ROME, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cake Digital Bank, a digital-only bank from Vietnam, has won Gold at the Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards 2026 for its initiative, “Reinventing Financial Experiences Through an AI-First Banking Model.” Cake was the only financial institution from Vietnam recognized at this year’s awards.

The winners were celebrated in Rome, Italy, during Infosys Finacle Conclave 2026. The 13th edition of the awards attracted 538 submissions from 206 financial institutions across 68 countries, with 37 institutions recognized across ten award categories. The selection process combined voting by industry peers with evaluation by an expert jury of 81 senior banking executives.

The award-winning institutions included leading international banking names such as Santander, Commonwealth Bank, DBS, Maybank, and CaixaBank, reflecting the global scope and competitive landscape of the awards.

John Berry, Chairman of Qorus, observed that the banking industry is entering a new era in which AI is becoming integral to innovation, transforming initiatives and expanding the possibilities of financial services.

Building an AI-First Banking Model from the Ground Up

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to banking innovation, financial institutions face a growing challenge: translating technological capabilities into better customer experiences, greater operational efficiency, and sustainable business performance.

Cake’s AI-first approach reflects this industry shift while taking a different starting point. Rather than integrating AI into established banking processes, Cake was built as a digital-only bank from the outset, embedding AI, data, and automation into its technology architecture, operating model, and customer journeys.

This greenfield foundation has enabled Cake to develop an integrated AI-first banking model, where technology supports how the bank makes decisions, manages operations, and delivers financial services at scale.

Supported by its independently developed core banking and card management systems, Cake applies AI across the banking value chain, from customer onboarding, credit assessment, and fraud prevention to risk management, customer service, and personalized financial recommendations.

Beyond operational efficiency, Cake has also invested in localized AI capabilities designed specifically for Vietnamese users, enabling more accessible, responsive, and personalized financial experiences.

Scaling Growth with Efficiency and Sustainable Business Performance

Nearly six years since its launch, Cake has grown to serve more than 8 million customers, demonstrating the scalability of its branchless digital banking model.

Cake achieved positive EBITDA in Q3 2024, just 3.5 years after launch, marking a significant milestone in demonstrating the viability of its digital-only banking model. The bank subsequently recorded 173% year-on-year revenue growth in 2025, followed by a further 121% growth in 2026, reflecting sustained business momentum as it continues to scale. Meanwhile, average revenue per user (ARPU) increased from USD 12 in 2024 to USD 44 in 2026, highlighting Cake’s ability to generate greater value from its growing customer base.

Beyond customer acquisition, Cake’s growth strategy increasingly focuses on deepening customer relationships and expanding the range of financial needs served through its platform and partner ecosystems. This approach reflects the bank’s evolution toward a mature digital banking model, where scale is complemented by stronger customer engagement, operational efficiency, and long-term business sustainability.

Nguyen Huu Quang, CEO of Cake Digital Bank, said:

“Winning Gold at the Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards is a meaningful international recognition of Cake’s AI-first banking model. From the beginning, our ambition has been to build a digital bank that combines technological innovation with sustainable business performance, while making financial services simpler, more accessible, and more relevant to customers. This recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class banking experiences for Vietnamese users and continuing to advance our AI-first capabilities.”

The Gold Award marks another milestone in Cake’s development as a next-generation AI-first digital bank. It also demonstrates how a banking model developed and scaled in an emerging market can deliver meaningful customer and business outcomes, contributing practical perspectives to the global conversation on the future of digital banking.

In September 2026, Cake was also named “Vietnam’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney under its Group Level Banking Awards, further recognizing the bank’s progress in strategy, technology, and business performance.

About the Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards

The Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards are jointly organized by Qorus, a global association for retail financial institutions, and Infosys Finacle, a digital banking solutions provider. Now in their 13th edition, the awards recognize innovative initiatives and banking models that deliver meaningful impact across the global financial services industry.

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SOURCE Cake Digital Bank

Partnership strengthens the KSAT Lunar Network and supports deep space and lunar exploration

DENVER and MOREHEAD, Ky., Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), a leading provider of ground station networks and satellite operations, today announced a strategic partnership with Morehead State University (MSU) to enhance the KSAT Lunar Network, supporting the growing demand for communications and tracking services for deep space and lunar missions.

The partnership leverages MSU Space Science Center’s established deep space communications capabilities, including its 21-meter and 12-meter-class antennas in Morehead, Kentucky, to further increase the KSAT Lunar Network. Together, the partnership enables mission operators to maintain reliable links with spacecraft operating beyond Earth orbit by adding network capacity and resiliency over the Eastern United States.

“Partnering with MSU advances KSAT’s ability to deliver the communications infrastructure required for the accelerated demand for deep space and lunar missions. We are especially thrilled about this partnership as it helps enable science and exploration space missions today, while developing the next-generation workforce to support the long-term development of the U.S. cislunar economy,” said Dan Adams, General Manager of KSAT Inc.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the future of space exploration through innovation, education, and collaboration,” said Dr. Benjamin K. Malphrus, Executive Director of Space Science Center. “Working with KSAT provides exciting opportunities for our students and researchers while enabling us to contribute directly to the thriving commercial sector.”

KSAT and MSU share a strong commitment and heritage of supporting NASA’s Artemis program, most recently the Artemis II mission, and the broader science and exploration, as well as inspiring the next generation. In addition to expanding KSAT Lunar capabilities, the partnership will create even more opportunities for student involvement and workforce development through KSAT’s internship programs, helping prepare the next generation of engineers and space professionals for careers in the rapidly growing space sector.

About KSAT:

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) is the leading commercial provider of Ground Station Services, Earth Observation Services, and Satellite Operations Services. Headquartered in Tromsø, Norway, the company operates the largest commercial satellite ground station network worldwide, including facilities in Svalbard and Antarctica to provide unique southern hemisphere coverage. Through KSAT Inc., KSAT’s U.S. based full-capability subsidiary, KSAT delivers mission-critical infrastructure for customers in government, civil, and commercial space in the United States, as well as the global space industry. 

About MSU:
Morehead State University (MSU) is a comprehensive, regional university located in Appalachian Kentucky in the Daniel Boone National Forest. MSU is known for excellence in STEM fields and pre-professional programs. The Space Science Center is MSU’s Program of Distinction and manages a significant research and development portfolio in small satellite systems, having executed 7 smallsat missions to date. The Center operates a 21-meter ground station and a 12-meter tracking antenna that provides lunar tracking services and smaller aperture ground stations for satellite telecommunications support. The Center also supports innovative undergraduate, graduate and a Doctor of Engineering program in Space Systems Engineering.

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CERRITOS, Calif., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — It is with profound sadness that Millennium Dental Technologies and the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD) mourn the passing of Professor Raymond A. Yukna, DMD, MS, world-renowned clinician, educator, researcher, mentor and cherished friend.

Throughout a remarkable career spanning academia, research, clinical practice and education, Dr. Yukna earned the admiration of colleagues worldwide for his unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry, clinical excellence and the advancement of patient care.

A Diplomate of both the American Board of Periodontology and the American Board of Oral Medicine, Professor of Advanced Periodontal Therapies at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, Professor Emeritus at Louisiana State University, internationally recognized lecturer, and respected researcher, Dr. Yukna devoted his life to advancing the field of periodontics. His contributions helped shape modern periodontal therapy and influenced generations of clinicians, educators, and researchers worldwide.

His reputation for integrity, scientific rigor and thoughtful leadership made him one of the most trusted and respected voices in the specialty.

A DEFINING CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF THE LANAP® PROTOCOL

Dr. Yukna brought credibility, intellectual curiosity and scientific discipline that would help shape the future of the LANAP® protocol, a minimally invasive laser treatment for the treatment of moderate to severe periodontal disease. He engaged in thoughtful dialogue with Millennium Dental Technologies Co-Founders Robert H. Gregg II, DDS, and Delwin K. McCarthy, DDS, regarding the emerging science behind laser-assisted periodontal regeneration.

His groundbreaking research provided some of the earliest and most influential human histological evidence supporting the LANAP® protocol. Beginning with his International Association for Dental Research (IADR) abstract in 2003, followed by the submission of his landmark study to the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry (IJPRD) in 2006 and its publication in 2007, Dr. Yukna produced research that became a defining milestone in the scientific validation of the LANAP® protocol. His work demonstrated cementum-mediated new connective tissue attachment in humans and provided the periodontal community with compelling evidence supporting the protocol’s regenerative potential.

At a time when laser periodontal therapy was met with understandable skepticism by many within the specialty, Dr. Yukna’s willingness to objectively evaluate the science—and ultimately contribute his own landmark research—gave the LANAP® protocol a level of scientific credibility that helped change its trajectory. Many periodontists first embraced the LANAP® protocol because they trusted Dr. Yukna’s scientific integrity and respected his commitment to evidence-based dentistry.

His landmark study opened the door to broader acceptance of the LANAP® protocol within periodontics and laid the foundation for additional human histological studies, expanded university research efforts, and more than two decades of continued scientific investigation. The growing body of evidence supporting the LANAP® protocol today owes much to the foundation Dr. Yukna helped establish.

A TEACHER WHO SHAPED A GENERATION

Dr. Yukna’s influence extended far beyond the published literature. As an IALD Certified Instructor, he became one of the most influential educators in the history of the LANAP® protocol. He served as hands-on clinical instructor for approximately 350 LANAP-trained clinicians and lectured at roughly 130 Laser BootCamps™, helping educate well over 1,000 clinicians throughout his years with the IALD and Millennium Dental Technologies.

From the Denver BootCamps™ held during his tenure at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine to sessions conducted throughout New York and, later, at the facility in Cerritos, Dr. Yukna’s lectures, mentorship and quiet confidence inspired countless clinicians. His generosity in sharing his knowledge, his thoughtful guidance and his commitment to excellence helped shape the careers of an entire generation of LANAP clinicians.

A CHERISHED FRIEND

Beyond his extraordinary professional accomplishments was an even more extraordinary person. For Robert H. Gregg II, DDS and Dawn Gregg, DDS, Dr. Yukna and his wife, Charlotte, were not simply respected colleagues, they were dear friends. Over many years, they shared milestones, celebrated successes, supported one another through challenges and built a friendship that extended far beyond dentistry. In fact, when Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Dawn Gregg began their lives together as a couple, Dr. Yukna and Charlotte were among the very first people they chose to tell in person—reflecting the trust, respect and affection they shared.

Those privileged to know Dr. Yukna personally will remember far more than his curriculum vitae. They will remember his humility, kindness, generosity, wisdom, quiet confidence and unwavering integrity. He challenged those around him to pursue excellence, to follow the science wherever it led, and to never lose sight of the patients whose lives could be changed through innovation grounded in evidence.

HIS LEGACY LIVES ON

The LANAP® community, the periodontal profession, the IALD and the entire Millennium Dental Technologies family are better because of Dr. Yukna’s contributions.

His legacy lives on through the science he advanced, the clinicians he trained, the patients whose lives were improved by his work, and the countless colleagues and friends he inspired throughout his remarkable career.

Millennium Dental Technologies and the IALD extends deepest condolences to Charlotte and Dr. Yukna’s family, friends, colleagues, students and all those whose lives he touched.

Thank you, Dr. Yukna, for your leadership, your scholarship, your mentorship, your friendship, and your unwavering belief that scientific excellence could improve the lives of patients around the world.

ABOUT MILLENNIUM DENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Headquartered in Cerritos, Calif., Millennium Dental Technologies is the developer of the LANAP protocol for treating periodontal disease and the manufacturer of the PerioLase MVP-7 variable-pulsed Nd:YAG dental laser. The company’s FDA-cleared LANAP protocol offers a more comfortable, less invasive alternative to conventional periodontal surgery while providing unique bone-building clinical results. Founding clinician Robert H. Gregg II, DDS, continues to lead the company with a vision to create better clinical outcomes for patients with periodontal disease while remaining true to its guiding principle: “It’s all about the patient.” For more information, visit www.lanap.com.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LASER DENTISTRY

The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry is a nonprofit educational and research organization dedicated to advancing evidence-based clinical training in laser dentistry. Established in 1999, the IALD is nationally recognized for its continuing education programs as an ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program and Academy of General Dentistry Program Approval for Continuing Education provider. For more information, visit www.theiald.com.

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SOURCE Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc.