Latest news with #InnovationoftheYear
Hamilton Spectator
24-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Province provides $5.4 million for Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance
In the latest round of funding for agricultural research, the province is providing $5.4 million to support 28 projects at the University of Guelph. The funding announced last week comes via the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a government-university collaboration designed to deliver Ontario agri-food solutions with global impact. 'Our government's strategic investments into transformative agri-food research are empowering Ontario's producers and innovators to turn world-class research into real-world solutions,' said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness in a release. 'By helping our farmers and agribusinesses innovate, create local jobs and compete globally, we're ensuring that our rural communities continue to thrive in the face of economic uncertainty.' The investment funds are supporting projects, including ones led by Dr. Gurjit Randhawa, who is developing an AI-driven robot to manage pests in soybean fields, and Dr. Ernesto Guzman, who is creating healthier beehives. 'They're all about supporting the agriculture and agri-food sector and delivering solutions to producers, farmers and agribusinesses in Ontario,' said Rebecca Hallett, interim associate vice president research for the alliance. Alliance-funded research consistently offers a compelling combination of science innovation and knowledge mobilization, added Hallet. These projects are selected based on various criteria by a panel that includes members from the university, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) and representatives from the agricultural industry. 'There's always an emphasis put on ensuring that the projects are meeting an industry need, and it's addressing some priority that's been set by OMAFA, and that helps advance Ontario agriculture,' noted Hallett. She told The Observer that past projects have already provided numerous benefits to farmers around the world. Those include the dynasty kidney bean, which was named Innovation of the Year for 2025 and has increased yields by 15 percent over other varieties. There has also been dairy research done in the industry that has led to healthier and more productive animals. 'Those are things that have economic and environmental impact on the industry,' added Hallett. They also explore non-farming projects, such as compostable cutlery and a produce cleaning system that utilizes a hydroxyl radical process to kill food pathogens in seconds, eliminating the need for pesticides or water. This round of investments provides researchers with subsidized access to the numerous research centres throughout Ontario. These programs also provide more than just practical benefits, with numerous educational advantages arising from this recent investment. 'We're also running these research programs, training students, undergraduate and graduate students, to get training through these projects so that they're developed,' said Hallett. 'Their skills are being developed to become leaders in the ag sector in the future, and they're also refining their scientific skills. I think in addition to helping Ontario's agri-food sector to be strong and resilient, we're also helping to ensure safe, healthy and local food for Ontarians.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Business Wire
14-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Kihealth Wins Innovation of the Year at ADA 85th Scientific Sessions for Groundbreaking Diabetes Diagnostic
SAINT AUGUSTINE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kihealth, a leader in molecular diagnostics, today announced it has won the Innovation of the Year challenge at the American Diabetes Association's 85 th Scientific Session held in Chicago. Kihealth's pioneering liquid-biopsy test, which measures the rate of pancreatic beta‑cell death, earned top honors among five finalists for its potential to revolutionize early diabetes detection. Dubbed the 'Super Bowl of diabetes innovation,' this prestigious award has firmly established Kihealth and its products in the spotlight. The honor follows a live pitch to a panel of expert judges and a global audience of clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders. In winning first place, Kihealth stood out for delivering a novel diagnostic that provides patients and clinicians with a critical early window into metabolic health – years before glucose or A1c abnormalities appear Key Highlights & Immediate Impact Surge in physician engagement: Following the win, Kihealth has received new contracts and strong interest from healthcare providers nationwide. Increased funding & partnerships: The recognition triggered follow-up discussions with institutional payers and wellness platforms exploring early-risk screening. Product visibility & credibility: The award signals clear validation of Kihealth's molecular assay and commitment to elevating standards of preventive care. 'This is a monumental milestone,' said Jennifer Anderson, CEO of Kihealth. 'Winning ADA's Innovation of the Year at the 85th Scientific Sessions is the ultimate validation of our mission to enable earlier, more actionable insights into disease risk. It's sparked tremendous momentum—from physician interest and contract discussions to expanded visibility. We're just getting started.' About Kihealth Founded in 2023 in Florida, Kihealth is revolutionizing preventative diagnostics through ddPCR-based tests that detect metabolic and autoimmune disease risk years before traditional methods. Their flagship assay harnesses cell‑free DNA and epigenetic markers unique to beta cells. Kihealth's platform is designed for seamless integration into telehealth, employer wellness programs, clinical trials and clinical care pathways, bridging science and accessibility to redefine preventive health. About the ADA Innovation Challenge The ADA's Innovation Challenge is an annual competition held during the Scientific Sessions. Startups pitch cutting-edge solutions before a panel of expert judges and a global healthcare audience. In its fifth year, the 2025 challenge recognized Kihealth, MYNERVA, and Kayothera for their contributions to transforming diabetes care.
