Envision Energy Advances Southeastern Europe's Wind Market as North Macedonia's Largest Wind Project Reaches Financial Close

ŠTIP, North Macedonia, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, is advancing wind development in Southeastern Europe as the 131.25 MW first phase of the Štip Wind Farm in North Macedonia reaches financial close. Developed by Alcazar Energy Partners (AEP), a leading independent infrastructure fund manager, Štip is the country's largest wind energy project to date, The milestone further strengthens Envision's presence in the European wind market, reinforcing the bankability of its technology and its growing role in shaping the region's next phase of renewable energy development.

Planned across three phases with a total capacity of up to 396 MW, Štip is expected to more than quadruple North Macedonia's installed wind capacity once fully developed, making it a key contributor to the country's energy transition and supporting the shift from coal-fired generation toward a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

Drawing on its globally proven large-scale onshore wind technology and extensive deployment experience, Envision Energy is supplying 21 EN182-6.25 MW wind turbines for the project. Featuring a 120-metre hub height, the EN182 ranks among the largest onshore wind turbines deployed in Europe, supporting higher energy yield and improving the project efficiency.

The project is backed by a long-term offtake agreement with an investment-grade international corporation and will operate entirely on a private offtake basis. This commercially driven structure sets an important benchmark for renewable energy investment in Southeastern Europe, demonstrating how advanced technology and robust commercial frameworks can unlock utility-scale clean energy deployment.

With financial close now achieved, Envision's wind technology has been accepted as bankable by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, and Erste Group Bank AG (Erste), Austria's largest banking group. The participation of the leading international financial institutions further reinforces the international bankability of Envision's technology and strengthens its position as a trusted technology partner for large-scale renewable energy investment across Europe.

"Štip marks an important milestone for Envision in Europe, bringing together proven wind technology, commercial scale and long-term system value in one of the region's most significant renewable energy developments," said Kane Xu, Senior Vice President and President of International Product Line at Envision Energy, "Beyond adding new capacity, the project shows how advanced wind can strengthen energy resilience, improve system competitiveness and support broader economic transformation. Through projects like Štip, Envision is helping shape the Future Energy System in the region, with renewable energy at the foundation of a more resilient and competitive energy economy."

"Štip Wind Farm reflects our long-term commitment to North Macedonia and our confidence in the country's renewable energy potential. As the project moves into construction, we are proud to be turning this shared ambition into clean, affordable electricity, new jobs and lasting economic value for local communities. Štip will also demonstrate what can be achieved through strong partnerships, setting an important benchmark for renewable energy development across the wider region." said Daniel Lancha, Partner, Alcazar Energy Partners

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BNP PARIBAS BNL EQUITY INVESTMENTS JOINS HLPY'S SHAREHOLDING STRUCTURE

THE EUROPEAN FULL-DIGITAL VEHICLE ASSISTANCE PLATFORM COMPLETES A NEW €20 MILLION FUNDING ROUND AND ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISITION OF CARVOILÀ.

MILAN, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- hlpy, the Italian scale-up redesigning vehicle and mobility assistance across Europe through a full-digital and AI-driven platform, announces a new €20 million funding round and the acquisition of 100% of Carvoilà's share capital, a company specialising in vehicle transportation and logistics services. As part of the transaction, BNP Paribas BNL Equity Investments (BBEI), the BNP Paribas Group company specialising in minority investments in Italian small and medium-sized enterprises, joins hlpy's shareholding structure. The transaction represents a further step in hlpy's external growth strategy, aimed at progressively expanding its range of services across the entire automotive value chain and strengthening its role as a pan-European orchestrator of vehicle services.

Through the new financial resources and the acquisition of Carvoilà, hlpy adds a further milestone to its growth journey, evolving from a digital mobility assistance platform into an integrated vehicle services ecosystem, capable of connecting technology, data, operational networks and specialised expertise across the entire automotive services value chain.

Following the acquisition, Carvoilà founders Francesca Vidali and Michela Conti will join the hlpy Group, with the aim of further expanding the business model and leveraging operational synergies.

