Methane emissions remains elusive challenge for oil and gas industry

LONDON and HOUSTON and SINGAPORE, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Methane remains a significant challenge for the oil and gas industry. COP28 could prove a landmark moment for methane reduction commitments, and companies and governments will need to take strong steps to reduce emissions and enforce new standards, according to a new Horizons report from Wood Mackenzie.

Methane is responsible for almost a third of the emissions-induced increase in global temperatures since the start of the industrial era and the oil and gas industry is estimated to account for up to a quarter of human-caused (anthropogenic) methane emissions, according to the report Mission invisible: tackling the oil and gas industry’s methane challenge.

According to Wood Mackenzie’s Emissions Benchmarking Tool, typical methane losses per field are small — less than 500 kilogram per hour (around 0.65 million cubic feet per day), which is below the measurable resolution of most current satellites — but around 96% of all fields have emissions on this scale, making it a large, cumulative problem. More significant emissions from larger fields are often spread across multiple production facilities, making them harder to quantify.

Government role
According to the report, government action will be vital to reduction efforts, with three high-level actions that can stimulate progress:

  1. Greater ambition. Implementable and enforceable policy would be a positive start, such as global collaboration on stopping all large-scale flaring and venting.
  2. Consistent enforcement. Policymakers and regulators must collaborate with industry to set realistic targets and timelines for emission reductions while ensuring that fees and fines are levied appropriately and loopholes are closed.
  3. Financial support for technology. Governments can support funding to improve both measurement technology and abatement solutions. For example, as part of the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) US$350 million in funding is available to monitor and reduce methane emissions.

Kevin Baxter
+44 330 124 9400
Kevin.Baxter@woodmac.com

Vivien Lebbon
+44 330 174 7486
Vivien.lebbon@woodmac.com

Mark Thomton
+1 630 881 6885
Mark.thomton@woodmac.com

Hla Myat Mon
+65 8533 8860
Hla.MyatMon@woodmac.com

The Big Partnership (UK PR agency)
woodmac@bigpartnership.co.uk

About Wood Mackenzie
Wood Mackenzie is the global insight business for renewables, energy and natural resources. Driven by data. Powered by people. In the middle of an energy revolution, businesses and governments need reliable and actionable insight to lead the transition to a sustainable future. That’s why we cover the entire supply chain with unparalleled breadth and depth, backed by over 50 years’ experience in natural resources. Today, our team of over 2,000 experts operate across 30 global locations, inspiring customers’ decisions through real-time analytics, consultancy, events and thought leadership. Together, we deliver the insight they need to separate risk from opportunity and make bold decisions when it matters most. For more information, visit woodmac.com.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000899572

LeddarTech Nomeia Chris Stewart como Diretor Financeiro

QUEBEC CITY, Canadá, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A LeddarTech®, uma empresa de software automotivo que fornece tecnologia patenteada de software de fusão e percepção de sensores de baixo nível para ADAS e AD, tem orgulho de anunciar a nomeação do Sr. Chris Stewart como Diretor Financeiro (“CFO”).

Como CFO da LeddarTech, o Sr. Stewart será fundamental para apoiar a LeddarTech na conclusão da recém-anunciada fusão com a Prospector Capital Corp. e na transição para uma empresa de capital aberto.

O Sr. Stewart tem mais de 20 anos de experiência em gestão financeira em empresas que vão desde startups a grandes empresas públicas. O Sr. Stewart atuou anteriormente como Diretor Financeiro da Bionano Genomics Inc. (NASDAQ: BNGO) de setembro de 2020 até ingressar na LeddarTech em novembro de 2023, Chefe da Maxwell Ultracapacitors da Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) de maio de 2019 a julho de 2020 e como Vice-Presidente de Finanças e Tecnologia da Informação da Maxwell Technologies Inc., uma empresa pública de armazenamento de energia, de julho de 2015 a maio de 2019, momento em que a empresa foi adquirida pela Tesla. Além disso, o Sr. Stewart ocupou vários cargos de liderança, incluindo Vice-Presidente de Finanças da Entropic Communications e Diretor Financeiro da V-ENABLE Inc. (atualmente GroundTruth), líder em publicidade móvel direcionada.

O Sr. Stewart recebeu é formado em Administração de Empresas pela University of Southern California e fez Mestrado em Administração Industrial na Carnegie Mellon University.

“Estou muito feliz em entrar para uma empresa tão visionária e trabalhar ao lado dos funcionários da LeddarTech em um momento tão emocionante”, disse Stewart. “Espero ansiosamente a formação de formidáveis alianças em todos os níveis, inclusive com os acionistas da LeddarTech e seu conselho de administração e equipe de liderança, e o apoio a LeddarTech durante a conclusão da fusão das empresas para poder operar como uma empresa de capital aberto. Estou muito empolgado com as conquistas da LeddarTech e estou pronto para ajudá-la a alcançar todo o seu potencial.”

O Sr. Charles Boulanger, CEO da LeddarTech, comentou: “Estou muito contente com a entrada de Chris para a equipe executiva da LeddarTech como Diretor Financeiro”. Como executivo financeiro de talento e com vasta experiência em liderar e otimizar as operações financeiras de várias organizações, Chris tem um forte histórico de gerenciamento e transformação de funções financeiras que impulsionam a lucratividade e o crescimento. O conjunto de habilidades de Chris se alinha perfeitamente com os objetivos estratégicos da LeddarTech.”

LeddarTech Inc. (“LeddarTech”) e Prospector Capital Corp. (“Prospector”) (NASDAQ: PRSR, PRSRU, PRSRW), uma empresa com isenção das Ilhas Caimã liderada pelo ex-Presidente da Qualcomm, Derek Aberle, e presidida pelo ex-Vice-Presidente da Qualcomm, Steve Altman, entraram em um acordo definitivo de fusão das empresas que, quando concluída, a LeddarTech passa a ser uma empresa de capital aberto. Após a conclusão da transação, prevista para o quarto trimestre de 2023, a nova empresa conjunta, LeddarTech Holdings Inc. (“Newco”), deverá ser listada na NASDAQ sob o símbolo “LDTC”.

Sobre a LeddarTech

Uma empresa global de software fundada em 2007 e sediada na cidade de Quebec, com centros adicionais de P&D em Montreal, Toronto e Tel Aviv, Israel, a LeddarTech desenvolve e fornece soluções abrangentes de software de percepção que permitem a implantação de aplicações ADAS e de condução autônoma (AD). O software de nível automotivo da LeddarTech aplica algoritmos avançados de IA e visão computacional para gerar modelos 3D precisos do ambiente, permitindo uma melhor tomada de decisão e navegação mais segura. Esta tecnologia de alto desempenho, escalonável e econômica é disponível para OEMs e fornecedores de Nível 1-2 para a implementação eficiente de soluções ADAS para veículos automotivos e off-road.

A LeddarTech é responsável por várias inovações de sensor remoto, com mais de 150 patentes solicitadas (80 concedidas) que aprimoram os recursos de ADAS e AD. A percepção de veículos é fundamental para tornar a mobilidade global mais segura, eficiente, sustentável e acessível: e é por isso que a LeddarTech deseja se tornar a solução de software de fusão e percepção de sensores mais amplamente adotada.

Para mais informação sobre a LeddarTech visite www.leddartech.com, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook e YouTube.

