Novelty Nobility Taps AGC Biologics to Further Develop Bispecific Drug Candidate

Successful partnership continues as bispecific antibody candidate moves to GMP manufacturing; project highlights Japan's advanced capabilities in bioprocessing and AGC Biologics' expanding global network 

CHIBA, Japan, May 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novelty Nobility, a clinical-stage biotech company based in South Korea, expanded its manufacturing agreement with AGC Biologics, your friendly CDMO expert, to advance their bispecific antibody drug candidate through process development and GMP manufacturing at AGC Biologics’ facility in Chiba, Japan.

This second partnership, continued from the last year, underscores the successful track record and deep expertise AGC Biologics provides for developing complex biologics. The project leverages AGC Biologics’ global network, having successfully completed cell line development in Copenhagen, Denmark. The program is now on track for a seamless tech transfer to the Chiba site for the next critical manufacturing stages.

"AGC Biologics has proven to be an ideal manufacturing partner for advancing our most complex programs. Their seamless global network — from cell line development to GMP manufacturing — gives us the confidence to move NN4101 forward with speed and precision." said Sang Gyu Park, CEO of Novelty Nobility. "We believe this bispecific antibody has the potential to offer a truly differentiated treatment option for patients with neovascular retinal diseases."

Novelty Nobility’s bispecific antibody drug candidate NN4101 is a first-in-class bispecific antibody intended for the treatment of neovascular retinal diseases. It uniquely connects a fully human anti-c-Kit monoclonal antibody with a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) trap.

"Our continued partnership with Novelty Nobility is a testament to the trust and confidence customers have in our technical expertise and our global network's capabilities," said Tadashi Murano, President of the AGC Life Science Company. "Our mammalian expression teams are adept at handling complex proteins, and we are a world leader in applying flexible, single-use bioreactor technology. We are proud to support Novelty Nobility as they advance this innovative candidate toward the clinic."

The project highlights the power of AGC Biologics’ integrated global facility network, offering customers a seamless experience by combining world-class expertise with a strong regional presence. To further support growing demand in the region and globally, AGC Biologics is expanding its footprint in Japan with a new state-of-the-art facility in Yokohama. The Yokohama site is designed to utilize the latest single-use bioreactor technology to offer large-scale GMP manufacturing, making it one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Japan.

"When clients work with us, they tap into our entire global network which brings teams together for a seamless experience," noted Susumu Zen-in, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AGC Biologics’ Chiba site. "This approach is creating wins for our partners and for AGC Biologics throughout the APAC region. The upcoming capacity at our new Yokohama site will only strengthen our ability to meet the global demand for vital biopharmaceuticals."

About AGC Biologics

AGC Biologics is a leading global biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a strong commitment to delivering the highest standard of service as we work side-by-side with our clients and partners, to provide friendly and expert services. We provide world-class development and manufacturing of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and genetically engineered cells. Our global network spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with locations in Seattle, Washington; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Chiba and Yokohama, Japan. AGC Biologics is a part of AGC Inc.’s Life Science Business. The Life Science Business runs eight facilities focused on biopharmaceuticals, advanced therapies, small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, and agrochemicals. To learn more, visit www.agcbio.com.

About Novelty Nobility

Novelty Nobility is a clinical-stage biotech company driven by a mission to maximize the potential of therapeutic antibodies. The company is dedicated to developing next-generation treatments for immunology and inflammatory diseases. Leveraging its proprietary fully human antibody discovery platform, PREXISE®-D, together with deep expertise in protein engineering, Novelty Nobility is advancing a diverse pipeline of monoclonal antibodies (mAb), bispecific antibodies (bsAb), and antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) — modalities where scientific novelty translates into meaningful benefits for patients.

AGC Inc. corporate contact: info-pr@agc.com   

AGC Biologics media contact: ksills@agc.com

Novelty Nobility media contact: ok.kwon@noveltynobility.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cecf4f80-22df-4bbf-b0a7-f50b9acf9495 

SOURCE: AGC Biologics, Inc.

--BERNAMA 

Dr. Falk Pharma and Renexxion announce positive results on naronapride in gastroparesis from the global phase 2b MOVE-IT trial

 

• MOVE-IT met the primary endpoint with statistically significant improvement in gastroparesis symptoms in 20 mg and 40 mg TID doses vs placebo
• Improvements observed across key symptoms, including nausea, early satiety, post-prandial fullness and upper abdominal pain
• Favorable safety and tolerability profiles
• Late-breaking oral presentation delivered at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026 in Chicago, IL

FREIBURG, Germany and ROSCREA, Ireland, May 5 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH (“Dr. Falk Pharma”), a research-based pharmaceutical company specializing in digestive and metabolic medicine, and Renexxion Ireland Limited (“Renexxion”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced positive results from MOVE-IT (NCT05621811), a global Phase 2b, randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of naronapride in adults with gastroparesis. 

The double-blind, multicenter, 12-week study enrolled 328 adults with moderate-to-severe idiopathic or diabetic gastroparesis symptoms and objective evidence of delayed gastric emptying. Eligible patients received either 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg naronapride, or placebo, administered orally three times a day (TID) for 12 weeks.  

MOVE-IT met the primary endpoint, demonstrating statistically significant improvement versus placebo in the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index Daily Diary (ANMS GCSI-DD) Core Symptom Score in the 20 mg TID (p=0.0046) and 40 mg TID (p=0.0156) groups. The ANMS GCSI-DD is a content-validated, patient-reported outcome instrument that assesses the five cardinal gastroparesis symptoms: nausea, vomiting, early satiety, postprandial fullness and upper abdominal pain.

Table 1. Primary endpoint – Change from baseline to Week 12 in the average weekly ANMS GCSI-DD Core Symptom Score

			Naronapride  10 mg TID	Naronapride 20 mg TID	Naronapride 40 mg TID	Placebo TID
Total Population			N=83	N=80	N=80	N=85
Baseline (BSL) Week 12	Mean (SD) Mean (SD)		2.450 (0.388) 1.155 (0.797)	2.429 (0.341) 0.883 (0.759)	2.462 (0.450) 0.907 (0.780)	2.402 (0.396) 1.280 (0.911)
Change to Week 12	LS Mean (SE)  +/- 95% CI		-1.244 (0.100)  [-1.440, -1.048]	-1.512 (0.102)  [-1.712, -1.311]	-1.452 (0.100)  [-1.649, -1.256]	-1.106 (0.095)  [-1.293, -0.920]
Difference to Placebo	LS Mean (SE)		-0.138 (0.136)	-0.405 (0.137)	-0.346 (0.136)
Dunnett-Hsu Adjusted	97.5%-CI  p-value†		[-∞, 0.183]  0.3112	[-∞, -0.081]  0.0046	[-∞, -0.024]  0.0156

_{CI = Confidence interval; LS Means = Least square means; N = Number of participants in analysis population; SD = Standard deviation; SE = Standard error. † One-sided}

Naronapride also demonstrated statistically significant improvements versus placebo from baseline to Week 12 across key secondary and exploratory endpoints in the total population:

• ANMS GCSI-DD Composite Score (core score excluding vomiting): Statistically significant improvements observed in 20 mg (p=0.0024) and 40 mg (p=0.0117) TID dose groups versus placebo.
• Responder Analyses: Approximately 15-20% more participants achieved clinically meaningful improvement (defined as >1.0 decrease in ANMS GCSI-DD Composite Score) with naronapride 20 mg or 40 mg TID vs. placebo, with no added benefit of 40 mg over 20 mg.  
• Patient-Reported Quality of Life (QoL): Global improvements reflecting meaningful benefit beyond core symptom reduction and supporting consistency of treatment effect across validated symptom assessment instruments.
• Improvement in gastric emptying breath test (GEBT): All active doses achieved greater gastric emptying versus placebo. Maximum improvement with 20 mg (mean -21.95 minutes) and 40 mg (mean –14.92 minutes) versus placebo (mean –10.96 minutes).

Consistent with previous studies, the safety and tolerability profiles were favorable, with no new safety signals identified versus placebo, including cardiac, neuropsychiatric, or prolactin-related signals. To date, naronapride has been studied in over 1200 subjects, with a safety profile reflecting its minimal systemic absorption. 

Dr. Kai Pinkernell, M.D., Managing Director Science & Innovation at Dr. Falk Pharma, commented: “We are excited about the outcomes showing a significant and clinically meaningful impact on gastroparesis symptoms, all combined with a favorable safety profile. This is an important step towards providing physicians and patients with a treatment option where few effective choices exist. We look forward to sharing these results with the scientific community, engaging with regulatory authorities, and moving decisively toward registration studies later this year and eventual commercialization.” 

Dr. Peter Milner, M.D., FACC, Chairman and CEO of Renexxion, commented: “These Phase 2b results represent a significant milestone for the naronapride program, demonstrating statistically significant improvement in gastroparesis symptoms with a favorable safety and tolerability profile. We believe naronapride’s locally acting, dual mechanism pharmacology and safety-by-design profile position it as a potential best-in-class therapy for gastroparesis, a disease with significant unmet medical need and limited, safe, effective long-term treatment options. Together with our partner Dr. Falk Pharma, we are now focused on advancing naronapride into late-stage development with the goal of bringing an important new treatment option to physicians and patients.”

About Naronapride
Naronapride is a potential best-in-class oral, locally acting pan-GI prokinetic designed to enhance coordinated motility across the digestive tract. Naronapride works through a differentiated dual mechanism of action- 5-HT4 receptor agonism and dopamine D2 receptor antagonism- modulating two validated targets on the luminal surface of the intestinal wall that regulate GI motility and nausea signaling.  Naronapride’s dual pharmacology, minimal systemic bioavailability, and differentiated pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic profile are designed to deliver targeted activity within the GI tract while limiting systemic exposure. To date, naronapride has demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile across nine Phase 1 clinical trials and five Phase 2 clinical trials conducted in multiple indications including gastroesophageal reflux disease, erosive esophagitis and chronic idiopathic constipation.

About Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying and debilitating symptoms including nausea, vomiting, early satiety, upper abdominal pain and postprandial fullness. Approximately 22 per 100,000 individuals across US and Europe are formally diagnosed with gastroparesis, while up to 12-times more experience symptoms consistent with the disease. Despite the substantial disease burden, the availability of safe and effective long‑term treatment options remains limited.

About Renexxion
Renexxion Ireland Limited, a wholly-owned Irish subsidiary of California-based Renexxion, Inc., is a privately held biopharmaceutical company committed to developing new therapies for patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Renexxion’s lead program is naronapride, a late-stage drug candidate being developed for multiple unmet indications in the upper and lower GI tract.

