Ph.D., is Professor of Practice in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. Her laboratory designs small-molecule probes and drug candidates to treat neurodegenerative, kidney, and genetic diseases, building on an earlier career in pharmaceutical drug discovery at Hoffmann-La Roche and Wyeth Research. Dr. Huryn is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Chemical Society (ACS), and was inducted into the ACS Division of Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame.

Kalpana Merchant, Ph.D., is a translational neuroscientist with more than 30 years of experience in drug development for neurological disorders and formerly was Chief Scientific Officer for Tailored Therapeutics–Neuroscience at Eli Lilly. She is Founder, President and Chief Science Officer of TransThera Consulting Co., an Adjunct Professor of Neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and serves as an advisor and board member for institutes and foundations.

About Cure Alzheimer's Fund

Cure Alzheimer's Fund (CureAlz) is a nonprofit dedicated to funding the most promising research to prevent, slow, or reverse Alzheimer's disease. Since its founding in 2004, CureAlz has provided $270 million to 400 of the world's leading researchers and has achieved a 100% perfect score and a Four-Star rating for 14 consecutive years from Charity Navigator. The organization's unwavering focus on finding a cure is made possible by our Board of Directors, Trustees, and Sustaining Partners who empower CureAlz operations and allow 100% of your gift to support our research program. For more information, visit CureAlz.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Wasco

[email protected]

781-304-8614

SOURCE Alzheimer's Disease Research Foundation

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WILMINGTON, Mass., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Stafford Manufacturing Corp. has introduced a full line of shaft collars, couplings, and mounting devices for conveyor and packaging systems in the food and beverage industry.

Stafford Shaft Collars, Couplings & Flange Mounts are designed with round, square, and hex bores to fit a wide range of conveyors and packaging systems used in the food and beverage industry. Machined from both 303 and 316 stainless steel, food-grade Blue Acetal, Nylon or Delrin®, with 18-8 or 316 stainless steel fasteners, these collars are available in one- and two-piece designs

USDA- and FDA-approved for applications requiring frequent wash-down, Stafford Shaft Collars, Couplings & Flange Mounts are offered in 0.25" to 16" I.D. sizes, depending upon material, and the Blue Acetal in 0.25" to 2" I.D., with Nylon or Delrin® collars offered in 1" to 4" I.D. sizes. They can incorporate special and threaded bores, keyways, knurls, and other treatments as needed.

Stafford Shaft Collars, Couplings & Flange Mounts are priced according to material, size, and configuration with delivery from stock.

For more information contact:

Stafford Manufacturing Corp.

Shelley Doherty, Marketing Director

P.O. Box 277

North Reading, MA 01864-0277

(800) 695-5551  FAX (978) 657-4731

e-mail: [email protected]

www.staffordmfg.com

SOURCE Stafford Manufacturing Corp.

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SAN BRUNO, Calif., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chariot Defense, a technology company pioneering next-generation software-defined power distribution for modern warfare, today announced its Board of Advisors that includes former senior military officers, civilian defense officials and a venture capital veteran.

The initial appointees are Gen. James E. "Jim" Rainey, U.S. Army (Retired); the Honorable Ellen Lord, former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; Brig. Gen. Samuel "Luke" Peterson, U.S. Army (Retired); and Stephen Rodriguez, Founder of One Defense.

Gen. James E. "Jim" Rainey, U.S. Army (Retired) spent 38 years in uniform building and leading the organizations the Army turned to when a mission could not fail. As Commanding General of U.S. Army Futures Command, he directed the Army's most ambitious modernization effort since the Cold War and rebuilt a challenged enterprise into a model of execution while reshaping its operational concepts and culture. As the Army's Chief Operating Officer, he managed 1.2 million personnel against a $186 billion budget. He commanded at every level from platoon to division, with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and led the overhaul of the Army's leader development enterprise as Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center. He previously served as Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division and Commandant of the Infantry School.

The Honorable Ellen Lord was the first Senate-confirmed Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, where she led the Department's personnel, policy, and processes for the acquisition of products and services, lifecycle sustainment, and the security and resiliency of the defense industrial base. She is recognized for confronting cyber vulnerabilities across the supply chain and writing an aggressive cybersecurity posture into acquisition policy. Before her government appointment, she was President and Chief Executive Officer of Textron Systems, supporting defense, homeland security, aerospace, and infrastructure protection customers worldwide. She is a Senior Fellow at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and an advisor at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and serves as Vice Chairman of the U.S. Naval Institute.