Sobre a Prospector Capital Corp.

A Prospector é uma empresa de aquisição com finalidade especial criada com a finalidade de realizar fusão, troca de ações, aquisição de ativos, compra de ações, reorganização ou fusão de empresas semelhante com uma ou mais empresas, com foco em empresas com soluções avançadas e altamente diferenciadas para o setor de tecnologia. A empresa é liderada por uma equipe de investidores e executivos experientes focados em identificar e investir em empresas de alto crescimento, com equipes de gerenciamento fortes e oportunidades de mercado atraentes. Os títulos da Prospector são negociados na NASDAQ sob os símbolos “PRSR”, “PRSRU” e “PRSRW”.

Informações Importantes Sobre a Transação Proposta e Onde Encontrá-la

Em conexão com a proposta fusão das empresas, a Prospector, a LeddarTech e a Newco irão preparar e protocolar a Declaração de Registro na SEC no Formulário F-4 (a “Declaração de Registro”), e a Prospector irá enviar as procurações/prospecto da Declaração de Registro para seus acionistas e protocolar outros documentos sobre a fusão da empresa na SEC. Este comunicado à imprensa não substitui nenhuma procuração, declaração de registro, declaração/prospecto de procuração ou outros documentos que a Prospector ou a Newco possam protocolar na SEC em conexão com a fusão das empresas. OS INVESTIDORES E DETENTORES DE VALORES MOBILIÁRIOS DEVEM LER ATENTAMENTE E NA ÍNTEGRA A DECLARAÇÃO DE REGISTRO QUANDO DISPONÍVEL, QUAISQUER ALTERAÇÕES OU SUPLEMENTOS À DECLARAÇÃO DE REGISTRO E OUTROS DOCUMENTOS PROTOCOLADOS PELO PROSPECTOR OU PELA NEWCO NA SEC EM CONEXÃO COM A FUSÃO DA EMPRESA PORQUE ESSES DOCUMENTOS CONTERÃO INFORMAÇÕES IMPORTANTES. Investidores e detentores de valores mobiliários poderão obter cópias gratuitas da Declaração de Registro e outros documentos protocolados na SEC pela Prospector ou pela Newco no website da SEC em www.sec.gov.

Declarações de Previsão

Certas declarações contidas neste comunicado de imprensa podem ser consideradas declarações de previsão na acepção da Lei de Reforma de Litígios de Títulos Privados dos EUA de 1995, Seção 27A da Lei de Títulos e Valores Mobiliários e Seção 21E da Lei de Câmbio (cujas declarações de previsão também devem incluir declarações de previsão e informações de previsão na acepção das leis de valores mobiliários canadenses aplicáveis), incluindo, mas não se limitando a, declarações sobre a fusão de empresas envolvendo a Prospector, a LeddarTech e a Newco, a capacidade de concluir a fusão das empresas e a sua ocasião, os benefícios previstos da fusão das empresas, o fechamento do financiamento de colocação privada, as receitas e declarações previstas relacionadas à estratégia antecipada da Newco, operações futuras, perspectivas, objetivos e projeções financeiras e outras métricas financeiras. As declarações de previsão geralmente incluem declarações de natureza preditiva e dependem ou se referem a eventos ou condições futuras, e incluem palavras como “pode”, “irá”, “deveria”, “esperaria”, “antecipa”, “planeja”, “provável”, “acredita”, “estima”, “projeta”, “pretende e outras expressões semelhantes, entre outras. Declarações que não sejam de fatos históricos são declarações de previsão. Declarações de previsão tomam por base convicções e suposições atuais sujeitas a riscos e incertezas e não são garantias de desempenho futuro. Os resultados reais podem ser substancialmente diferentes dos resultados contidos em qualquer declaração de previsão devido a vários fatores, incluindo, sem limitação: (i) o risco de que as condições para o fechamento da fusão das empresas não sejam satisfeitas, incluindo a falha em obter a aprovação dos acionistas em tempo hábil ou obter a aprovação dos acionistas para a fusão das empresas ou a falha em obter quaisquer autorizações regulatórias necessárias e em tempo hábil, incluindo do Superior Tribunal de Justiça do Quebec; (ii) incertezas quanto ao momento da consumação da fusão das empresas e a capacidade da Prospector, da LeddarTech e da Newco de concluir a fusão das empresas; (iii) a possibilidade de que outros benefícios antecipados da fusão das empresas não sejam realizados e o tratamento fiscal antecipado da fusão das empresas; (iv) a ocorrência de qualquer evento que possa dar origem à rescisão da fusão das empresas; (v) o risco de que o litígio dos acionistas em conexão com a fusão das empresas ou outros acordos ou investigações possa afetar o momento ou a ocorrência da fusão das empresas ou resultar em custos significativos de defesa, indenização e responsabilidade; (vi) mudanças gerais na economia e/ou condições específicas do setor; (vii) possíveis interrupções da fusão das empresas que poderiam prejudicar os negócios da LeddarTech; (viii) a capacidade da LeddarTech de reter, atrair e contratar pessoal-chave; (ix) possíveis reações adversas ou mudanças nas relações com clientes, funcionários, fornecedores ou outras partes resultantes do anúncio ou conclusão da fusão das empresas; (x) potencial incerteza nos negócios, incluindo mudanças nas relações comerciais existentes durante a pendência da fusão das empresas que possam afetar o desempenho financeiro da LeddarTech; (xi) desenvolvimentos legislativos, regulatórios e econômicos; (xii) imprevisibilidade e gravidade de eventos catastróficos, incluindo, mas não se limitando a, atos de terrorismo, eclosão de guerra ou hostilidades, e qualquer epidemia, pandemia ou surto de doença (incluindo COVID-19), bem como a resposta da administração a qualquer um dos fatores mencionados acima; (xiii) acesso a capital e financiamentos e a capacidade da LeddarTech estar em conformidade com os acordos de dívidas; e (xiv) outros fatores de risco, detalhados ocasionalmente nos relatórios da Prospector protocolados na SEC, incluindo o Relatório Anual da Prospector no Formulário 10-K, Relatórios Trimestrais periódicos no Formulário 10-Q, Relatórios Atuais periódicos no Formulário 8-K e outros documentos protocolados na SEC, bem como os fatores de risco mencionados da Declaração de Registro. A lista anterior de fatores importantes não é exaustiva. Nem a Prospector nem a LeddarTech podem dar qualquer garantia de que as condições para a fusão das empresas serão satisfeitas. Exceto conforme exigido pela lei aplicável, nem a Prospector nem a LeddarTech assumem qualquer obrigação de revisar ou atualizar qualquer declaração de previsão, ou de fazer quaisquer outras declarações de previsão, seja como resultado de novas informações, eventos futuros ou de outra forma.

Sem Oferta ou Solicitação

Este comunicado à imprensa não constitui uma oferta de venda nem uma solicitação de uma oferta de compra de qualquer título mobiliário da Prospector ou da Newco, uma solicitação de qualquer voto ou aprovação, nem deverá haver qualquer venda desses valores mobiliários em qualquer estado ou outra jurisdição onde tal oferta, venda ou solicitação seja ilegal antes do registro ou qualificação sob as leis de valores mobiliários de qualquer estado ou jurisdição. Nenhuma oferta de valores mobiliários será feita, exceto por meio de um prospecto que atenda aos requisitos da Seção 10 da Lei de Valores Mobiliários de 1933, alterada (Lei de Valores Mobiliários).

