Latest news with #InnovationLab
The Star
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Germany to ease, expand defence procurement to quickly boost military
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius visits the Innovation Lab of Germany's Army Bundeswehr in Erding, Germany, July 22, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany's cabinet approved a draft law on Wednesday aimed at accelerating defence procurement and construction on military bases, part of a broad effort to better defend itself and allies in response to a more assertive Russia. The bill, which supports German efforts to meet higher NATO defence spending targets, also widens the definition of military needs to include civilian-related items such as medical supplies and construction materials. U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded that European allies in NATO spend much more for the defence of their continent, accusing them of having long taken the outsized U.S. role in protecting Europe's security for granted. "With this draft law, we are removing many of the constraints that have prevented us from moving even faster," Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said after the cabinet meeting. "We can now truly focus on what matters in the interests of the Bundeswehr's defence capability and equipment," he said. Under the proposed legislation, mandatory tendering requirements for defence contracts will be relaxed - or waived entirely in particularly urgent cases. Large contracts will no longer need to be split into smaller tenders. The threshold for triggering a formal procurement procedure will rise, in general, to 50,000 euros ($58,685) from less than 15,000 euros, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said. For construction projects, the threshold will increase to 1 million euros, and to 443,000 euros for other goods and services, she added at a press conference alongside Pistorius. Environmental standards will also be eased - for example, in the construction of military barracks - while military airports will receive special consideration and protection. "Time is the decisive factor," the text of the draft legislation states, citing the threat posed by Russia in the face of its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The legislation is initially set to remain in force for 10 years. Earlier this year, Chancellor Friedrich Merz relaxed constitutionally enshrined debt limits to enable higher defence spending. That move allowed Berlin to raise defence expenditure to 3.5% of GDP by 2029 — a sharp increase from the 2% NATO quota it met in 2024 for the first time in three decades. ($1 = 0.8520 euros) (Reporting by Markus Wacket and Miranda Murray; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Gulf Today
19-07-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Career platform launches creative projects for students
Leading teen career exploration platform, A Learning Lab, has announced the launch of a suite of programmed to offer high school students immersive, hands-on experiences across a wide range of future-focused industries. From space exploration and healthcare innovation to branding, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing, the seven groundbreaking innovation projects provide teens with the opportunity to explore real-world challenges and emerging career paths. Each program is conducted by industry experts currently working on similar projects in the field. Speaking about the purpose behind the programs, Aneeqa Lareb, A Learning Lab's Deputy Head said, 'A Learning Lab was built on the mission to provide a hands-on learning platform for teenagers who are either deciding what field to pursue or building their profile toward a career path at a young age. These seven programs will equip high school students with the skills, confidence, and insight they need to pursue meaningful careers in fast-growing industries. The programs From prototype development to project pitches, students will take away tangible outcomes, providing a critical stepping stone for the next generation of innovators.' Among the groundbreaking programs is The Future Builders Project, which is designed for teenagers who are eager to transform big ideas into tangible solutions. Through case studies from global innovators like Google, Slack, and LEGO, participants explore how leading companies identify and respond to real-world challenges. The Sugar Shift Lab is for young people keen to explore human-centred design within the healthcare sector by focusing on the global challenge of pre-diabetes. Drawing on the same professional design frameworks used by leading digital health companies, students work through the process of understanding patient needs, analysing healthcare data, and designing health tech solutions. Also in the healthcare domain, the Cardio-Shield program takes high school students into the world of product development for heart health. The Brand Craft Studio programme invites teenagers to tap into their creative potential while gaining exposure to the latest tools in digital marketing.. For high school students curious about the future of space, the GCC Space Innovation Lab program is a hands-on immersion into the fast-evolving space tech industry. The program draws on real-world regional case studies, such as the UAE's Mars mission and Saudi Arabia's satellite initiatives. The region's booming mobile gaming industry is the inspiration for the Swipe Tap Play program, which introduces students to the business through the lens of marketing and player engagement. The final program, AI Wellness Innovators, offers students the opportunity to build wellness apps using professional no-code development platforms.