Brig. Gen. Samuel "Luke" Peterson, U.S. Army (Retired) spent nearly 35 years of service, closing his career as Program Executive Officer for Combat Support and Combat Service Support. In that role he led approximately 250 acquisition programs across the Army's Transportation, Quartermaster, Ordnance, and Engineer portfolios, directing 1,100 acquisition professionals across four states, fielding more than 22,000 pieces of equipment a year against a budget of roughly $8.2 billion. He served in Germany, Kuwait, Bosnia, and Afghanistan; in the Pentagon he advised the Army Acquisition Executive on the execution of all Army programs on the staff of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. His program work spans advanced networking, the Army's entire tactical wheeled vehicle and watercraft fleet, and acquisition strategies for hypersonics and directed energy.

Stephen Rodriguez is the Founder of One Defense, a technology-enabled consulting firm that accelerates the transition of dual-use technology into the defense industrial base, and leads defense investing at DCVC, a multi-billion dollar deep tech venture capital firm and a Chariot investor. He has worked in national security since 2001, in and out of government, and has been a senior leader at both an artificial intelligence growth-stage company and a global defense corporation. He serves as a director, observer, or advisor to fifteen venture-backed companies, including Applied Intuition, Agility Robotics, Ursa Major Technologies, Firestorm, and Blue Water Autonomy. He is a Commission Director at the Atlantic Council, Chairman of Blue Forge Alliance, Co-Chairman of the New American Industrial Alliance's Executive Advisory Board, and a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Rodriguez has been published in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Foreign Policy, War on the Rocks, and National Review.

Chariot's Advisory Board will support disciplined scaling of manufacturing, supply chains, and deployment pathways to accelerate delivery of the company's Amphora agile power systems to warfighters. Their expertise is rooted in decades of seeing firsthand the operational problems a lack of reliable power creates for troops.

"The battlefield of today, and even more so tomorrow, runs on power," said Rainey. "Sensors, drones, communications, directed energy–none of it functions without a reliable power backbone at the edge. I've watched this gap widen for years. Chariot is closing it with an urgency that matches the threat."

The company now fields Amphora systems to operational military units, enabling extended missions, supply independence and flexible, dependable power for nearly any application.

Military operations increasingly rely on high-tech systems in the hands of troops at all echelons. Recent real-world operations also show the need for a robust power backbone overseas and at home for communications, drones and counter-drone systems.

"Great power competition is accelerating. We must compress every timeline in the defense acquisition system," said Lord. "Too many critical technologies die in the valley of death, the no-man's land between prototype and procurement. Chariot has shown it can win. Their systems are already deployed with operational units. The board's job is to make sure nothing slows that down."

Confirmation of the Board of Advisors follows the announcement of Chariot's $34 million Series A funding led by Andreessen Horowitz, and the company's recent announcement of a $7.4 million contract with the Pentagon's Department of War Innovation Unit (DIU) to start delivering Amphora systems to U.S. Army brigades this fall.

About Chariot Defense

Chariot Defense is a leading defense technology company pioneering next-generation power distribution systems built for the demands of modern warfare. Its Amphora platform provides modular voltage and low-signature power at the tactical edge—powering everything from radios and drones to sensors and directed energy systems. Founded in 2024, Chariot is backed by leading national security investors and led by a team with deep experience across defense, technology, and government.

Learn more at https://www.chariotdefense.com/.

Board of Advisors photo available for download here.

MEDIA CONTACT

[email protected]

SOURCE Chariot Defense

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Wholly owned subsidiary of Alif Holding to focus on maritime protection, smart ports, underwater intelligence and critical infrastructure protection; Dr. Jasem Al-Mansory expected to serve as Chairman

ABU DHABI, UAE, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Robo.ai Inc. (Nasdaq: AIIO) ("Robo.ai" or the "Company") today announced that Alif Holding, the Company's industrial group, plans to establish Alif Maritec as a wholly owned subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates. The new company will focus on marine security and intelligent maritime infrastructure. Dr. Jasem Al-Mansory, Chief Executive Officer of Alif Holding, is expected to serve as Chairman of Alif Maritec.

Alif Maritec will form part of Robo.ai's broader intelligent infrastructure platform. Once established, it will focus on four areas: maritime protection, smart ports, underwater intelligence and critical infrastructure protection. The company will serve governments and infrastructure operators, addressing the above- and below-surface security needs of ports, coastlines, offshore energy assets and other critical facilities.

Alif Maritec will develop underwater barrier and protection systems, port and coastal protection systems, and an intelligent monitoring platform. Its technology framework will be built around four pillars: AI and analytics, advanced sensing, marine materials and digital twin. Together, these capabilities will support an integrated approach to situational awareness, intelligent analysis and coordinated response.

Demand for these solutions is being driven by continued growth of global seaborne trade, increasing investment in offshore energy and nearshore infrastructure, and higher safety standards for ports and waterways. Alif Maritec plans to integrate and manufacture its technology in the UAE in accordance with international standards. It will initially serve markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), before gradually expanding into international markets. This development path is aligned with the UAE's "We the UAE 2031" national vision and the "Make it in the Emirates" initiative, supporting the localization of advanced industry, greater resilience across critical infrastructure and broader economic diversification.