Participantes da Solicitação

A Prospector, a LeddarTech, a Newco, e alguns dos seus respectivos diretores, executivos e funcionários, podem ser considerados participantes da solicitação de procurações em conexão com a fusão das empresas. Informações sobre os diretores e diretores executivos da Prospector podem ser encontradas no Relatório Anual no Formulário 10-K do exercício fiscal encerrado em 31 de dezembro de 2022, protocolado na SEC em 31 de março de 2023. As informações sobre as pessoas que podem, de acordo com as regras da SEC, ser consideradas participantes na solicitação de procurações em conexão com a fusão das empresas, incluindo uma descrição dos seus interesses diretos ou indiretos, por participações em títulos ou de outra forma, serão incluídas na Declaração de Registro e outros materiais relevantes quando protocolados na SEC. Esses documentos podem ser obtidos gratuitamente na fonte indicada acima.

Contato:
Daniel Aitken, Vice-Presidente, Marketing Global, Comunicações e Relacionamento com o Investidor, LeddarTech Inc. Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ramal 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

Os logotipos Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision e afins são marcas comerciais ou marcas comerciais registradas da LeddarTech Inc. e suas subsidiárias. Todas as outras marcas e nomes de produtos são ou podem ser marcas comerciais ou marcas comerciais registradas usadas para identificar produtos ou serviços de seus respectivos proprietários.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8980137

LeddarTech Appoints Chris Stewart as Chief Financial Officer

QUEBEC CITY, Canada, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech®, an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology for ADAS and AD, proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Chris Stewart as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”).

As CFO at LeddarTech, Mr. Stewart will be instrumental in supporting LeddarTech in completing its recently announced business combination with Prospector Capital Corp. and transitioning to a publicly traded company.

Mr. Stewart has over 20 years of financial management experience at companies ranging from startups to large public companies. Mr. Stewart previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of Bionano Genomics Inc. (NASDAQ: BNGO) from September 2020 until joining LeddarTech in November 2023, Head of Maxwell Ultracapacitors at Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) from May 2019 to July 2020 and as Vice President of Finance and Information Technology at Maxwell Technologies Inc., a public energy storage company, from July 2015 to May 2019, at which time the company was acquired by Tesla. In addition, Mr. Stewart held multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Finance at Entropic Communications and Chief Financial Officer of V-ENABLE Inc. (currently GroundTruth), a leader in targeted mobile advertising.

Mr. Stewart received his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and his M.S. in Industrial Administration from Carnegie Mellon University.

“I am thrilled to join such a visionary company and work alongside LeddarTech’s employees at such an exciting time,” stated Mr. Stewart. “I eagerly anticipate forging formidable alliances at all levels, including with LeddarTech’s shareholders and its board of directors and leadership team, and support LeddarTech as it works toward completing its business combination and operating as a publicly traded company. I am extremely energized by LeddarTech’s accomplishments and look forward to helping it realize all of its potential.”

Mr. Charles Boulanger, CEO of LeddarTech, commented: “I am very pleased that Chris has joined the executive team of LeddarTech as Chief Financial Officer. As an accomplished financial executive with extensive experience in leading and optimizing the financial operations of various organizations, Chris has a strong track record of managing and transforming financial functions to drive profitability and growth. Chris’s skill set perfectly aligns with LeddarTech’s strategic goals.”

LeddarTech Inc. (“LeddarTech”) and Prospector Capital Corp. (“Prospector”) (NASDAQ: PRSR, PRSRU, PRSRW), a Cayman Islands exempted company led by former Qualcomm President Derek Aberle and chaired by former Qualcomm Vice Chairman Steve Altman, are party to a definitive business combination agreement that, upon completion of the business combination, would result in LeddarTech becoming a publicly listed company. Upon closing of the transaction, which is expected during the fourth quarter of 2023, the combined company formed through the business combination, LeddarTech Holdings Inc. (“Newco”), is expected to be listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

About LeddarTech

A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal, Toronto and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS and autonomous driving (AD) applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment, allowing for better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 150 patent applications (80 granted) that enhance ADAS and AD capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

About Prospector Capital Corp.

Prospector is a special-purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses with a focus on companies with advanced and highly differentiated solutions for the technology sector. The company is led by a team of experienced investors and executives focused on identifying and investing in high-growth companies with strong management teams and attractive market opportunities. Prospector’s securities are traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbols “PRSR,” “PRSRU” and “PRSRW.”

Important Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed business combination, Prospector, LeddarTech and Newco will prepare and will file with the SEC the registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”), and Prospector will mail the proxy statement/prospectus contained within the Registration Statement to its shareholders and file other documents regarding the business combination with the SEC. This press release is not a substitute for any proxy statement, registration statement, proxy statement/prospectus or other documents Prospector or Newco may file with the SEC in connection with the business combination. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED BY PROSPECTOR OR NEWCO WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUSINESS COMBINATION, BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and other documents filed with the SEC by Prospector or Newco through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act (which forward-looking statements shall also include forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements regarding the business combination involving Prospector, LeddarTech and Newco, the ability to consummate the business combination and the timing thereof, the anticipated benefits from the business combination, the closing of the private placement financing and expected proceeds therefrom and statements relating to Newco’s anticipated strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend” and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the risk that the conditions to the closing of the business combination are not satisfied, including the failure to timely or at all obtain shareholder approval for the business combination or the failure to timely or at all obtain any required regulatory clearances, including of the Superior Court of Justice of Québec; (ii) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the business combination and the ability of each of Prospector, LeddarTech and Newco to consummate the business combination; (iii) the possibility that other anticipated benefits of the business combination will not be realized, and the anticipated tax treatment of the business combination; (iv) the occurrence of any event that could give rise to termination of the business combination; (v) the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the business combination or other settlements or investigations may affect the timing or occurrence of the business combination or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (vi) changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; (vii) possible disruptions from the business combination that could harm LeddarTech’s business; (viii) the ability of LeddarTech to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (ix) potential adverse reactions or changes to relationships with customers, employees, suppliers or other parties resulting from the announcement or completion of the business combination; (x) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the business combination that could affect LeddarTech’s financial performance; (xi) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (xii) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak (including COVID-19), as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; (xiii) access to capital and financing and LeddarTech’s ability to maintain compliance with debt covenants; and (xiv) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in Prospector’s reports filed with the SEC, including Prospector’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, periodic Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, periodic Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed with the SEC, as well as the risk factors to be contained in the Registration Statement. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Neither Prospector nor LeddarTech can give any assurance that the conditions to the business combination will be satisfied. Except as required by applicable law, neither Prospector nor LeddarTech undertakes any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Prospector or Newco, a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

Participants in Solicitation

Prospector, LeddarTech and Newco, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the business combination. Information about the directors and executive officers of Prospector can be found in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the business combination, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the Registration Statement and other relevant materials when they are filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the source indicated above.

Contact:
Daniel Aitken, Vice-President, Global Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, LeddarTech Inc. Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8979411

LeddarTech nomme Chris Stewart au poste de chef de la direction financière

QUÉBEC, Canada, 15 nov. 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech®, une société de logiciels automobiles qui fournit des technologies logicielles de fusion bas niveau de capteurs et de perception innovatrices et brevetées pour systèmes avancés d’aide à la conduite (systèmes ADAS) et de conduite autonome (systèmes AD), est fière d’annoncer la nomination de M. Chris Stewart au poste de chef de la direction financière.

