Rigaku Expands Production Facilities for the Semiconductor Market

 50% increase in production capacity marks a speedy response to global markets

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Rigaku Corporation, a global solution partner in X-ray analytical technologies and a Group company of Rigaku Holdings Corporation (headquarters: Akishima, Tokyo; CEO: Jun Kawakami; hereinafter “Rigaku”) has increased its capacity for production of semiconductor process control instruments at its own plant in Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture and at the facilities of a partner company* in Nirasaki, Yamanashi Prefecture.

* 6th factory of Nippo Precision Co., Ltd.

Against a background of rapidly growing adoption of AI semiconductors, the market for semiconductor manufacturing and inspection equipment is expanding rapidly. Accelerating growth in semiconductor performance and density is making accurate measurement and evaluation of complex nanoscale structures, such as thin-profile, multi-layer designs, 3D memory and 3D transistors, indispensable.

With the current expansion in production capacity, Rigaku has doubled the floor space of its assembly and inspection areas. The recent completion of a production facility in Yamanashi Prefecture boosts production capacity for core components such as X-ray generators and detectors. In tandem, overall capacity for production of semiconductor process control instruments is expected to be 50% higher in Q4 of FY2025 than in the same period of the previous fiscal year, based on unit count. Rigaku’s policy is to continue expanding equipment in response to demand, further increasing capacity by 50% compared to Q4 of FY2024 by 2027.

Through these efforts, Rigaku expects to achieve dramatic growth in sales of semiconductor process control equipment in Q4 FY2025, fulfilling its plan to reach 20% growth on a full-year basis.

Markus Kuhn, General Manager of the Semiconductor Metrology Division, offered the following remarks:

This reinforcement of our production framework marks an important milestone for Rigaku’s global strategy. Our technology is responding to industry needs for high-precision, nanoscale shape, thickness and composition evaluation, required for next-generation devices such as 3D-NAND and GAA transistors. The reliability and reproducibility of our platforms earn high respect internationally. By expanding our production capacity, we can dramatically improve our on-time delivery capability, strengthening our seamless support systems from development to production. Rigaku will continue to support customers’ leading-edge process development in terms of both technical innovation and supply infrastructure, further buttressing our competitive edge in the global market.

Related press releases

Published May 28, 2025: Rigaku Completes New Building at Yamanashi Plant-Dramatic 2.7-fold increase in floor space to serve global demand-

About the Rigaku Group

Since its establishment in 1951, the engineering professionals of the Rigaku group have been dedicated to benefiting society with leading-edge technologies, notably including its core fields of X-ray and thermal analysis. With a market presence in over 90 countries and some 2,000 employees from 9 global operations, Rigaku is a solution partner in industry and research analysis institutes. Our overseas sales ratio has reached approximately 70% while sustaining an exceptionally high market share in Japan. Together with our customers, we continue to develop and grow. As applications expand from semiconductors, electronic materials, batteries, environment, resources, energy, life science to other high-tech fields, Rigaku realizes innovations “To Improve Our World by Powering New Perspectives.”

For details, please visit rigaku-holdings.com/english

 

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Contacts

Press Contact:

Sawa Himeno

Head of Communications Dept., Rigaku Holdings Corporation

prad@rigaku.co.jp

Tel: +81 90 6331 9843

 

Mars’ Pending Acquisition of Kellanova Clears FTC Antitrust Review

 (BUSINESS WIRE)--Mars, Incorporated, a family-owned, global leader in pet care, snacking and food, and Kellanova (NYSE: K), a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles and North America frozen foods, today announced that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has concluded its antitrust review of Mars’ pending acquisition of Kellanova.

Poul Weihrauch, CEO & Office of the President, Mars, Incorporated, said: “We are very pleased that the FTC has completed its review of the transaction without the imposition of any condition or requiring any remedy. The transaction has now received all but one of the 28 required regulatory clearances, with only the review by the European Commission outstanding. This brings us one step closer to uniting two iconic businesses with complementary footprints and portfolios, allowing us to deliver more choice and innovation to consumers.”

