iRegene Therapeutics's NouvSight001 Cleared for Clinical Trials in the U.S. and China for Retinitis Pigmentosa

- Following its Parkinson's disease program, iRegene advances another off-the-shelf cell therapy into clinical development in the U.S. and China.

CHENGDU, China, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- iRegene Therapeutics Co., Ltd. ("iRegene" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company pioneering chemically induced allogeneic cell therapy, today announced that its investigational cell therapy NouvSight001 has received clearance from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for a Phase I/III clinical trial in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) to evaluate its safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also cleared NouvSight001 for a Phase I/II clinical trial for the same indication and granted a special exemption.

NouvSight001 is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf photoreceptor cell therapy developed using iRegene's proprietary "AI + Chemical Induction" ("AI + Chem") platform. As a cell replacement therapy, NouvSight001 is not limited to patients with a specific disease-causing genotype. The regulatory clearances in the U.S. and China mark another milestone in iRegene's global product development.

The company has built a regenerative medicine pipeline focused on major diseases associated with the structural burden of an aging global population, including Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), retinal degenerative diseases and ischemic stroke. Its pipeline now spans the central nervous system, visual system and neurovascular system.

From a Single Global Program to a Repeatable Global R&D Model

iRegene's "AI + Chem" platform is designed to identify and characterize key biological networks that determine cell fate and function, and to precisely regulate these networks using small molecules.

Through this approach, iRegene aims to make complex cell differentiation processes more predictable, controllable, reproducible and scalable for therapeutic manufacturing.

As multiple programs generated from the same platform move into international clinical development, iRegene is beginning to show the platform's applicability across different cell types and disease areas.

NouvSight001 expands iRegene's pipeline into retinal regenerative medicine, an area with significant unmet medical need. The program has now been cleared for clinical development in both the U.S. and China. This marks another step toward iRegene's "one platform, multiple products, global development" model, a key capability for a global platform biotech.

Advancing Global Clinical Execution Across the U.S. and China

Following FDA Orphan Drug Designation in 2024, NouvSight001 has now received clinical trial clearances from both the NMPA and FDA, as well as a special exemption from the FDA. This further demonstrates iRegene's ability to advance internally developed therapies into U.S. clinical development under global regulatory and development standards.

Although iRegene's programs address different diseases, target tissues and clinical settings, they share a common set of underlying capabilities: global regulatory strategy; CMC and quality systems established to meet FDA and NMPA requirements; manufacturing capabilities for allogeneic, off-the-shelf cell therapies; cross-border cold-chain and supply-chain capabilities; clinical development capabilities in the U.S. and China; and an R&D platform designed to continuously generate new therapeutic candidates.

For iRegene, globalization is therefore moving beyond regulatory clearance into what it calls "global clinical execution." This requires coordination across R&D, manufacturing, quality, regulatory affairs, supply chain and clinical operations.

Building a Global Regenerative Medicine Pipeline for Aging-Related Diseases

As populations age worldwide and healthcare needs evolve, iRegene is focused on the fundamental challenge of restoring cells and tissue functions lost to disease and aging.

Rather than developing a single cell therapy, iRegene aims to build a technology platform capable of continuously generating new regenerative medicine products. The company has built a pipeline across several major disease areas. Its programs seek to restore functions lost to disease, including neural circuits and vision, and to repair damaged neural tissue.

Through these programs, iRegene is building a regenerative medicine portfolio around key functions lost to aging and disease. The company aims to move more of these therapies into global development while building toward commercial scalability.

"Globalization has been embedded in our R&D system since the company was founded," said Tianshi Ruan, Chief Financial Officer of iRegene Therapeutics. "NouvNeu001 has given us hands-on experience advancing an iPSC-derived cell therapy across both the NMPA and FDA regulatory frameworks. NouvSight001 allows us to apply that experience to ophthalmology, a very different disease and tissue setting."

"The same underlying technology platform allows us to advance our pipeline globally and more efficiently. Going forward, we will continue to advance our core programs in clinical development in the U.S. and China, while actively exploring global multicenter studies and international commercial partnerships." Ruan added.

About Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal degenerative diseases affecting approximately 1.5 million people worldwide. It typically begins with night blindness and progresses to peripheral vision loss and, in some cases, blindness. The only approved therapy is limited to patients with biallelic RPE65 mutations, who represent a small fraction of the RP population. Most patients still have no disease-modifying treatment options.

About iRegene Therapeutics

iRegene Therapeutics is a platform biotechnology company developing regenerative medicines for major aging-related diseases worldwide. At the core of the company is its proprietary "AI + Chem" platform, combining artificial intelligence, systems biology and chemical biology to identify and control key biological networks that determine cell fate and function. iRegene uses this approach to develop allogeneic, off-the-shelf cell therapies designed for standardized, scalable manufacturing.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE iRegene therapeutics

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Segway Powersports Brings Latin American and Canadian Media and Creators from Factory Floor to Real-World Terrain

CHANGZHOU, China, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Segway Powersports hosted 14 media representatives and creators from Canada, Chile, Peru, Panama, Brazil and Argentina from September 14–19 for the SEGWAY POWERSPORTS CHINA TOUR-2026 LATAM & CANADA EDITION, an immersive program connecting behind-the-scenes manufacturing insights with a full-lineup off-road riding experience.

The program began at Segway Powersports' manufacturing facility in Changzhou, China, where participants explored production, assembly, vehicle testing and final inspection. The visit offered a closer look at the manufacturing processes, quality controls and traceability practices behind Segway Powersports vehicles.

The experience then moved to Keping County in Aksu, Xinjiang, where participants took the full Segway Powersports lineup across desert terrain, gravel sections and water crossings. Driving multiple models in varied conditions allowed them to experience power delivery, handling, terrain capability and comfort firsthand—connecting what they had seen on the production line with how the vehicles perform in real-world environments.

Beyond the factory and riding experience, the program created a two-way exchange between Segway Powersports and its international guests. Participants shared perspectives on local riding environments, user expectations and product needs directly with the brand's marketing, product, R&D and after-sales teams, bringing insights from six markets into the discussion.

"Seeing how a vehicle is built is one thing; experiencing it in real terrain is another," said Ethan Zhang, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Segway Powersports. "By bringing these experiences together, we want media and creators to understand our products more completely. At the same time, their local perspectives help us better understand what riders in different markets really need."

Segway Powersports plans to extend similar programs to more markets, strengthening relationships with media and creators while bringing real-world perspectives into ongoing product and service development.

About Segway Powersports

Segway is a global leader in micro-mobility, powersports, and consumer robotics, known for its innovation and user-focused products. Segway Powersports focuses specifically on the design and manufacturing of next-generation powersports vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-side vehicles (SxS) for both utility and sport applications. As a high-tech enterprise, Segway Powersports integrates a superior supply chain with its own manufacturing capabilities, managing the full lifecycle of its products – from R&D and production to sales and after-sales service.

For more information, please visit https://powersports.segway.com

SOURCE Segway Powersports

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Meet Jordic: The Unlikely Voice of a Heart-Health Warning Men Need to Hear

Launching today on World Heart Day, JOE Media Group's 'Listen to Jordic' turns a commonly ignored symptom into a captivating folk anthem about cardiovascular risk.

LONDON, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What if an early warning sign of heart disease was not in your chest, but in your pants?

That is the provocative question behind 'Listen to Jordic', a new heart-health awareness campaign from JOE Media Group. Taking its cue from the Nordic pronunciation of "J" as "Y", the campaign introduces Jordic (pronounced "YOR-dik"), an unlikely Viking messenger who gives a voice to the part of the body men may be least willing to discuss. His message is intended to get more men talking about erectile dysfunction (ED) and recognising it as a potential health warning: for some men, ED can be an early sign of underlying cardiovascular disease.1–3

To make the warning difficult to ignore, Jordic takes centre stage in an epic folk-style song and music video, using humour to challenge the shame and stigma surrounding ED.

Backed by his merry Viking companions, Jordic delivers his warning:

"When I'm low, can't grow,

Don't doubt, find out

If this problem down below

Is telling you something you need to know."

The campaign reframes ED from a source of embarrassment into a potentially useful health signal: evidence that the body may already be trying to communicate something important. By meeting JOE's predominantly male audience through the cheeky, entertainment-led language familiar from the media and comedy they grew up with, 'Listen to Jordic' aims to make a serious message easier to hear, share and act on.

