Latest news with #CatalystFund
Scoop
24-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
New Investment To Drive AI And Biotech Innovation
Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology The Government is investing $24 million in smart, practical science that will help New Zealanders live healthier lives and support the development of sustainable food industries. Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti today announced two major research programmes in partnership with Singapore, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) tools for healthy ageing and biotechnology for future food production. 'Science and innovation are critical to building a high-growth, high-value economy. That's why we're investing in research with a clear line of sight to commercial outcomes and real public benefit,' Dr Reti says. 'This Government is focused on backing the technologies that will deliver real-world results for New Zealanders – not just in the lab, but in our hospitals, homes, and businesses. 'Whether it's supporting older Kiwis to live well for longer or developing smarter food production systems, these projects are about practical applications of advanced science to solve problems and grow our economy.' Funded through the Catalyst Fund, designed to facilitate international collaboration, the investment will support seven joint research projects over the next three years, deepening New Zealand's research ties with Singapore and building capability in AI and biotechnology. The AI programme, delivered alongside AI Singapore, directly supports the Government's Artificial Intelligence Strategy – a plan to use AI to safely and effectively boost productivity and deliver better public services. 'Our AI Strategy is about encouraging the uptake of AI to improve productivity and realise its potential to deliver faster, smarter, and more personalised services, including in healthcare,' says Dr Reti. 'These projects will help develop tools that support clinicians and improve care for our ageing population. Our collaboration with Singapore, a country well advanced in their use and development of AI, will help grow Kiwi capability to explore future practical uses of AI.' The biotechnology programme will focus on turning scientific research into scalable food solutions, including alternative proteins and new food ingredients, in partnership with Singapore's A*STAR. 'These partnerships are about future-proofing our economy and our communities — tackling global challenges with New Zealand science at the forefront,' Dr Reti says.
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Science
- Scoop
NZ-NASA Partnership Launches Five New Projects
Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology Hon Judith Collins KC Minister for Space Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti and Space Minister Judith Collins have today announced that in partnership with the US, the Government is investing $5.6 million to support five new joint NZ-NASA research projects in the field of Earth observation. Researchers from New Zealand and NASA will work in partnership to tackle challenges such as disaster resilience and environmental management over the next three years. 'These projects will combine some of New Zealand's best research talent with NASA's world-leading scientific expertise and technology, driving innovation in space science and environmental monitoring,' Dr Reti says. 'Advancing Earth observation science helps us better understand our natural environment and enables us to manage our natural resources more effectively. For example, we can use satellite data and AI algorithms to accurately measure water movements, which helps manage freshwater and mitigate floods. 'These projects will create a more resilient economy and drive productivity in some of our most valuable export industries, such as forestry and agriculture. They will also grow our science and innovation sector by positioning us in global growth markets such as remote sensing,' Dr Reti says. 'The US is an indispensable space cooperation partner for New Zealand and our engagement with NASA is a key part of our bilateral relationship. These projects will further entrench our ongoing and positive relationship with NASA,' Ms Collins says. 'NASA will contribute Earth observation satellite data, access to advanced tools and technology, as well as approximately $1.9 million in direct staff time and expertise. The projects are the second stage of the NZ–NASA research partnership through the Catalyst Fund, following an earlier round of feasibility studies. The selected projects span a range of high-impact areas: Te Mātai Pū o te Kea – High Altitude Coastal Remote Sensing – advances remote-sensing technology using Kea's Atmos high-altitude uncrewed aircraft. Satellite Multi-Scale Hydrologic Framework for Te Hiku ō Te Ika Wairere Ngahere – develops tools to measure terrestrial water flux via satellite data. Monitoring Vegetation–Geothermal Interactions from Space and Airborne Platforms – Integrates multiple Earth observation data streams to measure chemical and physical changes via vegetation. Near Real-Time Fuel Moisture System for Wildfire and Drought – builds a predictive fire model using remote sensing. Integrating Machine Learning and Remote Sensing for Dynamic Forest Mapping – develops predictive forest mapping using satellite imagery.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
122 acres of Vollinger Farm in Northampton conserved for ag, wildlife
NORTHAMPTON — More than half of the Vollinger Farm has permanently protected for agriculture and wildlife habitat, the Kestrel Land Trust announced Thursday. A total of 122 acres of the 217-acre farm on North Farms Road will be preserved. The trust said the land was at much higher risk for development than farms in the Connecticut River floodplains. Farm owner Robert 'Bob' Vollinger had been working with the trust on the project for about five years, the trust said. This also is the first time that the trust is the holder of a federally funded easement. 'This complex process to become qualified for and hold an Agricultural Land Easement required a steep learning curve for everyone involved,' said trust Conservation Director Mark Wamsley in a statement. The easement aims to protect the long-term viability of the nation's food supply by preventing the conversion of productive farmland to non-agricultural uses, the trust said. Many farms in Western Massachusetts are prime wildlife habitat, providing land and water for many wild creatures. This farm is next to a city-owned conservation area, which supports similar habitats. The Regional Conservation Partnership program provided $749,500 in funding, while Mass Audubon's Catalyst Fund provided an additional $100,000. Another 80 acres is temporarily enrolled in the state's Farm Viability Program, which provided funding for Vollinger to renovate one of his barns. Kestrel hopes to protect that land permanently in the future. The Vollingers have owned the land — hayfield, woods, pasture and crop fields — for three generations. It's next to the Broad Brook-Fitzgerald Lake Greenway, the largest conservation area in Northampton. 'Conserving the farm was always my goal. Now it will also help me plan for the future and contribute to my retirement. I'm looking forward to spending more time on the farm and being out on the land in the coming years,' Vollinger said in the statement. Kestrel Land Trust is a nonprofit group based in Amherst that conserves and cares for forests, farms, and riverways in the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts. Visit to learn more. Read the original article on MassLive.
