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Government of Canada funds new projects at the PRAIRIE Hub for Pandemic Preparedness to further grow the domestic biomanufacturing and life sciences sector

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New multidisciplinary projects in Edmonton will prepare Canada for future health emergencies and build capacity

EDMONTON, AB, May 31, 2024 /CNW/ – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Growing a robust, competitive, domestic biomanufacturing and life sciences sector ensures that Canada has access to critical vaccines, therapeutics and other life-saving medicines. The Government of Canada has been doing just that since the launch of Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy in 2021 with a $2.2 billion commitment to develop cutting edge biomanufacturing capabilities.

Today, Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre announced $109.9 million in funding for four projects endorsed by the PRAIRIE Hub for Pandemic Preparedness at the University of Alberta, through Stage 2 of the integrated Canada Biomedical Research Fund (CBRF) and Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF) competition. This support is part of a nearly $574 million investment announced by the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agencies of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, on May 6.

The PRAIRIE Hub for Pandemic Preparedness is an alliance led by the University of Alberta, and includes the University of Calgary, the University of Manitoba and the University of Saskatchewan as major partners. It aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of vaccine, antiviral and diagnostic countermeasures for potential pandemic pathogens through the following four research projects:

Developing self-amplifying (sa) RNA vaccines against pandemic virus threatsViral vector vaccine platforms for rapid response to future pandemics (administered by the University of Manitoba)Innovative techniques and diagnostic tests for pandemic preparedness and health equityFilling vials for pandemic preparedness

Through these investments in research, talent and infrastructure projects, Canadians will have access to made-in-Canada vaccines, therapeutics and other life-saving medicines and innovations. This will help strengthen the resilience of Canada’s life sciences sector by supporting leading Canadian research in innovative technologies that keep us safe and boost our economy.

Each of the 19 projects funded as part of stage 2 is endorsed by one of the five research hubs which were established in Stage 1 of the CBRF-BRIF competition. These hubs combine the strengths of Canada’s post-secondary institutions, research hospitals, industry and the not-for-profit sector to jointly improve health emergency preparedness and the overall health and well-being of Canadians. In addition, the hubs will help accelerate the translation of promising research into commercially viable products and processes. By strengthening research capacity and leveraging collaborations across the entire biomanufacturing ecosystem, Canada will be better prepared to face future pandemics.

Quotes

“With world-leading scientists and researchers established across Canadian leading research institutions, Canada is home to a competitive and robust biomanufacturing and life sciences sector. We made a promise to Canadians that we would rebuild the domestic sector. With this investment, our government is delivering on this promise by supporting the excellent innovations, collaborations and infrastructures necessary to rapidly respond to future public health threats and keep Canadians safe.”
—The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Today’s announcement marks another important milestone in our work to improve health outcomes for Canadians and strengthen our domestic biomanufacturing capacity. This investment will support innovative and world-leading research and science in the areas of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and surveillance to help prepare Canada for future health emergencies.”
—The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health

“Investing in projects like the PRAIRIE Hub for Pandemic Preparedness is about strengthening Canada’s biomanufacturing sector and building on our world class medical life sciences and biomanufacturing capabilities. This investment will better position our country to fight future pandemics and provide better health outcomes for Albertans and for all Canadians right across the country.”
– The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre

“The research funded through the CBRF will position Canada as a global leader in the biomanufacturing and life sciences sector.  Most importantly, today’s investment will ensure that our nation’s brightest researchers and scientists are at the forefront of vaccine and therapeutic discoveries that will drive Canadian industry and equip Canada with the capacity to respond quickly and effectively to future pandemics.”
Ted Hewitt, Chair, Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat; President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

“This significant investment from the Government of Canada reaffirms the world leadership of U of A researchers and the importance of their contributions to new diagnostic techniques and the development and production of vaccines and therapeutic drugs. As the lead institution in the PRAIRIE Hub, we are pleased to convene expertise from across Western Canada to advance the future of pandemic preparedness.”
Aminah Robinson Fayek, Vice-President (Research and Innovation), University of Alberta