The Guardian
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Skinsuits, superspikes and a sticky headband: how Faith Kipyegon hopes to run sub-four minute mile
Eight seconds. It's barely enough time for most people to tie their shoelaces. But when you are Faith Kipyegon, and you're trying to become the first woman to shatter the four-minute mile barrier, those eight seconds constitute a chasm. But now we know how the 31-year-old Kenyan, who set the mile world record of 4 mins 7.64 secs in 2023, intends to close the gap and emulate Sir Roger Bannister's historic feat. On Thursday her sponsor Nike revealed that when Kipyegon makes her sub-four attempt in Paris on 26 June, she will be wearing a special aerodynamic skinsuit with '3D-printed aeronodes', along with new super spikes, which are even lighter and more propulsive. The skinsuit, which would not currently be permitted in official World Athletics races, draws on similar technology used by British Cycling and British Skeleton when they dominated the Summer and Winter Olympics between 2008 and 2018. Crucially, the aeronodes are able to create a 'turbulence' effect designed to reduce the amount of wind resistance acting on the body when Kipyegon runs. 'The magic with the aeronodes on the suit and leg sleeves is that it creates a controlled turbulence area,' said Lisa Gibson of Nike's Innovation lab. 'It splits the air in front of Faith and creates smaller eddies behind her to reduce drag.' Reducing resistance is clearly a key factor in the attempt. A recent scientific paper by Prof Rodger Kram, a physiologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, suggested that Kipyegon could run a sub-four minute mile by using pacemakers deployed in front and behind her to reduce drag. The mother of one will also be wearing a headband designed to further reduce drag, as well as the latest prototype of Nike super spikes, the Victory Elite FK, which have 3mm more foam and are lighter than the track spikes she wore when winning Olympic 1500m gold last year. And while most experts remain sceptical that Kipyegon can do it, despite the added technological assistance, the scientist behind her attempt says that confidence is building. Brett Kirby, who worked with Eliud Kipchoge to help the Kenyan break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, said he understood the scepticism. However he said he was convinced that Kipyegon could go much quicker. 'I'm a scientist and it's all about thinking critically,' said Kirby, the senior principal scientist at Nike's sport research lab. 'So when I first heard the idea, I was like, 'man, I don't know. It sounds really hard to get those eight seconds.' But when we stepped back and looked at Faith in 2023, and things like her pacing – which may have initially looked optimal – we realised that there was more there.' 'When you start to add on these other pieces of the puzzle, and put them together to make that matrix, then things start to get really exciting,' he added. 'You start to get more inspired. You say, 'Wow, OK, these pieces come together like a really nice system, from the apparel side, the footwear side, the location side, and maybe some tweaks in preparation'. And before you know it, you have this matrix that comes together.' Sign up to The Recap The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action after newsletter promotion 'And you put all the pieces together, and it slowly builds more and more confidence as we get closer.' Not everyone in Kipyegon's team is as cautious. Simon Bairu, her sports marketing partner, believes it is only a matter of time before she makes history. 'When she breaks four, she won't just set a record,' he said. 'She'll change what every girl watching thinks is possible. I don't think she can do it – I know she will.' Nike's experts would not be drawn on just how much of a performance boost Kipyegon might expect from their new technology. However Carrie Dimoff, of Nike's Innovation Footwear department, said that Kipyegon's new spikes had shown greater energy return in testing. Dimhoff also confirmed that while the new spikes had not yet been submitted to World Athletics for approval, as they had been making ongoing adjustments to them, they did conform to the rules. 'The height of the shoe does not actually get any higher,' she added. 'We've just diverted some of the height from other materials into that energetic air sole design to give Faith more efficient push off and more energy return with every stride.'
