Latest news with #ERW
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Safe Pro Sets New AI Dataset Milestone Processing Over 1.6 Million Drone-Based Battlefield Images Powering its Explosive Threat Detection Capabilities
AVENTURA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Safe Pro Group Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAI) ('Safe Pro' or the 'Company'), a leader in AI-powered security solutions, today announced a major artificial intelligence (AI) data processing milestone, solidifying its position in the forefront of battlefield intelligence and threat detection. The Company's patented AI ecosystem has successfully analyzed over 1.6 million real-world images from Ukraine conflict zones, establishing one of the world's most detailed datasets of landmines, cluster munitions, anti-personnel mines and evidence points captured by commercially available, off-the-shelf drones. This strategic achievement marks a critical inflection point in Safe Pro's scale, product validation and commercialization efforts. This real-world data enhancement is used to more accurately detect small explosive threats, delivering greater value and battlefield awareness to end users. 'This milestone represents a significant advance in our AI-driven capabilities for real-time defense, commercial and humanitarian operations, enhancing its value as a strategic asset for large-scale Government and Commercial customers,' said Dan Erdberg, Chairman and CEO of Safe Pro Group. 'Driven by one of the world's most detailed real-world drone imagery datasets processed by AI, we are building a company positioned to capitalize on a large unmet need for on-the-ground threat intelligence that can enable safer missions for military personnel, first responders, humanitarian workers, and commercial operators.' The Company's proprietary Safe Pro Object Threat Detection (SPOTD) technology, which enables the real-time detection of small explosive threats such as unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmines, now benefits from enhanced accuracy and predictive capabilities derived from this unparalleled dataset. 'Furthering the capabilities of our state-of-the-art AI algorithms will support our continued commercialization efforts and create opportunities to grow our network of partnerships and secure valuable contacts this year,' concluded Mr. Erdberg. As of June 2025, Safe Pro's SPOTD dataset includes GPS-tagged imagery identifying approximately 27,450 threats across more than 6,614 hectares in Ukraine, an area larger than Manhattan. Today, nearly 60 countries are impacted by land mines or Unexploded Remnants of War (ERW) (source: Landmine Monitor, 2024), creating a large global opportunity for Safe Pro Group. Supported by US Patent No. 12,146,729 including 21 claims, the Company's patent application entitled, 'Systems and Methods for Detecting and Identifying Explosives,' covers autonomous detection, identification, and labeling of explosives in orthomosaic images using AI processing of drone imagery. Valid until 2043, the patent captures the groundbreaking nature of the Company's technology and applicability for national defense and security applications as well as supporting global commercial and industrial markets ranging from humanitarian demining, agriculture, to post-conflict reconstruction. Building upon the continued enhancement of its threat detection capabilities, Safe Pro confirmed its ongoing integration of SPOTD with the U.S. military's TAK (Team Awareness Kit) software ecosystem which powers tactical communications and situational awareness for defense, law enforcement, and first responders. This integration is designed to allow instant detection and dissemination of explosive threats across hundreds of thousands of soldier-carried and vehicle-mounted devices using the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) software application. 'Successful integration with ATAK could represent a large opportunity to support multiple Army programs that operate on the TAK ecosystem,' added Mr. Erdberg. 'We believe this positions Safe Pro to capture a share of the $15B+ global defense tech market, particularly in AI, drone reconnaissance, and threat detection.' AI Growth, Defense Contracts, and Market Expansion Real-World AI Leadership: Safe Pro has now amassed one of the most extensive UXO drone imagery datasets, strengthening its competitive advantage and long-term revenue potential. Defense Sector Tailwinds: With growing global demand for real-time threat intelligence and battlefield automation, Safe Pro is strategically aligned with priority defense initiatives. Commercial-Ready Tech: Integration with U.S. military platforms signals readiness for scale, contract eligibility, and near-term monetization. For more information about Safe Pro Group, its subsidiaries, and technologies, please visit and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About Safe Pro Group Inc. Safe Pro Group Inc. is a mission-driven technology company delivering AI-enabled security and defense solutions. Through cutting-edge platforms like SPOTD, Safe Pro provides advanced situational awareness tools for defense, humanitarian, and homeland security applications globally. It is a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions specializing in drone imagery processing leveraging commercially available 'off-the-shelf' drones with its proprietary machine learning and computer vision technology to enable rapid identification of explosives threats, providing a much safer and more efficient alternative to traditional human-based analysis methods. Built on a cloud-based ecosystem and powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Safe Pro Group's scalable platform is targeting multiple markets that include commercial, government, law enforcement and humanitarian sectors where its Safe Pro AI software, Safe-Pro USA protective gear and Airborne Response drone-based services can work in synergy to deliver safety and operational efficiency. For more information on Safe Pro Group Inc., please visit Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements relate to future events, future expectations, plans and prospects. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, Safe Pro's ability to obtain definitive agreements for its SPOTD platform or its datasets, its ability to capture a share of the defense technology market, and the acceptance of its solutions by the US Military or other organizations. Although Safe Pro Group believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, expectations may prove to have been materially different from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Safe Pro Group has attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including ''believes,'' ''estimates,'' ''anticipates,'' ''expects,'' ''plans,'' ''projects,'' ''intends,'' ''potential,'' ''may,'' ''could,'' ''might,'' ''will,'' ''should,'' ''approximately'' or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including market and other conditions. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth under Item 1A. in the Company's most recently filed Form 10-K and updated from time to time in the Company's Form 10-Q filings and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'), copies of which may be obtained from the SEC's website at Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of its date. Safe Pro Group undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after its date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Verde AgriTech Ltd (VNPKF) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges with ...