Paul McDonnell, Commercial Director UK & Ireland, JOE Media Group, explained why the campaign felt like a natural fit for JOE's audience:

"Sometimes, the most important health message is the one we're least comfortable hearing - and men, in particular, aren't always great at listening to those messages. That's what we really liked about the 'Listen to Jordic' campaign. It takes an issue that can feel embarrassing or 'unmanly' and approaches it in a light-hearted, disarming way, without losing the seriousness of the message behind it. 

That felt like a natural fit for JOE's comedic and playful tone of voice, allowing us to cut through the noise of the everyday social feed and reach our unrivalled male-focused audience in a way that feels authentic to them. Jordic is essentially your best mate looking out for you - telling you something you might not necessarily want to hear, but something that could genuinely save your life. If we can use JOE's platform to get more men to listen, get a quick check and find out what's going on, then hopefully we can make a real difference." 

Behind the humour is a serious health message. ED can precede heart symptoms by two to five years,4 creating a critical window for men to seek medical advice and better understand their risk. Yet that warning frequently goes unheard. Research found that 63% of men experiencing ED have never spoken to a doctor about it.5 And part of the reason might be because many don't realise ED can signal something more serious: 78% of 2,000 men surveyed in the UK were unaware it can signal an underlying heart problem.6 Coronary heart disease is the UK's leading cause of death in men, claiming around 41,000 lives each year.7,8

Vernon Bainton, Chief Medical Officer at Havas Lynx, explained the medical rationale behind the campaign:

"We know that erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease often share common vascular origins. Crucially, ED can be an early warning, sometimes emerging years before a more serious cardiovascular event. While ED is not a definitive indicator of heart disease, it is a signal that should never be ignored or sidelined by stigma. By normalising this conversation, 'Listen to Jordic' bridges a vital gap, empowering men to recognise these signals correctly and take the proactive step of consulting a healthcare professional."

Following Jordic's performance, audiences will be directed to ListenToJordic.com where they can learn more about the connection between ED and cardiovascular health and understand when to seek medical advice.

"I'm telling you now

I'm begging you please

Erectile dysfunction

could be heart disease."

The video launches today, World Heart Day, exclusively on JOE.co.uk, supported by editorial and social content across JOE's ecosystem. Created by Havas Lynx UK for JOE Media Group, the campaign film was produced by Lightfarm Studios, with music by Jamute. The original track will be released across major streaming platforms through VOLYUM.

About JOE Media

JOE Media Group is Ireland's largest digital media house, reaching every 18+ individual in Ireland at least once per week. Home to JOE, SportsJoe, Lovin, LovinIE, HER and HerFamily, our brands produce and publish influential content that impacts and engages audiences on social. We act as a conduit – connecting brands to our highly engaged communities that span men's lifestyle, politics, culture, women's lifestyle, sport and entertainment.

Campaign Credits

Client: JOE Media Group

Commercial Director UK & IE: Paul McDonnell

Content Director: Ros Madigan

Editorial Director: George Mckay

Deputy Editorial Director: Gerard Brand

Lead Comedy Producer: David Atkinson

Agency: HAVAS LYNX UK (Manchester)

Chief Executive Officer: Claire Knapp

Chief Creative Officer: Alex Okada

Executive Creative Director: Chris Wellard

Senior Creative Curator: Sophia Shaw

Creative Director: Michael Stott

Deputy Creative Director: Bronwynne Evans

Senior Creative Copywriter: Steven Gormley

Senior Art Director: James Danson

Senior Designer: Callum Dawes

Senior Designer: Dan Augey

Designer: Emily Broughton

Senior Artworker: Sam Malpass

Scientific Director: Faye Emery

Planner: Hollie Dalton

Group Account Director: Fliss Barber

Account Executive: Denise Omolara

Animation Production Company: Lightfarm Studios

Music and Sound Production: Jamute

Music Direction: James Feeler

Music Production: James Feeler & Charly Coombes

Singer: Charly Coombes

Executive Producer: Gabriela Alberti

Sound Engineers: Fernanda Galetti, Marcelo Filho and Pedro Cortez

Production Coordinators: Ana Cordeiro and Julianna Zuppo

Music distribution: VOLYUM

Music label: Art of Sound

References:

- Salonia A, Brock G. Erectile Dysfunction: A Harbinger of Cardiovascular Disease Risk. In: Jannini, E.A. The Canary in the Coalmine. Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine. p. 27–41. Cham: Springer; 2026.

