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Boardwave and Mindstone announce new partnership to address the critical AI skills and knowledge gap in the UK and European software industry

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Collaboration between the two communities will deliver significant value to software leaders and their teams within Europe 

LONDON, Feb. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Boardwave, the ultimate networking community exclusively created for UK and European software leaders, and Mindstone, a global community focused on the practical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), today announce a partnership to extend Mindstone’s increasingly popular AI Meetup Community to all Boardwave members and their employees. Adjacent to this, Boardwave membership is also being made available to each of the software founders and CEOs within the Mindstone Meetup Community.

AI will revolutionise every aspect of how we do business, and it’s estimated it will deliver €600 billion in gross value added (GVA) revenue to the European economy by 2030(1). However, there is a skills and knowledge gap that exists within the founder and C-suite community that, while not widely acknowledged, has the potential to severely limit the practical application and potential of AI. In order for UK and European software companies to remain competitive, it is imperative that these leaders, and not just the general workforce, are upskilled in AI and leverage AI technology within all aspects of their business. Creating a step-change, and an industry that is tooled and ready to help other sectors lead on AI, will help the UK and European software industry to gain stronger momentum against its global competitors in this digital revolution.

Accelerating the rate of adoption of AI

The partnership will make AI more accessible to software leaders and their teams, by providing practical advice, guidance and training, for free. Boardwave’s rapidly growing community of  1,400 members and their teams are now able to attend any of the Mindstone Meetup community events in Europe. Mindstone has already delivered programmes to more than 3,500 senior-level attendees in seven major cities including London, Madrid, Istanbul, Helsinki and Sofia. Boardwave’s members can also register for the Mindstone AI Mastery Program of online training.

Building sustainable AI start-ups & scale-ups

Mindstone’s 5,000 Meetup community members, who are AI CEOs or Founders, can also apply to join the Boardwave community of 1,400 other software leaders in Europe at no cost. Through networking, sharing ideas, knowledge sharing, best practices and mentoring Boardwave empowers European software leaders to accelerate and scale their businesses more successfully. First time AI founders now have access to a network that helps them become a leading force in the industry.

Delivering significant value to the software industry

Phill Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Boardwave, commented: “Currently, when it comes to AI adoption, Europe is being overshadowed by the United States and China. Europe has been quietly struggling with a growing competitiveness crisis and technology gap for almost 20 years. However, there is a real and present opportunity to shift this position. Europe contains an exceptionally vibrant technology sector and home to a plethora of businesses with deep industry knowledge and market-leading opportunity. With AI better embedded across the sector, we believe that by 2033 the European Software industry can move from laggard to leader. Key to this will be expertise, knowledge sharing and collaboration to efficiently help deliver against this objective. Strategic, European-wide partnerships, such as this one, will allow us to remove some of the barriers we face across the continent and instead address this challenge as a single market.”

Joshua Wöhle, CEO and Co-Founder at Mindstone, added: “CTOs and founders are now demanding more of their workforce; there is a real emphasis on being adaptable and leveraging technology such as AI to improve productivity. However, these very same people need to lead from the front, and there is a critical gap in their own knowledge and skill sets that needs to be addressed. I’m pleased to be able to extend our AI Meetup Community to all Boardwave members and their employees, and help their extensive network of European software founders and CEOs accelerate their business growth through the practical application of AI.”

1.  https://www.aboutamazon.eu/news/job-creation-and-investment/ai-adoption-forecast-to-unleash-600-billion-growth-in-europes-economy#_ftn2

About Boardwave

Boardwave is an impact-driven community of 1,400 European software founders and CEOs designed to help members accelerate their business growth, and to improve the overall position of Europe as a home for global software companies. Boardwave offers a programme of events, peer-to-peer mentoring and inspiration, as well as an online platform that connects European software CEOs for advice, insights, expertise and access to capital. It is also a campaigner for change across special interest areas including AI, Government engagement and DE&I. Software leaders, CEOs and Chairs can access the programme and platform at no cost. The Boardwave community is generously supported and funded by a network of 80+ Partners from across the software investor and advisory ecosystem.