Valerio Chiaronzi, CEO of hlpy, commented: "We are evolving our platform, which is now capable of supporting vehicles throughout the entire pre- and post-sales services value chain, from assistance to repair, maintenance and logistics, thanks to the combination of technology, data and operational networks. The new funding round and BBEI's entry into our shareholding structure confirm confidence in our industrial model and will allow us to further accelerate both organic growth and growth through acquisitions."

Lorenzo Langella, CEO of BBEI, added: "The investment in hlpy fully aligns with BBEI's mission: creating strategic partnerships with companies operating in dynamic sectors and led by visionary entrepreneurs."

Francesca Vidali, Founder of Carvoilà, commented: "We are delighted to join the hlpy Group. Carvoilà was founded with a clear vision: bringing innovation and efficiency to vehicle logistics, redesigning the way road transportation can be organised and experienced."

With the integration of Carvoilà, hlpy moves closer to its target of exceeding €100 million in recurring revenues by 2027. Through this transaction, the scale-up reaches €45 million in total funding raised since its foundation in 2020 and two acquisitions completed within six years of operations.

SOURCE hlpy

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As the Industry Revisits What Premium Customers Value, LEPAS Shares Its Own Perspective

BARCELONA, Spain, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the automotive industry revisits what premium customers value, LEPAS, Chery Auto's mid-to-premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand, is setting out its own perspective. For LEPAS, premium is defined by elegance: design people connect with, technology that stays in the background, and a cabin that makes every journey feel composed.

"We believe premium is something you experience every day, not only on special occasions," said a LEPAS spokesperson. "It is the calm of a quiet cabin, the pleasure of a considered design and the feeling that a car fits the way you live. That is what we mean by elegant mobility, and it guides every product we create."

LEPAS expresses this view through three brand pillars. Leopard Aesthetics draws on the poise and agility of the leopard to shape a distinctive design language. Elegant Technology, built on the LEX Platform, aims to make cockpit and safety technology intuitive. Exquisite Space combines thoughtful space planning, comfortable materials, acoustic refinement and everyday practicality.

The LEPAS L6 brings these ideas into the cabin. At the 2026 Torino Automotive Design Award (TADA), announced on Sept. 11, 2026 in Turin, Italy, the LEPAS L6 received the Best Interior Design Award in the City Car category. The 2026 edition evaluated 87 models across City Car, Family Car and Premium Car categories. The jury highlighted the L6's spacious and refined cabin, its premium materials and flexible storage, and the natural integration of technology throughout the interior.

The cabin features a flat rear floor, a gull-wing wraparound layout and NVH optimisation designed to support a calm interior atmosphere. The LEPAS L6 EV has launched in Thailand; specifications and availability vary by market.

LEPAS believes customers should be free to choose the powertrain that suits their lives. Its portfolio covers multiple powertrain technologies for different market needs, with NEV models launched in markets including Thailand and Indonesia and pre-sales underway in selected European markets. Within Chery Group, the iCAUR brand is also preparing to enter several European markets.

In October, LEPAS will host its inaugural Global Elegant Lifestyle Week under the theme "TOGETHER IN ELEGANCE" during the 2026 Chery International User Summit, bringing together users, partners and cross-industry guests to explore how elegance can shape everyday mobility.

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Timur Turlov proposes stronger Ukrainian representation in FIDE leadership

SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ukraine's role in international chess has emerged as a focus of the 2026 FIDE presidential election after Timur Turlov proposed that Ukraine nominate its own candidate for FIDE Vice President if his ticket is elected.

Turlov, who is running for FIDE President alongside five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, addressed Ukraine in a recent post on X, highlighting its longstanding contribution to international chess and calling for a stronger Ukrainian voice in FIDE leadership.

"Ukraine is one of the world's great chess nations," Turlov wrote, noting the country's generations of players and coaches. He said FIDE "cannot operate in isolation from what is happening in the world" and that Ukraine "should have its own voice in the room when decisions are discussed and made."