- De Leonardis F, et al. Biomedicines. 2022;10(8):1848.

- Montorsi F, et al. Eur Urol. 2003;44(3):360–365.

- Jackson G. Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Arab J Urol. 2013;11(3):212–216.

- Healthline. Results for Healthline's Survey on Men's Health | Erectile Dysfunction Edition. Accessed August 2026. https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health-survey-and-ed.

- TRTed. TRTed & The Urology Foundation Survey Results Report. Accessed August, 2026. https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/633aebd8e9bf1113de502a13/649069bfc332d7314ad09560_Results%20Summary%20Report.pdf.

- British Heart Foundation. Global Cardiovascular Disease Factsheet. Accessed August 2026. https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-global-factsheet-jul26.pdf?rev=8338da85e336432ebb502d6c94d72f8c&hash=D32AF4DD15A77546FE3BCFDD182C3D26.

- British Heart Foundation. Cardiovascular disease Statistics 2026. Chapter 1- Mortality. Accessed August 2026. Available from: https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/heart-statistics/heart-statistics-publications/cardiovascular-disease-statistics-2026.

SOURCE Havas Health Network

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Experience Abu Dhabi: Wego and DCT Abu Dhabi Drive Regional Travel Demand

DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Wego, the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has partnered with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to spotlight the UAE capital as one of the region's most compelling and culturally rich destinations.

The strategic collaboration will inspire travelers across the MENA region to rediscover Abu Dhabi's unique blend of heritage, nature, and world-class entertainment. Through targeted digital campaigns and data-driven storytelling, Wego will position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of regional travel consideration, connecting high-intent travelers directly to bookable flights and stays.

From the architectural grandeur of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the artistic mastery of Louvre Abu Dhabi to the pristine shores of Saadiyat Island and the adrenaline of Yas Island's theme parks, Abu Dhabi offers a seamless fusion of authenticity and innovation. Whether exploring the UNESCO-listed oases of Al Ain Region or venturing into the sweeping dunes of the Rub' al Khali, visitors can experience a destination that delivers both depth and diversity.

Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: "Abu Dhabi continues to set the benchmark for regional tourism, seamlessly uniting rich heritage with transformative, future-ready experiences. Through our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, we are leveraging Wego's market intelligence and reach across MENA to inspire travelers and convert that inspiration into seamless bookings. We are proud to support Abu Dhabi's tourism vision by connecting millions of travelers to experiences that are both authentic and extraordinary."

With strong air connectivity, world-class hospitality, and a dynamic cultural and entertainment landscape, Abu Dhabi is increasingly capturing the attention of regional travelers seeking accessible yet enriching escapes.

Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, added:

"Our collaboration with Wego enables us to amplify Abu Dhabi's diverse offering to a highly engaged regional audience. As demand grows for meaningful, culturally immersive experiences closer to home, Abu Dhabi is always ready to welcome travelers with exceptional infrastructure, rich heritage, and a year-round calendar of world-class events."

Together, Wego and DCT Abu Dhabi are accelerating this momentum combining destination expertise with advanced travel technology to inspire discovery and drive measurable growth for the UAE capital.

About Wego

Wego is the number one travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Combining a dynamic travel marketplace with on-platform bookings, Wego enables travelers to easily search, compare, and book flights and hotels across hundreds of airlines, hotels, and online travel agencies. Beyond its B2C marketplace, Wego also operates WegoPro, a next-generation business travel platform, and WegoBeds, a MENA-focused bedbank. The company is dual-headquartered in Singapore and Dubai with offices in Bangalore and Mumbai.

For more information, visit www.wego.com

SOURCE Wego

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- Highlights a distinctive product portfolio and global business achievements to strengthen its presence in the duty-free market

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KT&G (CEO Bang Kyung-man) took part in TFWA World 2026, the world's largest duty-free exhibition, held in Cannes, France from September 27 to October 1 (local time).