Further information on Renexxion can be found online: https://www.rnexltd.ie

Media Inquiries:   
Press@rnexltd.ie
+353 61 539121

About Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH  
Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH has been developing and marketing innovative medicines to treat a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease or eosinophilic esophagitis as well as hepatobiliary disorders such as primary biliary cholangitis for over 60 years. As the international experts in digestive and metabolic medicine, the company brings together physicians, scientists, and patients to devise new and powerful approaches to patient care. Dr. Falk Pharma engages in pre-clinical and clinical stage research that aims to meaningfully improve therapeutic practice as well as patient health and well-being. A family-owned business with a global presence, Dr. Falk Pharma has ten affiliates in Europe and Australia and is continuously growing. The company has its headquarters and R&D facilities in Freiburg, Germany, its pharmaceutical products are manufactured in Europe, mainly at sites in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland. Falk employs approximately 1,550 individuals globally and 450 in Freiburg.

Further information on Dr. Falk Pharma can be found online: https://drfalkpharma.com 

SOURCE: Dr. Falk Pharma

MELTWATER, YOUGOV REPORT HIGHLIGHTS SHIFTING CONSUMER TRUST IN AI-GENERATED CONTENT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- Meltwater and YouGov have released Trust in the Age of Generative AI, a new report exploring how the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video, audio, images and text is shaping consumer trust in brands and content.

Drawing insights from nearly 10,000 consumers across seven global markets, the study examines attitudes toward generative AI (GenAI) and the media environments that influence these perceptions. The findings offer key insights for brands navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.

Meltwater Chief Product Officer, Chris Hackney in a statement said GenAI provides brands with a powerful new way to connect with audiences, but success depends on how transparently and thoughtfully it is used, and brands that lead with clarity and accountability have a real opportunity to build deeper trust.

As GenAI becomes more integrated into marketing and communications, the report reveals a pivotal moment for brands, not only in how they adopt AI, but also in how they redefine trust-building with audiences.

The findings also point to a meaningful opportunity, in which consumers want brands to be transparent, intentional, and audience-first in their use of AI, and those that are could differentiate themselves and build stronger, more trusted relationships with their audiences.

The report finds that transparency is a critical factor, with 86 per cent of consumers saying AI-generated content should be disclosed, presenting a clear opportunity for brands to build trust.

At the same time, perceptions remain mixed, as 32 per cent of respondents say they would trust brands less if content is AI-generated, compared with 15 per cent who would trust them more, underscoring the importance of how AI is applied and communicated.

Consumer sentiment toward AI also reflects a degree of caution, with 39 per cent expressing excitement while a larger 51 per cent remain unconvinced. Awareness is increasing, as 58 per cent of consumers believe they can identify AI-generated content, while online discussions have grown by 53 per cent, with media contributing 34 per cent of overall coverage.

Concerns over misinformation remain high, with 73 per cent of respondents highlighting it as a key issue, creating an opening for brands to position themselves as reliable and trustworthy sources. Acceptance of AI varies by context, with higher levels seen in entertainment and advertising, but significantly lower trust in news and influencer content.

“These insights show that trust is not being lost; it is being redefined,” added Hackney.

-- BERNAMA

MELTWATER, YOUGOV REPORT HIGHLIGHTS SHIFTING CONSUMER TRUST IN AI-GENERATED CONTENT

EZE Cloud Goes Live on Workday.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- Meltwater and YouGov have released Trust in the Age of Generative AI, a new report exploring how the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video, audio, images and text is shaping consumer trust in brands and content.

Drawing insights from nearly 10,000 consumers across seven global markets, the study examines attitudes toward generative AI (GenAI) and the media environments that influence these perceptions. The findings offer key insights for brands navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.

Meltwater Chief Product Officer, Chris Hackney in a statement said GenAI provides brands with a powerful new way to connect with audiences, but success depends on how transparently and thoughtfully it is used, and brands that lead with clarity and accountability have a real opportunity to build deeper trust.

As GenAI becomes more integrated into marketing and communications, the report reveals a pivotal moment for brands, not only in how they adopt AI, but also in how they redefine trust-building with audiences.

The findings also point to a meaningful opportunity, in which consumers want brands to be transparent, intentional, and audience-first in their use of AI, and those that are could differentiate themselves and build stronger, more trusted relationships with their audiences.

The report finds that transparency is a critical factor, with 86 per cent of consumers saying AI-generated content should be disclosed, presenting a clear opportunity for brands to build trust.

At the same time, perceptions remain mixed, as 32 per cent of respondents say they would trust brands less if content is AI-generated, compared with 15 per cent who would trust them more, underscoring the importance of how AI is applied and communicated.

Consumer sentiment toward AI also reflects a degree of caution, with 39 per cent expressing excitement while a larger 51 per cent remain unconvinced. Awareness is increasing, as 58 per cent of consumers believe they can identify AI-generated content, while online discussions have grown by 53 per cent, with media contributing 34 per cent of overall coverage.

Concerns over misinformation remain high, with 73 per cent of respondents highlighting it as a key issue, creating an opening for brands to position themselves as reliable and trustworthy sources. Acceptance of AI varies by context, with higher levels seen in entertainment and advertising, but significantly lower trust in news and influencer content.

“These insights show that trust is not being lost; it is being redefined,” added Hackney.

-- BERNAMA

Vocalbeats.AI Brings AI Note-Taking to the Wrist with Apple Watch Experience for Owll

 

SINGAPORE, April 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vocalbeats.AI, a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company, recently launched a major update to its smart productivity app, Owll, introducing a purpose-built Apple Watch experience.

This update marks a key milestone for Owll, extending its voice-first productivity experience directly to the wrist and into real-time, everyday use cases. With a dedicated Apple Watch app, users can instantly capture ideas, meeting notes, and conversations with a single tap—enabling them to remain present and fully engaged without the friction of reaching for a device.