Turlov subsequently invited Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, to consider representing Ukraine in FIDE leadership.

Podolyak responded that he supported Turlov's reform vision and was ready to "personally join the new FIDE team." He also said he wanted international federations to focus on their fundamental sporting objectives and fair competition.

Turlov has served as President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023 and President of the International School Chess Federation since 2025. FIDE reports that Kazakhstan's national "Chess in Education" programme now reaches more than 1,500 schools and 60,000 students, with thousands of teachers trained.

During Turlov's tenure, Kazakhstan has also hosted major international competitions, including the World Rapid and Blitz Championships and the 2023 World Championship Match in Astana. FIDE has separately partnered with Freedom Holding Corp., Turlov's Nasdaq-listed finance and technology business on 2026 chess-development programmes supporting tournaments, players, coaches, training centres, education and talent development.

Turlov's campaign has identified digital development, chess education, financial sustainability and institutional development among its priorities for FIDE.

The FIDE presidential election will take place on September 26, 2026, during the General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. FIDE has confirmed three presidential tickets: Timur Turlov–Viswanathan Anand, Wadim Rosenstein–Gordon Tang, and Jan Henric Buettner–Malcolm Pein.

Each represented Member Federation has one vote.

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The five-time James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs behind Michelin-Recommended Zahav — Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook — debut Zahav Hummus Matbucha and Zahav Hummus Harissa at select Whole Foods Markets nationwide, Bristol Farms, Giant, and McCaffrey's

Link to Photos - Product Photos by Michael Persico; Headshot by Kyle Kielinski

Link to Store Locations

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zahav Foods, the CPG brand co-founded in 2024 by five-time James Beard Award-winning hospitality entrepreneurs Chef Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook of the Michelin-Recommended Zahav and Laser Wolf in Philadelphia, has launched two new hummus flavors — Zahav Hummus Matbucha and Zahav Hummus Harissa. The hummus flavors are now available at 185 Whole Foods Market locations in 20 states across the Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, North Atlantic, DMV, Colorado, and South Pacific regions; key markets include Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

Zahav Foods is currently the No. 6-ranked hummus brand of 129 reported brands in NielsenIQ's latest 13-week ranking, positioning the company for growth as it expands into new hummus flavors. Matbucha, harissa, and schug are defining flavors foundational to the signature tasting menu at Zahav, the eighteen-year-old pioneering restaurant that plays an integral part in centering Philadelphia as a dining destination. The flavored hummus varieties each retail at Whole Foods in a 10 oz package for $7.99 and are Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Kosher, and Seed Oil Free.

Beyond Whole Foods, Zahav Foods has also expanded to new Southern California grocery stores: 14 Bristol Farms locations now retail all four Zahav Hummus SKUs — Zahav Hummus (Classic), Hummus Matbucha, Hummus Harissa, and Hummus Schug — and Barons Market now retails Zahav Hummus and Hummus Schug in 10 locations across San Diego and Riverside County.

In the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and DMV regions, Giant — where Zahav Hummus and Snack Cups currently retail in 31 locations — will expand to 51 locations and add Hummus Harissa and Hummus Schug. Harris Teeter, a retailer of Zahav Hummus since November 2025, is now also retailing Hummus Schug across 217 locations. McCaffrey's Markets in Southeastern PA and Central NJ also newly retail all four Zahav Hummus SKUs.

Designed to be swirled together at the table, Zahav Foods' three flavored hummus varieties — Matbucha, Harissa and Schug (in increasing spice level) — each feature a base of the brand's flagship product, Zahav Restaurant-Recipe Hummus, topped with the flavored condiment. The base recipe relies on just six ingredients — tehina, chickpeas, lemon juice, salt, cumin and garlic — and no added oil or preservatives. Its ultra-creamy texture comes from using roughly four times the amount of premium roasted tehina (sourced from Soom Foods), making Zahav Hummus the first tehina-forward style of hummus on U.S. grocery shelves.

