Latest news with #InnovationAward

South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Wales Business Awards winner from Cwmbran announced
Nanopharm, which specialises in drug product development and analytical services, took home the Innovation Award for its SmartTrack technology—an advancement in the development of orally inhaled or nasal drug products. Gemma Budd, general manager at Nanopharm, said: "We are surprised but proud to win the innovation award. "We have lots of wonderful local scientists working with us to create excellence in a niche field. "This award recognises their dedication and hard work." The Wales Business Awards, organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, were announced on Thursday, June 12, during a ceremony held at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and hosted by broadcaster Andrea Byrne. 12 winners were recognised across a dozen categories, with one named Wales Business of the Year 2025 by headline sponsor Bevan Buckland LLP. Another winner from South East Wales was Safran Seats GB, which received the Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year Award. The company is one of the world's leading suppliers of aircraft seating, and its apprenticeship scheme was praised for introducing new skills to the organisation and transforming workforce development. Other winners on the night included Celtic English Academy, Concrete Canvas Ltd, Educ8 Group, FleetEV, Landsker Business Solutions, PeoplePlus, Rockwool Ltd, Simply Do Ideas, Tyre Glider Ltd, and Wales Millennium Centre. Gus Williams, interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: "The Wales Business Awards celebrate the very best of Welsh business, recognising those leading their sectors in key areas such as trade, sustainability, and innovation, and positively contributing to the Welsh economic landscape. "We'd like to congratulate all of our incredible winners, including Nanopharm and Safran Seats GB, as well as our worthy finalists."


The Sun
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025 Kicks Off: Southeast Asia's Premier Trade Show
BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2025 - The third edition of Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025 officially inaugurated today at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, continuing its mission to launch Southeast Asia's maternity, baby, and kids industry onto the global stage. The event is organized through the collaboration of Koelnmesse and key national supporting partners including the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), and Thailand Textile Institute. This year's show showcased more than 100 leading brands from around the world including exhibitors from Thailand, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Spain, the Netherlands, and Austria. The event offers an extensive business matching program, knowledge-sharing trend forum and seminars led by renowned international experts, a dedicated Innovation Zone, and the prestigious Innovation Award pitching competition. With registered visitors from more than 30 counties including Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Chiana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and more, Kind+Jugend ASEAN 2025 is truly a meeting place for the industry in Southeast Asia and beyond. Mr. Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Thailand and Vice President Asia-Pacific, Koelnmesse, stated: Managing Director of Koelnmesse Thailand and Vice President Asia-Pacific, Koelnmesse, stated: 'Kind + Jugend ASEAN was launched with a long-term vision: to build a professional, regionally relevant platform for this industry in Southeast Asia—supporting quality brands, fostering partnerships, and enabling sustainable growth. That vision remains firmly in place today. The baby and maternity industry in 2025 is navigating a complex and uneven landscape, shaped by shifting demographics, evolving consumer expectations, and macroeconomic uncertainty. And yet, these very circumstances underline the importance of coming together—to share insights, build resilience, and identify new opportunities for growth across the region.' Mr. Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, Secretary to the Minister of Industry, further emphasized: 'The Ministry of Industry is proud to support Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025, which serves as a vital platform for Thai SMEs to generate economic value, particularly in the rapidly growing global market for innovative maternity and baby products. In today's competitive landscape, success is no longer determined by size alone, but by the ability to connect with emerging opportunities on the global stage. This event is more than an exhibition—it is a true 'bridge' connecting Thai entrepreneurs with international partners, perfectly aligned with the Ministry's vision of empowering SMEs to become regional exporters and innovators.' Dr. Kitsana Vachekrilas, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, added: 'The gathering of brands and entrepreneurs from numerous countries today highlights Thailand's role as a strategic hub within the global supply chain for maternity and baby products. We boast world-class manufacturing facilities, skilled labor, and a new generation of designers with highly competitive ideas. The Thai Chamber of Commerce is honored to contribute to this initiative, as we strongly believe the 'maternity and baby economy' holds tremendous potential and is closely tied to the quality of life for Thai and ASEAN families. We are committed to helping our entrepreneurs elevate product standards to meet the needs of modern families and compete successfully on the global stage.' Dr. Duangdej Yuaikwarmdee, Director of the International Trade Show Industry Department, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), remarked: 'The MICE industry not only generates revenue from business travelers and event participants but also serves as a crucial instrument for fostering long-term international cooperation. Kind + Jugend ASEAN exemplifies how MICE can propel niche industries, such as maternity and baby products, onto the world stage. TCEB takes pride in playing a role in advancing events of this calibre and remains fully committed to supporting Thailand's position as Asia's premier destination for