Cision Canada
01-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Ajit Prabhu, CEO and Co-Founder of Quest Global Announces $10M Gift to RPI to Tackle the World's Toughest Engineering Challenges
SCHENECTADY, N.Y., May 1, 2025 /CNW/ -- Quest Global is honored to announce a $10 million endowment to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), aimed at advancing engineering innovation and entrepreneurship. This gift establishes the Ajit Prabhu Catalyst Endowment and the Ajit Prabhu Catalyst Fund donated by the Prabhu family, supporting the Office of Strategic Alliances and Translation (OSAT) to equip RPI students and faculty to solve some of the hardest engineering problems for today and tomorrow. The Catalyst Fund will support accelerating groundbreaking ideas into proof-of-concept prototypes or market-ready ventures. The Fund will help bridge the gap between lab research and real-world application, allowing RPI's brightest minds to focus not only on solving today's challenges but also on anticipating tomorrow's opportunities. This endowment will help translate research into application to benefit society. "Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and in particular my mentor Dr. John Brunski in the Biomedical Engineering department shaped my career and expanded my worldview, allowing me to dream of infinite possibilities," said Ajit Prabhu, CEO & Co-founder, Quest Global. "This gift from our family reflects our commitment to empowering students and faculty to pursue ambitious ideas and develop innovative solutions. My dream is that this gift will inspire students to tackle the toughest engineering problems and deliver unparalleled value to humanity." Dr. Jonathan Dordick, Vice President of OSAT, highlighted the significance of the contribution: "The Ajit Prabhu Catalyst Fund represents a powerful opportunity for RPI's entrepreneurial community. This fund will enable students and faculty to innovate freely, knowing they have the resources to turn new discoveries into viable products and thriving businesses." Ajit Prabhu's leadership at Quest Global, one of the world's fastest-growing engineering services firms with over 21,000 engineers worldwide, underscores his dedication to solving the hardest engineering problems across industries including Aerospace, Energy, High Tech, and Automotive. His core belief—that culture and aspiration are as critical as strategy—aligns perfectly with RPI's mission to inspire the next generation of forward-thinking problem-solvers. About Quest Global At Quest Global, it's not just what we do but how and why we do it that makes us different. We are in the business of engineering, but what we are really creating is a brighter future. For over 25 years, we've been solving the world's most complex engineering problems. Operating in 18 countries, with over 84 global delivery centers, our 21,000+ curious minds embrace the power of doing things differently to make the impossible possible. Using a multi-dimensional approach, combining technology, industry expertise, and diverse talents, we tackle critical challenges faster and more effectively. And we do it across the Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Energy, Hi-Tech, MedTech & Healthcare, Rail and Semiconductor industries. For world-class end-to-end engineering solutions, we are your trusted partner. Founded in 1824 for the application of science to the common purposes of life, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the first technological research university in the United States. Today, it is recognized as a premier university, noted for its robust and holistic learning community that connects creativity with science and technology. RPI is dedicated to inventing for the future, from shaping the scientists, engineers, technologists, architects, and entrepreneurs who will define what's next for humanity, to research that bridges disciplines to solve the world's toughest problems. Learn more at
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Conservation group buys 109 acres in Berkshire County
TYRINGHAM, Mass. (WWLP) – A Berkshire County conservation organization has purchased property to protect lands near Beartown State Forest and the Appalachian Trail. Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) has acquired 109 acres along both sides of Webster Road in Tyringham. It will be protected with conservation restrictions held by BNRC and New England Forestry Foundation. It is within a half mile of the Appalachian Trail and abuts the Beartown State Forest. Healey administration awards grants to improve water supply in Ipswich River communities By adding to these protected lands, BNRC strengthens a network of conserved forests in Tyringham, Otis, and Becket that are crucial for biodiversity, wildlife movement, and climate resilience. Currently, there are no plans to create trails on the property, but it will remain open for passive recreation. 'This land features a remarkable mix of hardwood forest species, hemlock stands, and wetlands, including the headwaters of Merry Brook, a designated cold-water fishery important to native brook trout,' said Nick Pitel, BNRC's Director of Conservation. 'We are thrilled to continue to advance conservation in this ecologically rich area, protecting it from development and preserving habitat for rare species.' 'This property sits at the heart of a significant conservation landscape and exemplifies the goals of the Catalyst Fund, which prioritizes biodiversity and climate resiliency. We are very pleased to be able to support BNRC's land conservation work in the Southern Berkshires,' said David O'Neill, Mass Audubon's President. The land was purchased for $650,000 and funded by the Nion Robert Thieriot Foundation, Mass Audubon Catalyst for Conservation, the Wyncote Foundation, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Land Acquisition for Forest Reserves Grant Program, and private donors. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