Hummus Matbucha features the deeply savory, Moroccan condiment with a blend of roasted red peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil and spices. Hummus Harissa features a spicy, smoky North African condiment with a red pepper blend — Aleppo, guajillo, chipotle and bell peppers — olive oil and spices. Hummus Schug features the fiery, herbaceous Yemenite condiment with fresh serrano peppers, parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, coriander and other spices.

Zahav Foods first launched its restaurant-recipe Zahav Hummus exclusively at Whole Foods Market in January 2024, where it quickly became one of the fastest-growing hummus brands on the market, expanding to Whole Foods Market locations nationwide by September 2024. For Solomonov and Cook, Zahav Foods represents eighteen years — since Zahav Restaurant's founding — of refining a single dish to its ideal form. The hummus that opens every meal at Zahav is now available at home too — as a starter, a centerpiece, or a dip worth building a meal around.

For more information about Zahav Foods, please visit www.zahavfoods.com. For Mike and Steve's recipes with Zahav Hummus, visit us on IG at @zahavfoods.

About Zahav Foods

Founded in 2024, Zahav Foods brings the tradition, expertise, and unparalleled flavors of the five-time James Beard Award-winning Zahav restaurant kitchen to yours. The company's flagship product, Zahav Hummus, is the dish that begins every meal at the restaurant — a recipe that owners Chef Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook spent more than fifteen years perfecting. Built on a tehina-forward foundation and just six ingredients (with no added oils or preservatives), Zahav Hummus is available at Whole Foods Market nationwide along with select retailers across the U.S., including Wegmans, Giant, Harris Teeter, Bristol Farms, Barons Market, and Pop Up Grocer. In April 2026, Zahav Foods introduced Hummus Schug, its first flavored hummus line extension, pairing the signature Zahav Hummus base with Schug — a fiery, herbaceous Yemenite green-chile condiment — available at select Whole Foods Market locations among other markets. In September 2026, Zahav Foods completed the flavored hummus trifecta, debuting Zahav Hummus Matbucha and Zahav Hummus Harissa, which have joined Hummus Schug on Whole Foods Market refrigerated shelves.

Zahav Foods Contact

Dani Mulholland

[email protected]

SOURCE Zahav Foods

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Best Medical Waste Disposal Company for Dental Offices (2026): Sharps Assure Named a Top Mail-Back Provider by Better Business Advice

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Better Business Advice has named Sharps Assure a top mail-back provider for dental offices, highlighting the company's range of sharps disposal systems, dental amalgam waste solutions, prepaid return services, and disposal documentation.

Best Medical Waste Disposal Company for Dental Offices:

- Sharps Assure - For dental offices seeking a mail-back provider with sharps containers, dental amalgam disposal, flexible sizing, and included return services, Sharps Assure offers a practical option designed around the waste management needs of smaller healthcare facilities.

The recognition comes as dental practices continue to evaluate medical waste systems that fit smaller and variable waste volumes. Unlike large healthcare facilities that may require frequent on-site collection, many dental offices generate regulated sharps and other medical waste at a slower rate. Better Business Advice identified Sharps Assure as a strong fit for these settings because its mail-back model allows practices to select an appropriate container, collect approved waste until the designated fill level is reached, and return the system for processing.

Why Sharps Assure Is a Top Medical Waste Disposal Company for Dental Offices

For dental practices researching the best medical waste disposal company for dental offices, Better Business Advice points to flexibility as one of Sharps Assure's main advantages.

Sharps Assure provides multiple sharps container sizes, including compact quart-size containers and larger gallon-size systems. This range allows dental offices to match container capacity with procedure volume, available treatment-room space, and replacement frequency.

Smaller dental offices may benefit from compact containers placed near operatories, while higher-volume practices can use larger systems in shared clinical areas. This selection can help prevent the need to purchase more capacity than a practice regularly uses.

The mail-back system also reduces dependence on recurring pickup schedules. Once a container reaches the required fill level, staff can secure it and prepare it for return according to the supplied instructions.