Steve Cahillane, Chairman, President & CEO, Kellanova, said: “This represents a significant milestone on our path to combine Mars Snacking and Kellanova. We continue to believe this is an exciting opportunity to create a broader, global snacking business that is better positioned to meet evolving consumer needs and preferences.”

Based on the current status of the ongoing antitrust review by the European Commission, Mars and Kellanova expect the transaction to close towards the end of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. The exact timing cannot be predicted with any certainty at this point.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a global, family-owned business, Mars is transforming, innovating, and evolving to make a positive impact on the world. Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of quality snacking, food, and pet care products and services, we employ 150,000+ dedicated Associates. With more than $50 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including Ben’s Original™, CESAR®, Cocoavia®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, KIND®, M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, and WHISKAS®. We are creating A Better World for Pets through our global network of pet hospitals and diagnostic services – including AniCura, BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, Linnaeus and VCA™ – using cutting edge technology to develop breakthrough programs in genetic health screening and DNA testing.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About Kellanova

Kellanova (NYSE: K) is a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles, and North America frozen foods with a legacy stretching back more than 100 years. Powered by differentiated brands including Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats®, RXBAR®, Eggo®, MorningStar Farms®, Special K®, Coco Pops®, and more, Kellanova’s vision is to become the world's best-performing snacks-led company, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our Net Sales for 2023 were $13 Billion.

At Kellanova, our purpose is to create better days and ensure everyone has a seat at the table through our trusted food brands. We are committed to promoting sustainable and equitable food access by tackling the crossroads of hunger, sustainability, wellbeing, and equity, diversity & inclusion. Our goal is to create Better Days for 4 billion people by the end of 2030 (from a 2015 baseline). For more detailed information about our commitments, our approach to achieving these goals, and methodology, please visit our website at https://www.Kellanova.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release, and any related oral statements, includes statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, including statements regarding the pending acquisition (the “Merger”) of Kellanova (the “Company”) by Mars, Incorporated (“Mars”), regulatory approvals, the expected timetable for completing the Merger, the expected benefits and other effects of the Merger, the integration of the companies, the combined business going forward and any other statements regarding the Company’s future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, financial conditions, assumptions or future events or performance that are not historical facts. This information may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the timing to consummate the Merger and the risk that the Merger may not be completed at all or the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, including circumstances requiring a party to pay the other party a termination fee pursuant to the merger agreement; the risk that the conditions to closing of the Merger may not be satisfied or waived; the risk that a governmental or regulatory approval that may be required for the Merger is not obtained or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; potential litigation relating to, or other unexpected costs resulting from, the Merger; legislative, regulatory, and economic developments; risks that the Merger disrupts the Company’s current plans and operations; the risk that certain restrictions during the pendency of the Merger may impact the Company’s ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; the diversion of management’s time on transaction-related issues; continued availability of capital and financing and rating agency actions; the risk that any announcements relating to the Merger could have adverse effects on the market price of the Company’s common stock, credit ratings or operating results; and the risk that the proposed transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability to retain and hire key personnel, to retain customers and to maintain relationships with business partners, suppliers and customers.

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, should be considered forward-looking statements made in good faith by the Company, as applicable, and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this communication, or any other documents, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “objective,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strategy,” “target,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management at the time that these statements were prepared and are inherently uncertain. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, are described in greater detail in the Company’s reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Forms 8-K and other SEC filings made by the Company. The Company cautions that these risks and factors are not exclusive. Management cautions against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements or present or prior earnings levels. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Report, and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information, future events, changes in its expectations or other circumstances that exist after the date as of which the forward-looking statements were made.