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
LSET emerges as gateway for Global AI & Cybersecurity startups entering the UK
The London School of Emerging Technology (LSET) is fast redefining the startup landscape in the UK, positioning itself as a strategic launchpad for global entrepreneurs in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. Moving beyond the traditional role of an academic institution, LSET has created a holistic ecosystem that provides international startups with everything from innovation labs and business mentorship to immigration and funding assistance. At the heart of LSET's offering is its multi-tiered support structure for startups. Through three flagship programs—the Innovation Lab, Startup Incubator, and Accelerator Program—LSET supports ventures from idea to market. The Innovation Lab serves as a sandbox for ideation and prototyping. The Startup Incubator nurtures early-stage ventures with mentorship and community engagement. And the Accelerator Program propels market-ready startups by connecting them with investors and industry leaders. Understanding the critical role of capital in early-stage growth, LSET actively facilitates funding and valuation support. The school partners with venture capitalists, angel investors, and grant providers to give entrepreneurs access to essential funding channels. Startups receive coaching to refine pitch decks and are introduced to UK innovation funds and government grant opportunities. Expert guidance in company valuation further equips founders to negotiate equity with confidence. Navigating immigration hurdles is another pain point for global founders, and LSET addresses this through comprehensive support for the UK Innovator Founder Visa. With no minimum investment requirement and a clear path to permanent residency, this visa is an attractive option for global entrepreneurs. LSET assists in securing required endorsements and ensures a seamless transition for both entrepreneurs and their families through its network of immigration consultants. What sets LSET apart is its integration of education, entrepreneurship, and strategic leadership. Many of its partner organizations—offering services like legal consulting, financial planning, and technical development—are led by the same founding team, allowing startups to access a cohesive and trusted network under one umbrella. 'AI and cybersecurity are not just buzzwords—they're defining the future of how we work, live, and protect information,' said Mayur Ramgir, Founder and Principal Instructor of LSET. 'We're building a platform where startups don't just survive—they scale globally with the right talent, infrastructure, and capital.' The educational component at LSET is deeply intertwined with its startup programs. Students and founders alike are trained in cutting-edge technologies including ethical hacking, blockchain security, cloud computing, and machine learning. Startups working with LSET benefit from immediate access to this talent pool—graduates of intensive programs who are job-ready and industry-aligned. LSET's mission aligns with London's growing reputation as a global tech hub, thanks to the UK government's continued investment in digital innovation. Startups working with LSET gain access to tech expos, government incentives, and R&D collaborations that boost visibility and scale. By combining entrepreneurship, global mobility, and tech education under one roof, the London School of Emerging Technology is not just preparing startups for the UK market—it is shaping the future of global innovation. For global tech entrepreneurs, the message is clear: if you're building the future, LSET is where it begins.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: Can Gap's AI Water Bet Fix a Leaky Supply Chain System?