Release Date: May 16, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Verde AgriTech Ltd (VNPKF) has seen a recovery in the price of potassium chloride, which could positively impact their pricing strategy. The company has successfully renegotiated its debt, reducing interest rates and extending payment terms, which improves cash flow. Operational cost reductions have been achieved, including a 23% decrease in general administrative expenses. The company has a strong field sales team that is helping to identify creditworthy customers, leading to an increase in approved and delivered orders. Verde AgriTech Ltd (VNPKF) is actively pursuing enhanced rock weathering (ERW) technology, which could open new revenue streams through carbon credits. Sales volume in Q1 2025 was 48,000 tons, a 44% reduction compared to Q1 2024, indicating a significant decline in demand. The company is facing a challenging market environment with high interest rates in Brazil and a devaluation of the Brazilian currency. There is a catastrophic increase in bankruptcies in the Brazilian agricultural sector, affecting Verde AgriTech Ltd (VNPKF)'s ability to collect payments. The company reported a net loss of CAD3.8 million in Q1 2025, although this was an improvement from the previous year's loss. High staff turnover and cost-cutting measures have raised concerns about management stability and employee satisfaction. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with VNPKF. Q: What is Verde AgriTech's forecast for a return to profitability? A: Cristiano Delozo, CEO, stated that he does not know the exact quarter or year for a return to profitability. However, he emphasized that everything within their control is being done to achieve profitability and growth as quickly as possible. Q: Can you explain the high staff turnover in recent years? A: Cristiano Delozo, CEO, explained that the turnover is part of cost reduction efforts. He emphasized the importance of not being afraid to fire staff when necessary and highlighted the use of AI to further cut costs. He disagreed with the notion that turnover is a red flag, citing it as a strategic decision. Q: Why is Verde AgriTech not capturing market share domestically in Brazil when international competitors can? A: Cristiano Delozo, CEO, responded that the recent years have been challenging due to a massive crisis in the agricultural sector. He noted that their growth track record was phenomenal before the crisis and expressed hope for a return to normal market conditions soon. Q: What are the challenges with the Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) program? A: Cristiano Delozo, CEO, explained that the challenges are due to the different rock type they are using compared to other companies. He mentioned that they are working with leading scientists and conducting trials to quantify carbon capture, which is crucial for issuing reliable carbon credit certificates. Q: How is Verde AgriTech addressing the financial and operational challenges it faces? A: Cristiano Delozo, CEO, highlighted the significant debt renegotiation they achieved, which provides a more favorable cash flow situation. He expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate the current crisis, citing past experiences of overcoming difficult situations. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Kuwait News Agency
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait News Agency
Sudan people's lives in jeopardy over landmines, explosives
الأمن LOC12:28 09:28 GMT News report by Mohammad Abdulaziz KHARTOUM, May 8 (KUNA) -- UN officials and mine experts sounded the alarm that landmines and explosives pose a mounting risk to Sudanese civilians' lives and hamper humanitarian aid delivery amid ongoing clashes between army and paramilitary forces. With infighting still raging on between Sudanese army forces and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), demining teams and groups are facing serious security and logistical challenges that hinder their efforts and expand polluted areas, representing a stumbling block to recovery and reconstruction efforts. Speaking to KUNA, Director General of Sudan's National Mine Action Center (NMAC) Maj. Gen. Khalid Hamdan said that 40 explosion incidents, caused by either mines or explosive remnants of war (ERW), have been reported since last April. He estimated that these incidents have left at least 16 people dead and more than 50 others injured in the states of Khartoum, River Nile, Al-Jazirah and Singa, adding that demining operations were underway in Khartoum, Al Jazirah, White Nile and North Kordofan. He added that the NMAC has recently launched eight new demining teams in Khartoum, Al Jazirah, North Kordofan, South Kordofan and Sinar states, in addition to five existing groups, bringing the total number of field teams to 13. However, Hamdan complained that demining efforts are facing serious challenges, primarily the loss of vehicles and equipment due to ongoing infighting, pollution and lack of financing. "We still need to train more workers and to obtain governmental