Latest news with #NTDP


Ottawa Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
2026 NHL Draft prospect Dayne Beuker chose USA Hockey over Hockey Canada
Article content The Beuker family home backs the No. 3 tee box on the Humboldt Golf Course. Article content A hockey rink, surprisingly, isn't anywhere near. Article content These days, Dayne Beuker stick-handles more on the ice than on the putting greens, even though he lists golf as his 'favourite hobby' on his NTDP team profile. Article content 'I haven't golfed (the Humboldt course) yet this summer,' laments Beuker, who led Team USA in scoring last season with 14 goals and 25 assists for 39 points in 57 games. Article content 'I love golf — I'm not too good but it's definitely fun.' Article content These days, golf takes a back seat to hockey and for good reason. Article content Dayne is on course for a bright future hockey wise. Article content His golf clubs — or, more correctly, his dad's clubs— are in Detroit, where his NTDP squad is based and where Beuker returned this week. Article content 'Maybe in August I'll find some clubs and hopefully get out on the course,' he says. Article content Article content Article content It's early Sunday afternoon and the Beuker clan has arrived at the Saskatoon Airport. Article content Dayne has checked his bags and is ready to depart for Minneapolis and then Detroit for a three-week training stint. Article content 'All the coaches and strength trainers stay there, and there's a good group of guys coming back for summer that just want to train there,' points out Dayne. 'I think it's in my best interests to go train there again.' Article content Expenses are paid. Article content Dayne is armed with two passports, both an American and Canadian one — one for each way going back and forth between Canada and the United States. Article content It's a whirlwind summer. Article content He was home for two weeks in the spring, one week in July and will have one week in August. Article content 'Four weeks total, which is kind of crazy,' he says. 'Having a lot of fun in Detroit too, but it's always nice coming back home.' Article content Article content


Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Vancouver AI Startup UnlockLand Selected for Saudi Vision 2030 Housing Initiative
Canadian company joins elite international program, advancing responsible AI solutions for global housing crisis RIYADH, Saudi Arabia and VANCOUVER, BC, July 22, 2025 /CNW/ - Vancouver-based AI startup UnlockLand has been officially selected to join Saudi Arabia's flagship Vision 2030 Future Built Assets Program, marking a significant milestone for Canadian AI innovation on the global stage. The company joins just ten international startups chosen by Saudi Arabia's National Technology Development Program (NTDP) and Real Estate General Authority (REGA) to collaborate directly with government ministries on transforming the Kingdom's real estate sector. "This partnership demonstrates how Canadian AI can address global challenges while creating economic opportunities at home," said Stephen W a ng, CEO of UnlockLand. "As Canada faces its own housing crisis, we're proving our solutions can scale internationally." The selection aligns with Canada's AI strategy under The Honourable Evan Solomon, the country's first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, who has emphasized "responsible AI diplomacy" that exports Canadian values alongside technology. Tackling Universal Housing Challenges UnlockLand's AI platform provides real-time zoning analysis and generative site design that can reduce housing project timelines from months to minutes. The technology addresses housing affordability challenges affecting cities worldwide. "Housing affordability is a global crisis requiring innovative solutions," said Rodger Du, UnlockLand's Cofounder and CFO, who represented the company at this week's Riyadh launch ceremony. "Our platform demonstrates how Canadian technology can create international value while supporting domestic priorities." In Saudi Arabia, UnlockLand will work with the Ministry of Housing and Real Estate Development Fund to pilot AI-driven permit automation, supporting the Kingdom's goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes by 2030. Canadian AI Goes Global The partnership represents broader trends in Canada's AI sector, which has attracted significant government investment including $2.4 billion announced in Budget 2024 to boost AI infrastructure and adoption. Canadian AI companies are emerging as global leaders in responsible artificial intelligence development. UnlockLand continues supporting Canadian housing initiatives, working with municipal governments across BC and Ontario to streamline development approvals, contributing to efforts to significantly increase housing construction nationwide. Investment and Recognition UnlockLand has secured backing from prominent strategic investors, including Silicon Valley's Sinovel, Saudi Arabia's NTDP, and top European accelerator Startup Wise Guys. The company recently achieved dual recognition in 2025, being named both one of Canada's Top 100 AI Companies and a BC Tech AI GameChanger. "We're not just exporting technology—we're demonstrating how Canadian values of transparency and sustainability can create value in global markets," said CEO Stephen. The Saudi partnership positions UnlockLand to compete for additional Middle East contracts, potentially establishing Canada as a global hub for responsible AI-powered urban development solutions. About UnlockLand Founded in Vancouver, UnlockLand is an award-winning PropTech AI company that empowers governments and developers to make faster, data-driven decisions for land development and urban planning. UnlockLand is a product brand owned and operated by Inc., a Canadian AI company specializing in real estate and urban development technology.