Dr. Jasem Al-Mansory, Chief Executive Officer of Alif Holding and Chairman-designate of Alif Maritec, said: "Alif Maritec brings our strategy to life: integrating global technology in the UAE, manufacturing in the UAE and delivering solutions for markets worldwide. This approach closely aligns with the UAE's national vision. Once established, Alif Maritec will focus on protecting ports, coastlines, offshore energy assets and other critical facilities, both above and below the surface."

At the group level, as previously announced, Robo.ai divested its legacy business and acquired Neurovia AI and Quantum Core Capital ("QC Capital") in the first half of 2026, and subsequently established the industrial group Alif Holding. Together, these developments created a four-platform structure centered on intelligent infrastructure.

Net profit attributable to Robo.ai shareholders was US$46.7 million for the first half, compared with a net loss in the prior-year period. The profit was primarily attributable to gains from discontinued operations. From June 1 to August 31, 2026, Robo.ai generated more than US$180 million in total revenue, based on preliminary and unaudited figures, reflecting the initial operating contribution of the Company's repositioned business structure.

Benjamin Zhai, Chief Executive Officer of Robo.ai, said: "During the first half of the year, we completed the Company's restructuring, and in the second half, the new structure has begun translating into ongoing operating results. The proposed establishment of Alif Maritec marks the next step in expanding our business footprint and advancing Alif Holding's 'Building Intelligent Industries' strategy. Through reliable, integrated system solutions, we aim to address the security and protection needs of maritime infrastructure, while building a business that is positioned to deliver sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value."

The group financial figures cited in this press release are unaudited. Group total revenue for the period from June 1 to August 31, 2026 is preliminary, has not been reviewed by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and may be adjusted as a result of the Company's financial closing and review procedures. Financial figures for these specific historical periods do not constitute a forecast of, or guidance on, the Company's results for any future period, and should not be read as an expectation of future performance.

About Alif Maritec

Alif Maritec is a marine security and intelligent maritime infrastructure company proposed to be established by Alif Holding in the United Arab Emirates. Once established, it intends to focus on four areas: maritime protection, smart ports, underwater intelligence and the protection of critical infrastructure. The systems it intends to develop include underwater barrier and protection systems, port and coastal protection systems and a smart monitoring platform, providing governments and infrastructure operators with integrated solutions that combine advanced materials, AI-driven intelligence and engineering, beginning with the UAE and GCC markets and expanding progressively into international markets.

About Alif Holding

Alif Holding is an Abu Dhabi-based AI industrial group under Robo.ai Inc. (Nasdaq: AIIO), focused on intelligent software and intelligent equipment for governments, critical infrastructure and industrial customers. It develops, integrates and manufactures AI systems in the UAE for deployment across energy, ports, public safety, utilities, smart cities and other mission-critical sectors.

About Robo.ai Inc.

Robo.ai Inc. (Nasdaq: AIIO), headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a Nasdaq-listed technology group building intelligent infrastructure across four platforms: artificial intelligence; robotics and smart mobility; advanced manufacturing; and digital assets and capital. Its industrial group, Alif Holding, is dedicated to building intelligent industries through the development, integration and manufacturing of AI systems, serving government, public sector and mission-critical domains. Through its subsidiary Neurovia AI, the Company develops AI software and visual data infrastructure. Quantum Core Capital ("QC Capital"), its AI-powered deep-tech holding and venture-building platform, incubates, invests in and operates businesses across artificial intelligence, robotics, digital infrastructure and the next-generation digital economy.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "likely to," "challenges," and similar statements. Robo.ai may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors, or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Robo.ai's beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Robo.ai's strategies, future business development, and financial condition and results of operations; Robo.ai's limited operating history in its current business; Robo.ai's ability to generate positive cash flow and profits; Robo.ai's ability to compete successfully; Robo.ai's ability to build its brand and withstand negative publicity; and changes in customer demand and government incentives, subsidies, or other favorable government policies. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Robo.ai's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Robo.ai does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

SOURCE Alif Holding; Robo.ai Inc.

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Launched from its Quarterhorse aircraft, the expendable test vehicle is designed to make high-Mach airbreathing flight test cheaper, faster, and more repeatable.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hermeus today announced it is developing Ramjet-X, a low-cost, expendable ramjet-powered vehicle designed for launch from its Quarterhorse aircraft. Once released, Ramjet-X will fly at high-Mach speeds.

Ramjets require significant initial speed before they can operate effectively. Instead of relying on a large, expensive, expendable booster for every test, Hermeus will use its reusable Quarterhorse aircraft to carry Ramjet-X to the speed and altitude required for launch. Once released, Ramjet-X will commence ramjet-powered flight, while Quarterhorse returns for future flight test missions.