En tant que chef de la direction financière de LeddarTech, M. Stewart jouera un rôle déterminant pour l’aider à mener à bien le regroupement d’entreprises récemment annoncé avec Prospector Capital Corp. et à réaliser sa transition vers une entreprise cotée en bourse.

M. Stewart possède plus de 20 années d’expérience en gestion financière dans des entreprises allant de start-ups à de grandes entreprises publiques.   M. Stewart occupait précédemment le poste de chef de la direction financière chez Bionano Genomics Inc. (NASDAQ : BNGO) depuis septembre 2020 avant de se joindre à LeddarTech en novembre 2023, de directeur de Maxwell Ultracapacitors chez Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ : TSLA) de mai 2019 à juillet 2020, et de vice-président des finances et des technologies de l’information chez Maxwell Technologies Inc., une société publique de stockage d’énergie, de juillet 2015 à mai 2019, date à laquelle l’entreprise a été acquise par Tesla Inc.   En outre, M. Stewart a occupé plusieurs postes de direction, notamment celui de vice-président des finances chez Entropic Communications et de chef de la direction financière chez V-ENABLE Inc. (actuellement GroundTruth), un leader de la publicité mobile ciblée.

M. Stewart a obtenu son baccalauréat en administration des affaires de la University of Southern California et sa maîtrise en administration industrielle de la Carnegie Mellon University.

« Je suis ravi de me joindre à une entreprise aussi visionnaire et de travailler aux côtés des employés de LeddarTech à un moment aussi passionnant », a déclaré M. Stewart.   « Je suis impatient de nouer de solides alliances à tous les échelons, y compris avec les actionnaires de LeddarTech, son conseil d’administration et son équipe de direction, et de soutenir LeddarTech dans ses efforts visant à finaliser son regroupement d’entreprises et son entrée en bourse.   Je suis extrêmement motivé par les réalisations de LeddarTech et impatient de l’aider à réaliser son plein potentiel ».

M. Charles Boulanger, chef de la direction de LeddarTech, a commenté : « Je suis très heureux que Chris ait rejoint l’équipe de direction de LeddarTech à titre de chef de la direction financière.   En tant que cadre financier accompli possédant une vaste expérience de la direction et de l’optimisation des activités financières de diverses organisations, Chris possède une solide feuille de route en matière de gestion financière afin de renforcer la rentabilité et la croissance.   Les compétences de Chris s’alignent parfaitement sur les objectifs stratégiques de LeddarTech ».

LeddarTech Inc. (« LeddarTech ») et Prospector Capital Corp. (« Prospector ») (NASDAQ : PRSR, PRSRU, PRSRW), une société exonérée des îles Caïmans dirigée par l’ancien président de Qualcomm, Derek Aberle et présidée par l’ancien vice-président du conseil d’administration de Qualcomm, Steve Altman, sont parties à un accord définitif de regroupement d’entreprises qui, à l’issue du regroupement d’entreprises, permettra à LeddarTech de devenir une société cotée en bourse. À la clôture de la transaction, prévue au cours du quatrième trimestre 2023, la société issue du regroupement d’entreprises, LeddarTech Holdings Inc. (« Newco), devrait être cotée au NASDAQ sous le nouveau symbole « LDTC ».

À propos de LeddarTech

Entreprise mondiale de logiciels fondée en 2007, basée à Québec et disposant de centres de R&D supplémentaires à Montréal, Toronto et Tel Aviv (Israël), LeddarTech développe et propose des solutions de perception logicielles complètes qui permettent le déploiement d’applications ADAS et de conduite autonome (AD). Le logiciel de classe automobile de LeddarTech applique des algorithmes d’intelligence artificielle et de vision numérique avancés afin de générer des modèles 3D précis de l’environnement, pour une meilleure prise de décision et une navigation plus sûre. Cette technologie performante, évolutive et économique permet la mise en œuvre efficace de solutions ADAS pour véhicules automobiles et hors route par les équipementiers et fournisseurs de rang 1 et 2.

Ayant déposé plus de 150 demandes de brevets (dont 80 accordées) qui améliorent les capacités des systèmes d’aide à la conduite et de conduite autonome, l’entreprise a contribué à plusieurs innovations liées à des applications de télédétection. Une plus grande conscience situationnelle est essentielle pour rendre la mobilité plus sûre, efficace, durable et abordable : c’est ce qui motive LeddarTech à vouloir devenir la solution logicielle de fusion de capteurs et de perception la plus largement adoptée.

Renseignements complémentaires disponibles sur www.LeddarTech.com et sur LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook et YouTube.

À propos de Prospector Capital Corp.

Prospector est une société d’acquisition à vocation spécifique créée dans le but de réaliser une fusion, un échange d’actions, une acquisition d’actifs, un achat d’actions, une réorganisation ou un regroupement d’entreprises similaire avec une ou plusieurs entreprises, avec l’accent sur les sociétés proposant des solutions avancées et hautement différenciées dans le secteur technologique. La société est dirigée par une équipe d’investisseurs et de cadres expérimentés qui se concentrent sur l’identification et les investissements dans des entreprises à forte croissance dotées d’équipes de gestion solides et d’opportunités de marché attrayantes. Les titres de Prospector se négocient sur le NASDAQ sous les symboles « PRSR », « PRSRU » et « PRSRW ».

Renseignements importants sur la transaction proposée et où les trouver

Dans le cadre du regroupement d’entreprises proposé, Prospector, LeddarTech et Newco prépareront et déposeront auprès de la SEC la déclaration d’enregistrement sur le formulaire F-4 (la « Déclaration d’Enregistrement »), et Prospector enverra à ses actionnaires la circulaire de sollicitation de procurations/prospectus contenue dans la Déclaration d’Enregistrement et déposera d’autres documents concernant le regroupement d’entreprises auprès de la SEC. Le présent communiqué de presse ne se substitue à aucune circulaire de sollicitation de procurations, déclaration d’enregistrement, circulaire de sollicitation de procurations/prospectus ou autres documents que Prospector ou Newco pourrait déposer auprès de la SEC dans le cadre du regroupement d’entreprises. LES INVESTISSEURS ET LES PORTEURS DE TITRES SONT INSTAMMENT PRIÉS DE LIRE ATTENTIVEMENT ET DANS LEUR INTÉGRALITÉ LA DÉCLARATION D’ENREGISTREMENT LORSQU’ELLE SERA DISPONIBLE, TOUT AMENDEMENT OU SUPPLÉMENT À LA DÉCLARATION D’ENREGISTREMENT ET TOUT AUTRE DOCUMENT DÉPOSÉ PAR PROSPECTOR OU NEWCO AUPRÈS DE LA SEC DANS LE CADRE DU REGROUPEMENT D’ENTREPRISES, CAR CES DOCUMENTS CONTIENDRONT DES RENSEIGNEMENTS IMPORTANTS. Les investisseurs et les détenteurs de titres pourront obtenir gratuitement des copies de la Déclaration d’Enregistrement et des autres documents déposés auprès de la SEC par Prospector ou Newco sur le site web géré par la SEC à l’adresse www.sec.gov.