exhibitions and business matchmaking. We believe this event will spark new ideas, drive positive transformation, and promote sustainable growth in industries directly tied to the nation's future.' This year's edition also introduces three new experiential zones designed to allow attendees to interact directly with products—providing a valuable hands-on marketing experience for participating brands: • Stroller Park — A realistic simulation track where visitors can test and compare the functionality and performance of strollers across various terrains in real-time. • Gourmet Zone — A live demonstration and sampling area where nutrition experts provide insights on baby food preparation, offering visitors the chance to experience diverse products firsthand. • Diaper-Changing Zone — A practical, trial space where visitors can directly test and compare products such as disposable diapers, pads, and skincare items for babies. One of today's major highlights is the Kind + Jugend ASEAN Innovation Award 2025, a platform where entrepreneurs and designers present cutting-edge innovations across five categories: Travelling & Moving Kids, Furniture, Textile, Kids Care, and Nutrition. Finalists will participate in a live pitch presentation, with winners to be announced on the same day. Beyond just an exhibition, Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025 offers a fertile ground for real business opportunities, ideal for businesses aiming to expand both domestically and internationally and buyers and distributors looking to expand product offers. The event runs from today through June 14, 2025, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Halls 5–6. Admission is open to industry professionals, buyers, distributors, importers & exporters, and investors specializing in maternity, baby, and kids products. June 14 will serve as a public day, welcoming parents and consumers who wish to explore and purchase innovative products at special prices. The public day will also feature fashion shows by Kids' Planet and The Mall, alongside Meet & Greet sessions with George the Pig, the beloved younger brother of Peppa Pig. Free registration is available at Hashtag: #Kind+Jugend The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.


The Sun
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025 Kicks Off: Southeast Asia's Premier Trade Show for Maternity, Baby & Kids Products Empowers Thai and ASEAN Businesses to Enter the Global Market
BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2025 - The third edition of Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025 officially inaugurated today at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, continuing its mission to launch Southeast Asia's maternity, baby, and kids industry onto the global stage. The event is organized through the collaboration of Koelnmesse and key national supporting partners including the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), and Thailand Textile Institute. This year's show showcased more than 100 leading brands from around the world including exhibitors from Thailand, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Spain, the Netherlands, and Austria. The event offers an extensive business matching program, knowledge-sharing trend forum and seminars led by renowned international experts, a dedicated Innovation Zone, and the prestigious Innovation Award pitching competition. With registered visitors from more than 30 counties including Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Chiana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and more, Kind+Jugend ASEAN 2025 is truly a meeting place for the industry in Southeast Asia and beyond. Mr. Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Thailand and Vice President Asia-Pacific, Koelnmesse, stated: Managing Director of Koelnmesse Thailand and Vice President Asia-Pacific, Koelnmesse, stated: 'Kind + Jugend ASEAN was launched with a long-term vision: to build a professional, regionally relevant platform for this industry in Southeast Asia—supporting quality brands, fostering partnerships, and enabling sustainable growth. That vision remains firmly in place today. The baby and maternity industry in 2025 is navigating a complex and uneven landscape, shaped by shifting demographics, evolving consumer expectations, and macroeconomic uncertainty. And yet, these very circumstances underline the importance of coming together—to share insights, build resilience, and identify new opportunities for growth across the region.' Mr. Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, Secretary to the Minister of Industry, further emphasized: 'The Ministry of Industry is proud to support Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025, which serves as a vital platform for Thai SMEs to generate economic value, particularly in the rapidly growing global market for innovative maternity and baby products. In today's competitive landscape, success is no longer determined by size alone, but by the ability to connect with emerging opportunities on the global stage. This event is more than an exhibition—it is a true 'bridge' connecting Thai entrepreneurs with international partners, perfectly aligned with the Ministry's vision of empowering SMEs to become regional exporters and innovators.' Dr. Kitsana Vachekrilas, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, added: 'The gathering of brands and entrepreneurs from numerous countries today highlights Thailand's role as a strategic hub within the global supply chain for maternity and baby products. We boast world-class manufacturing facilities, skilled labor, and a new generation of designers with highly competitive ideas. The Thai Chamber of Commerce is honored to contribute to this initiative, as we strongly believe the 'maternity and baby economy' holds tremendous potential and is closely tied to the quality of life for Thai and ASEAN families. We are committed to helping our entrepreneurs elevate product standards to meet the needs of modern families and compete successfully on the global stage.' Dr. Duangdej Yuaikwarmdee, Director of the International Trade Show Industry Department, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), remarked: 'The MICE industry not only generates revenue from business travelers and event participants but also serves as a crucial instrument