Hosted by the Tax Free World Association, TFWA World is the world's largest exhibition for the duty-free and travel retail industry. KT&G has participated in the event for five consecutive years, beginning in 2022, to reinforce its position as a leading global tobacco company and strengthen its presence in the duty-free market.

At this year's exhibition, KT&G showcased products from its flagship brands, including ESSE, RAISON, and BOHEM. The company particularly highlighted ESSE, the world's top-selling ultra-slim cigarette brand, whose global sales surpassed KRW 1 trillion (approximately USD 700 million) in 2025. The booth featured digital displays that gave visitors an overview of KT&G's global business footprint and achievements.

KT&G entered the duty-free market in 1995 with the launch of 88 Light in China. Today, its products are available at 179 duty-free stores across approximately 110 airports worldwide, including those in South Korea. Building on its participation in this year's exhibition, KT&G plans to expand its duty-free business into various regions, including Europe and Latin America.

A KT&G spokesperson said, "Participating in TFWA World provided us with a valuable opportunity to explore new business prospects with international partners and raise awareness of our brands. KT&G will continue to expand its global network and strengthen the competitiveness of its brands in overseas markets."

Meanwhile, the company is expanding its global presence and broadening its overseas business by participating in duty-free and industry trade shows held in markets such as Singapore and Germany this year. In August, KT&G also introduced five ESSE products at duty-free stores at Istanbul Airport in Türkiye, which serves approximately 84 million passengers annually, further expanding its reach among international consumers and accelerating its efforts to expand its presence in the global duty-free market.

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Corgi Insurance Hires Trucking Veteran and Ex-Nirvana Senior Director Stephen Segroves

ATLANTA, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Corgi Insurance, an AI-native insurance carrier built for high-growth companies, today announced the appointment of Stephen Segroves as Head of Pricing. This comes after nearly two decades of experience across actuarial science, pricing, data science, predictive modeling, and insurance analytics.

Before joining Corgi, he served as Senior Director, Actuary at Nirvana Insurance, where he oversaw insurance analytics and pricing.

Previously, Segroves spent three years as Senior Director of Data Science at VoyageWorks, where he led a cross-functional team of data scientists, actuaries, and data engineers developing predictive and machine learning models for pricing and underwriting. His work focused on building solutions designed to improve commercial auto profitability and included working directly with clients on strategic and technical solutions.

He spent more than 14 years at Travelers, holding a series of leadership roles across actuarial, data science, research and development, pricing, and predictive modeling. During his time there, he led analytics teams, developed predictive models used in insurance pricing, worked on granular territory modeling, and helped build tools and models to support business and product decisions.

At Corgi, Segroves will lead pricing for the company's trucking program, building rating models across commercial and business lines nationwide.

"Pricing is at the core of building a great insurance company," said Stephen Segroves, Head of Pricing at Corgi. "Corgi has an opportunity to bring together deep insurance expertise, data, and technology in a fundamentally different way. I'm excited to help build that from the ground up."

About Corgi

Corgi is an AI-native insurance carrier built for high-growth companies. The company combines proprietary underwriting technology, in-house claims handling, and modern insurance infrastructure to deliver coverage built for the way businesses operate today.

Media Contact:

Erika Lee

[email protected] 

SOURCE Corgi

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MagPro Launches AeroLev 1850 to Advance Water-Smart Cooling for AI Data Centers

SINGAPORE, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MagPro (also known as Nanjing CIPU Technology Co., Ltd.), a joint venture between CIGU Technology Corp. Ltd. and EPG Data Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., today announced AeroLev 1850, a 1.85 MW-class, 45°C-ready air-cooled, magnetic-bearing chiller platform designed for next-generation AI data centers in water-scarce, high-ambient environments.

As AI computing drives greater power demand and heat density, data-center operators need cooling infrastructure that can scale without increasing dependence on water. AeroLev 1850 combines a cooling-tower-free architecture with oil-free magnetic-levitation technology and intelligent controls to deliver efficient, reliable cooling while reducing water consumption.