Ottawa Citizen
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Calgary & Lethbridge to be host cities for the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge
Article content Calgary and Lethbridge will the host cities for the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge. Article content The first game of the two-game series will take place on Tuesday, November 25 at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, while the second contest will be held the following night on Wednesday, November 26 at Arena in Lethbridge. Article content Article content First introduced in 2024, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge is a two-game series that sees the top NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the CHL's Member Leagues (WHL, OHL & QMJHL) compete against those from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program (NTDP) Under-18 Team. Article content Article content 'We are thrilled to bring the CHL USA Prospects Challenge to Calgary and Lethbridge this November,' said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. 'These two passionate hockey communities will provide an exceptional backdrop to highlight the CHL's top prospects eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, giving fans in both of these markets the opportunity to see a premier best-on-best competition featuring the next generation of NHL talent. This event not only highlights elite competition but also strengthens the cross-border rivalry that makes this series so compelling for fans and scouts alike.' Article content Article content


Calgary Herald
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Calgary & Lethbridge to be host cities for the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge
Article content Calgary and Lethbridge will the host cities for the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge. Article content The first game of the two-game series will take place on Tuesday, November 25 at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, while the second contest will be held the following night on Wednesday, November 26 at Arena in Lethbridge. Article content Article content First introduced in 2024, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge is a two-game series that sees the top NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the CHL's Member Leagues (WHL, OHL & QMJHL) compete against those from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program (NTDP) Under-18 Team. Article content Article content 'We are thrilled to bring the CHL USA Prospects Challenge to Calgary and Lethbridge this November,' said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. 'These two passionate hockey communities will provide an exceptional backdrop to highlight the CHL's top prospects eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, giving fans in both of these markets the opportunity to see a premier best-on-best competition featuring the next generation of NHL talent. This event not only highlights elite competition but also strengthens the cross-border rivalry that makes this series so compelling for fans and scouts alike.' Article content Article content

Associated Press
18-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Kneron Secures Grant from Saudi Arabia's NTDP, Marking Strategic Milestone in the Middle East
Selected for the RELOCATE Program, Supporting Vision 2030 Deep-Tech Strategy SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES, June 18, 2025 / / -- Kneron, a global leader in edge AI computing solutions, announced it has been selected for RELOCATE, a strategic deep-tech initiative under Saudi Arabia's National Technology Development Program (NTDP), and awarded a non-equity grant from the Saudi government. This milestone marks a pivotal step in expanding Kneron's advanced AI chip development and commercialization efforts across the Middle East. The RELOCATE program, led by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), plays a central role in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan to establish the Kingdom as a global technology hub. The initiative aims to attract at least 50 semiconductor design companies and develop a talent pipeline of 20,000 AI professionals by 2030. Kneron was chosen for its proven expertise in reconfigurable Neural Processing Units (NPUs) and its strong potential to scale AI solutions globally. The secured grant will be used to establish a technological hub in Saudi Arabia for advanced AI chip R&D and commercialization, leveraging the Kingdom's growing semiconductor infrastructure and innovation ecosystem. Prior to this, Kneron had already formed a strategic partnership with the National Semiconductor Hub (NSH), which is dedicated to fostering a fabless semiconductor ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. The company is also in the process of setting up a local subsidiary in Riyadh, further contributing to the country's ambition to achieve technological sovereignty and build a robust AI-driven industry. Saudi Arabia is currently investing $100 billion to build 'Transcendence,' a next-generation technology hub, and is emerging as a central player in the region's digital economy. Kneron plans to expand its presence in the Middle East by introducing its technologies into key sectors such as enterprise AI, smart cities, and digital transformation. Albert Liu, Founder and CEO of Kneron, commented, 'The Saudi government's bold investments in AI and the swift execution of the RELOCATE program are truly impressive. We are excited about the opportunity to integrate our AI chip technologies into Saudi Arabia's smart city infrastructure and to contribute to building a regional model for transformative technological innovation.' A spokesperson from NTDP stated, 'We are pleased to welcome Kneron into the RELOCATE program as a testament to Saudi Arabia's growing appeal as a global hub for deep-tech innovation. With its cutting-edge expertise in edge AI and semiconductor design, Kneron aligns perfectly with our vision to build a knowledge-driven economy and establish a world-class semiconductor ecosystem under Vision 2030. We believe this partnership will not only accelerate Kneron's regional growth but also contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia's technological advancement and digital transformation.' Kneron's participation in RELOCATE reinforces its commitment to innovation in high-growth markets and its broader mission to 'empower industries through AI.' The company will continue to deliver on its mission to 'empower industries through AI' by advancing the adoption of edge AI chips in areas such as smart cities and Industry 4.0. About Kneron Kneron is a global leader in edge AI solutions, delivering lightweight, energy-efficient neural processing units (NPUs) and software for on-device intelligence across industries. Backed by investors such as Sequoia Capital, Qualcomm, and Foxconn, Kneron is driving the adoption of AI at the edge with its reconfigurable architecture, enabling real-time, secure, and efficient AI performance in everything from smart cities to enterprise systems. Tiffany Chang Kneron [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.