Ramjet-X will also enable Hermeus to offer high-Mach Flight Test as a Service (FTaaS), expanding access to flight environments that have historically been costly and difficult to reach. Customers and partners will be able to integrate payloads, sensors, communications and compute systems, autonomy, material samples, propulsion technologies, and other experimental hardware and software onto Ramjet-X for testing in representative sustained high-Mach conditions. By providing a repeatable platform, launch architecture, and flight-test infrastructure, Hermeus can allow customers to focus on the technology being evaluated rather than developing a bespoke high-speed flight vehicle and test program for every experiment.

"High-speed flight testing is extremely expensive, and you don't get many shots at it," said Zach Shore, CEO of Hermeus. "Ramjet-X gives us a way to put new systems into sustained high-Mach environments without building an expensive one-off test program every time. Bringing speed, sustained flight, and scalability all into one system lowers the barriers to gathering extremely valuable data from these conditions and accelerates programs for both us and our customers."

Development of Ramjet-X is already well underway. Hermeus is testing Ramjet-X's ramjet engine at its HEAT facility in Jacksonville, Florida, while high-temperature structures are in development at its headquarters in El Segundo, California. Integrated vehicle testing is currently planned for 2027.

About Hermeus

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.

Contact:

Farshad Shadloo

VP, Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Hermeus

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Viertelfinale bei der Heim-WM! ProSieben MAXX zeigt Basketball-Kracher Deutschland - Belgien am Donnerstag

Unterföhring (ots)

Schreiben die deutschen Basketballerinnen weiter WM-Geschichte? Der souveräne Erfolg gegen Südkorea (94:56) bei der Heim-Weltmeisterschaft bedeutet für das deutsche Team den ersten Einzug in ein WM-Viertelfinale überhaupt. Dort wartet auf Team Deutschland bei der FIBA Basketball-WM 2026 eine besonders herausfordernde Aufgabe: Deutschland trifft am Donnerstag, 10. September, auf die amtierenden Europameisterinnen aus Belgien. ProSieben MAXX überträgt das Spiel der Basketball-Frauen ab 17:15 Uhr live, der Tip-off folgt um 17:45 Uhr. Die Belgierinnen zählen zu den stärksten Teams und gehen bisher ungeschlagen durch das Turnier.

Vor Ort berichtet das "ran Basketball"-Team: Moderator Christoph "Icke" Dommisch, Olympiasiegerin Sonja Greinacher und Kommentator Matthias Killing begleiten die Heim-Weltmeisterschaft.

Basketball-WM 2026, Deutschland - Belgien, morgen, 10. September, 17:15 Uhr, live auf ProSieben MAXX.

Pressekontakt:

Hendrik Hübner

Content Communications

phone: +49 (0) 89 95 07 - 1176

email: hendrik.huebner@seven.one

Photo Production & Editing

Clarissa Schreiner

email: clarissa.schreiner@seven.one

ProSieben

Ein Unternehmen der Seven.One Entertainment Group

Original-Content von: ProSieben MAXX, übermittelt durch news aktuell

"Programmieren mit dem Elefanten" für Kinder in Rheinland-Pfalz

Bibliotheksprojekt von Landesbibliothekszentrum, WDR und SWR geht an den Start

Kostenfrei für Kinder und beteiligte Bibliotheken

Mainz (ots)

Er ist sowohl bei den Kleinen als auch bei den Großen bekannt: Der kleine blaue Elefant aus der "Sendung mit dem Elefanten". Zusammen mit dem Hasen vermittelt er dort Lach- und Sachgeschichten - und jetzt in Rheinland-Pfalz auch erste Programmierkenntnisse für den Nachwuchs im Kindergarten- und Grundschulalter. Möglich ist dies durch eine Kooperation zwischen dem Landesbibliothekszentrum Rheinland-Pfalz (LBZ), dem WDR und SWR, die jetzt gestartet ist. Vermittelt wird das medienpädagogische Angebot des WDR über teilnehmende öffentliche Bibliotheken in Städten und Gemeinden.

Programmieren lernen mit der "Wenn-Dann-Maschine"

Elefant und Hase begleiten die Kinder dabei, auf spielerische Weise das Programmieren zu erlernen. Herzstück ist die "Wenn-Dann-Maschine", ein Lernspiel innerhalb der Elefanten-App. Darüber werden in vier Leveln mit unterschiedlichen Schwierigkeitsstufen grundlegende Prinzipien des Programmierens vermittelt. Die meisten Spiele funktionieren auch ohne Tablet und können auf die individuellen Bedürfnisse zusammengestellt werden. Zudem gibt es Begleitmaterial für Eltern und pädagogisches Fachpersonal.

Bibliotheken als Orte des Lernens und Erlebens

Öffentliche Bibliotheken sind im Projekt Multiplikatoren und zugleich Orte des Lernens und Erlebens. Sie können sich im Vorfeld in Schulungen mit dem Projekt vertraut machen, die vom 21. bis 23. September 2026 angeboten werden. Ab Herbst können Kinder in den teilnehmenden Bibliotheken dann die Welt des Programmierens entdecken. Sie erlernen dabei auch Kompetenzen, um Probleme zu lösen, im Team zusammenzuarbeiten sowie Symbole zu verstehen. Neben mathematisch-logischem Denken wird auch die Sprachentwicklung unterstützt. Alles Kompetenzen, wie sie sowohl in der Schule als auch im Alltag benötigt werden.

"Bildungsgerechtigkeit und Teilhabe"

"Neben der Leseförderung ist uns die frühkindliche Medienbildung ein großes Anliegen. Daher freue ich mich sehr über diese gemeinsame Kooperation mit dem WDR und SWR", betont Hans-Günter Scheer, Leiter des Landesbibliothekszentrums. "Damit unterstützen wir Öffentliche Bibliotheken dabei, Kindern frühzeitig digitale Kompetenzen sowie Handlungsfertigkeiten zu vermitteln und sie in ihrer Entwicklung zu fördern. Bibliotheken sind Orte der Bildungsgerechtigkeit und Teilhabe, und so steht das "Programmieren mit dem Elefanten" allen Kindern offen, unabhängig vom sozialen Hintergrund und Einkommen der Eltern."

"Die digitale Welt verstehen"

WDR-Intendantin Katrin Vernau: "Wer die digitale Welt verstehen will, sollte ihre Grundlagen früh kennenlernen. Mit dem ,Programmieren mit dem Elefanten' ermöglichen wir genau das: spielerisch, einfach für Kinder zwischen vier und sieben Jahren. Bibliotheken sind dafür die idealen Partner. Sie bringen Menschen zusammen, eröffnen Chancen und stärken Bildung. Es macht mich stolz, dass unser Projekt nach Nordrhein-Westfalen und Niedersachsen jetzt auch Rheinland-Pfalz erreicht."

"Medienbildung gehört in Grundschulen und Kindergärten"

SWR-Intendant Kai Gniffke: "Medienbildung gehört in Grundschulen und Kindergärten und eben nicht nur in die Oberstufe. Wenn Kinder soziale Medien verstehen und kritisch nutzen sollen, dann können sie nicht früh genug lernen, wie diese funktionieren. Es tut gut, dass WDR und SWR dafür ihre Kräfte bündeln."

"Programmieren mit dem Elefanten" kostenfrei

"Programmieren mit dem Elefanten" ist sowohl für die Kinder als auch für die beteiligten Bibliotheken kostenfrei. Angesetzt ist das Projekt zunächst bis Mitte 2027. In Nordrhein-Westfalen und Niedersachsen wurde es bereits erfolgreich durchgeführt.

Weitere Informationen unter s.rlp.de/elefant

Bilder zum Download unter SWR.li/elefant

Pressekontakt:

Bianca von der Weiden, Tel. 06131 92932742, bianca.von_der_weiden@SWR.de

Original-Content von: SWR - Südwestrundfunk, übermittelt durch news aktuell

Wien wurde zum Treffpunkt der internationalen Barista-Champions

Julius Meinl kürt den Gesamtsieger und die Disziplin-Sieger:innen beim Barista Cup 2026

WIEN, 9. September 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 15 nationale Barista-Champions aus aller Welt kamen am 4. September zum International Barista Cup Grand Finale 2026 von Julius Meinl im Wiener Museums-Quartier zusammen. In den Disziplinen Espresso, Cappuccino und Signature Drink zeigten sie vor einer internationalen Fachjury ihr Können. Den Gesamtsieg und damit den Titel als Overall Champion 2026 sicherte sich Elizaveta Rîmscaia aus Moldau. Zusätzlich wurden die jeweils besten Leistungen in den drei Disziplinen ausgezeichnet.

„Für mich war es etwas ganz Besonderes, die 15 nationalen Champions aus unseren Märkten gemeinsam hier in Wien zu erleben. Sie arbeiten tagtäglich mit Julius Meinl Kaffee und prägen damit das Kaffeeerlebnis für Gäste in Cafés, Restaurants und Hotels weltweit. Beim Grand Finale zu sehen, mit wie viel Können, Kreativität und Persönlichkeit sie ihr Handwerk präsentieren, macht mich sehr stolz. Genau dieses Zusammenspiel aus Expertise, Begeisterung und echten Emotionen macht den Barista Cup für mich so besonders", betont Christina Meinl, VP Group Strategies, Brand & Corporate Communication sowie Familienmitglied der fünften Generation.