Gap Inc. has signed a 10-year deal with Fido Tech to fund AI-powered leak detection across 350 kilometers of water pipelines in Bengaluru. 'Water resilience is a critical issue both for Gap Inc. and for the communities in which we operate,' Dan Fibiger, Gap's vice president of global sustainability, said. 'The collaboration has the potential to significantly improve water resilience for communities, industries and ecosystems in a region that faces growing demand and limited supply—it's fundamental to our efforts to bridge the climate gap in the context of our supply chain.' More from Sourcing Journal Waste360's Trashion Show Puts Circular Designs on the Runway EXCLUSIVE: Arvind, Fashion for Good's 'Near-Carbon-Neutral' Factory Initiative Seeks to Break Industry Paralysis Algolia's New Tech Aims to Help Companies Capitalize On Consumers' Increasing Trust in AI Meet Fido: A UK-based global technology company using deep learning to rapidly improve global water management and community water resilience at scale, specifically within leak detection and non-revenue water (NRW)—aka, water that gets 'lost' before reaching its intended end-user. Fido stated that water loss from leaks (aka NRW) is a major driver of water stress, especially since many leaks are hidden underground and difficult to detect. The World Bank estimates that roughly 30 percent of the world's water supply is lost in this way, although the rate varies across utilities. Emerging from the 2019 United Utilities Innovation Lab cohort—a 12-week program for emerging enterprises to collaborate with the UK's largest listed water company—Fido's sensor agnostic data-as-a-service (DaaS) platform functions as 'a microcosm of systems thinking for the water industry.' Billed as cutting-edge water leak detection technology, the AI platform and in-field device utilize multi-path data analytics algorithms to analyze both audio and kinetic signals, enabling the detection of leaks in pipe systems regardless of the material or existing infrastructure. For areas without embedded sensors, the company deploys its proprietary, capex-free mobile 'Fido Bug' devices along pipe networks to gather real-time data and generate leakage heatmaps across the network. Using these bugs with its proprietary Cloud Correlation technology, Fido claims it can locate leaks within a one-meter radius. The platform's AI-driven leak detection claims over 92 percent accuracy and offers estimated leak sizes—an edge that's earning attention in the smart infrastructure space. 'This insight removes human error from the detection process and prioritizes the leaks that matter,' according to global water solutions provider SKion Water, 'thereby improving efficiency, reducing leak runtime and, ultimately, water losses.' For reference, Fido was absorbed by the global water tech firm during a multi-million-pound acquisition (and follow-on investment led by Emerald Technology Ventures) in September 2022. SKion Water is a subsidiary of SKion GmbH, an investment company founded by Germany's richest woman and heiress Susanne Klatten. Fido said its results are verified using volumetric water benefit accounting and a global water stewardship standard, now spanning five continents. 'Water stress affects families, businesses, livelihoods and the environment,' Victoria Edwards, co-founder and CEO of Fido Tech, said. 'Places like Bengaluru are on the front line.' Also known by its colonial name, Bangalore is the largest city in Karnataka and a central hub for South India's garment industry. Nongovernmental organization Cividep India alleged that Bengaluru accounts for 20 percent of the republic's total annual garment production. It's also the region that saw thousands of garment workers forced to resign following pandemic-induced financial losses—in turn, losing half a billion dollars themselves in withheld severance, per the Worker Rights Consortium. To that end, Edwards continued, 'forward thinking companies' can tap in for an alleged-enduringly positive impact. 'By using their skills and resources to help accelerate of new technologies they contribute not just to immediate water replenishment; they help improve institutional capacity in utilities for the benefit of all consumers,' Edwards said. 'I am delighted to be working with such a talented team.' On the topic of this supply chain climate gap, Gap Inc.'s 83-page 2023 ESG report outlined the group's path to net-zero by 2050. This included updated water stewardship aspirations, such as to 'reduce water use and replenish water to nature, equivalent to 100 percent of the water used in manufacturing apparel and in our company-operated facilities' by 2030, per a March 2023 announcement. While Gap Inc. doesn't explicitly mention sourcing from a specific state, such as Karnataka, in its publicly available information, the company has significant sourcing operations in India and a dedicated team in Bengaluru, according to LinkedIn insights. Consider Gap as something of a four-quadrant group for Americana's middle market. The Old Navy owner collaborates with vendors that have facilities across 25 countries, according to the Yeezy collaborator's 2022 ESG report. China, India, and Bangladesh collectively account for approximately 76 percent of the group's total procurement spend, according to a 2022 CDP Water Security Questionnaire. That said, the 'supply chain climate gap' doesn't seem retailer (or revenue) specific. Consider Kering's internal analysis that was shared last week. It indicated that 66 percent of the luxury conglomerate's water consumption occurred during the production phase of raw materials. As the Balenciaga and Givenchy parent company keeps sourcing diversified—spanning several continents for its key materials—water scarcity doesn't seem region-specific, either.