 

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Contacts

Mars

FGS Global for Mars

Kal Goldberg / Jenny Gore

kal.goldberg@fgsglobal.com / jenny.gore@fgsglobal.com

Kellanova

Media

Media Hotline, 269-961-3799

Media.Hotline@kellanova.com

Investors

John Renwick, CFA

269-961-9050

Brunswick Group for Kellanova

Jayne Rosefield / Monica Gupta

jrosefield@brunswickgroup.com / mgupta@brunswickgroup.com

Trident et la République démocratique du Congo signent l’accord final pour déployer DRCPass, le système national d'identification numérique à l'échelle nationale

  L’accord final constitue la pierre angulaire du partenariat et inaugure le déploiement officiel du Système national d’identité numérique en RDC et l’adoption de l'identité numérique basée sur le Web 3.0 en Afrique. Trident nommé prestataire exclusif des services électroniques de vérification d’identité (e-KYC) du pays.

SINGAPOUR et KINSHASA - jeudi, 26. juin 2025

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd (« Trident » ou la « Société », NASDAQ : TDTH), un facilitateur majeur de la transformation numérique dans les services d’optimisation technologique et d’activation Web 3.0 basé à Singapour, a annoncé aujourd’hui la signature définitive de l'accord de Partenariat Public-Privé (PPP) avec le Gouvernement de la République démocratique du Congo (« RDC » ou la « République »). Ce contrat ouvre la voie au déploiement à l'échelle nationale du « DRCPass », le système national d'identification numérique robuste, qui sera déployé par phases, soutenu par une campagne d'éducation et de sensibilisation du public.

Ce contrat marque l’aboutissement de l’accord de collaboration initié en décembre 2024 entre Trident et le Bureau du Président, et constitue la pierre angulaire de l'initiative ambitieuse en matière de développement d'un système complet de gouvernement électronique (« e-GOV ») et d'identité numérique pour la RDC. En vertu de l'accord, Trident sera le prestataire exclusif de services électroniques de vérification d’identité (« e-KYC ») du pays, fournissant l'identité numérique nationale basée sur le Web 3.0.

La technologie e-KYC offre aux entreprises une vérification d'identité efficace et simple tout en renforçant la sécurité des transactions. Le déploiement du système de Trident reposera sur quatre cas d'utilisation principaux :

1. Enregistrement biométrique des cartes SIM : L’alliance de la biométrie et la blockchain de la carte SIM à une identité de citoyen vérifiée, permet d’éradiquer les lignes « fantômes » non liées à une personne vérifiable et réduire les pertes financières encourues par les opérateurs et dues à la fraude, ainsi que les amendes réglementaires en temps réel.

2. Accès simplifié aux portails de services électroniques gouvernementaux (« e-GOV ») et commerciaux : via la solution d'authentification unique (Single Sign-On - SSO), les Congolais pourront accéder et effectuer facilement des transactions avec les institutions publiques et privées via une seule connexion.

3. Facilitation des paiements numériques : en un seul clic, le service électroniques de vérification d’identité (« e-KYC ») évalue automatiquement les risques et débloque un accès instantané au crédit, favorisant ainsi l'accès financier formel au-delà des systèmes cloisonnés et axés sur les agences individuelles largement utilisés de nos jours.

4. Mise en place d’un registre d’identité numérique citoyenne : L’enregistrement d'identité centralisé et sécurisé complémentaire aux pièces d’identité physiques fournit aux Congolais un justificatif numérique vérifiable pour les transactions avec les secteurs public et privé.

Après leur enrôlement pour obtenir leur carte d'identité nationale, les citoyens pourront télécharger l’application mobile « Tridentity », qui leur permettra d’accéder aux applications et sites web autorisés par l’intermédiaire du DRCPass, qui utilise l'authentification unique sécurisée (SSO).

« Au cours des derniers mois, nos équipes ont collaboré étroitement avec le gouvernement de la RDC pour être prêts pour ce moment. Nous félicitons le leadership du pays pour avoir choisi d’adopter un avenir numérique et nous sommes impatients de soutenir le déploiement de ce système à l'échelle nationale, que d’autres pays africains chercheront sûrement à reproduire », a déclaré Soon Huat Lim, fondateur, président et directeur général de Trident.