Owll for Apple Watch introduces intuitive, wrist-based recording designed for users demanding agility:

• One-tap activation: Instantly capture meeting notes, voice memos, and actionable ideas with a single tap.
• Hands-free experience: Record effortlessly during live conversations or while in transit.
• Cross-device synchronization: Automatically sync recordings in real time across the Apple ecosystem, including Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and web interfaces.
   

Traditional note-taking often disrupts attention, requiring multiple steps before a recording can begin. By migrating capture capabilities to the wrist, Owll reduces friction to a single tap, enabling users to record discreetly and capture information efficiently without breaking their workflow. Designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, Owll reflects Vocalbeats.AI’s human-centric approach, focusing on practical innovation that makes voice interaction more intuitive and inclusive across everyday use cases.

AI-Driven Summaries and Apple Ecosystem Integration

Beyond basic transcription, Owll’s AI transforms unstructured audio content into structured summaries, key insights, and actionable follow-ups, streamlining the end-to-end workflow from initial capture to final output.

Seamless integration across Apple devices ensures users can review, organize, and execute on insights immediately upon saving.

Capitalizing on Growing Global Demand for Voice-First Productivity

This latest update builds upon Owll’s accelerating global traction. According to January 2026 data from Sensor Tower, Owll ranked #1 in the Utilities category in two countries and within the top 10 highest-grossing Utilities apps across 26 countries—pointing to growing market demand for voice-first productivity solutions that integrate seamlessly into daily workflows.

Building on this momentum, Vocalbeats.AI continues to expand Owll’s ecosystem to meet the evolving needs of users worldwide.

Download the App

Users can install Owll on their Apple Watch by downloading the companion app on the Apple App Store for their iPhone and following the automated pairing prompts. Once installed, audio capture starts with a single tap, and saved recordings synchronize seamlessly across all connected devices.

The latest version of Owll is now available on the Apple App Store.

About Vocalbeats.AI

Vocalbeats.AI is a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company dedicated to innovating intelligent, user-friendly products and services designed to improve everyday life with more lifelike, intuitive, and accessible voice AI. Its expanding portfolio of AI-powered applications—spanning productivity, wellness, and beyond—is increasingly being embraced by a diverse global user base.

Beyond developing applications, Vocalbeats.AI is redefining how people interact with AI. Powered by an international team of engineers, designers and researchers, the Company pushes the boundaries of voice and AI technology to empower people everywhere to work smarter, connect more meaningfully, and live better.

For more information, please visit www.vocalbeats.ai.

Media contact: media@vocalbeats.com 

SOURCE: Vocalbeats

2026 Fujian Provincial Conference on Development of Cultural, Tourism Economy opens on Apr. 17 in Zhangzhou, SE China's Fujian

 

^{​Longjiang Years Scenic Area: an urban renewal project in Hi-Tech Zone, Zhangzhou, SE China's Fujian}


ZHANGZHOU, China, Apr. 20, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

The 2026 Fujian Provincial Conference on the Development of Cultural and Tourism Economy kicked off in Zhangzhou, China's Fujian province on Friday. The event is themed "Building a World-Class Destination, Cultivating a Pillar Industry," highlighting elements of Minnan (Southern Fujian) wisdom, lifestyle, and culture. Coinciding with a local major initiative to build the World Minnan Cultural Exchange Center, the conference has curated 6 main activities with 60 peripheral events to attract global visitors.

The opening ceremony featured the Homing Minnan (Return to Southern Fujian) show. Set against the backdrop of the historic Yuegang Port and local craftsmanship, the show utilized interactive staging to bring the "daring to try, striving to win" spirit vividly to life.

The conference is expected to focus on industrial synergy and investment promotion, encouraging interaction among various sectors of cultural tourism industry. Projects to be launched cover the emerging performance-driven economies, sports tourism, "film-and-TV-plus-tourism," and wellness retreats.

Further celebrating regional identity, the conference is scheduled to stage Minnan cultural showcases, including comedy acts, galas, and cross-strait Gezi Opera performances. Among the highlights is the "Fresh Fujian Lifestyle" campaign, which takes the advantage of the May Day holiday and summer peak seasons to offer domestic and international guests an authentic taste of southern Fujian living.

Ever since 2023, the annual conference has been seen as a vital catalyst for boosting industry confidence and facilitating the deep integration of culture and tourism across the province.

Source: Organizing Committee of the 2026 Fujian Provincial Conference on the Development of Cultural and Tourism Economy

Horizon Quantum and AQT to Advance Real-World Quantum Applications with Strategic Hardware–Software Collaboration

By integrating Horizon’s software infrastructure with AQT’s trapped-ion quantum computing systems, this collaboration helps accelerate progress towards real-world quantum applications. 


SINGAPORE & INNSBRUCK, Austria, April 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Horizon Quantum Computing Pte. Ltd., the wholly-owned subsidiary of Horizon Quantum Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: HQ “Horizon Quantum”), a pioneer of software infrastructure for quantum applications, and AQT (Alpine Quantum Technologies), a leading European provider of trapped-ion quantum computers, today announced a strategic collaboration to advance the development of real-world quantum computing applications via increased hardware-software integration. By combining advanced hardware capabilities with scalable software infrastructure, the two companies aim to accelerate users’ ability to build real-world quantum applications.

The integration of Triple Alpha—Horizon Quantum's integrated development environment—with AQT's trapped-ion quantum processors—a leading modality known for high gate fidelity and low error rates—is intended to enable developers with and without specialised hardware expertise to harness the power of AQT’s systems at various levels of abstraction. Using Triple Alpha, developers can write, compile, and deploy quantum programs directly onto AQT’s processors, accessing the hardware via the cloud.

