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Blackbaud Showcases the Future of AI-Powered Fundraising and Financial Management for Social Impact Organizations at bbcon 2024

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Product Updates Build Connection Between Solutions and Teams While Delivering Contextual Intelligence—All to Help Social Impact Organizations Raise More, Save More and Work Smarter

CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, today kicked off its annual technology conference, bbcon, announcing a wide range of innovation shaping the future of social impact technology.

“Our 40-plus years of expertise in this space and unwavering focus help us drive innovation that empowers our customers to achieve their missions,” said Mike Gianoni, president, CEO and vice chairman of the board of directors, Blackbaud. “We are transforming the way social impact organizations operate, giving back time and improving data-backed decision making. With cutting edge technology, thousands of customers—from nonprofits, to schools, foundations, companies and more—are amplifying their impact across communities and around the world. We’re proud to be the chosen partner of so many incredible organizations, and we’re committed to continue delivering for them.”

Innovation to Fuel Impact
Blackbaud unveiled a range of product updates and enhancements aimed at connecting workflows and teams to free up time and provide users the insight they need to deliver their best results, without guesswork.

The Future of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT®
Blackbaud shared its plans and progress for the next generation of its market-leading fundraising software, building on its commitment to roll out a reimagined user experience with all critical-end-to-end workflows and enhanced functionality in a single, unified view by the end of 2025. Key updates include:

A new navigation, making it easier and more intuitive for both fundraising and finance users to quickly find what they need among an expanded array of menu options.A common records engine for K-12 school fundraisers launching this year that will provide a complete picture of donors by connecting data across the entire school community.New donor recognition program management capabilities, coming in 2025, to automatically tie gifts to these programs for deeper donor engagement.

Intelligence for Good®: AI Built for Social Impact
Blackbaud is building AI that delivers fundraising performance, benchmarking and forecasting directly in-product, providing social impact professionals with insights connected to their business data and built on Blackbaud’s 40 years of sector leadership. Planned AI advancements include:

Blackbaud Copilot, an AI-powered coach and assistant that allows users to interact with their data in natural language, ask questions, and gain insights. Copilot is already embedded in Blackbaud Impact Edge™, and a technical preview in both Raiser’s Edge NXT and Financial Edge NXT® is planned for 2025 to help fundraisers understand, plan for and engage with high priority donors and prospects, and to help simplify fund accounting by combining automation and personalization.New performance insights to help organizations see how they stack up against others, based on Blackbaud’s rich benchmarking data.New tools for education customers, like an Award Cycle Manager within Blackbaud Award Management™ to give scholarship administrators a centralized view and KPIs, and an “at-risk” student tool for Blackbaud’s K-12 Education Management portfolio to help teachers identify students in need of extra support by consolidating data on attendance, test scores and work completion.

Accelerated Giving to Raise and Save More
Blackbaud continues to innovate across its integrated payments experiences to help organizations raise more and save more so that they can invest in their missions. Exciting updates include:

A wider global roll out of Blackbaud’s Optimized and Standard Donation Forms, proven to increase conversion rates, including the recent addition of the Intelligent Ask feature powered by Blackbaud AI, which ensures fundraisers target the right gift amount for each donor.Tap-to-pay capabilities that will allow supporters to tap their card on a mobile device to donate, pay entry fees or buy swag.The extension of Blackbaud’s Complete Cover offering—the social impact sector’s only solution with guaranteed 0% processing fees—to an initial set of partners, including Trellis for auctions and events and Almabase for higher education giving days.

Connected Financial Management
Blackbaud is connecting workflows throughout the finance office. The company will deliver 100% of core Financial Edge NXT capabilities in a unified view in Q1 of 2025, including new and improved Query and reconciliation functionality. Additional enhancements include:

Automated invoice scanning using Microsoft AI Document Intelligence to automate the entire payables process from start to finish directly in Financial Edge NXT.Payment Assistant for fully automated bill pay in Financial Edge NXT, helping customers to save hours a week with auto-reconciliation of payment assistant transactions, to reduce processing costs and to benefit from robust, built-in fraud protection.Deeper integration between Raiser’s Edge NXT and Financial Edge NXT to connect workflows from donation through disbursement with fewer manual steps, making it easier and faster to let donors know what their gifts paid for and when.Financial Edge NXT integration with Blackbaud Grantmaking™, connecting departments and surfacing the right financial data at the right time.

Extensibility and Flexibility
Blackbaud is combining the power of purpose-built software designed specifically for the business operations of social impact with platform-level flexibility to enable endless possibilities. The company is delivering more plug-and-play apps, system integrators and consulting services in the Blackbaud Marketplace, plus:

New partner integrations, including the connection of Blackbaud Education Management with UBIQ Education and BrightArrow, enabling K12 schools to power best-in-class school websites, connect their data, leverage marketing capabilities to drive enrollment, and give faculty access to mass communication functionality for all their classes, teams, advisories and more.The expansion of Red Arc’s existing integration for Raiser’s Edge NXT to Blackbaud CRM™ cloud-hosted customers, to directly connect their preferred digital marketing solutions, like Constant Contact, Mailchimp, HubSpot or Salesforce Marketing Cloud, to their CRM.New SKY Add-ins™ for both low-code and pro-code developers to create hyper-specific solutions and access partner solutions without ever leaving Blackbaud software. Six new Microsoft Power Platform-certified connectors offering more flexibility, plus added low-code tools for Blackbaud CRM that have already been popular in Raiser’s Edge NXT for embedding power automate workflows, power apps, adaptive cards and Power BI extensions.

Happening at bbcon 2024
bbcon 2024 is taking place this week in Seattle, welcoming thousands of social impact professionals for three days of unmatched networking, the latest in industry trends and inspiring keynotes. The agenda features a day-two keynote conversation with Emmy® award-winning actress and nonprofit founder Sheryl Lee Ralph, as well as a day-three appearance by Dr. Alex George, a bestselling author and podcaster focused on resilience and mental wellness. As the presenting sponsor, Microsoft will deliver several sessions on how nonprofits can use AI with their data to drive mission success around fundraising and campaign planning.

Mainstage sessions can be livestreamed for free through the bbcon virtual pass, with replay content available on demand beginning October 15. Visit bbconference.com for more information, and for more details on Blackbaud’s product roadmap, register to attend the Blackbaud Product Update Briefings, happening Nov. 12-14.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud’s essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud’s solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, Quartz’s list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom, supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com or follow us on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Inquiries
media@blackbaud.com

Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud’s investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

 

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SOURCE Blackbaud

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Wistron Celebrates Grand Opening of First U.S. Smart Factory Marking Milestone in Global Smart Manufacturing Strategy

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FORT WORTH, Texas, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wistron Corporation (“Wistron”) celebrated the grand opening of its D1 AI smart facility in Fort Worth, Texas, the site where the first NVIDIA GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Superchip was built and mass-produced in the United States. The US$ 700 million facility, spanning approximately 324,000 square foot, was officially unveiled during a ceremony led by Wistron Chairman Simon Lin and NVIDIA Founder and CEO Jensen Huang. Jessica Rogers, Director of the Economic Development Department for the City of Fort Worth, and Alexander Tah-ray Yui, Taiwan’s Representative to the United States, were among the government officials and business leaders who attended, marking a milestone in the expansion of Wistron’s global footprint and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

This is a key hub in Wistron’s global AI infrastructure manufacturing network. The facility runs on NVIDIA accelerated computing and integrates NVIDIA’s Nemotron and Cosmos open frontier models and Omniverse and Metropolis libraries, using digital twin technology to optimize factory design, production workflows, and operational efficiency. It is Wistron’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facility, established to serve customers locally and produce NVIDIA’s most advanced and cutting-edge products. Wistron Chairman Simon Lin said “The operation here is not typical manufacturing. It is new, very comprehensive, and high-tech. Right now we produce the NVIDIA GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Superchip, and beyond, we are also going to produce the NVIDIA Vera Rubin Superchip here. In the next couple of years, this location will be one of the most important, as we build AI infrastructure here in the United States. I think this is the reason we say that there will be the next chapter, and we are going to empower AI from Texas.”

Responding to Customer Needs: Texas, the Newest Global Manufacturing Hub
At this pivotal moment for global AI infrastructure, Wistron is drawing on decades of global manufacturing experience to expand its footprint in Texas, a state with a well-established ecosystem for logistics, talent recruitment, and advanced manufacturing. The new D1 facility produces the NVIDIA GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Superchip and soon, the NVIDIA Vera Rubin Superchip — critical to powering the next generation of AI computing. The new Fort Worth facility strengthens a critical upstream layer of the AI infrastructure supply chain by expanding domestic capacity to assemble and test NVIDIA AI systems. These servers can be integrated into NVIDIA DSX infrastructure, with DSX providing the common architecture and technologies needed to deploy and operate energy-efficient AI factories at scale.

One-Stop Operational Ecosystem Strengthens U.S. AI Supply Chain Resilience
Behind every breakthrough in AI computing lies the manufacturing capability to scale it. Wistron is expanding its AI server production capabilities from Taiwan to the United States, guided by a vision of precision, efficiency, and sustainability. This reflects a broader industry shift: AI leadership is determined not only by technological breakthroughs, but also by the operational capability to transform innovation into high-volume production with consistent quality, supply chain resilience, and predictable delivery. By establishing AI infrastructure manufacturing capacity in the United States, Wistron is building a one-stop operational ecosystem spanning manufacturing and after-sales service — shortening delivery timelines and customer support cycles, strengthening supply chain resilience, and laying the foundation for long-term competitive advantage as AI infrastructure continues to scale.

Partnering with NVIDIA to Pioneer a New Model for Smart Manufacturing and Energy Optimization
As the era of physical AI begins, Wistron is extending its smart manufacturing capabilities to the United States, creating a new model for AI infrastructure production built on digital manufacturing, energy optimization, and local operations. Jensen Huang said: “The largest infrastructure buildout in history is underway. Demand for AI factories—the engine of this next industrial revolution—is incredible, and they must be produced everywhere. Together, NVIDIA and Wistron are restoring US advanced manufacturing capacity in Texas, creating skilled jobs and strengthening America’s AI supply chain.” As demand for advanced manufacturing grows in Texas, smarter planning of production loads and energy use will give the plant greater control and flexibility over its electricity needs.

Turning Global Experience into Scalable AI Infrastructure
Simon Lin stressed that the speed the AI era demands comes with its own responsibility. “In the AI era, the pressure of speed is also a form of responsibility,” Lin said. “We don’t just need to build fast; we need to build right.”

The Fort Worth plant will serve as the core engine of Wistron’s U.S. manufacturing operations, the company said, connecting its global production network with ecosystem partners as it scales advanced AI manufacturing. Wistron said that the investment reflects efforts to deepen its technical capabilities, strengthen the resilience and efficiency of global supply chains, and support the next phase of AI infrastructure development.

About Wistron:
Wistron Corporation is a leading global technology service provider delivering advanced ICT products, AI infrastructure, and manufacturing solutions to technology brands worldwide. With more than 63,000 employees across North America, Europe, and Asia, Wistron continues to expand its AI, cloud, and advanced manufacturing capabilities to support the next generation of intelligent computing. For more information about Wistron, please visit the official website at www.wistron.com. Additional information about the event is available on the event website.

Media Contact:
Joyce WL Chou
joyce_wl_chou@wistron.com

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SOURCE Wistron Corporation

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NSG Bio Accelerates Breakthrough Biotech Innovation in Singapore

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New initiative under NSG Bio Tomorrow will support promising startups developing next-generation approaches in respiratory and neonatal care

SINGAPORE, July 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The NSG Bio Tomorrow initiative aims at supporting emerging life sciences startups working on complex challenges in respiratory and neonatal care.

Launched through the support of Chiesi Group, The Impulse initiative will provide a selected startup with one year of NSG Bio membership and access to a dedicated laboratory bench at NSG Bio Singapore. The initiative is designed to help early-stage biotech companies move from promising science toward stronger proof-of-concept work in a fully equipped research environment.

The initiative comes at a time when the biotech industry is increasingly looking for faster, more connected ways to move high-potential science from the lab toward real-world patient impact. For startups, access to infrastructure is only one part of the challenge. Equally important are the right networks, industry visibility, technical environment, and opportunities to engage with partners who understand the path from early discovery to clinical relevance.

The programme will focus on startups developing innovative biotechnological solutions with potential relevance to chronic respiratory diseases and neonatal conditions. Areas of interest include cell therapies, gene therapies, gene-editing technologies, regenerative tissue engineering, engineered or programmable living systems, lung-targeted delivery platforms, preventive approaches, and small-molecule-based approaches.

The selected startup will gain access to NSG Bio’s laboratory infrastructure, shared workspaces, meeting facilities, and wider community of biotech entrepreneurs, researchers, scientific leaders, and industry partners. The support is intended to help the company advance key research milestones while becoming part of Singapore’s growing life-science innovation ecosystem.

For NSG Bio, the initiative is part of NSG Bio Tomorrow, its ecosystem-building arm created to expand the company’s role beyond facilities and real estate. While NSG Bio is known for providing high-quality laboratory and office infrastructure for biotech companies, NSG Bio Tomorrow focuses on building the programmes, partnerships, and opportunities that help startups grow.

“Biotech companies need more than lab space. They need access, momentum, and the right ecosystem around them,” said Hasyim Sim, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, NSG Bio. “Through NSG Bio Tomorrow, we are building initiatives that help promising startups connect with partners, unlock opportunities, and move their science forward. This initiative reflects exactly the kind of role we want to play in the biotech ecosystem.”

“Chiesi is committed to supporting innovation that can make a meaningful difference for patients, and we work with entrepreneurs, researchers and partners to advance meaningful ideas,” said Fabrizio Conicella, Vice President, Center of Open Innovation & Competence at Chiesi Group. “By supporting this NSG Bio Tomorrow initiative, we want to create an opportunity for early-stage innovators to access the infrastructure and ecosystem support needed to develop impactful science in respiratory and neonatal care.”

NSG Bio Tomorrow programme also reinforces Singapore’s position as a growing hub for biotech innovation in Asia, where startups, research institutions, investors, and industry partners are increasingly coming together to support the next generation of healthcare companies.

Applications open on 22 July 2026 at 09:00 a.m. SGT. Finalists will be invited to present at a virtual pitch event, after which the selected startup will be announced.

About NSG Bio

NSG Bio is Singapore’s leading provider of BSL-2 certified co-working laboratory and office spaces, supporting life-science companies from early research through growth. Through its facilities, community, and ecosystem initiatives, NSG Bio enables biotech innovators to accelerate research, access networks, and build companies that address critical healthcare challenges.

About NSG Bio Tomorrow

NSG Bio Tomorrow is NSG Bio’s ecosystem-building arm, created to support the next generation of biotech innovation through partnerships, programmes, community initiatives, and opportunities that extend beyond physical laboratory infrastructure. Its mission is to strengthen the biotech industry by connecting startups with the resources, expertise, and networks they need to thrive.

About Chiesi Group 

Chiesi is a research-oriented international biopharmaceutical group that develops and markets innovative therapeutic solutions in respiratory health, rare diseases, and specialty care. The company’s mission is to improve people’s quality of life and act responsibly towards both the community and the environment. As a certified B Corp since 2019, Chiesi is part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact. 

With 90 years of experience, Chiesi is headquartered in Parma (Italy), with 31 affiliates worldwide, and counts more than 7,900 employees. The Group’s research and development centre in Parma works alongside 6 other important R&D hubs in France, the US, Canada, China, the UK, and Sweden. For further information please visit https://www.chiesi.com/en/home 

Media Contact
Giridharan
Laboratory Manager
NSG Bio
giridharan@nsgbio.com
87797175

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SOURCE NSG Bio

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House Judiciary Committee Passes Bill that Would Prevent Future Immigration Crises: Swift Action Needed by Full House, Says FAIR

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WASHINGTON, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the House Judiciary Committee passed an updated version of H.R. 2, the landmark border security bill from last congressional session. The bill now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) urges Speaker Mike Johnson to schedule a final floor vote as soon as possible.

The Secure Border Act systematically closes the loopholes that allowed the Biden administration to unleash the largest and most damaging wave of illegal immigration in American history. Enactment of this legislation would prevent future anti-borders administrations from shirking their responsibilities to secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws; asserting unlimited discretion to parole inadmissible aliens to enter the country; or releasing millions of illegal aliens into the country, rather than detaining them or returning them to the country from which they entered.

“We congratulate the Judiciary Committee for its swift action on this critical legislation,” said Dale Wilcox, executive director and general counsel of FAIR. “Ending border chaos and rampant illegal immigration was a key reason that Republicans regained control of the White House and both chambers of Congress in the last election. The clock is ticking on the 119th Congress, and Republicans only have a short time to deliver on the promises they made to voters in 2024, before the midterms.

“Right now, our immigration laws are being enforced in the interests of the American people. As the last administration demonstrated, enforcement of those laws is not guaranteed unless Congress acts to prevent similar abuse in the future. Now is the time for decisive action in the House, where this bill can be passed with a simple majority vote, and an opportunity for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to put every member of that body on record before voters go to the polls in the fall,” Wilcox concluded.

Hayley Hill, hhill@fairus.org 202-328-7004

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SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)

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