15 Länder, mehr als 350 Bewerbungen

Das Grand Finale in Wien bildete den Abschluss nationaler Wettbewerbe in 15 Ländern, darunter Österreich, Italien, Deutschland, China, Georgien und Kroatien. Mehr als 350 Baristas hatten sich für den Barista Cup 2026 beworben, 15 nationale Champions schafften es schließlich ins internationale Finale. Beim Grand Finale absolvierten alle Baristas die drei Disziplinen Espresso, Cappuccino und Signature Drink.

Die Sieger:innen des Barista Cup 2026

In der Disziplin Espresso bewertete eine internationale, unabhängige Fachjury Geschmack, Balance und Crema. Beim Cappuccino standen das Zusammenspiel von Espresso und Milch sowie die Latte Art im Fokus. Beim Signature Drink waren Kreativität und ein stimmiges Geschmackserlebnis gefragt. Die Espresso-Disziplin gewann Stefan Kot aus Polen, den Sieg in der Cappuccino-Disziplin holte Mario Benetseder aus Österreich und in der Kategorie Signature Drink überzeugte Luka Darispanashvili aus Georgien. Den Gesamtsieg über alle drei Disziplinen sicherte sich Elizaveta Rîmscaia aus Moldau und wurde damit zum Overall Champion 2026 gekürt.

"Ich bin unglaublich glücklich. Das Grand Finale zu gewinnen, ist ein riesiger Erfolg für mich und zeigt mir, dass oft mehr in mir steckt, als ich selbst denke. Als ich die Bühne betrat, war die ganze Nervosität plötzlich verschwunden. In diesem Moment gab es nur noch mich, die Jury und den Kaffee. Ich bin meinem Trainer, Provitus Grup und Odelle Patisserie sehr dankbar, dass sie mich auf diesem Weg begleitet, ihr Wissen mit mir geteilt und immer an mich geglaubt haben. Moldau auf internationaler Bühne zu vertreten und den Titel als Overall Champion mit nach Hause zu nehmen, macht diesen Moment für mich noch besonderer", erzählt Elizaveta Rîmscaia nach ihrem Sieg.

Cuwan Alin, der für Deutschland an den Start ging, zieht ein positives Fazit der Veranstaltung: „Für mich war das Grand Finale in Wien eine besondere Erfahrung. Deutschland auf internationaler Bühne vertreten zu dürfen, hat mir sehr viel bedeutet. Vor allem der Austausch mit den anderen Baristas und die unterschiedlichen Herangehensweisen an Kaffee haben mich inspiriert und motivieren mich, meinen eigenen Weg weiterzugehen", sagt er.

Reise zum Kaffeeursprung

Auf alle vier Gewinner:innen wartet nach dem Grand Finale eine besondere Reise: Sie gewinnen jeweils einen Platz auf einer exklusiven Kaffee-Ursprungsreise nach Indien. Vor Ort erhalten sie aus erster Hand Einblicke in Kaffeeanbau, Ernte und Verarbeitung. Im Rahmen der Reise lernen die Gewinner:innen auch das Julius Meinl Generations Programme kennen und treffen einige der beteiligten Communities. Die Initiative wird gemeinsam mit Fairtrade umgesetzt und unterstützt ausgewählte Kaffeefarmer:innen dabei, ihre Lebensgrundlagen langfristig zu stärken und neue Perspektiven für die nächste Generation zu schaffen. Dabei können sie ihr Wissen entlang der Wertschöpfungskette vertiefen und ein noch umfassenderes Verständnis für Kaffee und seine Herkunft entwickeln.

Publikumspremiere in Wien

Erstmals war das Grand Finale 2026 auch für die Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Tausende Menschen strömten ins MuseumsQuartier, um den Wettbewerb live zu verfolgen und mehr über Kaffee zu erfahren. Im Laufe des Tages wurden dabei über tausend Tassen Kaffee ausgeschenkt. So brachte der Barista Cup an einem Tag jene zusammen, die Kaffee täglich zubereiten und jene die ihn täglich genießen.

ÜBER JULIUS MEINL

Julius Meinl wurde 1862 gegründet und ist eine der ältesten Kaffeeröstereien sowie eine der traditionsreichsten Kaffeehausmarken der Welt. Das Engagement für Qualität ist seit fünf Generationen ein Markenzeichen der Familie. Mit mehr als 160 Jahren Erfahrung in der Beschaffung und Röstung ist Meinl ein bevorzugter Kaffeelieferant für Wiens führende Kaffeehäuser. Heute tragen Julius Meinl Kaffees und Tees dazu bei, bedeutungsvolle Momente für Kunden und Konsumenten auf der ganzen Welt zu schaffen, und werden in über 50.000 Hotels, Kaffeehäusern und Restaurants in 70 Ländern sowie in einer wachsenden Zahl von Einzelhandelsgeschäften verkauft.