Pour sa part, S.E. Augustin Kibassa Maliba, ministre des Postes, des Télécommunications et des Technologies numériques de la RDC a déclaré : « Ce moment historique ne se limite pas à la simple signature d'un contrat de partenariat avec Trident Digital Tech ; ça représente un tournant décisif dans les efforts de notre nation envers la modernisation numérique. En lançant le système national d'identification numérique, nous posons la première pierre d’une République démocratique du Congo numériquement souveraine, financièrement inclusive et résiliente face aux défis à venir. Alors que nous entamons le déploiement progressif du système DRCPass, nous ne nous contentons pas d'adopter l’innovation ; nous œuvrons pour façonner l'avenir de la gouvernance en Afrique. »

Selon les données de la GSMA Intelligence, la République démocratique du Congo (RDC) compte plus de 80 millions d'abonnés à l'Internet mobile et une base croissante de citoyens bancarisés qui bénéficieront directement des services e-KYC sécurisés (Electronic Know Your Customer) pour l'identification et la vérification des clients.

À propos de Trident

Trident est un facilitateur pionnier de la transformation numérique dans les secteurs de services d’optimisation numérique, services technologiques et l’activation Web 3.0 à l’échelle mondiale. Tridentity, son produit phare, est une solution d’identité innovante et hautement sécurisée basée sur la blockchain, conçue pour fournir des capacités d’authentification unique sécurisées aux systèmes tiers intégrés dans divers secteurs. Au-delà de Tridentity, la mission de Trident est de devenir le leader mondial de l’activation Web 3.0, en connectant notamment les entreprises à une plateforme technologique fiable et sécurisée, avec des expériences client sur mesure et optimisées, avec un fort accent sur l’Afrique australe et d’autres marchés à forte croissance.

Mise en garde relative aux énoncés prospectifs

Le présent communiqué contient des déclarations qui peuvent constituer des énoncés « prospectifs », faits aux termes des dispositions d’exonération de la loi américaine, « safe harbour » (règle refuge), notamment la Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 des États-Unis. Ces énoncés prospectifs peuvent être habituellement identifiés par l’emploi de termes comme « sera », « s'attend à », « anticipe », « vise », « futur », « a l'intention de », « planifie », « croit », « estime », « susceptible de » et d’autres expressions de même nature. Il se peut que la Société fasse des déclarations prospectives écrites ou orales dans ses rapports périodiques à la Securities and Exchange Commission des États-Unis (la « SEC »), dans son rapport annuel aux actionnaires, dans des annonces et autres documents écrits, et dans des déclarations orales faites par ses dirigeants, administrateurs ou employés à des tiers. Toutes les déclarations ne relevant pas de faits historiques, y compris les déclarations fondées sur les convictions, les projets et les attentes de la direction de la Société constituent des déclarations prospectives. De par leur nature, les énoncés prospectifs comportent des risques et des incertitudes inhérents, y compris la possibilité que le système national d'identification numérique et le processus e-KYC ne se concrétisent pas, comme le prévoit l'accord de Partenariat Public-Privé (PPP). En raison d’un certain nombre de facteurs, bon nombre de ces incertitudes et éventualités pourraient faire en sorte que les résultats réels diffèrent sensiblement de ceux exprimés ou sous-entendus dans tout énoncé prospectif. Un certain nombre de facteurs pourraient également faire en sorte que les résultats réels diffèrent sensiblement de ceux contenus dans tout énoncé prospectif, incluant, mais sans s’y limiter, les éléments suivants : le risque et les incertitudes quant au calendrier de la mise en œuvre de l'accord ; les effets indésirables potentiels ou les changements des relations d'affaires ; les changements défavorables dans les conditions générales de l'économie ou du marché ; et les actions d’organismes tiers, y compris des organismes gouvernementaux ; les stratégies de la Société, le développement futur des affaires, la situation financière et les résultats d'exploitation ; la croissance attendue du marché des solutions numériques ; les développements politiques, économiques, sociaux et juridiques dans les marchés où la Société exerce ses activités ou dans lesquelles la Société a l’intention de développer ses activités et ses opérations ; la capacité de la Société à maintenir et à améliorer sa marque. De plus amples informations concernant ces risques et d'autres sont incluses dans les documents déposés par la Société auprès de la SEC. Toutes les informations fournies dans le présent communiqué sont à la date du présent communiqué, et la Société décline toute obligation de mettre à jour aucun énoncé du présent prospectus, sauf dans la mesure prévue par la loi.