“AQT’s trapped ion systems provide low error rates and long coherence times, potentially increasing the scalability and reliability of quantum computing,” said Horizon Quantum CEO Dr Joe Fitzsimons. “Through this collaboration, Triple Alpha users will gain access to AQT’s processors, expanding their options for cutting-edge hardware designed to solve difficult computational problems.”

Horizon Quantum and AQT will engage customers as equals, working together to solve computational problems and achieve joint technical firsts in the fields of quantum computing and software development.

“The Triple Alpha software development environment navigates the diversity and complexity of today’s quantum stack, providing developers with access at multiple levels of abstraction to deliver both programming freedom and fine-grained precision,” said Dr Thomas Monz, CEO of AQT. “The collaboration with Horizon Quantum provides broad and easy access to AQT’s hardware and leverages synergies between the two companies, which share the common goal of advancing quantum computing in practice."

Horizon Quantum’s objective is to build the most capable hardware-agnostic software infrastructure. Horizon Quantum believes the collaboration with AQT is an important step towards further broadening the range of hardware architectures supported in Triple Alpha. To accelerate its research and development efforts and further advance Triple Alpha, Horizon Quantum recently listed on Nasdaq under the ticker HQ.

About Horizon Quantum

Horizon Quantum [NASDAQ: HQ] is on a mission to unlock broad quantum advantage by building the software infrastructure that empowers developers to use quantum computing to solve the world’s toughest computational problems.

Founded in 2018 by Dr Joe Fitzsimons, a leading researcher and former professor with more than two decades of experience in quantum computing, the company is bridging the gap between today’s hardware and tomorrow’s applications through the creation of advanced quantum software development tools. Its integrated development environment, Triple Alpha, enables developers to write sophisticated, hardware-agnostic quantum programs at different levels of abstraction. Learn more at www.horizonquantum.com.

About AQT

Building on decades of experience in experimental and theoretical quantum information processing in Innsbruck (Austria), AQT develops and builds quantum computers. The company offers ion trap-based quantum computers that fit seamlessly into conventional IT infrastructure and can be operated from any PC or laptop, regardless of location. AQT enables its customers to install quantum computers on site or to explore use-cases via a convenient cloud solution. Researchers and developers are supported by both quantum hardware components as well as complete systems that significantly accelerate the development of quantum solutions. Learn more at www.aqt.eu.

Note to Investors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements. The expectations, estimates, and projections of the businesses of Horizon Quantum may differ from its actual results and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “potential,” “plan” “enable,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and Horizon Quantum therefore cautions against placing undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are outside of the control of Horizon Quantum and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other financial, performance and operational metrics and projections of market opportunity; (2) references with respect to the anticipated benefits of the strategic collaboration with AQT; (3) the outcome of any efforts to integrate Horizon Quantum and AQT’s trapped-ion processor technology with Horizon Quantum’s software infrastructure; (4) Horizon Quantum’s ability to scale and grow its business, and the advantages and expected growth of Horizon Quantum; (5) the cash position of Horizon Quantum; (6) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the recently completed business combination with dMY Squared Technology Group, Inc., which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of Horizon Quantum to grow and manage growth profitably and source and retain its key employees; (7) costs, if any, related to the strategic collaboration with AQT; (8) changes in applicable laws and regulations or political and economic developments; (9) the possibility that Horizon Quantum may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (10) Horizon Quantum’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (11) difficulties operating Horizon Quantum’s quantum processors and the possibility that the quantum processors do not provide the advantages that Horizon Quantum expects; (12) the ability of Horizon Quantum to integrate access to its quantum computing test bed, including AQT’s technology, within its Triple Alpha platform; (13) the ability of Horizon Quantum’s coding languages to provide additional abstraction when compared to other quantum computing solutions; (14) the ability to maintain the listing of Horizon Quantum’s Class A ordinary shares and warrants on Nasdaq; and (15) other risks and uncertainties included in the “Risk Factors” sections of the Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed by Horizon Quantum in connection with the Business Combination, other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Horizon Quantum. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. New risks emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all risks, nor can management assess the impact of all factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Horizon Quantum does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415917591/en/

Contact

Media Contact
Horizon Quantum media contact
Yanina Blaclard
media@horizonquantum.com 

AQT media contact
Franz Domig
franz.domig@aqt.eu 

Investor Contact
Horizon Quantum investor contact
Katherine Bailon
investors@horizonquantum.com 

Source : Horizon Quantum Computing Pte. Ltd.

BRIDGE ALLIANCE EXTENDS SUMMIT TO FIVE DAYS, DRIVING GLOBAL MEDIA TRANSFORMATION

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- BRIDGE Alliance will expand its flagship BRIDGE Summit to five days for its second edition, scheduled to take place beginning Nov 28 at a larger venue on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Miral, a developer of immersive destinations and experiences in the emirate.

The expansion reflects a broader strategic shift to position BRIDGE as a year-round global platform shaping the future of media, the creative economy and cross-border collaboration.

The announcement was made during the alliance’s third board of directors meeting, by BRIDGE Alliance Chairman, Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, where members outlined plans to evolve BRIDGE from a high-impact gathering into a more permanent institutional platform aimed at driving long-term industry transformation.

“BRIDGE is a long-term institutional project that redefines the role of media within the equation of development, economy, and knowledge,” said Sheikh Abdulla in a statement.