www.boardwave.org

About Mindstone

Mindstone is like Duolingo for practical AI learning. It tailors your learning experience while aligning it with your career goals and your company objectives and turning it into a quantifiable skills profile similar to LinkedIn. Companies can set learning objectives across different levels – from the entire organization to specific departments, down to individual employees. It measures learning goals aligned with both individual and organizational objectives. Learning is transformed into visible, quantifiable progress, reflecting each employee’s growth in a way that resonates with the company’s strategic vision. It’s not just fostering a culture of continuous learning but also leveraging it to reinforce organizational values, enhance team dynamics, and achieve strategic objectives.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2222137/4556340/Boardwave_Logo.jpg

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SMiT unveils UWB-enabled CI+ 2.0 dongle and Presence-Aware TV platform at IBC2026

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Joint solution combines SMiT secure TV-access hardware, TrueSense UWB technology, The Hashgraph Group’s BrandBoost product and Sofia Digital’s TV application expertise.

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SMiT, a global provider of secure TV-access hardware and solutions, will unveil its Presence-Aware TV platform anchored by a CI+ 2.0 USB dongle integrating Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology at IBC2026, which will be held from September 11 for September 14. The solution is designed for Free-TV and Pay-TV operators and broadcasters seeking privacy-conscious audience awareness, richer viewer engagement and measurable advertising opportunities on the main screen.

The platform brings together SMiT’s secure and deployable TV-access hardware, the TrueSense UWB integration layer for precise identity association and precise relative positioning, The Hashgraph Group’s BrandBoost TV Awareness product, and Sofia Digital’s TV application and user-interface capabilities.

As viewing and advertising budgets increasingly move toward digital platforms, Pay-TV operators need a reliable and consent-based way to understand engagement at the shared television screen. SMiT’s proposition turns the television from a reach-only device into an interactive and measurable surface while keeping the operator at the center of the customer relationship.

How it works

The UWB-enabled CI+ 2.0 dongle connects directly to a compatible iDTV without requiring a separate set-top box. Using TrueSense UWB technology, the system can securely associate an opted-in registered viewer’s smartphone or tag with the television and determine the device’s proximity and relative position with high precision. This enables the TV, the operator application and cloud services to coordinate personalized and interactive experiences.

SMiT pairs its hardware with BrandBoost, The Hashgraph Group’s TV Awareness product. BrandBoost combines privacy-conscious viewer awareness, gamification, targeted engagement and reward workflows. Developed around the UWB layer, allowing the platform to link an authorized digital identity to the viewer’s precise proximity and position relative to the television.

Sofia Digital provides the TV application, operator user experience and integration capabilities required to bring these services to screen.

Demonstrated use cases include:

Live sports ‘Guess & Glory’: prediction and polling experiences with rewards for correct answers.Ad Trivia: interactive overlays during commercial breaks, with credits, vouchers or other operator-defined rewards.Presence-aware personalization: content, menus and offers adapted to an opted-in registered viewer.Location-based authentication: an additional proximity signal supporting account security and password-sharing controls.

Where required by the operator, engagement and reward events can be recorded using Hedera DLT, supporting transparent campaign measurement and tokenized reward models. The combined platform is designed to help operators progress from broad audience estimates toward permission-based, outcome-oriented engagement and advertising metrics.

Live at IBC2026

Visitors to SMiT Stand 2.C36 will be able to experience a live demonstration in which an enabled smartphone approaching the television is associated with the TV session through UWB. The demonstration will show the combined hardware, viewer onboarding, TV interaction, gamification and operator cloud-management experience.

The architecture is extensible to personalized operator interfaces, live sports interaction, targeted advertising, loyalty programs and other presence-aware services. SMiT positions the dongle as a practical add-on for existing Pay-TV operators and conditional-access providers, supporting new services without requiring a complete replacement of the installed TV platform.

More information: www.smit.com.cn/engr/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/smit-unveils-uwb-enabled-ci-2-0-dongle-and-presence-aware-tv-platform-at-ibc2026–302874587.html

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Reinvented & Upgraded: Kuailu AI CRM into the 2.0 Era

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HONG KONG, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Industry research reveals that 68% of sales data remains untracked outside of CRM systems, with sales representatives spending an average of 2 hours daily on manual data entry and report preparation. The limitations of traditional CRM workflows have become increasingly glaring.