Énoncés prospectifs

Certains énoncés contenus dans le présent communiqué de presse peuvent être considérés comme des énoncés prospectifs au sens du Private Securities Litigation Reform Act de 1995, de la section 27A du Securities Act et de la section 21E de l’Exchange Act des États-Unis (lesquels énoncés prospectifs comprennent également les énoncés prospectifs et les renseignements prospectifs au sens des lois canadiennes sur les valeurs mobilières applicables), y compris, mais sans s’y limiter, les énoncés concernant le regroupement d’entreprises impliquant Prospector, LeddarTech et Newco, la capacité à réaliser le regroupement d’entreprises et son calendrier, les avantages attendus du regroupement d’entreprises, la clôture du financement par placement privé et le produit attendu de celui-ci, ainsi que les énoncés relatifs à la stratégie, aux opérations futures, aux perspectives, aux objectifs et aux projections financières et autres mesures financières anticipés de Newco. Les énoncés prospectifs comprennent généralement des énoncés de nature prévisionnelle qui dépendent d’événements ou de conditions à venir ou qui s’y réfèrent, et comprennent des termes tels que « pouvoir », « anticiper », « prévoir », « avoir l’intention de », « estimer », « planifier », « croire », « s’attendre à », « projeter de » et autres expressions similaires et verbes au futur et au conditionnel notamment. Les énoncés qui ne sont pas des faits historiques sont des énoncés prospectifs. Les énoncés prospectifs reposent sur des convictions et des hypothèses actuelles qui sont soumises à des risques et à des incertitudes et ne constituent pas des garanties de performance future. Les résultats réels peuvent différer sensiblement de ceux contenus dans un énoncé prospectif en raison de divers facteurs, y compris, mais sans s’y limiter : (i) le risque que les conditions de clôture du regroupement d’entreprises ne soient pas remplies, y compris le défaut d’obtenir en temps voulu ou non l’approbation des actionnaires pour le regroupement d’entreprises ou le défaut d’obtenir en temps voulu ou non les autorisations réglementaires requises, y compris de la Cour supérieure de justice du Québec; (ii) les incertitudes quant au calendrier de réalisation du regroupement d’entreprises et à la capacité de Prospector, de LeddarTech et de Newco à réaliser le regroupement d’entreprises; (iii) la possibilité que d’autres avantages prévus du regroupement d’entreprises ne se réalisent pas, et le traitement fiscal prévu du regroupement d’entreprises; (iv) la survenance de tout événement susceptible de donner lieu à la résiliation du regroupement d’entreprises; (v) le risque que des litiges entre actionnaires liés au regroupement d’entreprises ou autres règlements ou enquêtes affectent le calendrier ou la réalisation du regroupement d’entreprises ou entraînent des coûts importants de défense, d’indemnisation et de responsabilité; (vi) l’évolution de la conjoncture économique générale et/ou des conditions propres à l’industrie; (vii) les éventuelles perturbations dues au regroupement d’entreprises susceptibles de nuire aux activités de LeddarTech; (viii) la capacité de LeddarTech à retenir, à attirer et à embaucher du personnel clé; (ix) les réactions ou changements négatifs potentiels dans les relations avec les clients, employés, fournisseurs ou autres parties résultant de l’annonce ou de la réalisation du regroupement d’entreprises; (x) l’incertitude commerciale potentielle, y compris les changements dans les relations commerciales existantes, pendant la durée du regroupement d’entreprises, susceptible d’affecter la performance financière de LeddarTech; (xi) les développements législatifs, réglementaires et économiques; (xii) l’imprévisibilité et la gravité d’événements catastrophiques, y compris, mais sans s’y limiter, les actes de terrorisme, le déclenchement d’une guerre ou d’hostilités et toute épidémie, pandémie ou apparition de maladie (y compris la COVID-19), ainsi que la réponse de la direction à l’un des facteurs susmentionnés; (xiii) l’accès au capital et au financement et la capacité de LeddarTech à maintenir le respect des clauses restrictives de ses emprunts; et (xiv) les autres facteurs de risque détaillés de temps à autre dans les rapports de Prospector déposés auprès de la SEC, y compris le rapport annuel de Prospector sur le formulaire 10-K, les rapports trimestriels périodiques sur le formulaire 10-Q, les rapports courants périodiques sur le formulaire 8-K et autres documents déposés auprès de la SEC, ainsi que les facteurs de risque qui figureront dans la Déclaration d’Enregistrement.   La liste des facteurs importants ci-dessus n’est pas exhaustive. Ni Prospector ni LeddarTech ne peuvent garantir que les conditions du regroupement d’entreprises seront remplies. Sauf si la loi applicable l’exige, ni Prospector ni LeddarTech ne s’engagent à réviser ou à mettre à jour les énoncés prospectifs, ni à mentionner d’autres énoncés prospectifs, que ce soit à la suite de nouvelles informations, d’événements futurs ou autres.

Absence d’offre ou de sollicitation

Le présent communiqué de presse ne constitue pas une offre de vente ou la sollicitation d’une offre d’achat de titres de Prospector ou de Newco, ni une sollicitation de vote ou d’approbation, et il n’y aura pas de vente de titres dans une juridiction où une telle offre, sollicitation ou vente serait illégale avant l’enregistrement ou la qualification en vertu de la législation sur les valeurs mobilières d’une telle juridiction. Aucune offre de valeurs mobilières ne peut être faite si ce n’est au moyen d’un prospectus répondant aux exigences de la section 10 du Securities Act de 1933, tel que modifié (le « Securities Act »).

Participants à la sollicitation

Prospector, LeddarTech et Newco, ainsi que certains de leurs administrateurs, dirigeants et employés respectifs, peuvent être considérés comme des participants à la sollicitation de procurations dans le cadre du regroupement d’entreprises. Des renseignements sur les administrateurs et les dirigeants de Prospector sont disponibles dans le rapport annuel sur le formulaire 10-K pour l’exercice clos le 31 décembre 2022, qui a été déposé auprès de la SEC le 31 mars 2023. Les renseignements concernant les personnes qui peuvent, en vertu des règles de la SEC, être considérées comme des participants à la sollicitation de procurations dans le cadre du regroupement d’entreprises, y compris une description de leurs intérêts directs ou indirects, par la détention de titres ou autrement, seront présentés dans la Déclaration d’Enregistrement et dans d’autres documents pertinents lorsqu’ils seront déposés auprès de la SEC. Ces documents peuvent être obtenus gratuitement auprès de la source indiquée ci-dessus.