Meanwhile, BRIDGE Alliance Vice Chairman, Dr Jamal Al Kaabi added that the summit reflects the United Arab Emirates’ transition from supporting the media economy to engineering its operational platforms.

BRIDGE Summit 2026 will bring together leaders across media, technology, investment, and content creation, with a focus on deepening professional engagement to support new business models, co-production, and access to regional and global markets.

Programming will span seven core sectors, namely media, the creator economy, technology and artificial intelligence, marketing, gaming, music, and filmmaking, reflecting key forces reshaping the content landscape.

The inaugural BRIDGE Summit, held in December 2025 at ADNEC, attracted more than 40,000 participants from 182 countries, hosted 1,276 business meetings, and resulted in 48 agreements and partnerships.

-- BERNAMA

World Ageing Festival 2026 Set for 14–15 April at Marina Bay Sands, Spotlighting Longevity and the Silver Economy

SINGAPORE, April 9 (Bernama) -- The 17th World Ageing Festival 2026, organised by Ageing Asia Pte Ltd,  will take place from 14–15 April at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, convening over 8,300 attendees, including more than 5,000 trade participants and 130 speakers from over 40 countries, to explore the opportunities and challenges of ageing in a rapidly greying world.

Held in partnership with Singapore Management University (SMU) as Co-host and Academic Pillar Partner, the Festival is honoured to have Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development, as the Guest-of-Honour on its opening day, and Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Singapore’s Minister of State for the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, as the Guest-of-Honour on day two.

Global Line-Up of Thought Leaders

The 17th World Ageing Festival 2026 will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions by internationally recognised experts in ageing, longevity and health systems, including:

· Dr Maliki, Deputy Minister for Community Empowerment, Population and Labor, Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency, Indonesia
· Honorable Tracey Martin, Chief Executive, Aged Care Association, New Zealand
· Professor Lily Kong, President, Singapore Management University, Singapore
· Dr Cheong Wei Yang, Vice Provost (Strategic Research Partnerships), SMU; and Senior Adviser (Health Economics), Ministry of Health, Singapore
· Professor Paulin Straughan, Professor of Sociology (Practice) and Director, Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA), SMU, Singapore
· Dr Paul Ong, Deputy CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, Tsao Foundation, Singapore
· Professor Axel Börsch‐Supan, Executive Director, Munich Research Institute for the Economics of Aging and SHARE Analyses, Germany
· Mr Mikio Okumura, Group Chief Executive Officer, President and Representative Executive Officer, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Japan
· Dr Bogdan Chiva Giurca, Head, WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Prescribing in Europe, Clinical Lead and Global Director, National Academy for Social Prescribing, United Kingdom
· Ms Francien van de Ven, Director, Zorggroep Grootenhout, Netherlands
· Mr Daniel Reingold, Trustee, President and CEO (Ret.), RiverSpring Living, United States of America
· Mr Tom Symondson, CEO, Ageing Australia, Australia
· Mr Tan Chee Wee, Chief Executive Officer, Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), Singapore 

Their addresses will set the tone for the Festival, examining how societies must adapt to longer life expectancies and shifting demographics. Discussions will also explore the transformation of retirement and workforce participation, the redesign of healthcare and care systems, and the rise of the longevity economy as a key growth frontier.

One of the main draws of the Festival is the Ageing Asia Innovation Exhibition, featuring over 200 leading global brands and solutions supporting successful ageing across Assistive Living, Home and Community Care, Healthcare, Active Ageing, Technology, Wellbeing, Rehabilitation and Wellness Tourism.  

Among the innovations showcased, Buddy of Parents will introduce its BOP Monitor Voice, a technology-enabled eldercare solution designed to support safer independent living through features such as fall detection, activity monitoring and real-time emergency response.

Also featured is  LiveLong.AI, a tool powered by EliteFit.Ai which enables early detection of fall risks in adults aged 55 and above through a quick screening of balance and strength, delivering personalised risk insights and next steps.

Another featured solution is an intelligent flooring system by Zao that uses embedded sensors and AI to detect falls in real time and alert caregivers instantly. Designed to be non-intrusive and privacy-safe, the system provides continuous, whole-room monitoring—offering a seamless approach to fall prevention and protection without the need for wearables or cameras.

Emphasising Collaboration and Real-World Impact

Ms Janice Chia, Founder & Managing Director of Ageing Asia Pte Ltd, said, “Longevity is reshaping how we live, work and care for one another. The Festival will create a space for global and local stakeholders to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and co-develop solutions that will define the future of ageing societies.”

The opening day will also mark the official launch of the SMU Longevity Societies & Economies Institute (LSEI), a new institute dedicated to advancing the economic and societal sustainability of ageing populations. Also to be launched by Ageing Asia is the 5th Edition of The Asia Pacific Silver Economy Business Opportunities Report 2026–2030, published by Ageing Asia, produced in collaboration with LSEI. The report will present an in-depth examination of the economic and societal implications of population ageing across Asia Pacific, drawing on regional perspectives and cross-sector insights.

It highlights the rapid growth of the region’s silver economy from approximately US$4 trillion today to nearly US$7 trillion by 2030, alongside emerging trends such as new senior tourism metrics, with older travellers quietly becoming Asia’s most valuable guests. The report also underscores how healthier ageing could unlock trillions in economic opportunity by reducing the cost burden of ill health among seniors.

It further explores key shifts shaping the longevity economy, including demographic change, evolving health and care systems, and financial preparedness, offering actionable insights into opportunities across the region.