for fostering long-term international cooperation. Kind + Jugend ASEAN exemplifies how MICE can propel niche industries, such as maternity and baby products, onto the world stage. TCEB takes pride in playing a role in advancing events of this calibre and remains fully committed to supporting Thailand's position as Asia's premier destination for exhibitions and business matchmaking. We believe this event will spark new ideas, drive positive transformation, and promote sustainable growth in industries directly tied to the nation's future.' This year's edition also introduces three new experiential zones designed to allow attendees to interact directly with products—providing a valuable hands-on marketing experience for participating brands: • Stroller Park — A realistic simulation track where visitors can test and compare the functionality and performance of strollers across various terrains in real-time. • Gourmet Zone — A live demonstration and sampling area where nutrition experts provide insights on baby food preparation, offering visitors the chance to experience diverse products firsthand. • Diaper-Changing Zone — A practical, trial space where visitors can directly test and compare products such as disposable diapers, pads, and skincare items for babies. One of today's major highlights is the Kind + Jugend ASEAN Innovation Award 2025, a platform where entrepreneurs and designers present cutting-edge innovations across five categories: Travelling & Moving Kids, Furniture, Textile, Kids Care, and Nutrition. Finalists will participate in a live pitch presentation, with winners to be announced on the same day. Beyond just an exhibition, Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025 offers a fertile ground for real business opportunities, ideal for businesses aiming to expand both domestically and internationally and buyers and distributors looking to expand product offers. The event runs from today through June 14, 2025, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Halls 5–6. Admission is open to industry professionals, buyers, distributors, importers & exporters, and investors specializing in maternity, baby, and kids products. June 14 will serve as a public day, welcoming parents and consumers who wish to explore and purchase innovative products at special prices. The public day will also feature fashion shows by Kids' Planet and The Mall, alongside Meet & Greet sessions with George the Pig, the beloved younger brother of Peppa Pig. Free registration is available at


Hamilton Spectator
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Altitude Accelerator Announces New Investor Fund and Award Recipients from Founders and Funders Event
BRAMPTON, Ontario, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On June 11th Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels hosted the inaugural Founders and Funders: Where Innovation Meets Investment, a high-impact, one-day event designed to spark meaningful connections and collaboration to fuel Canada's next wave of innovation. This landmark event was made possible through the City of Brampton's leadership and partnership, serving not only as the host city but as a committed champion of the region's innovation economy. Brampton continues to position itself as a thriving hub for tech, entrepreneurship, and investment—and Founders & Funders exemplifies this vision in action. Award Recipients: Thank you to our sponsors, Pallet Valo, MNP, Smart & Biggar, Preference Capital and YMedia for their ongoing support and contribution to supporting the innovation community. These sponsors have been invaluable as judges for the pitch competition as well as contributors to the grand prize. From Left: Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor, Mayor Patrick Brown and First Look Competition winner, Jeff Skinner, CEO stoked bio Mayor Patrick Brown Innovation Award recipients: From left: Jeff Skinner, CEO, stoked bio; Andrew Opala, Managing Partner, Preference Capital; Paul Lishman, Investor; Brad Schmidt, CEO Panaxium Quote: 'Our intention with Founders & Funders, our inaugural event, was to create a rare opportunity for early-stage companies to gain direct access to angel investors. Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels bring together the resources, network, and investors to support founders' need to succeed. Events like this are designed to connect exceptional innovations with the capital needed to scale. We're proud of the vibrant, supportive, and growing community we've built—every member is deeply committed to investing in and advancing this diverse ecosystem.' ~Pam Banks, Executive Director, Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels. Altitude Accelerator Announces NEW Investment Fund: Pam Banks, Executive Director, announced the launch of a new special purpose vehicle (SPV) designed to unite smaller investments from multiple investors into a single fund supporting promising innovations. Altitude Accelerator identified a significant need for early-stage investment in the Western GTA. This SPV structure enables a broader range of accredited, qualified, and crowdfunding investors to participate with smaller amounts, lowering both risk and financial barriers. In turn, this helps raise critical early-stage capital for startups while giving new investors valuable exposure and experience. Altitude Accelerator has partnered with Preference Capital to establish the SPV and manage tax reporting. By pooling resources, investors can diversify across multiple startups rather than concentrating funds in a single company. With leading Ontario venture capital groups guiding these investments, participants benefit from a professional, transparent process and gain the knowledge to become more effective investors in the future. Quote: 'Our mission at Preference Capital is to open the door for new investors by lowering the barrier to entry. By pooling capital into SPVs, we give every day accredited and qualified investors a front-row seat in professionally-led startup deals—diversifying risk and building real experience with every cheque.' ~Andrew Opala, Founder and Managing Partner, Preference Capital About Altitude Accelerator is a not-for-profit innovation hub and business incubator committed to commercializing impactful technology in Southern Ontario. Altitude Accelerator helps tech founders grow from idea to investment faster & smarter. Two forces–– Altitude + Brampton Angels––one path to scaling. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario's Innovation District , Altitude Accelerator was created through a partnership with the University of Toronto Mississauga , the Mississauga Board of Trade , and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, & Trade . Altitude Accelerator is part of Ontario's Regional Innovation Centre Network. Media Contact: Pam Banks Executive Director Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Altitude Accelerator Announces New Investor Fund and Award Recipients from Founders and Funders Event