Contact :
Daniel Aitken, vice-président, Marketing, communications et relations avec les investisseurs mondiaux, LeddarTech Inc.
Tél. : + 1-418-653-9000 poste 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision et les logos associés sont des marques de commerce ou des marques déposées de LeddarTech Inc. et de ses filiales. Tous les autres noms de marques, noms de produits et marques sont ou peuvent être des marques de commerce ou des marques déposées utilisées pour désigner les produits ou les services de leurs propriétaires respectifs.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8979411

Matmerize remporte un prix décerné par le DOD pour développer des composites polymères faiblement inflammables à l’aide de méthodes d’IA avancées

ATLANTA, 15 nov. 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matmerize, Inc;., un des leaders du secteur de l’informatique appliquée aux formulations et aux polymères est fier d’annoncer sa sélection par le Département de la Défense des États-Unis (Department of Defense, « DOD ») pour un contrat dans le cadre du programme de financement de l’innovation au sein des petites entreprises (Small Business Innovation Research, « SBIR ») afin de faire progresser les méthodologies de l’IA pour accélérer la conception de nouveaux composites polymères faiblement inflammables. Matmerize est ravi du potentiel révolutionnaire de ce projet, qui permettra non seulement d’améliorer la sécurité-incendie dans les navires et sous-marins de la Marine américaine, mais trouvera également des applications dans de très nombreux secteurs, notamment ceux de la construction, de l’aérospatiale, de l’automobile et des produits de grande consommation. Ce prix fait suite à un autre prix SBIR récemment décerné à Matmerize par la fondation nationale pour la science américaine (National Science Foundation, « NSF ») afin de développer des architectures d’apprentissage automatique appliquées et basées sur la physique, et pour de faire progresser le développement de matériaux.

L’inflammabilité des composites polymères est quantifiée par un ensemble de paramètres quantitatifs, généralement mesurés à l’aide d’instruments/de tests très standardisés définis par la société américaine pour les essais des matériaux (American Society for Testing and Materials, « ASTM ») et d’autres agences. Les matériaux polymères d’intérêt qui répondent aux valeurs particulières associées aux tests ASTM et non ASTM standardisés nécessitent une combinaison optimale de polymères de base, d’additifs fonctionnels, de produits ignifuges et de conditions de traitement. Matmerize collaborera avec le DOD pour développer des capacités informatiques en matière de polymères en utilisant des données organisées appropriées et des techniques avancées d’IA/AA pour une conception accélérée de composites à matrice polymère faiblement inflammables qui répondent à d’autres objectifs en matière de performances mécaniques et thermiques essentielles à la Marine américaine.

Les points clés majeurs du contrat comprennent :

(1) la création d’une base de données des matériaux composites avec leur inflammabilité et d’autres propriétés pertinentes, telles que le taux de débit thermique maximal, le délai d’inflammation et la densité de la fumée,
(2) le développement de modèles d’IA entraînés sur la base de données afin de prédire les propriétés pertinentes des nouvelles formulations composites, et
(3) la recommandation d’un pool de composites polymères prometteurs, c.-à-d., les combinaisons de polymères de base, d’additifs fonctionnels, de produits ignifuges et de conditions de traitement, pour la synthèse et les tests expérimentaux.

Une coupure de presse jointe au présent communiqué est disponible en cliquant sur ce lien :

AI Custom Models for Low Flammability Polymer Composites: Creating AI Custom Models for Low Flammability Polymer Composites using Customer's Proprietary Data

Huan Tran, directeur de la recherche et de l’innovation chez Matmerize, déclare : « Cette collaboration représente une réalisation majeure dans la recherche pour la production de composites polymères plus sûrs et moins inflammables. Nous sommes très fiers d’être à la tête du développement de solutions de pointe basées sur l’IA pour créer des matériaux composites faiblement inflammables qui répondent non seulement aux normes rigoureuses des tests ASTM, mais également aux exigences vitales en matière sécurité imposées pour nos navires au sein de la Marine américaine.

Au centre de l’innovation portée par Matmerize se trouve PolymRize™, son produit phare : une plateforme logicielle informatique pour les polymères basée sur le cloud, conçue avec soin pour accélérer les progrès dans les polymères, les composites et les formulations. Le programme SBIR du DOD s’aligne parfaitement sur la mission principale de Matmerize : libérer l’immense potentiel de l’IA dans l’ingénierie des matériaux avancés afin de relever des défis majeurs et d’améliorer la fonctionnalité, la sécurité-incendie et la durabilité. Les SBIR du DOD et de la NSF arrivent à un moment opportun et permettront ensemble de propulser et de faire progresser la technologie PolymRize™ basée sur l’IA de manière synergique.

Chiho Kim, Directeur de la technologie chez Matmerize a exprimé son enthousiasme en déclarant : « Les deux prix SBIR simultanés accordés par le DOD et la NSF représentent une approbation sans équivoque de la plateforme informatique novatrice spécialisée dans les polymères de Matmerize, PolymRize™. Ces contrats nous fourniront les ressources et le soutien nécessaires pour faire progresser encore davantage notre plateforme basée sur l’IA PolymRize™. »

Pour plus d’informations sur la plateforme innovante PolymRize™, rendez-vous à l’adresse : https://www.matmerize.com/polymrize

À propos de Matmerize :
Matmerize, Inc. est une jeune entreprise issue du Georgia Institute of Technology, et a été fondée par le Dr Rampi Ramprasad et le Dr Chiho Kim. Matmerize est un leader de l’innovation, au croisement entre l’ingénierie des matériaux avancés et l’intelligence artificielle. Avec pour mission de révolutionner la sécurité-incendie et la durabilité grâce à la technologie de l’IA, nous nous engageons à repousser les limites du possible. Notre équipe d’experts dédiés fait tout son possible pour créer des solutions à l’impact positif sur le développement de nouveaux matériaux, tout en minimisant l’empreinte environnementale.

Pour plus d’informations, demandes de renseignements ou pour contacter l’interlocuteur relations presse, veuillez contacter :

Matmerize, Inc.
https://www.matmerize.com
E-mail : info@matmerize.com
YouTube : Regarder Vidéos de Matmerize sur YouTube
LinkedIn : Suivez nous sur LinkedIn

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8979907

Matmerize selecionada pelo DOD para desenvolver materiais compósitos de polímero de baixa inflamabilidade com métodos avançados de IA

ATLANTA, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Matmerize, Inc., líder do setor em Informática de Polímeros e Formulações, orgulhosamente anuncia sua seleção pelo Departamento de Defesa dos EUA (DOD) para um contrato de Pesquisa de Inovação em Pequenas Empresas (SBIR) com o objetivo de promover metodologias de IA para acelerar o design de novos materiais compósitos poliméricos de baixa inflamabilidade. A Matmerize está entusiasmada com o potencial transformador deste projeto, que irá aumentar a segurança contra incêndios em navios e submarinos da Marinha, de também irá encontrar aplicações em uma ampla gama de indústrias, incluindo construção, aeroespacial, automotiva e produtos de consumo. Este contrato dá seguimento a outro SBIR recentemente concedido a Matmerize pela National Science Foundation (NSF) para desenvolvimento de arquiteturas de aprendizado de máquina informadas e aplicadas à física para o avanço do desenvolvimento de materiais.

A inflamabilidade dos compósitos poliméricos é quantificada por um conjunto de parâmetros quantitativos, tipicamente medidos com instrumentos/testes altamente padronizados definidos pela American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) e outras agências. Os materiais poliméricos desejáveis que atendem aos valores específicos dos testes padronizados ASTM e não-ASTM requerem uma combinação ideal de polímeros de base, aditivos funcionais, retardadores de chama e condições de processamento. A Matmerize irá colaborar com o DOD no desenvolvimento de uma capacidade de Informática de Polímeros com curados adequados dados e técnicas avançadas de IA/ML, visando o projeto acelerado de compósitos de matriz polimérica de baixa inflamabilidade que atendam a outras metas críticas de desempenho mecânico e térmico necessárias para a Marinha.