Caregiving, Culture and Community in Focus on Opening Day

From the realities of caregiving to the vibrancy of inter-generational performance, the opening day will spotlight the human dimensions of ageing. As part of the caregiving forum, a special screening of Nowhere Like Home, a documentary commissioned by Tsao Foundation, will offer an intimate portrayal of caregiving through the lived experiences of three families. The film highlights the challenges, resilience, and dedication involved in supporting ageing in place, while also underscoring the importance of professional and community support for both caregivers and care recipients.

There will also be an inter-generational samba performance featuring senior performers, celebrating active ageing through culture, creativity and lifelong engagement.

“Engaging seniors as part of the ‘silver force’ at the festival reflects our belief that ageing should be redefined as a stage of continued contribution and participation. By creating opportunities for older adults to be actively involved, we hope to demonstrate the value of experience, purpose and community in shaping more inclusive ageing societies,” added Janice Chia.

The 17th World Ageing Festival is organised by Ageing Asia in partnership with SMU as Co-host and Academic Pillar Partner. The Festival provides a global platform to advance evidence-informed dialogue and collaboration on the future of ageing and the silver economy.

Notes to Editors

Event Details

Dates:         14–15 April 2026

Time:         14 April 2026: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Registration: 7:30AM - 5:00PM)
15 April 2026: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Registration: 7:30AM - 4:00PM)

Venue:       Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Hall C

Expected Attendance: 8,300+ participants

Exhibitors: 200+ global brands and solution providers
 
Media registration contact: Florence.fang@flamecomms.com
 
About Ageing Asia Pte Ltd

Ageing Asia is Asia Pacific’s first industry alliance on the business of ageing. We are an independent network and social enterprise that seeks to unite business, government, community leaders and the media, to drive change for APAC’s ageing landscape. Our vision is to lead an advocacy and educational role in improving quality and standards of eldercare, nurture partnerships and curate development of solutions that address the new opportunities and market demands of the ageing baby boomer population. Ageing Asia is a member of the Singapore Business Federation and raiSE. For more information on Ageing Asia, please visit https://www.worldageingfestival.com/
 
About Singapore Management University (SMU) 


A premier university in Asia, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU's mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative, and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU's education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning. Home to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes, SMU comprises eight schools: College of Integrative Studies, College of Graduate Research Studies, School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Computing and Information Systems, Yong Pung How School of Law, School of Social Sciences. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors', masters', and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with its schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas. SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU's city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government, and the wider community. In March 2026, SMU is recognised as the World’s Most Improved University in the QS 2026 World University Rankings by Subject.

SOURCE: Flame Communications 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Florence Fang
Flame Communications (Official PR Agency)
Tel: (65) 92769231
Email: florence.fang@flamecomms.com 

--BERNAMA 

BOULDER IMAGING SECURES GROWTH INVESTMENT FROM LIME ROCK NEW ENERGY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- Boulder Imaging Inc, a provider of ultra-high-speed machine vision technologies for wind energy and manufacturing applications, has received a growth investment from funds managed by Lime Rock New Energy (LRNE) to accelerate its global expansion and technology development.

The investment will support Boulder Imaging’s efforts to expand its presence in wind energy and manufacturing, drive product innovation and enter new markets. The company’s leadership team, including Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Technology Officer Carlos Jorquera, will continue to lead the business, retaining significant ownership.

“Lime Rock New Energy is the ideal partner to support the next chapter of our growth. Their investment and strategic support will help us scale our technology, strengthen our competitive position and meet evolving customer needs globally,” said Jorquera in a statement.

Meanwhile, LRNE Managing Director, Mark Lewis said Boulder Imaging’s technologies are uniquely positioned to address critical challenges in wind energy and manufacturing, with solutions like IdentiFlight enabling both environmental protection and operational efficiency as the global wind energy market continues to expand.

Headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, Boulder Imaging specialises in ultra-high-speed machine vision technologies. Its proprietary Vision Inspector platform integrates artificial intelligence (AI), sensor fusion and advanced algorithms to address complex visual inspection challenges across industries such as wind energy, security printing and manufacturing.

The company’s flagship IdentiFlight system uses long-range optics and AI to detect and identify protected bird species at wind farms, enabling operators to reduce avian fatalities by more than 95 per cent while minimising energy losses. The system is deployed across wind farms on six continents, reinforcing Boulder Imaging’s leadership in AI-driven environmental protection solutions.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Boulder Imaging was advised by Capstone Partners and Troutman Pepper Locke LLP, while LRNE was advised by Goodwin Procter LLP.

-- BERNAMA

KINGDOM SECURES FIRST PROJECT FINANCING FOR JAPAN'S MIMASAKA FACILITY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- Kingdom, a battery energy storage system (BESS) platform established by Stonepeak, an alternative investment firm, has executed its first long-term project finance loan facility for its Mimasaka project in Japan.

The Mimasaka project is a 29 megawatt (MW) battery energy storage project located in Mimasaka, Okayama Prefecture, Chugoku.

In a statement, the company said MUFG Bank Ltd is the original lender and mandated lead arranger, while batteries for the project are supplied by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited (CATL).

Kingdom Chief Executive Officer, Jay Guo said the company remains committed to supporting Japan’s energy transition goals and looks forward to collaborating with CATL and MUFG.

Meanwhile, Stonepeak Senior Managing Director, Ryan Chua said the transaction strengthens Kingdom’s position as a key player in Japan’s energy storage market.

“We look forward to bringing more of our projects to financial close and into construction in support of Japan’s energy transition targets,” he added.

Headquartered in Singapore, Kingdom owns and manages nine BESS projects in Japan with a combined gross capacity of 479MW, each secured with a 20-year revenue capacity market contract. The Mimasaka project is the first to reach project financing.