South Wales Argus
03-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Entries open for 2025 Social Business Wales awards
The annual awards, hosted by the Social Business Wales programme, celebrate the most inspiring and innovative social enterprises in Wales. Categories include "One to Watch" for enterprises under two years old, "Innovation of the Year," and "Environmental Social Enterprise of the Year." This year sees the introduction of a "Women's Champion of the Year" category, and a social impact award. The Community Impact Initiative (Cii), based in South Wales, was awarded the Social Enterprise of the Year title in 2024. Trystan Jones, their chief executive, said: "Winning a Social Business Wales award has been very meaningful for all of us." Down to Zero, a Rhondda Cynon Taf-based social enterprise, was named the "One to Watch." Project manager, Tom Addiscott, said: "It has given us kudos as a company, raised our volunteer numbers, and given our staff that 'feel good factor'." Glenn Bowen, director of enterprise at Cwmpas, said: "The Social Business Wales awards are about shining a light on the incredible work happening across Wales's social enterprise sector." Entries are open until Monday, July 14, with winners announced at an event in October.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Western Alliance Bank's and Digital Disbursements' Triangle of Fraud Protection Named as Innovation of the Year by American Banker
Digital Disbursements and ClaimScore Recognized in Annual Award's Cybersecurity and Fraud Category PHOENIX, May 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Western Alliance Bank's subsidiary Digital Disbursements, the leading digital payments platform for the class action legal industry and part of the bank's Juris Banking Group offering, today announced that their Anti-Fraud Triangle innovation, developed in partnership with ClaimScore, a data-driven fraud prevention software solution for class action settlements, has been selected as American Banker's Innovation of the Year in the Cybersecurity and Fraud category. The prestigious award recognizes 2024's most groundbreaking and influential technology-focused innovations, and the teams that brought them to life at banks, financial institutions and fintechs. The Anti-Fraud Triangle was developed in response to the 19,000% surge in fraudulent class action and mass tort claims, which skyrocketed from approximately 400,000 in 2021 to more than 80 million in 2023. The integrated platform combines the respective services offered by Digital Disbursements and ClaimScore, with the variety of tools offered by the particular settlement administrator in any given case to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. The integrated solution is far more effective than the sum of the individual components: in 2024 alone, the Anti-Fraud Triangle identified and prevented more than 800 million fraudulent claims. Had all of those claims been approved, the bad actors would have received well over $100 million in fraudulent payouts. "We are deeply honored by this recognition, which comes at a time when innovative fraud protection strategies are needed more than ever," said Digital Disbursements Founder and Co-CEO Jeff Richardson. "Thank you to American Banker and to our partners, who entrusted us with the implementation of a modern, claimant-first solution, which was made possible through our collaboration with ClaimScore. The Anti-Fraud Triangle has endless potential both within and outside the settlement space, and we will continue to capitalize on its innovative capabilities." Digital Disbursements and Western Alliance Bank recently released their third annual "Digital Payments in Class Actions and Mass Torts" report, which revealed that the number of claims with significant indicia of fraud in 2024 dropped for the first time on record after the dramatic increase between 2021 and 2023. About Western Alliance Bancorporation With more than $80 billion in assets, Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE: WAL) is one of the country's top-performing banking companies. Through its primary subsidiary, Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, clients benefit from a full spectrum of tailored commercial banking solutions and consumer products, all delivered with outstanding service by industry experts who put customers first. Major accolades include being ranked as a top U.S. bank in 2024 by American Banker and Bank Director and receiving #1 rankings on Extel's (previously Institutional Investor's) All-America Executive Team Midcap 2024 for Best CEO, Best CFO and Best Company Board of Directors. Serving clients across the country wherever