Contacts :

Contacts investisseurs et médias

Relations avec les investisseurs :

Robin Yang, Associé – ICR, LLC

investor@tridentity.me | +1 (212) 321-0602

Relations Presse :

Brad Burgess, Vice-président principal – ICR, LLC

brad.burgess@icrinc.com

Une photo accompagnant le présent communiqué est disponible à l'adresse suivante : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8672d8e2-07e1-4248-9dc8-3cae467061a5

Trident and Democratic Republic of Congo Sign Final Digital Identity Partnership and Launch Nationwide “DRCPass” Deployment

 Final contract caps partnership, officially launches DRC’s national digital identification system; Web 3.0 digital identity in Africa; Trident appointed official e-KYC service provider.

SINGAPORE and KINSHASA, - Wednesday, 25. June 2025

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd. (“Trident” or the “Company,” NASDAQ: TDTH), a Singapore-based catalyst for digital transformation and Web 3.0 activation, today announced that it has signed the definitive public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC” or “Republic”). The contract paves the way for nationwide deployment of “DRCPass,” the Republic’s robust national digital identification system, to be rolled out in phases with an accompanying public-education campaign.

The agreement represents the capstone of the collaboration framework established in December 2024 between Trident and the Office of the President, forming the cornerstone of the DRC’s e-government and digital-identity initiative. Under the accord, Trident is the Republic’s exclusive provider of electronic Know Your Customer (“e-KYC”) services, delivering the Web 3.0-based national digital identity.

 

e-KYC technology streamlines identity verification for organizations while enhancing security. Trident’s deployment will focus on four core use cases:

1.  SIM-card registration: biometric-blockchain binding of the SIM to a verified citizen record, eradicating “ghost” lines and cutting operator-fraud losses and regulatory fines in real time.

2.  Seamless access to e-government and business portals: with single-sign-on (SSO), Congolese can access and conduct transactions easily with public and private institutions through one log-in.

3.  Digital payments enablement: one-click e-KYC that auto-scores risk and unlocks instant credit, driving formal financial access beyond the siloed, branch-first systems in use today.

4.  Digital Citizen Identity: centralized and secure identity record that complements physical IDs, giving Congolese a verifiable digital credential for public and private-sector transactions.

After registering for their national ID, citizens will be able to download the “Tridentity” mobile application and enroll their DRCPass, which uses secure single-sign-on (SSO) to access authorized applications and websites.

“Over the past several months our teams have worked hand-in-hand with the DRC government to prepare for this moment. We commend the Republic’s leadership for embracing a digital future and look forward to supporting a nationwide rollout that others in Africa will surely emulate,” said Soon Huat Lim, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trident.

“Today marks more than the signing of a partnership contract with Trident Digital Tech; it marks a defining chapter in the digital rebirth of our nation. By launching the national digital identification system, we lay a cornerstone for a Democratic Republic of Congo that is digitally sovereign, financially inclusive, and resilient to tomorrow’s challenges. As we begin phased deployment of DRCPass, we are not merely adopting innovation; we are shaping the future of governance in Africa,” said H.E. Augustin Kibassa Maliba, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs of the DRC.

According to GSMA Intelligence, the DRC has more than 80 million mobile subscribers and an expanding base of banked citizens populations that will directly benefit from secure e-KYC services.