and foreign backing, given that demining operations are so costly that major capabilities are required," he lamented. Regarding international support, he said that technical and financial aid has been suspended since the eruption of war between army and paramilitary forces. The chief of the Sudanese National Mine Action Center (NMAC) said the center needs approximately USD 90 million in aid this year, while the donors have only pledged a total of USD 10 million. He explained that though the center has no accurate statistics of mines and ERWs, its field teams have so far managed to detonate more than 13,000 OUX shells, prepared 4,000 others for detonation and handled over 37,000 small munitions, in Omdurman, the western part of the capital. Sudanese authorities expect more explosion incidents to take place due to the wide-scale spread of landmines and ERWs in Al-Fasher City, the capital of North Darfur State, amid ongoing hostilities between the country's two main military rivals. Meanwhile, the UN Department of Safety and Security said central Khartoum would remain closed for relief agencies until January 2026 owing to mines and ERWs as a result of the raging conflict. Demining experts estimated that 10 percent of live ammunition in Sudan has not been exploded, mostly centered nearly the airport and Presidential Palace, where UN offices are located. Chief of the Mine Action Program in Sudan Sediq Rashid cautioned against escalating risks with the return of internally displaced persons to polluted areas, noting that mines could be either visible or hidden under the rubric of houses and squares. "The danger is very munitions have not been designed for use in populate areas," Rashid warned. The United Nations (UN) has recorded fatal incidents involving the death of internally displaced children and women, not to mention the death of at least 10 civilians due to the explosion of an antitank mine in Shendi City in northern Sudan. However, the Sudanese National Mine Action Center (NMAC) has been doing its best to raise public awareness of landmines and unexploded devices by means of deploying demining teams in safe states since November, and organizing training workshops for 90 young people in Omdurman, the center's chief concluded. (end) Demining operations in Khartoum Demining operations in Khartoum Unexploded device found in Khartoum Unexploded device found in Khartoum Unexploded device found in Khartoum Unexploded device found in Khartoum
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Mati Carbon's XPRIZE triumph: Helping smallholder farmers leading the fight against climate change
Mati Carbon, an Indian-led climate initiative has secured the $50 million grand prize in the XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, outshining over 1,300 teams from 112 countries. Their model seems simple, but is quite complex. They use an Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) model, which captures carbon dioxide (CO2) while boosting crop yields for smallholder farmers. This offers a rare synergy of environmental and social impact. Mati operates in India, Tanzania, and Zambia, and has partnered with over 16,000 farmers since 2022. They aim to reach 30,000 by year-end, with a bold vision to impact 100 million by 2045. As India grapples with climate-induced agricultural stress and a nascent carbon market, scaling this solution faces formidable hurdles. In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Shantanu Agarwal, Mati Carbon's founder and CEO, and Jake Jordan, chief science officer, outlined their mission. 'This XPRIZE win validates our science and commitment to smallholder farmers who bear the brunt of climate change,' Agarwal said. 'But scaling in India, with its fragmented landholdings and uneven infrastructure, is a massive challenge.' The science of enhanced rock weathering Mati's ERW process involves spreading pulverised basalt—a volcanic rock—on farmlands, accelerating a natural weathering process that captures atmospheric CO2 and stores it as bicarbonate in groundwater and oceans for over 10,000 years. 'The process forms a weak acid from rainwater and CO2, breaking down the rock faster than natural weathering,' Jordan explained. 'It's like dissolving powdered sugar versus a sugar cube.' The basalt also releases nutrients, enhances soil fertility and results in healthier crops and better yield. The rigorous Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework, developed with IIT Kanpur, Yale University, and the University of Sheffield, ensures precise carbon quantification, earning trust from buyers like Shopify, Stripe, and H&M. Empowering India's smallholder farmers Smallholder farmers, cultivating 47 per cent of India's farmland, are uniquely vulnerable to climate change. The 2024 Monsoon Report by the India Meteorological Department noted eight per cent above-average rainfall, yet flooding and crop losses disproportionately affected smallholders. Mati's model addresses this by improving soil health and incomes. Agarwal shared the story of a Chhattisgarh farmer with two acres whose rice yield surged from 2,500 to 3,500 kilos—a 70 per cent increase—after basalt application. 