At the heart of the platform is a dedicated air-cooled magnetic-levitation compressor with isentropic efficiency of up to 87%. A patented condenser delivers subcooling of more than 3°C, while the standard EC fans further improve energy performance. Together, these technologies deliver up to 40% higher overall energy efficiency and up to 8% lower failure rates compared with conventional oil-lubricated compressors, and up to 10% lower maintenance costs compared with conventional chillers.

By eliminating evaporative cooling water, AeroLev 1850 removes a significant operational constraint for data centers in arid and water-stressed regions. Its free-cooling capability uses ambient air during cooler periods to reduce compressor runtime, power consumption, and operating costs.

The platform is also engineered for the shift toward direct-to-chip and immersion liquid cooling. AeroLev 1850 can supply chilled water at temperatures up to 45°C, supporting emerging high-temperature cooling architectures without requiring major infrastructure reinvestment. Its standardized modular design supports rapid installation and flexible expansion as AI capacity grows.

"As water constraints become a defining consideration for data-center development, AeroLev 1850 advances a resilient model for AI data-center cooling," said William Wu, General Manager of Nanjing CIPU Technology Co., Ltd. "It enables efficient, reliable compute growth in challenging environments while turning today's infrastructure into long-term resilience."

"MagPro marks an important step in our global cooling technology strategy," said Alick Wan, Founder and Chairman of EPG Data Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. "By combining EPG's engineering and delivery expertise with CIGU's core magnetic-levitation technology, we are building resilient, resource-efficient digital infrastructure less dependent on water. AeroLev 1850 reflects our commitment to advancing green data-center infrastructure and a sustainable digital ecosystem worldwide."

Contact: [email protected]

About MagPro (Nanjing CIPU Technology Co., Ltd.)

MagPro is a joint venture between CIGU Technology Corp. Ltd. and EPG Data Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., specializing in the research, development, and production of reliable, energy-efficient cooling and air-conditioning systems for AI data centers, cloud, and hyperscales. MagPro operates a more than 6,000-square-meter production base and two air-cooled laboratories, supporting testing of air-cooled units up to 2,000 kW.

About CIGU Technology Corp. Ltd.

Nanjing CIGU Technology Corp., Ltd. (SSE: 688448) is a STAR Market listed company headquartered in Nanjing, China. Built around its proprietary magnetic levitation (maglev) drive technology, CIGU develops and manufactures a full range of maglev turbomachinery, including chillers, blowers, air compressors, vacuum pumps, and expander generator sets, among others. More than 10,000 maglev units have been delivered worldwide.

About EPG Data Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

EPG is a prefabricated modular data center infrastructure provider with more than 20 years of experience serving AI, cloud, and hyperscale data centers worldwide. With more than 1,500 employees and manufacturing facilities in Shanghai and Malaysia, EPG delivers end-to-end capabilities across R&D, manufacturing, engineering, project delivery, and operational support. Its integrated portfolio includes modular data-center products, engineering and delivery solutions, and professional services across APAC, Europe, the Middle East, and other strategic markets.

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Companies risk losing their most AI-savvy employees while leaving majority behind: PwC

- Across the workforce, AI use is up 10 points – but access to learning and development resources is down 8 points

- Workers who use AI daily are significantly more likely to trust management, feel secure in their jobs and view technological change positively

- However, the majority of workers (56%) are falling behind – only two in five say they have access to the learning and development resources they need

- Meanwhile, almost a third (29%) of 'front-runner' employees with strong AI capabilities and scarce skills say they are very or extremely likely to change employer in the next year.

- Cost-of-living pressures rise: Only a third of workers report having money left at the end of the month, down 8% year on year

LONDON, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A growing AI skills divide is creating a diverging workforce, with the majority of workers at risk of being left behind as access to learning and development falls – even as AI use and the pace of workplace change accelerate.

PwC's 2026 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey, which interviewed nearly 50,000 workers across 48 countries and regions, finds diverging optimism in the growth trajectories and experiences of employees – as workers face rapid change, rising workloads and greater cost-of-living pressures.

Just 51% say they have access to the learning and development resources they need, down from 59% last year.

The divide is particularly stark among the 56% of 'engine room' workers whose skills are less scarce and who are not far along the AI learning curve: only two in five of those workers say they have access to the learning and development resources they need.