About Trident

Trident is a leading catalyst for digital transformation in technology optimization and Web 3.0 activation. Its flagship product, Tridentity, is a blockchain-based identity platform that is designed to deliver secure single-sign-on authentication across diverse industries. Trident’s mission is to become a global leader in Web 3.0 enablement, connecting organizations to reliable and secure digital infrastructure with optimized user experiences, with a strong focus on Southern Africa and other high-growth markets.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in announcements and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors, or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including the possibility that the national digital identification system and the e-KYC process will not materialize as contemplated under the PPP agreement. A number of factors could also cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the risk and uncertainties as to the timing of the implementation of the agreement; potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships; adverse changes in general economic or market conditions; and actions by third parties, including government agencies; the Company’s strategies, future business development, and financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the digital solutions market; the political, economic, social and legal developments in the jurisdictions that the Company operates in or in which the Company intends to expand its business and operations; the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date of this announcement, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8672d8e2-07e1-4248-9dc8-3cae467061a5

Contacts :

Investor & Media Contacts

Investor Relations

Robin Yang, Partner – ICR LLC

investor@tridentity.me | +1 (212) 321-0602

Media Relations

Brad Burgess, SVP – ICR LLC

brad.burgess@icrinc.com

Andersen Consulting Strengthens Capabilities with Collaborating Firm Market One

 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Andersen Consulting continues the expansion of its global platform through a Collaboration Agreement with Market One, a consulting firm based in Argentina that specializes in end-to-end commercial solutions.

Headquartered in Argentina, Market One is a leading consulting firm specializing in end-to-end commercial transformation. Founded in 2009 by Partners Esteban Neville and Jerónimo Fernández Abeijón, the firm brings a hands-on, results-driven approach to every project—accompanying clients from strategy to execution. Its expertise spans strategic consulting, commercial optimization, technology enablement, and insight-driven decision-making. With a proven track record of over 1,200 projects across more than 20 countries, Market One works with some of the most recognized brands in the world, helping them strengthen their commercial capabilities and achieve sustainable growth.

“We were born to solve, but how we do it sets us apart,” said Esteban Neville, co-founder of Market One. “Our commitment goes beyond advising—we co-create, we implement, and we stay involved until results are achieved. Joining Andersen as a collaborating firm significantly amplifies our value proposition—unlocking access to a global organization of top-tier consulting professionals. This collaboration enables us to scale our impact globally while maintaining the agility and closeness our clients value most.”

“Market One’s deep market knowledge and proven ability to deliver data-driven strategies will enhance Andersen Consulting’s offerings,” said Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen. “Their personalized, results-focused approach complements our commitment to providing clients with comprehensive, end-to-end consulting services.”

Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 20,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 500 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member firms and collaborating firms around the world.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250626121704/en/

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Contacts

mediainquiries@Andersen.com

HCL Group and UpLink Launch Fourth Global Aquapreneur Innovation Challenge to Boost Water Resilience

 (BUSINESS WIRE)--Global conglomerate HCL Group and UpLink, early-stage innovation initiative of the World Economic Forum, have announced the fourth challenge of the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative, the Water Resilience Challenge. The announcement was made at the Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China. Applications are open until August 4, 2025, with winners to be announced in January 2026. The top 10 winners will receive a total financial award of CHF1.75 million divided amongst the innovators. For detailed information and eligibility criteria, visit: https://wef.ch/4kTNwHD

 

Important Dates to Note

25 June to 4 August 2025

Open for submissions

August 2025

Review and selection process

January 2026

Announcement of the winners

The Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative is a 5-year, 15 million CHF collaboration between UpLink, HCL Group and the World Economic Forum’s Food and Water team, to create a first-of-its-kind innovation ecosystem for freshwater. The Innovation Challenge aims to empower global change-makers pioneering groundbreaking technologies, strategies and approaches to conserve, manage and protect water resources.

The Water Resilience Challenge seeks scalable, pioneering solutions that enhance the resilience of water systems facing mounting pressures from climate change, pollution and increasing demand. Submissions are invited across three critical sectors:

Strengthening Infrastructure Resilience – Solutions to strengthen urban and rural water systems including drainage, enhancing their ability to withstand extreme weather (including extreme heat, droughts, floods and stormwater), addressing infrastructure gaps and vulnerabilities, and meeting growing demand.