Destaques do contrato:

(1) criação de um banco de dados de materiais compósitos com inflamabilidade e outras propriedades relevantes, tais como taxa máxima de liberação de calor, tempo de ignição e densidade de fumaça,
(2) desenvolvimento de modelos de IA treinados no banco de dados para prever as propriedades relevantes das novas formulações compostas, e
(3) recomendação de um conjunto de compósitos poliméricos promissores, isto é, as combinações de polímeros de base, aditivos funcionais, retardadores de chama e condições de processamento, para síntese e teste experimentais.

Para um Snippet de Mídia deste comunicado, clique na imagem ou link:

AI Custom Models for Low Flammability Polymer Composites: Creating AI Custom Models for Low Flammability Polymer Composites using Customer's Proprietary Data

Huan Tran, Diretor de Pesquisa e Inovação da Matmerize, disse: “Esta colaboração significa uma grande conquista na busca de compósitos poliméricos mais seguros e de menor inflamabilidade. Temos muito orgulho em liderar o desenvolvimento de soluções de ponta orientadas por IA de materiais compósitos de baixa inflamabilidade que não apenas atendem aos rigorosos padrões de teste ASTM, mas também atendem aos requisitos vitais de segurança exigidos para os navios da Marinha.”

O centro da inovação da Matmerize é o PolymRize™, seu principal produto – uma plataforma de software de informática de polímeros com base na nuvem meticulosamente criada para acelerar o avanço de polímeros, compósitos e formulações. O SBIR do DOD se alinha perfeitamente à missão principal da Matmerize de revelar o imenso potencial da IA em engenharia avançada de materiais para enfrentar desafios críticos e melhorar a funcionalidade, a segurança contra incêndios e a sustentabilidade. Tanto os SBIRs do DOD quanto os da NSF acontecem em um momento oportuno e, juntos, irão impulsionar e avançar a tecnologia PolymRize™ com em IA de maneira sinérgica.

Chiho Kim, CTO da Matmerize, expressou seu entusiasmo dizendo: “Os dois contratos SBIR com o DOD e a NSF representam um endosso retumbante da pioneira plataforma de informática de polímeros da Matmerize, a PolymRize™. Esses contratos nos fornecerão os recursos e o suporte necessários para que possamos avançar ainda mais nossa plataforma PolymRize™ com base em IA.”

Para mais informação sobre a inovadora plataforma PolymRize™, visite: https://www.matmerize.com/polymrize

Sobre a Matmerize:
A Matmerize, Inc. é uma recente subsidiária do Georgia Institute of Technology fundada pelos Drs. Rampi Ramprasad e Chiho Kim. A Matmerize é uma líder inovadora na interseção de engenharia avançada de materiais e inteligência artificial. Com a missão de revolucionar a segurança contra incêndios e a sustentabilidade através da tecnologia de IA, estamos empenhados em expandir os limites do que é possível. Nossa equipe dedicada de especialistas se esforça para criar soluções que impactem positivamente o desenvolvimento de novos materiais, minimizando o impacto ambiental.

Para mais informações, consultas ou contato com a mídia, contate:

Matmerize, Inc.
https://www.matmerize.com
E: info@matmerize.com
Y: Assista Vídeos da Matmerize no YouTube
L: Siga nossa página no LinkedIn

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8979907

Defence College advocates gender responsive peace, security operations

The Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, has advocated for more women participation in peace, security and conflict management.

This could be promoted through gender responsive security operations, Olotu said on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of a 3-day Gender Sensitization Workshop for senior military and security service officers.

The workshop has the theme, “Enhancing Gender Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue Project in Nigeria”.

The workshop was organised by the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies of the college, the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and UN Women.

The commandant said that such move would be in line with the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, which mandates member states to foster inclusive and gender response security environment.

He said the workshop was another opportunity to mainstream the resolution in realising gender equality, protection of women and girls in conflict and their active involvement in conflict prevention, resolution and peace building.

According to him, the event formally marks the commencement of phase two of the UN Women Project for Nigeria Security Organisations.

“In spite some of the successes achieved, we must acknowledge that much remains to be done, and so we anticipate that this workshop will serve as a catalyst for change.

“As we delve into the intricacies of gender responsive security operations and community dialogue, let us keep in mind broader impact and effect on the armed forces and the nation at large.

“Our commitment to this cause is a testament of our dedication to upholding the principles of justice, human rights and sustainable peace.

“I therefore express my profound gratitude or participants, facilitators, the UN Women for their immense support and also pray that this workshop will be a source of inspiration, enlightenment and empowerment, propelling us towards the most secure and gender inclusive Nigeria,” he said.

The representative of the UN Women, Mr Peter Mancha, said the UNSCR1325 marked its 24th anniversary in October.

He said member countries were expected to develop a National Action Plan for women, peace and security to bridge existing gaps.

Mancha said it was discovered globally that there was a huge gender gap when it comes to women participation and representation in peace building and conflict prevention.

According to him, while women are excluded in the peace building processes, they are the majority that bear the brunt of conflicts.

“If you go to some of the IDP camps in Nigeria, you discover that significant population are either women or children.

“Because of patriarchal nature of our society and discriminatory nature of our society, we exclude women with the feeling that anything that has to do with peace and security should be limited to only men.

“So the UN Security Council resolution is saying we are underutilising the huge potentials that women have to contribute to peace and security, and they are saying for us globally now to achieve sustainable peace and security, women must be involved because they have value to add.

“There are conflicts that men could not resolve here in Nigeria, that the women were successfully able to resolve,” he said.

Mancha said the setting up of Mix Observers Group by the UN in the North East comprising female police and civil defence officers and female community leaders helped to address the issue of unreported cases of rape.

He said the UN Women would continue to support the Nigerian armed forces and other security agencies in the effort to mainstream gender in the nation’s security management.

The Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, who was represented by Dr Adewale Aderemi, said it was expected that the resolution of the workshop would translate into some form of legislation.

He said the institute intended to escalate the conversation to the national parliament and find ways to ensure that the nation’s gender policies were more intense.

He added that a lot had been done with regards to plugging the gender gap in security operations through multi stakeholder interventions and dialogue.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Pass Food Safety Bill into law, Stakeholders urge NASS

Stakeholders on Wednesday appealed to the National Assembly to pass the National Food Safety and Quality Bill 2019 into law.

They made the appeal in Abuja at the validation workshop on the Draft National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan 2023.

The Director and National Coordinator, Food and Safety Programme, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mr John Atanda, said that the policy being validated needed the necessary legislation to help its implementation.

According to him, the bill will take care of the existing gaps in food safety quality and also gave responsibility to all tiers of government.

“This bill is supposed to complement the policy to give it more strength and a powerful transformation to food safety in Nigeria.

“Based on the provision of this policy when it was first developed in 2015, it was set to modernise Nigeria food safety structure.

“So there was a need to have a legislation to back it up and the National Food Safety and Health Committee that was established by the provision of this policy developed the National Food Safety and Quality Bill.

“It went to Federal Executive Council and was approved and then transmitted to the National Assembly.

“It passed through all the legislative process and was sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent but was not assented to before the expiration of his administration.”

Speaking on the essence of the policy being validated, he said that it was to provide an overarching framework for food safety and security in the country.

Atanda said that it would address the issue of regulation for those that it is intended for.

The Director, Food and Drug Services, Mrs Olubunmi Aribeana, in an address, said that in Nigeria, research had shown that over 200,000 people reportedly died from food poisoning and contamination annually.