As Generative AI steps into autonomous execution, AI Agents are completely rewriting software architecture. As a pioneer in smart workplace solutions, Kuailu Smart Office introduces the newly upgraded Kuailu AI CRM—built natively on an AI-first architecture.

By deeply embedding AI across the complete end-to-end business lifecycle—from lead acquisition and nurturing, opportunity follow-ups, and deal closing, to revenue collection and post-deal reviews—Kuailu AI CRM proactively derives insights, evaluates risks, and executes tasks. It elevates the CRM from a mere add-on utility into an enterprise-wide intelligent operating hub, restoring CRM to its ultimate core purpose: driving closed deals and revenue growth!

Not Just a Software Tool, But a Strategic Growth Partner

Most legacy CRMs rely on plugged-in AI overlays that only deliver isolated optimizations—such as basic chat interfaces or knowledge base search—failing to fundamentally address core enterprise growth goals. In contrast, an AI-Native CRM leverages holistic, end-to-end pipeline data combined with LLM-powered analytical reasoning, fundamentally shifting CRM management from “process-driven” to “insight-driven.”

As an AI-native platform, Kuailu AI CRM constructs an enterprise-wide intelligent data computing hub powered by a proprietary three-tier architecture:

AI Data CenterAI Intelligence HubAI Core Business Engine

Looking through a holistic operational lens, the platform delivers real-time sales dynamics, proactively evaluates business risks, and automatically formulates tactical strategies—achieving a complete closed loop of Intelligent Insight — Intelligent Decision-Making — Intelligent Execution — Intelligent Review.

For Decision-Makers: Comprehensive Business Control at a Glance

Data is an enterprise’s most critical moat. However, data in conventional CRMs is often fragmented and poorly correlated, failing to record true operational reality—let alone guide executive decision-making. For leadership, this creates a scenario of “data overload with zero actionable clarity.”

Kuailu AI CRM solves this with a Management Command Cockpit equipped with an AI Diagnostic Engine, Real-Time Revenue Board, and Multi-Dimensional Operational Dashboards. Core metrics—including revenue performance, client distribution, deal conversion rates, activity levels, and customer churn pre-warnings—are visible at a single glance. By combining full-process visual monitoring, proactive risk alerts, and intelligent revenue forecasting, executives can officially say goodbye to blind management and reactive post-mortems.

For Sales Reps: AI Models Delivering Direction and Actionable Plans

Traditional sales planning relies heavily on reps’ subjective “gut feelings” and personal judgment tracked in manual Excel sheets—a process that is time-consuming, labor-intensive, prone to inaccuracy, and incapable of offering clear execution guidance.

Kuailu AI CRM leverages authentic enterprise master data, buyer intent stages, historical engagement logs, and win probabilities. Powered by advanced AI models, it automatically generates a personalized, high-priority daily follow-up task list.

These plans align perfectly with live business scenarios, dynamically adapting to each rep’s workflow rhythm and the client’s current status. By clearly outlining daily target accounts, key actions, and milestone goals, the system completely eliminates blind follow-ups and unproductive busywork—allowing sales teams to focus 100% of their energy on high-value, deal-closing activities.

An Out-of-the-Box AI Toolkit Unlocking End-to-End Productivity

Beyond solidifying the four foundational CRM modules—Leads, Accounts, Opportunities, and Orders—Kuailu AI CRM seamlessly embeds intelligence across every operational node. It introduces 9 out-of-the-box AI Smart Tools covering acquisition, engagement, quoting, team collaboration, and pipeline management.

Case Study 1: AI Generated Quotes

Value: Deliver precise quotes in 1 minute with real-time profit visibility, preventing loss-making deals.Step 1: Upload custom quotation templates. Input applicable discounts, and the AI automatically calculates final totals, eliminating human calculation errors with template-level precision.Step 2: Deeply connected with CRM opportunity data, the system auto-populates required details from the deal pipeline with a single click—no manual typing required—generating standardized, professional quotation documents.Step 3: Export quotes directly for download or printing, unifying client-facing formats and establishing a standardized, high-efficiency quoting workflow.