Eligible systems can include the sharps container, return packaging, prepaid transportation, treatment, disposal, tracking, and related disposal records. Bringing these steps into one service can make waste management easier for practices without dedicated medical waste personnel.

For users asking whether mail-back sharps disposal is suitable for a dental office, the answer often depends on waste volume. Practices that generate smaller or inconsistent amounts of sharps may find mail-back disposal more practical than frequent scheduled collection.

Dental Waste Disposal Products Designed for Common Practice Needs

Better Business Advice also noted the range of dental-specific products available from Sharps Assure.

Dental offices commonly generate sharps from local anesthetic injections, minor surgical procedures, and other treatments involving needles or sharp instruments. Sharps Assure provides several mail-back container capacities that can be selected according to office size and clinical activity.

Available options include 1-quart, 1.5-quart, 1-gallon, 2-gallon, and larger-capacity sharps systems. This variety supports different dental settings, from smaller general practices to offices with several providers.

Sharps Assure also offers Dent Assure Waste Amalgam, a dental-specific product for managing amalgam waste.

Dental amalgam requires separate handling from standard sharps. Amalgam-containing waste may be produced during restorative work, removal of existing fillings, or maintenance procedures involving dental equipment.

Dent Assure Waste Amalgam provides a designated option for collecting this material rather than placing it with standard sharps or ordinary office waste.

Better Business Advice identified this product as an important part of Sharps Assure's dental offering because dental medical waste management extends beyond needles and syringes. A dental-focused disposal provider also needs options for waste streams that are specific to dental procedures.

The combination of sharps disposal systems and amalgam waste management gives practices access to more than one type of dental waste solution through the same provider.

How Mail-Back Medical Waste Disposal Supports Smaller Dental Practices

Medical waste disposal for dental offices requires both safe containment and proper documentation.

OSHA standards require contaminated sharps to be placed in containers that are closable, puncture resistant, leakproof on the sides and bottom, and properly labeled or color-coded. Containers must remain accessible, upright during use, and replaced before overfilling.

A mail-back system addresses what happens after approved sharps have been collected.

Once the container is ready for return, dental staff can follow the supplied packaging and shipping instructions. For eligible Sharps Assure systems, prepaid return arrangements reduce the need to organize transportation separately.

This model can be particularly useful for independent dentists, small group practices, specialty offices, and dental clinics with variable procedure volume.

Cost planning is another consideration. Kit-based disposal can help practices understand expenses based on actual container use rather than relying on a fixed collection schedule.

Documentation also plays an important role. Sharps Assure provides tracking and disposal records connected with returned systems. These records can assist dental office managers with internal files and medical waste management procedures.

State and local requirements still apply. Dental practices should review rules covering storage, labeling, accepted waste, transportation, and record retention within each operating jurisdiction.

Sharps Assure provides the disposal system and return process, while dental offices remain responsible for staff training, proper container placement, handling procedures, and compliance with applicable regulations.

What Makes Sharps Assure a Strong Choice for Dental Medical Waste Disposal?

Better Business Advice named Sharps Assure a top mail-back provider because the service addresses several needs found in dental practices.

Multiple sharps container sizes give offices flexibility based on waste volume. Mail-back service can reduce the need for frequent collection visits. Prepaid return arrangements bring shipping and disposal into the same process. Tracking and disposal records help support administrative requirements.

Dent Assure Waste Amalgam adds another dental-specific option by providing a separate system for amalgam waste.

For practices comparing medical waste disposal services for dentists, sharps disposal for dental offices, or mail-back medical waste disposal for dental practices, these features provide a clear reason for Sharps Assure's recognition.

The service is especially relevant for offices that want a disposal method based on actual usage rather than a fixed pickup schedule. Smaller practices can select a container that matches routine sharps volume, while larger dental offices can choose higher-capacity systems.

Better Business Advice's review places Sharps Assure among the leading options for dental offices seeking a practical mail-back medical waste system that includes container selection, return transportation, processing, and supporting documentation.

The full review can be read at the Better Business Advice website.