'He paid off debts because it's free. We deliver and spread the basalt; he farms as usual,' Agarwal said. Mati targets climate-vulnerable regions like northern Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, often hours from airports. 'We focus on small farmers in backward areas,' Agarwal explained. 'We analyze crop types, soil compatibility, and basalt composition to ensure viability.' The Deccan Traps' vast basalt supply—capable of removing all anthropogenic CO2 with just one per cent of its reserves—makes India an ideal hub. Mati piggybacks on existing rock-crushing for construction, minimizing environmental impact. Farmers also report a 65 per cent reduction in pesticide use, as nutrient-rich soils yield healthier, disease-resistant crops. 'It's like humans eating vitamins for better immunity,' Agarwal said. 'Healthy plants don't get sick.' This organic, nature-driven approach aligns with India's push for sustainable agriculture under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture. Scaling challenges: Trust, logistics, and markets Mati's ambition to reach 100 million farmers by 2045 is daunting. 'Farmers dependent on a few acres are risk-averse,' Agarwal noted. 'Explaining that we remove invisible CO2 for distant buyers sounds dubious.' Mati overcomes this through demonstration: trials in the first season, 10-20 per cent adoption in the second, and overwhelming demand by the third. 'They see yield increases and lower pesticide needs with their own eyes,' he said. Logistics in remote areas pose another hurdle. Transporting basalt to villages and training farmers across India's diverse agro-climatic zones is costly. Mati's proprietary platform, matiC, uses AI to streamline operations, from farmer engagement to carbon verification, but scaling to millions requires more. 'Our tech stack enables farmer-entrepreneur partners to deliver our model regionally,' Agarwal said, emphasizing a franchise-like approach to achieve the 'unreasonable' 100-million-farmer goal. The carbon market, where Mati sells credits to fund its free basalt applications, is another challenge. Currently priced at $300-$400 per ton, credits are bought by net-zero-focused firms like Shopify, Stripe, and H&M. 'These buyers support our scaling to hit $100 per ton in five to seven years,' Agarwal said. However, India's carbon market is nascent, with prices volatile ($10-$30/ton globally in 2024, per the World Bank). Convincing Indian unicorns to buy removal credits as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) requires education. 'Indian companies with net-zero goals should include removal in their portfolios to mitigate past emissions,' Agarwal urged. The role of Government Mati has garnered local support from district magistrates, agriculture officers, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). 'They love our technology and collaborate closely,' Agarwal said. Studies with government universities, like IIT Kanpur, provide years of data to prove ERW's efficacy. Yet, national-level adoption could unlock greater impact. 'Subsidies for basalt transport or carbon credit incentives would accelerate scaling,' Agarwal suggested, aligning with India's net-zero-by-2070 goal. Jordan emphasized ERW's fit for India's agriculture-heavy economy. 'Governments serve farmers, a key constituency. Our yield increases and climate benefits are a strong match for national priorities,' he said. However, policy inertia and the need for extensive proof points slow progress. 'We're building scientific momentum with Indian research to convince policymakers,' Agarwal said. A broader climate context Mati's focus on removal doesn't negate the need for emissions reduction. 'We need both,' Jordan stressed. 'Reduction stops new CO2; removal balances unavoidable emissions, like agriculture's residual CO2.' India, the world's third-largest emitter, relies heavily on coal, complicating its net-zero path. Mati's ERW, with its permanence, offers a robust tool, but it's not a panacea. The Global South's degraded soils make it ideal for ERW, unlike chemically optimized farms in the US. 'Skeptics in the West question small farms' scalability, but their yield gains drive adoption,' Jordan said. This economic incentive positions India as a leader in inclusive climate solutions. Looking ahead Mati's XPRIZE win and $50 million prize provide a springboard to scale its smallholder-focused model, sustained by carbon credit sales. Its partnerships with IIT Kanpur, Yale, and the University of Sheffield ensure scientific rigor, while local collaborations amplify reach. Yet, success hinges on overcoming logistical, market, and policy barriers. As India navigates climate change and food security for 1.4 billion people, Mati's model—rooted in nature and farmer empowerment—offers a blueprint. Whether it can scale to 100 million farmers remains a test of innovation, collaboration, and political will. 'For us, the farmer is the only stakeholder,' Agarwal concluded. 'If we help them, society helps us back.'