Quick facts

This investment builds on the crucial support provided through the first stages of CBRF and BRIF that enabled the creation of five new research hubs, as well as upgrades to Canada’s biocontainment facilities.Each of the 19 projects awarded funding includes one or more of these components: research, talent development and research infrastructure. As a result, a project may receive funding from CBRF, BRIF or both.The CBRF-BRIF competition followed a two-step competitive review process that evaluated the scientific merit and strategic alignment of the project proposals with the objectives of the funding opportunity and the priorities of the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy.The Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy includes major investments to help build Canada’s talent pipeline and research capacity. Investments include:CBRF: $250 million to create a program to support high-risk, applied research, training, and talent development partnership projects. The program is administered by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat, housed at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), on behalf of the three federal research funding agencies: SSHRC, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. BRIF: $500 million to support the biosciences infrastructure needs of postsecondary institutions and affiliated research hospitals. This fund is administered by the Canada Foundation for Innovation.Clinical Trials Fund:  Led by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Clinical Trials Fund has supported the establishment of a clinical trial consortium, training platforms and clinical trials to support health emergency preparedness and boost the life sciences sector, aligned with the priorities of the Government of Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy.The Government is also providing targeted support to scale up Canadian biomanufacturing companies and attract investment from leading multinational firms. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Government has invested more than $2.2 billion in 38 different projects in the biomanufacturing ecosystem. Through the Strategic Innovation Fund specifically, the Government has invested in more than 16 projects since the beginning of the pandemic and the launch of the strategy.

Associated links

Government of Canada funds new projects to further grow the domestic biomanufacturing and life sciences sector
Stage 2—Award Recipients
Government of Canada establishes new research hubs to accelerate Canada’s vaccine and therapeutics production
The Government of Canada announces biomanufacturing and life sciences strategy
Canada’s biomanufacturing ecosystem gets major boost with new funding

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

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WOMEN in the Spotlight! The 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies Awards Gala Held

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YIWU, China, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. In the bright and warm days of April, with spring in full bloom, the grand ballroom on the third floor of the Yiwu Marriott Hotel was a vibrant gathering. Outstanding female entrepreneurs from various sections of the Yiwu Market gathered in their elegant attire to share the glorious moment of the 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies Awards Gala. The selection campaign, launched on March 8, attracted thousands of female entrepreneurs from the Yiwu Market. Voting was conducted across the Yiwugo app, official WeChat accounts, and the website. The evaluation criteria continued to cover multiple dimensions, including Business Excellence and Image Excellence, aiming to fully showcase the achievements of Yiwugo’s female entrepreneurs and their enterprises in areas such as digital transformation, overseas market expansion, and global supply chain integration.

Ultimately, the title of 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies was awarded to: Fu Jiangyan (Zhangweichao Socks Firm), Xu Xiaohui (Little Bee Towels), Peng Jirong (Dongyang Jirong Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd), Li Chuanzhi (Chengfa Tableware Firm), Wang Xiaohong (Yiwu Aishang Daily Necessities Factory), Bao Qiaoli (Bole Plush Pendant Toy), Li Hong (Yiwu Hanbang Daily Necessities Firm), Wu Yajun (Ziyi Stationery Firm), Wang Chunxing (Butterfly Fly Lace Firm), and Zheng Huili (Yiwu Lihong household products Co., Ltd).

In addition, twenty other entrepreneurs, including He Wenjuan (Zhihua Jewelry Box), Jin Chengfeng (Lanmo Textile Co., Ltd), Cui Yanping (Xin Tai Yang Shower Curtain And Towel Factory), and Zhang Huoqing (Happy Sisters Plush Toy), received the Top Boss Ladies Nomination award.

“Women hold up half the sky” – nowhere is this more evident than in the Yiwu Market. To showcase the entrepreneurial spirit and “she-power” of female business owners in the market, Yiwugo launched the Top Boss Ladies Awards in 2016. To date, this campaign has been held for 11 consecutive years, becoming one of the benchmark activities in the Yiwu Market.

Over the years, driven by this campaign, participating female entrepreneurs have become increasingly active, with nearly 700 Top Boss Ladies recognized. They have not only steadfastly managed their shops but have also leveraged their unique empathy and customer insight as female entrepreneurs to drive comprehensive brand upgrades, from product innovation to communication methods, breathing new life into traditional brands in the new era.

Amid the surging digital wave, artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at unprecedented speed and scale. This year’s Top Boss Ladies winners and nominees have bravely stepped into the spotlight, keeping pace with the times, actively embracing evolving business models and technological change. By replacing experience with data, using digital platforms to break geographical boundaries, and leveraging digital intelligence to break through development bottlenecks, they are driving a transition from OEM exports to global branding.

Fu Jiangyan of Zhangweichao Socks Firm is a typical example. Having shifted from initially waiting for customers to now skillfully using AI tools and mastering live streaming and short videos, she has used the platform as a lever to swiftly move her traditional foreign trade enterprise into a new stage of digital-intelligent trade, applying new technologies and business models to enhance enterprise development.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the Yiwu Development Experience. Over the past two decades, the Yiwu Market has completed its iterative upgrade from market stalls to a global digital trade center. Generations of business owners have transformed from street stall vendors into modern commercial entities, achieving a deep integration of personal growth with the market’s development. Yiwugo, always in sync with the rhythm of the Yiwu Market, will continue to focus on its female entrepreneurs, constantly uncovering their vivid and dynamic stories of striving, thoughtfully documenting the journeys of these resilient women who shine in their own quiet ways, and witnessing, supporting, and accompanying their growth and success.

As a local e-commerce platform rooted in and serving the market, Yiwugo will continue to gain deeper insights into user needs, strengthen its technological capabilities, explore cutting-edge applications, and accelerate product iteration. Amid a volatile external environment, it will connect market entrepreneurs with more global resources, helping them expand into broader international markets.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/women-in-the-spotlight-the-2026-yiwugo-top-boss-ladies-awards-gala-held-302745799.html

SOURCE Yiwugo.com

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KTGHR leverages AI-powered real-time transaction capabilities to expand its e-commerce infrastructure, reshaping the engine of enterprise growth.

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DALLAS, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Against the backdrop of artificial intelligence continuously reshaping the global business landscape, KTGHR officially launched its new B2B AI-powered intelligent solution for enterprises, dedicated to helping them achieve comprehensive upgrades in cost reduction and efficiency improvement, precise customer acquisition, and intelligent operations.

KTGHR Launches New B2B AI Solution, Reshaping the Engine of Enterprise Growth

As an innovative platform focused on the deep integration of AI technology and business scenarios, KTGHR’s newly released system integrates core functions such as intelligent data analysis, AI-automated marketing, customer behavior prediction, and intelligent customer service. This enables enterprises to make rapid decisions in a complex and ever-changing market environment, achieving sustained business growth.

AI-Driven Precise Customer Acquisition, Comprehensively Improving Conversion Efficiency KTGHR uses advanced algorithm models to conduct in-depth analysis of global market data, helping enterprises accurately target potential customer groups. The system can automatically generate high-conversion marketing content and intelligently distribute it through multiple channels, significantly improving customer reach and conversion rates, enabling enterprises to truly achieve “automated customer acquisition.”

Intelligent Operation System, Relieving Pressure on Human Resource Costs With AI-automated processes, KTGHR can intelligently handle order management, customer follow-up, and data statistics, reducing manual intervention and improving overall operational efficiency. Enterprises can complete global business layouts without a large team.

Integrated B2B Ecosystem, Connecting the Global Supply Chain KTGHR is not just an AI tool platform, but a complete B2B ecosystem. By integrating supply chain resources and intelligent matching mechanisms, it achieves efficient connections between supply and demand, helping companies rapidly expand into international markets and build a borderless business network.

Technology Empowering the Future, Driving Enterprise Digital Transformation KTGHR states that it will continue to increase investment in artificial intelligence, promoting the implementation of more innovative functions to help companies seize opportunities in the digital economy era. With the continuous maturation of AI technology, the B2B industry is ushering in unprecedented development opportunities.

The launch of KTGHR is not only a technological upgrade but also a revolution in business models. For companies seeking breakthroughs and growth, this may be a key step towards the next stage of success.

KTGHR leverages advanced AI algorithms and big data analytics capabilities to achieve a leap from “information matching” to “intelligent decision-making.” The platform can automatically match supply and demand, accurately recommending high-potential partners, significantly reducing the time and cost for companies to find customers and supply chain resources.

By intelligently analyzing market trends and user behavior, KTGHR helps businesses anticipate opportunities, making every transaction more efficient and precise.

End-to-End Intelligent Management, Creating a Seamless Business Ecosystem

KTGHR is not just a transaction platform, but a complete AI business ecosystem. Its core functions include:

AI-powered Intelligent Customer Matching and RecommendationReal-time Data Analysis and Business ForecastingAutomated Order and Supply Chain ManagementSeamless Global Market Connection

Whether you are a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or a large multinational corporation, you can achieve digital transformation and global expansion through KTGHR.

Cost Reduction and Efficiency Improvement, Unleashing Business Growth Potential In the traditional B2B model, high communication costs, information asymmetry, and low conversion rates have long been problems. KTGHR, through AI-automated processes, significantly reduces human intervention, helping businesses: Reduce operating costs Increase conversion rates Shorten transaction cycles Enhance customer experience Allow businesses to truly focus on core business and strategic growth.

Seize the AI Business Opportunities and Win the Future As artificial intelligence technology matures, the B2B industry is entering a new era of “intelligent-driven” growth. KTGHR stands at the forefront of this transformation, providing businesses with a sustainable competitive advantage. Choosing KTGHR is not just choosing a platform, but choosing a high-speed gateway to the future of business. For more information, please visit the official KTGHR platform and begin your AI-powered business journey.

Media Contact

William, Ktghr.com, 1 +14255550100 99762, service@ktghr.it.com, Ktghr.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/ktghr-leverages-ai-powered-real-time-transaction-capabilities-to-expand-its-e-commerce-infrastructure-reshaping-the-engine-of-enterprise-growth-302745582.html

SOURCE Ktghr.com

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Link Infinite: Hollyland Pyro Ultra Simplifies Multi-User Monitoring with 4K60 Wireless

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SHENZHEN, China, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hollyland, a global provider of professional wireless audio and video solutions, today announced the launch of Pyro Ultra, the new flagship in its Pyro series, featuring next-gen wireless video transmission technology that enables streamlined setup and uncompromised real-time performance. Engineered for professional creators and high-end production environments, Pyro Ultra balances high-performance transmission with practical on-set usability.

Building on Hollyland’s self-developed TWiFi technology, Pyro Ultra delivers one-to-many transmission, native 4K60 support, and a dedicated ultra-low-latency mode for focus pulling. Fully integrated into the Pyro ecosystem and equipped with DFS-ready operation, it is built to meet the demands of modern digital cinema workflows.

The New Standard for One-to-Many On-Set Transmission

In today’s production landscape, the video village is no longer confined to a single monitor. Directors, assistants, clients, and multiple departments require simultaneous, high-fidelity access to the live image across different positions on set.

While existing systems often force a choice between costly, over-engineered solutions and entry-level gear that struggles in demanding environments, Pyro Ultra offers a third approach. As one-to-many transmission becomes increasingly common across productions, it can introduce practical limits on device count and system stability in larger setups. Pyro Ultra’s Broadcast Mode addresses the issue by enabling a single transmitter to connect with an unlimited number of receivers, creating a fluid workflow. Every department, from lighting to hair and makeup, can monitor independently, which helps eliminate bottlenecks and accelerate decision-making.

Cinematic 4K60 Clarity Without Compromise

Image integrity is central to Pyro Ultra. With support for 4K60 transmission, the system delivers the detail and color accuracy required for high-end videography work. It also supports fractional frame rates, including 23.98 and 59.94 fps, commonly used in broadcast and professional pipelines. Its native compatibility enables direct connection to switchers and monitors without external converters, simplifying the signal path and reducing potential points of failure.

20ms Latency for Precise Focus Pulling

For first assistant camera operators and focus pullers, every millisecond counts. Pyro Ultra’s dedicated Focus Mode cuts latency to just 20ms, ensuring the real-time responsiveness needed for razor-sharp adjustments at any distance. The technical edge provides the freedom to navigate tight spaces or complex choreography with absolute confidence.

Powered by TWiFi Technology

At the core of Pyro Ultra is Hollyland’s TWiFi (dual-band wireless) technology. It leverages intelligent frequency management across the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to enable automatic hopping, ensuring a stable, high-bitrate connection even in congested RF environments. Pyro Ultra’s robust link supports a 1.5 km (4,900 ft) range and is fully DFS-ready, providing professional crews with reliable, globally compliant operation

Engineered for Modern Workflows & Seamless Integration

Pyro Ultra is built for today’s hybrid production workflows. With UVC (USB Video Class) support, it can connect directly to a computer for instant webcam functionality, removing the need for a capture card. Its RTMP support enables direct streaming to web platforms, simplifying remote collaboration. As part of the Pyro ecosystem, Ultra integrates seamlessly with existing Pyro devices. The modular design allows production teams to scale their setups based on project requirements, ensuring consistent performance across different production scenarios.

Pricing and Availability

Launched on April 18, 2026, Hollyland’s Pyro Ultra is now available through local distributors, the official Hollyland online store, and the Hollyland Amazon store.

The 1TX/1RX kit is priced at $1,199, and the 1TX/2RX kit at $1,699. Individual units can also be purchased separately, with transmitters starting at $699 and receivers at $579.

For more information, visit https://www.hollyland.com/product/pyro-ultra

About Hollyland

Hollyland is a leading provider of wireless products, specializing in wireless intercom systems, video transmission systems, monitors, wireless microphones, and live streaming cameras. Since 2013, Hollyland has been serving millions of users around the world in various sectors, including filmmaking, telecasting, video production, live events, exhibitions, theaters, houses of worship, and individual content creators. It has built a sales network covering approximately 150 countries and regions with support from dozens of localized operation offices worldwide. For more information, please visit https://www.hollyland.com/, Hollyland Facebook, and Hollyland Instagram.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/link-infinite-hollyland-pyro-ultra-simplifies-multi-user-monitoring-with-4k60-wireless-302742508.html

SOURCE Hollyland

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