About Sharps Assure: Sharps Assure offers innovative solutions for safe and compliant disposal of medical sharps and pharmaceutical waste. Their services cater to small-scale needs, providing a mail-back disposal program that includes prepaid postage for convenient and cost-effective disposal.

About Better Business Advice: Better Business Advice covers the news and strategies driving modern business success. The information provided by Better Business Advice does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only. As an affiliate, Better Business Advice may earn commissions from services mentioned in the links provided.

SOURCE BetterBusinessAdvice.com

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Kigen Automotive eSIM first to achieve GSMA eSA certification, bringing latest SGP.32 security to connected vehicle OEMs for long-life fleets

With the industry's first eSA-certified eSIMs supporting the latest SGP.32 v1.3, Kigen delivers automotive-grade security, giving OEMs a common architecture for developing connected fleets – plus an implementation and tools to prepare for PQC readiness

CAMBRIDGE, England, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kigen, a global leader in eSIM and iSIM technology, has achieved GSMA eUICC Security Assurance (eSA) certification for its new Automotive eSIMs, the industry's first eSA-certified eSIM supporting SGP.32 v1.3, GSMA's latest IoT eSIM (eUICC) specification. The certification combines Kigen's eSIM OS with Infineon's TEGRION™ SLI22 automotive security controller, giving connected-vehicle OEMs and Tier-1s a secure, standards-current platform built for fleets that must stay secure for a decade-plus.

As cars and two-wheeled vehicles rapidly transition to highly intelligent, regulated, and software-defined mobility assets, the new Kigen Automotive eSIM is certified across the TEGRION™ SLx22 chip family, creating a three-product portfolio spanning Automotive (SLI22), Consumer (SLC22, supporting latest SGP.22 v2.7), and Industrial IoT (SLM22, supporting SGP.32 v1.3). All three share the same OS and hardware platform, development tools, and management stack, helping automotive manufacturers use the same security platform across infotainment, telematics, and headless vehicle systems. This reduces fragmentation, speeds development, and makes it easier for the same OEM to expand across multiple connected cars, passenger transport, and industrial vehicle fleets.

Kigen's implementation supports SGP.32 v1.3 enhancements, published in May 2026, including direct and indirect profile downloads, digital activation codes, and emergency profile handling relevant to connected vehicles. Early visibility into the latest enhancements to eSIM standards reduces the risk of architectural obsolescence for OEMs and operators, allowing architectures qualified today to remain relevant over long program timelines.

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is increasingly important for connected vehicles, where long service lives make hardware replacement impractical. Although PQC is not yet part of the GSMA specifications, Kigen can support OEMs having implemented hybrid key encapsulation that combines classical and quantum-safe algorithms on the same platform. OEMs can test end-to-end PQC-resistant communications using Kigen's C-SDK development suite and test eSIM samples to prepare for long-term security against emerging quantum threats.

The certification builds on Kigen's established eSA-certified IoT eSIMs and Consumer eSIMs that introduced eSIM OS secure updates for compliance to EU Cybersecurity Resilience Act (EU CRA), certified six months prior.

"Vehicles are becoming long-lived software platforms, so their connectivity trust anchor must remain secure and manageable long after production," said Vincent Korstanje, CEO, Kigen. "Kigen's new eSA-certified Automotive eSIMs give car manufacturers a secure path from factory provisioning to global fleet operation while preserving freedom to evolve connectivity throughout the vehicle lifetime. Given the market maturity of our eIM, the time to achieve this certification demonstrates the deep collaboration of Kigen's product, engineering, certification, and operations teams with technology and ecosystem partners."

"Kigen has played a key role in shaping the evolution of eSIM for IoT, including through Dr Saïd Gharout's leadership of the GSMA eSIM Technical Working Group," said Gloria Trujillo, eSIM Technical Director, GSMA. "This latest achievement, with the industry's first eSA-certified eSIMs supporting SGP.32 v1.3, is an important step in translating GSMA eSIM IoT specifications into secure, interoperable technology for the next generation of connected IoT and vehicle fleets."