Meanwhile, workers who use AI daily are more confident in their job security, more likely to trust management and more confident about their ability to learn new skills.

Pete Brown, Global Workforce Leader, PwC, said:

"Workers are under growing pressure from rising workloads, rapid change and external uncertainty. But those using AI every day are more confident, more ambitious and more positive about their careers and prospects. The challenge for leaders is to keep developing those people – but not at the expense of the rest of the workforce."

AI adoption continues to rise but workers face growing pressures

Workers are feeling significant pressure. Only a third report having money left at the end of the month, down 8% year on year.

At the same time, almost a third (29%) say they have significantly less bargaining power than three years ago, more than double the number who disagreed. For fully remote workers, the proportion is 10 points higher.

When considering the biggest risks to job security, more workers cite economic volatility (57%) than AI taking on more tasks (44%) – with Gen Z more anxious across all these metrics.

Three-fifths (58%) of those who have experienced change in the workplace feel there has been more change in the last year than in previous years. Almost one-third (27%) say that feeling fatigued or burned out limits their productivity.

The vast majority of workers say they have also had to apply new skills in their job over the past year, with two-fifths (40%) saying this was to a large or very large extent.

Change is happening faster at leadership levels. More than half (51%) of senior executives and 46% of managers say they have applied new skills in their roles, relative to 29% of non-managers and 38% of entry-level workers.

But as workers face mounting pressure – AI adoption continues to rise: nearly two-thirds (64%) of all workers cite using AI at work in the past 12 months – a ten-point increase relative to last year. The proportion using Gen AI daily also increased from 14% to 22%. Roughly three-fifths (59%) of workers expect their use of AI tools in their job to increase over the next 12 months. This group reports that the use of AI makes them feel energised and empowered rather than tired and powerless, by margins of around 5:1.

Daily AI users in the workforce are also more optimistic: 68% report confidence in their job security compared to 57% for infrequent users. They are also more likely to ask for a promotion (+12 percentage points), trust top management (+15) and be confident they can learn new skills (+21).

The new workforce divide

While workers are broadly confident (61%) that they can develop skills growth – only half (51%) cite being able to access learning and development resources (down from 59%). To understand this further, the report segments the workforce into four groups:

- Front-runners (14%), with scarce skills and strong AI capabilities

- AI insurgents (18%), whose skills are less scarce but are using AI to deliver more

- Indispensables (11%), with scarce skills that employers value highly, but who are not far along the AI learning curve

- The Engine Room (56%), whose skills are not scarce and who are not far on the AI learning curve

The report highlights the need for employers to pay particular attention to the 'engine room' group. This group is less likely to be rewarded for using AI, learning new skills or challenging existing ways of working – yet they are the majority of the workforce, responsible for most of the day-to-day work within an organisation.

Meanwhile the 'front-runners' are seeing strong benefits from their position. They are most likely to over-index on being rewarded for challenging existing ways of working (1.5x global average) and learning new skills (1.2x global average). This group is also +33 points more likely to ask for a promotion.

In a challenge to employers seeking to retain their most valuable workers, almost a third (29%) of this group say they are very or extremely likely to change employer in the next year.

Pete Brown, Global Workforce Leader, PwC, concluded:

"There is a real risk that the global workforce is starting to move at different speeds. More than half of workers are not yet benefiting from AI and skills in the same way, while those with scarce skills and strong AI capabilities are becoming more confident and more mobile. Leaders need to think hard about where they invest in skills, how they give people the opportunity to adapt, and how they hold on to the capabilities they most need."

Notes to Editors

About PwC's 2026 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey

PwC's 2026 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey gathered responses from 49,364 workers across 48 countries and regions and 29 sectors in May and June 2026. The figures in this report are weighted proportionally to the working population's gender and age distribution in each country or region, ensuring workers' views are broadly representative across all major geographies.

About PwC

At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We're a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 360,000 people in 130+ countries and territories. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting, we help clients build, accelerate, and sustain momentum. Find out more at www.pwc.com.