Pressekontakt:

Jaqueline Sieberer  

Corporate Communications & Press Spokesperson  

Julius Meinl 1862 GmbH  

[email protected]  

www.juliusmeinl.com 

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Chief Revenue and Marketing Executive Brings Two Decades of Growth, Digital and Customer

Strategy Leadership

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sorenson today announced the appointment of Scott Cederbaum as Head of Marketing, effective August 10, 2026. Cederbaum brings more than two decades of experience leading growth, brand transformation, revenue strategy, and customer engagement for global organizations across education, technology, consumer products, and subscription-based businesses.

As Head of Marketing, Cederbaum will lead Sorenson's global marketing strategy, brand development, demand generation, customer lifecycle marketing, and market positioning efforts. He brings experience accelerating growth, modernizing marketing organizations, and building data-driven strategies that connect customers with meaningful solutions.

"Sorenson is at an exciting point in its evolution as accessibility, communications technology and AI continue to converge," said Kevin Keleghan, Chief Executive Officer of Sorenson. "Scott brings a rare combination of marketing, growth and revenue leadership, along with a deep understanding of how to connect innovation with the people it is meant to serve. His experience will help us expand Sorenson's reach, deepen engagement with the communities we serve, and accelerate the next phase of our growth."

Most recently, Scott served as Chief Revenue Officer at Blueprint Prep, where he led enterprise-wide revenue strategy, marketing, sales, pricing, and customer growth initiatives. Throughout his career, he has served as a CMO and in other senior growth and revenue leadership roles building and scaling marketing organizations, leading digital transformation initiatives, strengthening customer acquisition and retention strategies, and leveraging data, analytics, and emerging technologies to drive sustainable growth.

"My years in education technology shaped how I think about the role companies can play in expanding access and opportunity," said Scott Cederbaum. "That experience gave me a deep passion for work that has a meaningful impact on people's lives, and I'm excited to bring that same commitment to Sorenson and the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities we serve. I look forward to working alongside Sorenson's talented team and these communities to build on the company's strengths and drive the next chapter of growth and innovation in accessible communications."

To learn more about Sorenson's accessible communications solutions and commitment to the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities, visit www.sorenson.com/careers.

Media Contact:

Ann Norman

[email protected]

About Sorenson Communications

As the leading language services provider, Sorenson combines innovative, patented technology with world-class sign language interpreters to deliver clear, seamless communication for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities. The company offers a portfolio of solutions that includes Video Relay Service (VRS), VRS for Zoom and the Lumina Video Phone. For people who are Hard of Hearing, CaptionCall provides the clarity and confidence to stay connected. Sorenson's business solutions include Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), On-Demand VRI and on-site interpreting. Sorenson Forum helps enterprises make communication more accessible for employees and customers. Sorenson's AI Sign Language Translation capabilities enable real-time communication between users of sign languages and users of spoken languages in everyday interactions where an interpreter may not be available, making sign language access available in more places and moments. Each year, Sorenson enables hundreds of millions of conversations for our customers' unique communication needs. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives and is committed to operating responsibly by actively managing and reducing its environmental impact. To learn more, visit www.sorenson.com or es.sorenson.com.

SOURCE Sorenson Communications, LLC

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Rönesans, incluida entre las 50 principales empresas contratistas internacionales del mundo

- Rönesans, incluida entre las 50 principales empresas contratistas internacionales del mundo por undécimo año consecutivo

- Engineering News-Record (ENR) ha publicado su lista de 2026 de los "250 principales contratistas internacionales", uno de los referentes mundiales más respetados del sector de la construcción.

- Basada en los ingresos generados fuera de los países de origen de las empresas, la lista sitúa a Rönesans entre los 50 principales contratistas internacionales del mundo por undécimo año consecutivo.

ESTAMBUL, 9 de septiembre de 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A lo largo de más de tres décadas de operaciones internacionales, Rönesans ha completado más de 1.000 proyectos en cerca de 40 países y ha generado 50.000 millones de dólares estadounidenses en ingresos por proyectos internacionales hasta la fecha. En colaboración con 3.500 fabricantes y subcontratistas turcos, la empresa también lleva la experiencia en ingeniería, la capacidad de producción y los servicios de Turquía a mercados de todo el mundo.

La clasificación de ENR se basa en los ingresos generados fuera del mercado de origen de la empresa; por tanto, refleja mejor su capacidad para adjudicarse proyectos y competir a nivel internacional que su tamaño global. Precisamente ahí radica lo destacable de la trayectoria de Rönesans: la compañía lleva ya 11 años consecutivos entre las 50 primeras y mantiene una posición sólida también entre las empresas constructoras europeas.

Este logro tiene un peso especial para Rönesans, ya que su historia comenzó fuera de Turquía. La empresa se forjó un nombre expandiéndose internacionalmente y compitiendo directamente con algunas de las mayores firmas del mundo, para luego trasladar esa experiencia a su país de origen e invertir en Turquía. Rönesans apareció por primera vez en la clasificación de ENR en 2006, ocupando el puesto 86.