business happens, Western Alliance Bank operates individual, full-service banking and financial brands with offices in key markets nationwide. For more information, visit Western Alliance Bancorporation. About Digital Disbursements A subsidiary of Western Alliance Bank, Digital Disbursements addresses the evolving payment needs of those in the legal, financial and other industries through its award-winning technology. The proprietary platform enables all types of payees, including those with claims from class actions, mass torts and bankruptcies, to choose how they would like to receive their payments, with options ranging from direct-to-bank accounts to popular digital wallets and credit cards. The benefits include improved deliverability, reduced cost and mitigated fraud, while also allowing the unbanked to receive their funds without high check-cashing fees. Digital Disbursements is part of Western Alliance Bancorporation, which has more than $80 billion in assets. To learn more, visit Western Alliance Bank's Digital Disbursements. About ClaimScore ClaimScore LLC is a technology company that offers AI-based claim validation software for class action settlements. Designed to provide a transparent and efficient approach to the claims process, ClaimScore's proprietary scoring system and real-time reporting stands as the gold standard in claim validation software. View source version on Contacts Media Contact:Stephanie Whitlow, SWhitlow@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Pidgin and United Bankers' Bank Named American Banker's 2025 Innovation of the Year
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pidgin, a secure, real-time payments platform built for the future of payments, is proud to announce that its partnership with United Bankers' Bank (UBB) has been recognized as one of American Banker's Innovations of the Year for 2025. This prestigious award highlights the groundbreaking work Pidgin and UBB have accomplished in bringing instant payment capabilities to community banks across the United States. The collaboration between Pidgin and UBB has empowered more than 1,000 community banks to offer their customers secure and convenient payment options through the FedNow Service, the Federal Reserve's instant payment offering. Share According to UBB, 'Receiving this Innovation of the Year award is a proud moment for us and a testament to the strength of our collaboration with Pidgin. At UBB, we are focused on operational excellence and customer-centric innovation. By partnering with Pidgin, we've accelerated our ability to deliver seamless, secure, and modern payment experiences that meet the evolving needs of our clients.' The collaboration between Pidgin and UBB has empowered more than 1,000 community banks to offer their customers secure and convenient payment options through the FedNow Service, the Federal Reserve's instant payment offering. By providing community banks with access to cutting-edge payment technology, Pidgin and UBB have helped level the playing field, allowing smaller financial institutions to compete effectively with larger banks and fintech companies. Since going live with Pidgin, UBB has consistently increased the number of partner banks participating in the FedNow Service by 5-10% each month. The partnership enables community banks to process transactions quickly and securely across a variety of use cases, including Peer-to-Peer (P2P), Consumer-to-Business (C2B), Business-to-Consumer (B2C), and Business-to-Business (B2B) payments. "Being recognized by American Banker for our work with UBB is a tremendous honor that validates our mission to make instant payments accessible to financial institutions of all sizes," said Abhishek Veeraghanta, Founder and CEO of Pidgin. "This award belongs equally to the team at UBB, whose forward-thinking approach to payments has enabled their network of community banks to participate fully in the real-time payments landscape." American Banker's Innovation of the Year awards will be presented at a special gala during the Digital Banking Conference in Boca Raton on June 14, 2025. The awards recognize groundbreaking solutions driving real business impact and redefining what's possible in banking and financial services. About Pidgin Pidgin is an innovative and secure faster payments ecosystem, enabling financial institutions, business owners, and individuals to process transactions quickly and with lower fees. Engineered for the future of payments, Pidgin allows financial institutions to send and receive instant payments while keeping funds within the institution, rather than a third-party holding account. For more information, visit or follow Pidgin on LinkedIn.