"Congratulations to Kigen on the industry's first GSMA eSA certification to the latest SGP.32 enhanced specifications for automotive eSIMs," said Katherine Diao, Head of IoT and Automotive Industry, China Mobile International. "China Mobile International is pleased to partner with Kigen to introduce SGP.32-based security solutions to Chinese automakers, supporting global deployment, CRA-aligned processes, and reliable connectivity for vehicles designed for long service life."

Kigen's full eSIM stack assurance spans GSMA SAS-UP (manufacturing) and SAS-SM (subscription management) certification, plus hosted Kigen eIM remote management. Kigen Automotive eSIMs interoperate with 20+ network providers that are ready for digital activation, with 60+ "Secure with Kigen" IoT modules, and are supported by global connectivity partnerships, including China Mobile International, helping OEMs simplify deployment across international vehicle markets. Kigen will join GSMA interoperability testing in October with its certified IoT eSIMs and eIM solution.

Kigen Automotive eSIMs will be available for OEM sampling in the ETSI MFF2 package from October 2026. Request samples and the Kigen IoT eSIM Starter Kit at https://kigen.com/contact/

About Kigen

Kigen is the forerunner in GSMA-certified eSIM and Remote SIM Provisioning security solutions, empowering networks and manufacturers, including top 10% in industrial critical sectors, to scale cellular IoT and achieve compliance for new cybersecurity mandates. Our award-winning eSIM technology delivers intelligence on the SIM, supporting AI-era network functionality, with proven interoperability across leading chipsets and modules for faster time to market. Backed by Arm, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, and SBI Group, Kigen is consistently recognized for innovation and earned a spot on the coveted The Sunday Times 100Tech - UK's fastest growing private tech companies list. Learn more at https://kigen.com/

SOURCE Kigen

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Xinhua Silk Road: Foreign influencers explore spectacular scenery of northeastern China in Heilongjiang

BEIJING, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Why settle for ordinary vacations when you can explore cool summers and diverse landscapes?

In Heilongjiang, a province in northeast China, several influencers from different countries gathered recently to unlock its hidden beauty and down-to-earth warmth of local cities.

After touring the gem-like lakes, breathtaking rivers, verdant mountain forests, picturesque wetlands, and snow and ice world, and savoring the flavorful dishes, they experienced firsthand the region's enchanting natural beauty and well-known hospitality.

Currently, Heilongjiang is opening its arms to the world! Don't wait for winter; come to discover the spectacular scenery of northeast China!

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/352316.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road

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The science that brought green back to China's Loess Plateau awarded the 2026 Volvo Environment Prize

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Once stripped of vegetation and scarred by some of the world's most severe soil erosion, China's Loess Plateau has undergone a remarkable ecological transformation. Professor Bojie Fu, one of the scientists who helped make that recovery possible, is the recipient of the 2026 Volvo Environment Prize.

The Loess Plateau was a major cradle of early Chinese civilization. But centuries of intensive cultivation and overgrazing pushed this huge area towards ecological collapse. Vegetation disappeared, soil was swept away, and vast quantities of sediment poured into the Yellow River. The landscape became a stark symbol of unsustainable land use.

Today, large areas of the plateau are green again.

Behind this dramatic revival lies one of the world's most ambitious landscape-restoration efforts—and decades of scientific research into how damaged ecosystems can be rebuilt without exhausting the scarce resources on which both nature and people depend.

Professor Bojie Fu has played a decisive role in that work. Through extensive field studies and landscape-scale analysis, he and his team have investigated the complex relationships between land use, vegetation, water, soil, biodiversity, and local livelihoods.

Fu is a Professor of Geography and Landscape Ecology at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He and his research team revealed both the potential and the risks of ecological restoration. More vegetation can hold soil in place, capture carbon, and revive biodiversity—but planting the wrong species, or planting too densely, can deepen water scarcity and threaten the long-term survival of the restored landscape.