Rethinking Agri-food Water Use – Solutions to transform agricultural surface water and groundwater use through regenerative and nature-based approaches, improved irrigation practices, and innovations to conserve, reuse, and replenish water resources across food systems.

Optimising Water in the Tech Sector and Energy Systems – Technologies to improve water efficiency and reduce water-related risks in industries such as AI data centres, semiconductor manufacturing, along with solutions that improve water-efficiency in energy generation and recover energy from wastewater.

Sundar Mahalingam, President of Strategy at HCL Group, said, “Through HCL’s collaboration with the World Economic Forum and UpLink, we are helping build a global ecosystem for water innovation — one changemaker at a time. We focus on strategic support — enabling promising innovators to access global platforms, visibility, investors, policymakers, and peer networks. In just three years, 30 innovators supported through this initiative have raised over $90 million and saved over 12 billion litres of water. Our goal is to empower at least 50 such changemakers — and many more in the years ahead.”

John Dutton, Head of UpLink, World Economic Forum, added, “UpLink and HCL Group’s Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative recognizes that solving the water crisis demands a dynamic ecosystem to scale effective solutions. Together with the World Economic Forum's Food and Water Initiative, we are proud to launch the Water Resilience Challenge, calling on bold early-stage start-ups addressing the most urgent water needs of our time, from rising demands in the tech and agritech sectors to climate-driven infrastructure vulnerabilities. By supporting breakthrough innovators and fostering cross-sector collaboration, we’re working together to build the water resilience every industry needs to thrive in a water-stressed world.”

“Being part of the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative has been transformative. For a company at our stage, the credibility from HCL, UpLink, and the World Economic Forum has opened doors to high-level partners and investors we couldn't have reached otherwise, including HCL itself. The financial award and global recognition have positioned us for our next stage of growth, and we've joined a powerful community of innovators tackling the world’s biggest water challenges,” said Mansi Jain, Co-founder and CEO of DigitalPaani, a grantee from the previous cohort.

An official announcement regarding the launch of the Water Resilience Challenge will also be made on June 26 at the Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO) Meeting at the ongoing London Climate Action Week organized by the World Economic Forum.

In response to the growing climate variability, groundwater depletion and water-intensive industrial demands, the Water Resilience Challenge seeks to catalyze a new generation of sustainable, scalable and equitable solutions. Selected participants will gain access to funding, mentorship, global visibility, and a powerful network of experts, investors and partners.

About HCL

Founded in 1976 as one of India’s original IT garage start-ups, HCL Group is a pioneer of modern computing with many firsts to its credit, including the introduction of the 8-bit microprocessor-based computer in 1978 well before its global peers. Today, the HCL Group has a presence across varied sectors that include technology, healthcare and talent management solutions and comprises three companies – HCL Infosystems, HCLTech and HCL Healthcare. The enterprise generates annual revenues of over US$13.8 billion with 220,000 employees operating across 60 countries. For further information, visit www.hcl.com

About UpLink

UpLink is a World Economic Forum initiative, founded in collaboration with Deloitte and Salesforce, designed to unlock the power of entrepreneurship to tackle the world’s most urgent challenges. UpLink builds ecosystems that enable purpose-driven, early-stage entrepreneurs to scale their businesses for the markets and economies that are essential to a net-zero, nature-positive and equitable future. For further information, click here.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250624538984/en/

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Contacts

On behalf of HCL:

Alisha Bisherwal- alisha.a@hcl.com / 8447821231

Shruti Saxena- shruti-saxena@hcl.com / 9654356487

 

Groups Representing Patients, Healthcare Professionals and Pharmaceutical Industry Author New Principle on Use of AI In Healthcare

 GENEVA 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Six leading international organizations representing patients, physicians, pharmacists, nurses, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry have today adopted the first joint ethical principle in the healthcare industry on the responsible use of health data and technology, including artificial intelligence.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250626149027/en/

The new principle joins the International Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaboration (ICF), a longstanding principles-based voluntary agreement that guides ethical collaboration across these major healthcare bodies, working together to deliver high quality care for patients.