Business Wire
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Perdue AgriBusiness and Eion Ink First-Of-Its-Kind Carbon Removal Deal
BUSINESS WIRE)-- Eion, a company turning the proven science of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) into a scalable climate solution, today announced a carbon insetting agreement with Perdue AgriBusiness, a subsidiary of Perdue Farms. Through this deal, Perdue grain farmers will remove approximately 3,500 tons of CO 2 by applying olivine—a naturally abundant mineral it has optimized to weather quickly on farmland across the Mid-Atlantic. Notably, this is the first instance in which a company is deploying an enhanced rock weathering solution within its own supply chain to remove CO 2. By accelerating the Earth's process of naturally mineralizing rocks to balance atmospheric carbon levels, Eion compresses what would otherwise take thousands of years into a timeline of several years. Olivine, which has been approved for agricultural use for decades, improves soil health at a lower cost to farmers than the agricultural lime they typically use. Olivine is ideal for ERW because it absorbs a high rate of carbon, and its composition includes various trace elements that enable Eion to measure CO 2 removal. 'We're excited to work with Perdue AgriBusiness to further our shared goals: advancing sustainable agriculture, providing tangible benefits to farmers, and making a meaningful dent in our climate debt,' said Anastasia Pavlovic, CEO of Eion. 'The carbon market is evolving and Eion is evolving with it. We see a massive opportunity for ERW to easily incorporate within the agricultural supply chain for the long haul and, to that end, are focused on expanding our portfolio of insetting agreements.' The integration of Eion's approach to ERW within Perdue AgriBusiness' production supply chain demonstrates the rapid diversification of the voluntary carbon market. To date, carbon credit purchases have largely been driven by offtakers, or companies compensating for their emissions by investing in carbon reduction projects outside their operations. Insetting projects align climate action with core supply chain activities, helping Perdue AgriBusiness reduce its environmental impact. With approximately 800 million acres of farmland in the U.S. alone, agricultural insetting projects can catalyze the ERW sector toward annual gigaton CO 2 removal. Founded over 105 years ago by Arthur and Pearl Perdue in Delmarva, Perdue has consistently prioritized quality—from consumer products to animal welfare. In 2021, Perdue AgriBusiness launched the Perdue Sustainability Program to enhance soil health, conserve water, and build resilient farming ecosystems in the Chesapeake Bay region, all while supplying sustainably grown products. The company views enhanced rock weathering as a key regenerative practice that sequesters carbon and strengthens soils, and emphasizes aligning these practices with B2B partners to drive the market for sustainable products. Interest is growing among buyers of Perdue's soybean oil and chicken who value regenerative practices and climate impact, and through a partnership with Eion, Perdue is reducing its footprint and supporting stronger farming communities. 'At Perdue AgriBusiness, we're always looking for innovative, science-backed solutions that support our farmers and reduce our environmental impact,' said Perry Aulie, President at Perdue AgriBusiness. 'Partnering with Eion allows us to integrate carbon removal directly into our supply chain—enhancing soil health, supporting our growers, and advancing our commitment to a more sustainable future.' About Eion Eion is a carbon removal company scaling enhanced rock weathering (ERW) on agricultural land. Holding an industry-first patent for measuring carbon removal in soils, Eion combines scientific rigor with farming expertise to integrate seamlessly into routine agriculture. Using olivine to absorb CO₂ while improving soil health, Eion ensures verifiable, permanent carbon removal. Backed by AgFunder, Growmark, and Ridgeline, and scientifically vetted by Stripe Climate, Eion aims to remove 10 million tons of CO₂ annually by 2030. Learn more at and follow us on LinkedIn. About Perdue AgriBusiness Perdue AgriBusiness is an independent operating company of Perdue Farms Inc. Ranked among the largest grain companies in the U.S., Perdue AgriBusiness is a leading merchandiser, processor, and exporter of agricultural products. Through Perdue AgriBusiness' 75 elevator locations with more than 75 million bushels of storage, deep-water port, transload facilities, oilseed crushing operations, edible oil refinery, and protein blend mills, the company serves markets across the United States and around the world. Visit for more information.