Hasta la fecha, Rönesans ha colaborado con 3.000 fabricantes y 500 subcontratistas con sede en Turquía en sus proyectos internacionales. En el conjunto de sus operaciones internacionales, la empresa ha empleado a 28.853 profesionales turcos —incluidos 3.500 ingenieros y arquitectos— y la plantilla total que ha participado en estos proyectos ha alcanzado las 271.888 personas.

El doctor Erman Ilıcak, entre los 50 principales contratistas internacionales del mundo durante once años

Reflexionando sobre la trayectoria internacional de Rönesans a lo largo de más de tres décadas, el doctor Erman Ilıcak, presidente emérito de Rönesans Holding, dijo:

"Once años es mucho tiempo para mantenerse firme. En ese periodo, el mundo cambió más de una vez: vivimos una pandemia, estallaron guerras, nos golpeó una crisis energética y las condiciones de financiación cambiaron bajo nuestros pies. En todas las regiones donde operamos —desde Europa hasta Oriente Medio, y desde los países de la CEI hasta África— surgió un nuevo desafío casi cada año.

En momentos así, decidir cómo responder es clave. Nuestros equipos se adaptaron a cada nueva situación, encontraron soluciones, cambiaron el rumbo cuando fue necesario y siguieron avanzando. A largo plazo, lo que te hace fuerte es cómo te adaptas en equipo cuando los planes cambian.

Durante 11 años, nos hemos mantenido entre los 50 principales contratistas internacionales del mundo. El mundo cambió en ese tiempo, y nosotros también. Nos expandimos a nuevos países, establecimos nuevas alianzas y desarrollamos nuevas capacidades; sin embargo, nos mantuvimos fieles a nuestra cultura de colaboración y resolución de problemas.

Hay mucha más profundidad detrás de esta clasificación. Un equipo increíblemente competente, del que me siento orgulloso, ha estado remando en la misma dirección en todo el mundo: nuestros ingenieros y arquitectos, nuestros profesionales de finanzas y nuestros socios comerciales. Se trata de una gran organización que ha crecido unida a lo largo de los años. Lo que Rönesans hace bien es actuar con la misma mentalidad en diferentes geografías y bajo distintas condiciones.

Nuestra experiencia en proyectos internacionales por valor de 50.000 millones de dólares, sumada a los 11 años consecutivos que llevamos figurando en esta lista, conlleva una responsabilidad aún mayor de cara al futuro. Quiero expresar mi agradecimiento a todos los compañeros de Rönesans en el mundo que asumen el compromiso y nos ayudan a afrontar los nuevos desafíos que trae consigo cada año".

Desde el edificio más alto de Europa hasta el túnel de carretera más largo de los Países Bajos

Desde el inicio de sus operaciones internacionales en 1993, Rönesans ha consolidado una presencia que abarca diversas regiones de todo el mundo. Su cartera internacional incluye algunos de los proyectos de ingeniería más complejos que existen, entre ellos el Lakhta Center —el edificio más alto de Europa—, el Túnel de Base de San Gotardo bajo los Alpes suizos, el Gaasperdammertunnel en los Países Bajos —el túnel de carretera más largo de ese país— y una planta de producción de gasolina a partir de gas natural en Turkmenistán.

El poder exportador invisible de Turquía

El impacto económico de la actividad internacional de Rönesans trasciende con creces los ingresos generados por sus propios proyectos. La contratación internacional moviliza una amplia cadena de valor que abarca ingeniería, arquitectura, finanzas, servicios jurídicos, materiales de construcción, logística y tecnología. Gracias a su colaboración con más de 3.500 fabricantes y subcontratistas con sede en Turquía, Rönesans ha adquirido y exportado bienes y servicios por un valor superior a los 2.000 millones de dólares estadounidenses tan solo en la última década.

Este trabajo brinda a las empresas turcas una vía de acceso a nuevos mercados, al tiempo que proporciona a ingenieros, arquitectos y directivos turcos experiencia real en algunos de los proyectos más grandes del mundo.

Crecimiento continuo en Europa

Europa sigue siendo un elemento central de la estrategia de crecimiento internacional de Rönesans. En 2009, la empresa adquirió una participación del 10 % en el grupo de construcción austriaco PORR, uno de sus primeros pasos importantes en Europa. A esto le siguieron la adquisición de una filial del grupo Alpine Bau en 2013, de la consolidada firma de ingeniería alemana Heitkamp en 2014 y de la constructora neerlandesa Ballast Nedam en 2015. Tras una profunda reestructuración bajo la dirección de Rönesans, Ballast Nedam volvió a ser rentable en un plazo de tres años.

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