The ICF was established in 2014 as a global platform to ensure that relationships across the health ecosystem are grounded in ethical, transparent, and responsible decision-making. It unites six leading health bodies representing patient organizations, healthcare professionals, and the pharmaceutical industry.

The founding principles of the ICF focus on prioritizing patients; supporting ethical research and innovation; ensuring independence and ethical conduct; and promoting transparency and accountability.

The new fifth principle focuses on autonomy, data stewardship, and shared accountability in the use of health data. This reflects the growing importance of digital health and AI, and the need for ethical considerations to evolve alongside scientific innovation.

“No single hospital or stakeholder can navigate today’s rapid advances in health data and technology alone,” said Ronald Lavater, CEO of the International Hospital Federation. “The ICF enables collective action, empowering global health leaders to build trusted partnerships that unlock the full potential of ethical, person-centered innovation.”

“Data and technology may evolve care delivery, but ethics guides our why, how and for whom,” said Howard Catton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses. “This principle affirms the enduring importance of trust, compassion, and dignity — values nurses uphold every day across health systems worldwide.”

Patient voices are central to the adoption of this principle. “This new principle is a major step forward in safeguarding the rights of patients and people with lived experience in the digital age,” said Dani Mothci, CEO of the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations. “As a founding member of the ICF, IAPO welcomes the clear ethical commitment around autonomy, data stewardship, and accountability highlighting focus on putting patients first. To make this a reality, we encourage patient organizations to actively engage with this principle and ensure its implementation reflects real-world patient experiences.”

“Ethics is the cornerstone of effective global health policy. It ensures that decisions are guided by fairness, respect, and accountability. The World Medical Association believes that ethical collaboration is essential to building resilient health systems and delivering better care to all, especially the most vulnerable,” said Dr. Ashok Philip, President of the World Medical Association.

Paul Sinclair, President of the International Pharmaceutical Federation, called on pharmacy professionals to embrace the new principle: “FIP supports ethical and responsible decision making, which involves pharmacy practitioners in relation to patients, healthcare professionals, and the pharmaceutical sector to ensure high-quality care. I invite all our members to adopt and adapt this framework at the country and regional levels of practice.”

David Reddy, Director General of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations, echoed the call for collective responsibility: “For the past decade, the ICF has fostered stronger alliances and shared values between key partners involved in healthcare delivery, through sustained engagement on emerging ethical challenges. Today, by integrating a new principle on digital health and AI, we’re echoing a growing consensus: as innovation accelerates, ethical collaboration must evolve in tandem. Our focus is on delivering for patients — first and always.”

Notes to editors

About the International Consensus Framework

Established in 2014, the International Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaboration is the only global platform of its kind that brings together patients’ organizations, healthcare professionals, and the pharmaceutical industry in support of high-quality, patient-centered care. The Framework is jointly supported by six leading bodies – the IAPO, ICN, IFPMA, FIP, WMA, and IHF- all united by a shared commitment to ensuring that relationships across the health ecosystem are grounded in ethical, transparent, and responsible decision-making. The Consensus Framework is a living document and is open to other stakeholders in life sciences and healthcare delivery, who are encouraged to endorse and contribute to its evolution. It is guided by four founding principles: put patients first; support ethical research and innovation; ensure independence and ethical conduct; promote transparency and accountability. In 2025, the Framework was expanded to include a fifth principle: uphold responsible use of health data and technology. This reflects the growing importance of digital health and AI, and the need for ethics to evolve alongside innovation.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250626149027/en/

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Contacts

 

Media contacts

For more information on the ICF and new principle, please contact the following member organization representatives:

IFPMA: Ana-Maria Nia, am.nia@ifpma.org

ICN: Pilar Millan, millan@icn.ch

IAPO: Rachel Githinji, rachel@iapo.org.uk

IHF: Katherine Bennett, katherine.bennett@ihf-fih.org

WMA: Magda Mihaila, magda.mihaila@wma.net

FIP: Aysu Selçuk, aysu@fip.org