Case Study 2: AI Customer Insights

Value: Generate 360-degree client intelligence reports in 10 seconds, doubling ice-breaking efficiency and turning junior reps into domain experts overnight.Step 1: Simply enter an account name to scrape comprehensive web intelligence and generate pre-visit briefing decks.Step 2: Automatically consolidate public corporate records, AI-analyzed target buyer demographics, product lines, sales channels, commercial models, and competitive landscapes.Step 3: Synthesize current industry pain points and generate 3 tailored ice-breaking conversation topics to maximize discovery call impact.

Powered by AI, Winning Digital Value Together

Evolving from a passive data repository into a self-deciding, self-executing AI Growth Engine, Kuailu AI CRM transforms software from a tedious operational burden into an indispensable business growth partner. By redefining the value of commercial platforms, Kuailu Smart Office converts raw, flowing data into actionable revenue opportunities—driving sustainable enterprise growth in the AI era.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/reinvented–upgraded-kuailu-ai-crm-into-the-2-0-era-302874592.html

SOURCE Kuailu Technology

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Aulumu Introduces the A18 Series for iPhone 18: Lightweight Protection Meets Next-Gen Design

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SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aulumu introduces the new A18 Series, a collection of smartphone cases that brings together advanced materials, everyday protection, and distinctive design. At the heart of the lineup is the A18 Armor Shockproof Aramid Fiber Case, Aulumu’s latest take on lightweight protection.

Built with 1500D aramid fiber and TPU in a one-piece construction, the A18 Armor combines the refined texture and lightweight feel of aramid fiber with TPU’s flexibility and cushioning properties. Unlike conventional ultra-thin aramid cases, it is engineered to provide enhanced everyday drop protection while maintaining a slim profile.

Its full-wrap structure protects the phone’s edges, while reinforced corners help distribute impact from drops and bumps. The case is designed for up to 2m drop protection, with a 1.36mm raised edge around the screen and a 1.3mm raised camera frame providing additional protection for key areas.

The A18 Series also expands into a more expressive approach to aramid fiber. The A18 Ultra-Slim Gradient Aramid Fiber Case uses 800D aramid fiber with a grayscale gradient woven directly into the material, creating depth without relying on printed patterns. At just 1.2mm thick and from 26g, it maintains a minimal presence while adding a distinctive visual character.

For a more futuristic aesthetic, the A18 Ultra-Slim Pixel Aramid Fiber Case combines 1500D plain-weave aramid fiber with a UV-treated gradient particle pattern inspired by digital structures and tactical technology. It is 1.2mm thick and starts at 27g.

The collection is further complemented by the A18 Ghost Lumen Transparent Case, featuring high-transmittance PC, an IML-laminated luminous array, and a one-piece full-cover design, as well as the A18 Particle Vegan Leather in five colors.

Beyond phone cases, Aulumu also introduces the C05 FKM Sport Watch Band, combining sweat- and water-resistant FKM rubber with a lightweight titanium alloy buckle, and adds a new color to the A39 Geometric Case for AirPods Pro 3, designed to complement the latest iPhone color palette.

With the A18 Series, Aulumu continues to explore how materials, protection, and visual identity can work together in everyday carry.

About aulumu

Founded in 2022, aulumu is a design brand focused on high-performance gear, drawing inspiration from the functional aesthetics of cyberpunk and the philosophical roots of ancient Greek thought. Since its inception, the brand has launched dozens of digital accessory products, secured multiple utility and invention patents, and received the 2025 Red Dot Design Award. Today, aulumu products serve hundreds of thousands of users across more than 20 countries and regions, positioning the brand as a growing presence in the global high-performance accessories market.

For more information, visit: https://aulumu.com/, or follow aulumu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aulumu_official/

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aulumu-introduces-the-a18-series-for-iphone-18-lightweight-protection-meets-next-gen-design-302873379.html

SOURCE aulumu

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