-- BERNAMA

Digital Realty Opens First Asia Pacific Innovation Lab in Japan to Help Accelerate AI and Hybrid Cloud Deployment

 

New DRIL can accelerate production-scale AI and hybrid cloud deployment in Japan 


TOKYO, April 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the world’s largest cloud- and carrier-neutral data center platform, today announced the opening of the first Digital Realty Innovation Lab (DRIL) in Asia Pacific, located at the NRT12 data center in Tokyo, Japan.

Established through MC Digital Realty, a joint venture between Digital Realty and Mitsubishi Corporation, the DRIL in Japan is the second globally, following the inaugural facility in Northern Virginia in September 2025, and before the launch of DRIL in Singapore in the second half of 2026.

Strengthening Japan’s AI Ecosystem
Japan is accelerating investments in semiconductor and AI technologies, with plans to invest 10 trillion yen* or more in these sectors by 2030. As AI adoption expands across industries, enterprises require infrastructure capable of supporting high-density, performance-intensive workloads while maintaining operational efficiency and resilience.

The DRIL in Japan will provide Digital Realty’s local partners and customers with a production-grade environment to test and optimize AI and hybrid cloud architectures under real-world conditions. By enabling hands-on evaluation of infrastructure configurations – including both air-cooled and direct liquid-cooled environments – customers can validate performance, power density and cooling strategies before full-scale deployment.

Designed to support advanced AI and high-performance computing use cases, the facility features racks equipped with direct liquid cooling capabilities that enable high-power-density workloads. As of launch, over 20 partner companies are using the DRIL to explore integrated infrastructure to enable faster AI and hybrid cloud implementation.

“We’re seeing strong global demand for infrastructure that can support complex, high-density AI workloads. Japan is uniquely positioned as a growth engine for AI innovation, combining advanced technology infrastructure with access to the broader Asia Pacific market, home to nearly 60 percent of the global population. Expanding DRIL into Japan reflects the market’s digital maturity and gives customers hands-on access to test AI-ready infrastructure, reduce deployment risk, and scale with confidence,” said Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer, Digital Realty.

Chris Han, Chief Operating Officer of MC Digital Realty, added, “In Japan, accelerating AI adoption is driving demand for infrastructure capable of supporting increasingly high‑density workloads. This facility enables enterprises to evaluate both air‑cooled and direct liquid‑cooled environments and identify the optimal configuration for their requirements before full‑scale deployment. Leveraging Digital Realty’s world‑class operational expertise and design capabilities, we will continue to deliver solutions tailored to Japan’s evolving digital landscape.”

Connecting Japan’s AI Workloads to the Global Platform
Tokyo’s DRIL will enable businesses in Japan to test performance, optimize configurations, and seamlessly connect to cloud and network providers via ServiceFabric®, Digital Realty’s global interconnection and orchestration platform.

By leveraging Digital Realty’s global operational experience and its Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx®) methodology, customers can evaluate AI deployments, while maintaining flexibility to scale regionally and globally across PlatformDIGITAL®.

Consistent with the global network of DRILs, key features of the Tokyo DRIL include:

• High-density AI and HPC testing – Support for AI and high-performance computing workloads with high-density colocation, accommodating deployments of up to 150kW per cabinet.
• Energy and cooling-aware testing – Enables enterprises to evaluate AI performance, power density, and efficiency trade-offs before full-scale deployment.
• AI infrastructure optimization – Enables businesses to explore AI-specific power, cooling, and GPU resource requirements in an environment optimized for AI workloads.
• Hybrid cloud validation – Direct cloud connectivity allows enterprises to refine hybrid strategies and seamlessly onboard through ServiceFabric®, Digital Realty’s interconnection and orchestration platform.
• AI workload orchestration – Customers can orchestrate AI workloads across Digital Realty’s Private AI Exchange (AIPx) to enable secure, low-latency integration across distributed environments.
• Latency testing across locations – Enterprises can test latency scenarios, ensuring seamless performance across multiple locations as well as cloud destinations.

The Tokyo facility joins Digital Realty’s plans for a global DRIL network, which supports a growing ecosystem of customers and partners, including AMD, Cisco, and Lenovo, and reinforces Digital Realty’s commitment to enabling AI-ready infrastructure across key digital markets worldwide.

About Digital Realty
Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL®, the company’s global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx®) solution methodology for powering innovation, from cloud and digital transformation to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected data communities that matter to them with a global data center footprint of 300+ facilities in 55+ metros across 30+ countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

About MC Digital Realty
MC Digital Realty, Inc., established in September 2017, is a 50/50 joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Digital Realty. The company provides the full spectrum of data center services in Japan, including colocation and interconnection solutions, by leveraging MC’s real estate and infrastructure investment expertise and customer network, as well as Digital Realty’s leading global data center platform, PlatformDIGITAL®, with 5,000+ customers across 300+ data centers on six continents. For more information about MC Digital Realty, please visit https://www.mc-digitalrealty.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to the company’s partnerships and expected benefits, expected completion dates, emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, ServiceFabric®, the APAC market, customer demand and the company’s strategy. For a list and description of risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/806daefd-c19b-4ed9-a50c-dc7d4e9de622


For Additional Information

Media Contacts
Joyce Ng Digital Realty
jong@digitalrealty.com

Investor Relations
Jordan Sadler / Jim Huseby
Digital Realty
+1 (214) 231-1350
InvestorRelations@digitalrealty.com 


SOURCE: Digital Realty Trust, L.P.