BRAMPTON, Ontario, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On June 11th Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels hosted the inaugural Founders and Funders: Where Innovation Meets Investment, a high-impact, one-day event designed to spark meaningful connections and collaboration to fuel Canada's next wave of innovation. This landmark event was made possible through the City of Brampton's leadership and partnership, serving not only as the host city but as a committed champion of the region's innovation economy. Brampton continues to position itself as a thriving hub for tech, entrepreneurship, and investment—and Founders & Funders exemplifies this vision in action. Award Recipients: Thank you to our sponsors, Pallet Valo, MNP, Smart & Biggar, Preference Capital and YMedia for their ongoing support and contribution to supporting the innovation community. These sponsors have been invaluable as judges for the pitch competition as well as contributors to the grand prize. Over 50 startups applied to the First Look Pitch Competition, and we are pleased to announce Jeff Skinner, CEO and his company, stoked bio as the first prize winner. Stoked bio uses advanced AI and high-throughput biology to rapidly discover and design new drugs for urgent clinical needs targeting bacterial, fungal, viral infections and high-need oncology applications to deliver effective treatments faster and more affordably. Stoked bio will receive $30,000 in prizes––cash and in-kind services from Smart & Biggar, Pallet Valo, MNP and Preference Capital. From Left: Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor, Mayor Patrick Brown and First Look Competition winner, Jeff Skinner, CEO stoked bio Mayor Patrick Brown Innovation Award recipients: Founder of the Year Award: Brad Schmidt, CEO of Panaxium—a Brampton Angels portfolio company—is recognized for his leadership in advancing bioelectronic medicine. Panaxium develops precision neuromodulation therapies aimed at dramatically improving recovery outcomes for patients with stroke and traumatic brain injuries. Funder of the Year Award: Paul Lishman, investor with Brampton Angels, is recognized for his strong support for startup founders and stands out as the leading funding contributor to the Brampton Angels portfolio of companies. Angel Contributor of the Year Award: Andrew Opala, Chairman of the Board at Altitude Accelerator, and Managing Partner of Preference Capital is recognized for his outstanding commitment and impact. His strategic guidance, development of valuable partnerships, and introductions to high-potential startups have strengthened both Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels. From left: Jeff Skinner, CEO, stoked bio; Andrew Opala, Managing Partner, Preference Capital; Paul Lishman, Investor; Brad Schmidt, CEO Panaxium Quote: 'Our intention with Founders & Funders, our inaugural event, was to create a rare opportunity for early-stage companies to gain direct access to angel investors. Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels bring together the resources, network, and investors to support founders' need to succeed. Events like this are designed to connect exceptional innovations with the capital needed to scale. We're proud of the vibrant, supportive, and growing community we've built—every member is deeply committed to investing in and advancing this diverse ecosystem.' ~Pam Banks, Executive Director, Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels. Altitude Accelerator Announces NEW Investment Fund: Pam Banks, Executive Director, announced the launch of a new special purpose vehicle (SPV) designed to unite smaller investments from multiple investors into a single fund supporting promising innovations. Altitude Accelerator identified a significant need for early-stage investment in the Western GTA. This SPV structure enables a broader range of accredited, qualified, and crowdfunding investors to participate with smaller amounts, lowering both risk and financial barriers. In turn, this helps raise critical early-stage capital for startups while giving new investors valuable exposure and experience. Altitude Accelerator has partnered with Preference Capital to establish the SPV and manage tax reporting. By pooling resources, investors can diversify across multiple startups rather than concentrating funds in a single company. With leading Ontario venture capital groups guiding these investments, participants benefit from a professional, transparent process and gain the knowledge to become more effective investors in the future. Quote: 'Our mission at Preference Capital is to open the door for new investors by lowering the barrier to entry. By pooling capital into SPVs, we give every day accredited and qualified investors a front-row seat in professionally-led startup deals—diversifying risk and building real experience with every cheque.' ~Andrew Opala, Founder and Managing Partner, Preference Capital About Altitude Accelerator is a not-for-profit innovation hub and business incubator committed to commercializing impactful technology in Southern Ontario. Altitude Accelerator helps tech founders grow from idea to investment faster & smarter. Two forces–– Altitude + Brampton Angels––one path to scaling. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario's Innovation District, Altitude Accelerator was created through a partnership with the University of Toronto Mississauga, the Mississauga Board of Trade, and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, & Trade. Altitude Accelerator is part of Ontario's Regional Innovation Centre Network. Media Contact:Pam BanksExecutive Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data