This evidence helped shift restoration strategies away from mass planting campaigns and towards carefully adapted, sustainable land management. It provided practical guidance on which species to plant, where they could thrive, and how to balance restoration with agriculture and local communities' needs.

One major obstacle to restoration was resistance from farmers who feared for their livelihoods if they could no longer keep livestock or cultivate the land as before. The project, dubbed Grain for Green, helped overcome this resistance by compensating local communities and farmers.

The Prize Jury recognizes Professor Fu's pioneering contributions to social-ecological systems and sustainability science, as well as his exceptional ability to connect local restoration with global sustainable development. The Jury particularly highlights how his work on the Loess Plateau has created science-based pathways for ecological recovery, human well-being, and effective policy across the Global South.

The plateau's revitalization was neither simple nor swift. It was a complex, long-term undertaking involving local communities, government agencies, researchers, and international partners. Early demonstration projects received World Bank funding, while most subsequent investment came from the Chinese government.

Its success depended not only on sustained financial and political commitment, but also on continuous scientific monitoring and a willingness to adapt when evidence showed that established approaches were not working.

Professor Fu's research demonstrates how science can turn restoration ambitions into lasting environmental change—and how a landscape once considered devastated can be given a future.

The Volvo Environment Prize has been awarded annually since 1990 and is regarded as one of the scientific world's most respected environmental prizes. Presented by an independent foundation, the award consists of a hand-crafted diploma, a glass sculpture, and SEK 1.5 million.

Professor Bojie Fu will receive the Volvo Environment Prize at a ceremony in Stockholm, Nov 2, 2026.

More information about the laureate and the prize: www.environment-prize.com

September 23, 2026

Journalists wanting further information, please contact:

Claes Eliasson, Head of Media Relations

+46 76 553 7229

[email protected]

For more information, please visit volvogroup.com

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The Volvo Group drives prosperity through transport and infrastructure solutions, offering trucks, buses, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial applications, financing and services that increase our customers' uptime and productivity. Founded in 1927, the Volvo Group is committed to shaping the future landscape of sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. The Volvo Group is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, employs almost 100,000 people and serves customers in almost 180 markets. In 2025, net sales amounted to SEK 479 billion (EUR 43 billion). Volvo shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

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SOURCE AB Volvo

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RingConn Gen 3 Smart Ring Drew Attention at IFA 2026

BERLIN, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RingConn showcased its latest Gen 3 Smart Ring at IFA 2026 in Berlin, presenting the smart ring across multiple locations throughout the show, including high-visibility area near the north entrance. The product attracted significant attention from visitors and media during the event and received multiple recognitions, including the IFA Innovation Award and six distinctions from leading publications.

Received Multiple Best of IFA Recognitions

RingConn Gen 3 received seven recognitions during IFA 2026, reflecting positive attention from both the industry and technology media. The smart ring was honored with the IFA Innovation Award in the Beauty Tech & Well-being category and received a CHIP Highlight, alongside Best of IFA recognitions from five publications: Digital Trends, Trusted Reviews, Android Headlines, PC Welt and Apartment Therapy.

Beyond its award recognitions, RingConn Gen 3 has received positive feedback in reviews from a wide range of technology and consumer electronics media, including CHIP.de and connect.de.

Strong On-site Response

Beyond the recognition from media, RingConn Gen 3 also drew strong interest from visitors, distributors and buyers throughout IFA 2026. RingConn representatives engaged with industry partners from across Europe and other international markets, discussing future market opportunities and plans for expanding the brand's presence in the region. RingConn products are already available at nearly 150 offline locations, including retail stores and pharmacies, giving consumers more opportunities to experience and purchase the products in person. The interest shown at IFA further highlighted the potential for broader distribution and retail partnerships in European markets.

*RingConn products are non-medical devices intended strictly for general wellness and fitness, not for disease diagnosis or treatment.

About RingConn

Established in 2021, RingConn is a user-centric company, driven by continuous innovation, to provide professional, continuous, and thoughtful health monitoring products and services. RingConn is dedicated to becoming users' most trusted guardian for their physical and mental well-being.

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