SOURCE PwC

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Tata Motors: Pay Fair Value | Petrus Publishes Its View on the Offer for Iveco

ST. HELIER, Jersey and LONDON, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Petrus Legal Strategies (Jersey) Limited, Petrus Advisers Limited and funds advised by Petrus Advisers Limited (together, "Petrus"), which together hold approximately 3.8% of Iveco Group N.V. ("Iveco") common shares, today published a communication setting out its views of Tata Motors's proposed all-cash voluntary tender offer for Iveco at €14.10 per share. The presentation is available at www.petrusadvisers.com/Iveco.

"We have today published our view of the €14.10 offer: it sets out why that offer does not represent fair value for Iveco's shareholders.

"First, the offer significantly undervalues Iveco relative to its peers. Second, Iveco's shareholders do not receive an appropriate share of the synergy value this transaction creates: value Tata Motors has itself described to its own investors as substantial. Third, shareholders should be compensated for the 15-month period between the announcement of the transaction and its expected closing.

"Our ask is a simple one: fair value for all of Iveco's shareholders."

About Petrus Advisers and Petrus Legal Strategies

Petrus Advisers is an FCA regulated alternative investment management firm. Headquartered in London, it was founded in 2009. Petrus has a successful track record investing in European equities based on its proprietary analysis and entrepreneurial investment approach. Petrus takes a constructive approach actively working together with the management teams and boards of companies where we have a significant stake. Petrus Legal Strategies uses its market leading expertise in litigation and arbitration to deploy capital into complex legal situations.

SOURCE Petrus Advisers; Petrus Legal Strategies

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- First Spec Hand-off project in North America marks SEMIFIVE's largest single contract to date

- Next-generation data center AI chip to integrate LPDDR6, PCIe Gen5, and Big Die technologies

- Tape-out targeted for the first half of 2027, followed by global mass production beginning in 2028

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SEMIFIVE, a leading global provider of custom AI semiconductor (ASIC) solutions, announced today that it has signed a contract worth approximately KRW 70.3 billion (USD 52 million) with a U.S.-based AI fabless company to develop a next-generation AI inference accelerator.

The project marks SEMIFIVE's first "Spec Hand-off" engagement in the North American market. The contract alone represents more than 40% of the company's total orders of KRW 168.4 billion in 2025 and approximately 60% of the KRW 118.9 billion in new orders secured during the first half of 2026, making it SEMIFIVE's largest single contract to date. This major project win strengthens SEMIFIVE's presence in North America while reinforcing its technological competitiveness in the global custom AI semiconductor (ASIC) market.

Under SEMIFIVE's Spec Hand-off model, customers only need to provide their key performance requirements and specifications. SEMIFIVE takes full responsibility for the entire development process, including detailed design, software development, packaging, testing, and mass production. Unlike conventional turnkey engagements, in which customers typically complete the chip design before outsourcing subsequent implementation and manufacturing processes, SEMIFIVE takes the lead from an earlier stage of chip development.

Specialized ASIC companies are playing a broader role from the requirements stage across the global custom semiconductor market. Major technology companies including Google and Amazon, for example, have worked with semiconductor companies such as Broadcom and Marvell to develop their own AI silicon.

For this project, SEMIFIVE will integrate advanced technologies to deliver the high memory bandwidth and data processing performance required for large-scale AI model inference while reducing power consumption and total cost of ownership (TCO). The accelerator will adopt LPDDR6, a next-generation low-power DRAM technology, to reduce memory-related power consumption, along with PCIe Gen5 to minimize bottlenecks in high-volume data transfers. Drawing on its experience with multiple Big Die projects of up to 800 mm², SEMIFIVE also plans to implement an architecture designed to deliver both high compute throughput and operational stability.

Following tape-out in the first half of 2027, the two companies plan to begin global mass production in 2028, targeting global hyperscalers and cloud service providers (CSPs).

"As the AI inference market continues to expand rapidly, demand is accelerating for custom silicon optimized for each customer's services and workloads," said Brandon Cho, CEO and Co-founder of SEMIFIVE. "By successfully commercializing this next-generation inference accelerator and improving the economics of large-scale AI models, we aim to establish SEMIFIVE as an essential custom silicon development partner for the global hyperscale infrastructure market."

SOURCE SEMIFIVE

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