Represented by Mrs Adeola Olufowobi-Yusuf, Head, Food, Chemical Cosmetics and Water Safety Division, she added that Nigeria needed a more robust and comprehensive policy to strengthen the food safety and quality sector of the country, hence the need for the validation.

“The Federal Government in January 2015 in partnership with the critical stakeholders in the food sector, inaugurated the National Policy on Food Safety and its Implementation Strategy (NPFSIS).

“This was to provide the government with the needed framework and to modernise the national food safety control system in line with international standards.

“Based on government determination to modernise and strengthen its National Food Safety Control and Management System in line with global best practices and standards, the ministry and its partners have reviewed the existing National Food Safety Policy document, to address the identified inherent gaps.

“This version will provide the framework for upgrading national capacity to develop and operate an integrated food safety control system to achieve more effective collaboration and coordination between agencies responsible for food quality control system in Nigeria.”

The Executive Director, Nigeria, Resolve to Save Lives, a NGO, Mrs Nanlop Ogbureke, hoped that the document would provide an opportunity and the potential to work on the health outcomes of our country.

“The collaborative and the multisector angle to pushing forward this policy is very critical, so we hope that with validating this policy, we will be able to push together to ensure that the bill gets signed.”

For the Assistant Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, NAFDAC, Mrs Felicitas Anyanwu, implementation of the policy is key to achieving the set targets.

“There are so many policies but implementation is very important so at NAFDAC we are always ready to collaborate towards the implementation of any policy that is within our mandate.

“Also, we promise to do all to ensure that food safety is taken very seriously in Nigeria.

“Safeguarding the public health is important and food safety is key to achieving that”, she added.

The USAID, Advancing Nutrition Project, Technical Advisor, Mr Micheal Eveshoyan, said that the project works to ensure food safety and nutritious foods are available for all Nigerians for productivity and resilience.

“We say that no food is nutritious if the food is not safe therefore we say that food safety is also a paramount in advancing nutrition.”

According to him, it is hoped that once the policy is validated, the action plan would be followed to ensure that Nigerians have a document to protect what they eat.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Nigeria’s inflation rate hits 27.33% in October- NBS

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increased to 27.33 per cent in October 2023.

The NBS disclosed this in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report for October, which was released in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the report, the figure, which is 0.61 per cent points higher compared to 26.72 per cent recorded in September 2023.

It said on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate in October was 6.24 per cent higher than the rate recorded in October 2022 at 21.09 per cent.

The report said the increase in the headline index for October 2023 on a year on year basis was attributed to the increase in some items in the basket of goods and services at the divisional level.

It said these increases were observed in food and non-alcoholic beverages at 14.16 per cent and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel at 4.57 per cent.

Others were clothing and footwear at 2.09 per cent; transport at 1.78 per cent; furnishings, household equipment and maintenance at 1.37 per cent, education at 1.08 per cent, and health at 0.82 per cent.

It added, “Miscellaneous goods and services at 0.45 per cent; restaurant and hotels at 0.33 per cent; alcoholic beverage, tobacco and kola at 0.30 per cent; recreation and culture at 0.19 per cent, and communication at 0.19 per cent.”

In addition, the report said, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in October 2023 was 1.73 per cent, which was 0.37 per cent lower than the rate recorded in September 2023 at 2.10 per cent.

It said, ”This means that in October 2023, the rate of increase in the average price level is less than the rate of increase in the average price level in September 2023.

It said the percentage change in the average CPI for the 12 months ending October 2023 over the average of the CPI for the previous corresponding 12-month period was 23.44 per cent.

“This indicates a 5.57 per cent increase compared to 17.86 per cent recorded in October 2022.”

The report said the food inflation rate in October increased to 31.52 per cent on a year-on-year basis, which was 7.80 per cent higher compared to the rate recorded in October 2022 at 23.72 per cent.

It added, “The rise in food inflation on a year on year basis is caused by increases in prices of oil and fats, bread and cereals, fish, potatoes, yams and other tubers, fruits, meat, vegetable, milk, cheese and eggs. ”

It said on a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in October was 1.91per cent, which was a 0.54 per cent drop compared to the rate recorded in September 2023 at 2.45 per cent.

The report added, “The decline in food inflation on a month-on-month basis was caused by a decrease in the average prices of fruits, oil and fats, coffee, tea and cocoa, bread and cereals. ”

It said the “All items less farm produce and energy’’ or core inflation, which excluded the prices of volatile agricultural produce and energy, stood at 22.58 per cent in October on a year-on-year basis.

“This increased by 5.12 per cent compared to 17.46 per cent recorded in October 2022.

“The exclusion of the PMS is due to the deregulation of the commodity by removal of subsidy,” the report continued.

It said the highest increases were recorded in prices of passenger transport by road, medical services, passenger transport by air, actual and imputed rentals for housing, pharmaceutical products etc.

The NBS said on a month-on-month basis, the core inflation rate was 1.39 per cent in October 2023.

The report added, “This indicates a 0.83 per cent drop compared to what was recorded in September 2023 at 2.22 per cent.

“The average 12-month annual inflation rate was 19.98 per cent for the 12 months ending October 2023, this was 4.60 per cent points higher than the 15.38 per cent recorded in October 2022.”

The report said on a year-on-year basis in October, the urban inflation rate was 29.29 per cent, which was 7.66 per cent higher compared to the 21.63 per cent recorded in October 2022.

It said, “On a month-on-month basis, the urban inflation rate was 1.81 per cent in October representing a 0.43 per cent decline compared to September 2023 at 2.24 per cent.

The report said on a year-on-year basis in October, the rural inflation rate was 25.58 per cent, which was 5.01 per cent higher compared to the 20.57 per cent recorded in October 2022.

“On a month-on-month basis, the rural inflation rate was 1.67 per cent, which decreased by 0.29 per cent compared to September 2023 at 1.96 per cent.’’

On states’ profile analysis, the report showed in October, all items inflation rate on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi at 34.20 per cent, followed by Rivers at 31.44 per cent, and Lagos at 31.33 per cent.

It, however, said the slowest rise in headline inflation on a year-on-year basis was recorded in Borno at 20.06 per cent, followed by Jigawa at 23.52 per cent, and Sokoto at 24.47 per cent.

The report, however, said in October 2023, all items inflation rate on a month-on-month basis was highest in Yobe at 3.72 per cent, Jigawa at 2.85 per cent, and Sokoto at 2.84 per cent.

“Kogi at 1.01 per cent, followed by Edo at 1.05 per cent and Kwara at 1.18 per cent recorded the slowest rise in month-on-month inflation.”

The report said on a year-on-year basis, food inflation was highest in Kogi at 41.74 per cent, followed by Kwara at 38.48 per cent, and Lagos at 37.37 per cent.

“Borno at 24.41 per cent, followed by Kebbi at 24.90 per cent and Jigawa at 25.10 per cent recorded the slowest rise in food inflation on a year-on-year basis,”it added.

The report, however, said on a month-on-month basis, food inflation was highest in Yobe at 5.35 per cent, followed by Sokoto at 3.68 per cent and Jigawa at 3.45 per cent.

It said, “With Edo at 0.95 per cent, followed by Katsina at 1.03 per cent and Rivers at 1.10 per cent recorded the slowest rise on month-on-month food inflation.’’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria