Latest news with #Khawaja
Los Angeles Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
This robot uses Japanese tradition and AI for sashimi that lasts longer and is more humane
A local startup is using artificial intelligence and robotics in an unlikely way: making sashimi and other fish dishes taste better, last longer and more humane. El Segundo-based Shinkei Systems wants to bring a traditional Japanese method of handling fish to fine dining in America, using technology to replace the labor-intensive process historically handled by practitioners on board ships. Investors have just bet millions that it will succeed. The company's AI-driven robot — called Poseidon — has been designed to do a traditional form of fish handling called ikejime in Japanese. It is a method of killing fish that enthusiasts say enhances flavor, texture and shelf life. Although fish processed in this way is found in some of the best restaurants in Japan, it hasn't been promoted in the U.S. because it is generally too expensive. Automating the process will make it more readily available to Americans, said Saif Khawaja, the company's chief executive. 'My end goal is that you're walking into your local grocery store and can buy fish that lasts three times as long, tastes better and is handled humanely,' he said. The company raised $22 million in a funding round last month, co-led by Founders Fund and Interlagos, bringing total funding to $30 million since its inception. It has four Poseidons working on ships in the Pacific and Atlantic and hopes to have 10 more working in the coming year. The ikejime process involves taking live fish that has just been caught and quickly putting them out of their misery by killing them with a spike through the brain and cutting their gills. This stops the stress hormone and lactic acid buildup that can hurt flavor and texture when fish are left to asphyxiate. Although traditional practitioners sometimes add a step in which the spinal cord is destroyed, Poseidon just does the first steps of the ikejime technique. The method has remained largely artisanal even in Japan, where only some fishermen will make the effort to process batches of fish in this way to sell to specific sushi chefs who are obsessed with having the highest-quality ingredients. Even in Japan, the method, 'is still too labor-intensive to replicate at a high speed without damaging the fish,' Khawaja said, adding that, 'It's impractical and unsustainable for fishermen to adopt methods that require significant hands-on work,' in the U.S. Shinkei says it also has a higher calling than just better-tasting fish. Khawaja said one of the motivations for developing the technology was to try to find a kinder, gentler way to kill fish than letting them die gasping for air. During childhood fishing trips with his father in the Red Sea, he remembers it being 'very hard to watch' fish suffocating after they were caught. While he was in graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, Khawaja was moved by an essay that argued that fish suffer inhumane deaths because they cannot vocalize pain. He even once considered developing sensors to make fish's pain audible. Shinkei provides Poseidon machines to fishermen, who then sell fish processed through the machines back to Shinkei at a premium. Shinkei in turn sells the fish to restaurants and other retailers underits fish company Seremoni. Poseidon is roughly refrigerator-sized and sits on fishing boat decks. It processes fish within seconds of being caught. The fish is fed through an opening in the machine and into a small vinyl cavity. The machine then uses AI to identify what kind of fish it is and where exactly its brain and gills are. Fish emerge with a hole in the head and incisions near the gills before being placed in an ice slurry for blood drainage. Quickly killing the fish, bleeding it and chilling it without freezing leads to fish that is noticeably better, Khawaja said. 'There's going to be a flavor profile difference and there's going to be texture profile difference,' he said. The company chose Los Angeles for its headquarters and production because it has the right mix of potential employees as well as customers. It has the mechanical engineering talent as well as a major fishing fleet and lots of high-end restaurants. 'The best mechanical engineering talent in the world, in my opinion, is in Southern California,' said Seremoni co-founder Reed Ginsberg. The city is also a major health and consumer products hub as well as a trend setter for cutting-edge food fads. Chef Michael Cimarusti, co-owner of the Michelin starred Providence restaurant in Los Angeles, says he tries to buy local ikejime fish when he can because it preserves the quality and color. The fish preserved using ikejime look as if they 'were just pulled from the water minutes ago,' he said in an interview posted on YouTube by the American Fishing Tackle Co. Shinkei currently processes thousands of pounds weekly across operations in Washington, Central California and Massachusetts, with expansion to Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico planned this year. After feedback from fishermen that the bots took up too much deck space, the company is developing 'Block 2' robots this year that will have roughly half the footprint while processing fish twice as fast. Currently, black cod and black sea bass processed through Poseidon are sold under Shinkei's brand Seremoni at retailers such as Happier Grocery and served at upscale restaurants including Atomix and Sushi Zo. This summer, the company plans to add salmon and red snapper to its offerings.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
IT minister discusses AI, fibre collaboration
Listen to article Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, held back-to-back meetings with top Chinese tech firms during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai to advance Pakistan's digital agenda. In a meeting with PeaceCable International Network, led by CEO Sun Xiaohua and Sales Director Zhuang Wei, talks focused on enhancing digital connectivity through submarine and terrestrial fibre-optic infrastructure. PeaceCable shared details of its $24 billion portfolio in submarine cables, fibre, and power solutions. Khawaja briefed the delegation on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision for a "Digital Pakistan," highlighting the National Fiberisation Policy. Key targets include connecting 10 million homes to fibre broadband in three years and increasing fiberised mobile towers from 14% to 60%. She encouraged PeaceCable to invest in FTTH rollout, the ODN market, and terrestrial fibre, assuring full support from the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MOITT). In a separate meeting, Khawaja met with a Chinese delegation led by Cheng Dong of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. Other members included Liu Yuangui of Shenlan Technology, Prof Zhao Shanting, and Dr He Bin from the Zhangjiang High-tech City Medical Innovation Research Institute. The meeting focused on AI skill development, digital governance, and tech innovation in smart cities and medical research. Discussions included launching an AI skills exchange programme for Pakistani youth, digital solutions with Pakistan's National IT Board, and joint ventures in health tech, edtech, and fintech. Chinese delegates also proposed showcasing smart maintenance machinery and AI-powered tools in Pakistan.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Digital sectors: Minister, Chinese envoy vow to deepen cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja met with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong at the Ministry of IT, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in key digital sectors. The discussion covered smart city projects, Artificial Intelligence (AI) programmes, and broader technical collaboration, marking a renewed pledge by both nations to implement inclusive, mutually beneficial initiatives in the emerging tech space. Ambassador Jiang assured China's continued support for Pakistan's digital transformation through hands-on collaboration and knowledge exchange. Meanwhile, Minister Khawaja is currently representing Pakistan at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, where she is leading the country's delegation and promoting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's 'Digital Nation Pakistan' vision. Her presence at the global forum reflects Pakistan's ambition to position itself as a regional leader in AI and innovation. On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Khawaja also held a bilateral meeting with Nepal's Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung. The two leaders discussed strengthening digital cooperation in South Asia, focusing on emerging technologies, regional connectivity, and digital capacity-building. Both ministers expressed commitment to establishing a sustainable and integrated digital ecosystem across the region. Earlier this week in Islamabad, Minister Khawaja also welcomed a delegation from Arizona State University and Pakistan's National Institute of Technology (NIT). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt to highlight digital policy
Shaza also revealed that Chinese satellite internet firms, including Galaxy Space and Shanghai Space, have expressed interest in entering the Pakistani market. PHOTO: APP Listen to article Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has reached Shanghai to represent Pakistan at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), a major global forum focused on the future of AI and digital innovation. Khawaja is leading Pakistan's official delegation at the conference, where she is expected to articulate the country's digital policy priorities and share its growing interest in emerging technologies. Her participation reflects Pakistan's broader ambition to position itself as an active player in the global AI arena. According to an official statement released on Friday, the ITT minister will present Pakistan's digital transformation roadmap, which aims to integrate advanced technologies like AI into key sectors to improve economic performance and public services. Her presence at WAIC is expected to raise Pakistan's profile on the international tech stage and promote opportunities for cross-border collaboration. The conference brings together government officials, industry leaders, and tech experts from around the world to discuss AI-driven development. Prior to her departure, the minister held a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong at the IT Ministry. The two officials reviewed ongoing collaboration in the digital sector and reaffirmed their countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies. Key areas discussed included smart city projects, AI initiatives, and broader technical integration. Khawaja outlined Pakistan's vision for a digitally empowered society, driven by innovation, while Ambassador Jiang assured China's continued support for Pakistan's digital growth through experience-sharing and targeted cooperation. The meeting also explored future joint ventures and knowledge-sharing opportunities in the digital economy, especially in capacity-building, to support inclusive development and strengthen digital infrastructure. Both sides stressed the importance of using digital technology as a tool for equitable growth, and pledged to deepen collaboration. WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP
Daily Tribune
20-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's ‘Khalas' Dates Make a Sweet Comeback
Bahraini markets are once again buzzing with the arrival of Khalas dates — one of the most sought-after varieties of the season. Shoppers have been flocking to date stalls in search of the fresh, flavorful bite that defines this beloved local fruit. Khalas dates have quickly become the top pick for consumers this July, selling at prices ranging from BD2 to BD2.5 per kilogram, depending on quality. The Khoneizi variety follows closely behind in popularity. Other varieties like Ghura are also available for as low as BD1 per kilogram, while Khawaja dates have just started appearing in stalls. Peak Season from July to September Vendor Mohsen Abu Waleed explained that the peak of the date season runs from around July 10 to August 10. This is when varieties like Khalas dominate the market before making way for other types such as Barhemi, Marzban, and Barhi, with the season concluding in late September when the dates fully ripen. While consumer habits have evolved and alternative snacks are widely available, Bahraini dates still hold a special place in the hearts—and homes—of many families, says Abu Waleed. Behind the Quality: Palm Care is Key Palm farmer Fakher Jumaa highlighted that Khalas is known for its consistent quality across all ripening stages—from the unripe yellow busr to the fully dried tamr. 'It tastes great at every stage, even before it softens,' he said, noting that customers look forward to the seasonal arrival each year. Jumaa also stressed that proper irrigation is essential for date palm trees, as they require more water than most other trees. He advised that fertilizing should ideally take place in early autumn, while winter is best for pruning and pest control since insect activity is minimal during the cooler months. A Gulf Benchmark for Quality Vendor Isa Abdullah added that Khalas dates are currently in high demand thanks to their early ripening and high quality, calling this period the variety's peak production time. Bahrain, he noted, is home to over 150 varieties of dates, including Khoneizi, Ghura, Mubashara, Tabshira, and Tayyar. While the Khalas date is a Gulf-wide benchmark for quality, Isa mentioned that the current batch of Khalas dates is slightly smaller in size, likely due to water shortages or early harvesting. However, he expects larger sizes in the upcoming harvest waves. Despite changing times, the taste of Bahraini rutab continues to bring a seasonal joy that never fades.
