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Banpu NEXT and Durapower ready for mass production at Thailand battery assembly plant, leading country’s commercial electric vehicle transition

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BANGKOK, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Banpu NEXT, a subsidiary of Banpu PCL and a leading Net Zero Solutions provider in Asia-Pacific, together with Durapower*, a global leader in performance lithium battery storage solutions for the electric mobility and renewable energy applications, today inaugurated the DP NEXT assembly plant to accelerate electrification and clean transport in the Thai mobility market.

 

Located in AMATA City Chonburi Industrial Estate, this state-of-the-art facility is poised to accelerate the adoption of electric buses and heavy-duty vehicles within Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The plant’s operation aligns with Thailand’s Net Zero emissions goals and contributes to the country’s transition towards a sustainable future and economic growth.

Being operated by the joint venture (JV) company between Banpu NEXT and Durapower, the DP NEXT plant leverages the combined expertise of both teams, bringing together advanced technological know-how and a deep understanding of the market to deliver high-performance, reliable batteries tailored to the region’s needs. The plant utilizes semi-automated intelligent production lines, mirroring the technology employed at Durapower’s facilities. This ensures that batteries are specifically engineered to meet the demands of electric buses and heavy-duty electric vehicles with their lightweight designs, fast-charging, and high storage capacities. The batteries also prioritize safety through rigorous standards, such as UNECE Regulation No. 100 Rev.3, an important European requirement for the approval of road electric vehicles or IEC 62660, a performance testing standard for secondary lithium-ion cells for the propulsion of electric road vehicles. All of batteries produced at the DP NEXT plant are also required to pass the stringent nail penetration test, demonstrating the ability of the technology to mitigate any undesirable battery effects in cases of vehicular incidents.

The DP NEXT plant boasts a production capacity of more than 15,000 battery packs per year in response to market demand, with long-term plans to expand to a maximum capacity of 1 GWh. This will cater to the rapidly growing demand for EVs in this region, with 80% of production allocated for the domestic market and 20% for export to Southeast Asia, India, and USA. The plant offers a comprehensive range of battery solutions for both Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) as well as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistries, catering to various EV segments for the transportation and logistics industry. These include:

Commercial Vehicles: Electric trucks, buses, forklifts, trailers, dump trucks, semi-trailers, and aircraft tow tractors.Specialty Vehicles: Tailored solutions for specific applications such as electric tuk-tuks, vessel/shipbuilders and vehicles used for port transportation.EV Scooters (Motorcycles) and battery swapping for electric motorcycles.Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

Mr. Smittipon Srethapramote, Chief Executive Officer, Banpu NEXT Co., Ltd., said: “The Asia-Pacific region is at the forefront of the global electric bus market, with projected growth expected to surge from US$44.74 billion in 2024 to US$73.88 billion by 2029**. As part of Thailand’s aims to have 33,000 electric buses and trucks or 40% of registered vehicles on its road by 2030***, this new plant is a prime example of this trend. It also presents a great opportunity for suppliers of heavy-duty EV batteries, as the battery assembly plant marks a pivotal step in our journey to become the ‘Net-Zero Solutions Provider’ for enterprises across Asia Pacific. In addition, this plant will significantly boost Thailand’s jobs market by creating over 300 job opportunities for local workers, aligning with its long-term production.”

Mr. Kelvin Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Durapower Group, said: “This new DP NEXT plant will allow Durapower to expand its reach in providing industry leading battery solutions to customers worldwide. Besides the usual production and assembly processes, the DP NEXT plant has the unique added benefit of supporting steadfast innovation, by harnessing our advanced technology and deep industry expertise to deliver superior-quality battery systems, tailored to the specific needs of our different customer segments. It will enable us to provide clean and sustainable energy solutions to our customers in Thailand, further enhancing our vision of a circular economy across the Asia-Pacific region.”

Beyond providing innovative and reliable battery solutions to a diverse customer base, Banpu NEXT and Durapower empower businesses to embrace electric mobility, supporting the business transformation and energy transition to a Net Zero society. This facility will play a crucial role in accelerating EV adoption in Thailand and contributing to a more sustainable future.

*Durapower is a subsidiary of Banpu NEXT, in which Banpu NEXT holds a 65.1% stake

**Source: Asia Pacific Electric Bus Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 – 2029) 

***Source: Industry Outlook 2024-2026: Electric Vehicle Industry

#BanpuNEXT #TotalSmartEnergySolutions #Durapower #DPNEXT #EnergyStorageSystems

About Banpu NEXT

Banpu NEXT Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Banpu PCL, is a leading Net Zero Solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region. The company supports the transition to Net Zero society. The five core business groups are Renewable Power, Energy Storage Systems, Energy Trading, e-Mobility, and Smart Cities & Energy Management. With all these five businesses, the company boasts the capability to offer “Total Smart Energy Solutions” as the long-term partner who combines technology and digital platform with its energy expertise to provide the best tailor-made solutions, empowering organizations to tap into an infinite of clean energy and accelerate smart business transformation. Banpu NEXT is the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO)-certified for its Carbon Footprint for Organizations (CFO). In 2023, the company and its Thai subsidiaries operate on 100% renewable energy, offset through the International REC Standard (I-REC). This underscores Banpu NEXT’s commitment to sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.

For more information, visit www.banpunext.co.th, www.facebook.com/banpunext, www.linkedin.com/company/banpu-next-company-limited/ 

About Durapower Group

Headquartered in Singapore, Durapower offers closed-loop, end-to-end energy storage solutions for the electric mobility and renewable energy applications including on and off-road Electric, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, electric marine vessel and stationary energy storage solutions. Since 2009, Durapower has been a leading innovator of Lithium-Ion cell technology, focusing on the research and development of battery materials, battery cell manufacturing and system integration. With a global presence spanning 24 countries and 49 cities, including European Countries, China, India and Southeast Asia. Durapower Group strives to make scalable, sustainable batteries that support the circular economy, empowering lives and transforming the future towards a carbon neutral economy.

For more information, visit www.durapowergroup.com.

Media Contact:
Banpu NEXT Co., Ltd.,
Kankhachee Meecharoen, Brand and Marketing Communications, Kankhachee_M@banpunext.co.th
Manapah Pongtanesuan, Brand and Marketing Communications, Manapah_P@banpunext.co.th

Burson Thailand
Public Relations Consultancy Team: banpunexthkth@hkstrategies.com

Durapower Group
Kristina Wijaya, Corporate Affairs, Kristina@durapowergroup.com
Gerald Woon, Corporate Communications, corpcomm@durapowergroup.com

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SOURCE Durapower Group

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World IP Day 2026: PitchMark launches Ideas.Exchange to help creators safeguard and license ideas in the age of AI

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SINGAPORE, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To mark World IP Day 2026, PitchMark® today launched Ideas.Exchange, a first‑of‑its‑kind platform designed to help creators assert intellectual property rights, license ideas, and formalise creative conversations in an increasingly AI‑driven economy.

Unveiled at Safeguard Your IP in the Age of AI, a media briefing hosted by CNBC’s Sri Jegarajah, the platform responds to growing concern that ideas are routinely used, reused or absorbed without attribution, consent or compensation—often with limited legal or commercial recourse.

“AI has amplified both the reach and the risk for creators,” said Mark Laudi, Managing Partner of PitchMark LLP. “Ideas.Exchange gives creators a way to protect themselves while still participating confidently in the market for ideas.”

At its core, the platform focuses on three interventions for creators:

Asserting IP rights by establishing proof of authorship and precedenceLicensing ideas without giving them away for freeFormalising conversations so pitches and evaluations are governed rather than informal

Ideas.Exchange is powered by three proprietary resources developed by PitchMark. These include a blockchain‑driven clearing house where ideas and creative works can be listed and licensed; smart contracts that automate usage terms and reduce disputes; and an IP Governance Certification Program designed to signal responsible handling of ideas, particularly in enterprise and AI contexts.

The result, PitchMark says, is three concrete outcomes: deterrence of idea theft, new ways to monetise ideas through structured licensing and price discovery, and a more level playing field that allows creators to pitch to clients and platforms on equal terms.

The launch comes amid renewed scrutiny of how intellectual property is treated in the AI era. While idea theft is rarely reported, its impact is significant. Beyond visible financial losses, organisations and creators often absorb hidden costs through talent attrition, innovation suppression and abandoned market opportunities.

“Most idea theft occurs informally and never reaches the courts,” said Prof David Llewelyn, Professor Emeritus of Law at Singapore Management University. “Introducing governance, traceability and standards is a meaningful step toward addressing that gap.”

Spokespeople including Prof Llewelyn, technology lawyer Bryan Ghows, and Mark Laudi are available for interview.

About PitchMark

PitchMark® deters idea theft and enables creatives to get paid by providing a trusted way to share and license ideas with prospects and clients.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/world-ip-day-2026-pitchmark-launches-ideasexchange-to-help-creators-safeguard-and-license-ideas-in-the-age-of-ai-302753571.html

SOURCE PitchMark

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SK hynix receives 2026 IEEE Corporate Innovation Award for Driving AI Computing Expansion with HBM

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SK hynix honored at the 2026 IEEE Awards for leading AI technology innovation with HBM Contributed to the global AI computing ecosystem via stable mass production across all HBM generationsCompany committed to becoming a premier leader in AI innovation through collaboration with global customers and partners

SEOUL, South Korea, April 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SK hynix Inc. (or “the company”, www.skhynix.com) announced today that it received the Corporate Innovation Award at the ‘2026 IEEE1 Honors Ceremony’ held in New York on the 24th (local time).

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Established more than a century ago, the IEEE Awards Program recognizes individuals and teams whose innovations have advanced technology and improved the human condition.

The IEEE Corporation Innovation Award, part of the Recognitions category, has been presented since 1986 to companies that have significantly contributed to the advancement of industry and society through innovative technology. This marks the first time SK hynix has received this honor.

SK hynix attributed the honor to its contribution to the global AI computing ecosystem by ensuring the stable mass production of all High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) generations. Looking ahead, the company aims to solidify its position as a trusted partner in the global AI market by providing memory solutions that are critical to overcoming the performance limitations of AI platforms.

The recognition highlights SK hynix’s achievements in driving the expansion of AI computing through HBM innovation and application. Central to this success was the company’s ability to preemptively offer innovative HBM solutions and respond timely to customer demands in the global AI market.

Industry observers also credit this achievement to the strategic direction of SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, who has long emphasized securing long-term technological competitiveness. Under his leadership, the company has consistently expanded its AI infrastructure partnerships with global Big Tech firms in the United States.

Ahn Hyun, President and Chief Development Officer (CDO), attended the ceremony as the company representative to accept the award.

“It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of our employees, who have tirelessly challenged the limits of technology,” said Ahn. “By collaborating closely with our global customers and partners, we will stay ahead in creating the value the market demands and continue to be a premier company leading AI innovation.”

About SK hynix Inc.
SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world’s top-tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAM”) and flash memory chips (“NAND flash”) for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

About IEEE
IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization and a public charity dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice in a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers, and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics. Learn more at https://www.ieee.org.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sk-hynix-receives-2026-ieee-corporate-innovation-award-for-driving-ai-computing-expansion-with-hbm-302753615.html

SOURCE SK hynix Inc.

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NCL (Formerly Natural Cure Labs) Unveils New Brand Identity, Reinforcing Its Position as a Leading Monolaurin Supplement Company

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Natural Cure Labs, one of the most recognized monolaurin supplement brands in the United States, is officially transitioning to NCL – the same company, same formulations, and same science-backed standards, under a streamlined name.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 25, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Natural Cure Labs, one of the most recognized monolaurin supplement brands in the United States, is officially transitioning to NCL. The company, founded in 2015, is adopting a streamlined brand identity while maintaining the same formulations, manufacturing standards, team, and commitment to quality its customers have trusted for more than a decade.

“NCL represents the quality, transparency, and innovation that our community expects from us. As we enter this new chapter, our commitment to our customers and our standards remains as strong as ever.”

NCL stands for Natural Cure Labs. The name change reflects how customers and the team already refer to the company. Over the past 10+ years, “NCL” has become the natural shorthand for Natural Cure Labs – and this transition formalizes that identity. This is a name change and visual evolution only. Ownership, leadership, formulations, and values remain unchanged.

Same Mission, Sharper Identity

This transition is not a departure from who the company is – it is a natural progression. The values that have guided NCL from the very beginning remain unchanged: clean-label quality, third-party testing, science-backed formulations, and an unwavering commitment to transparency. What is changing is how the company presents itself. In the months ahead, this rebrand will be accompanied by further updates across the brand experience – from visual identity and packaging to how NCL shows up across every channel and platform. Each of these changes will reflect the same standard of excellence customers have come to expect.

What is changing is how the company presents itself. In the months ahead, this rebrand will be accompanied by further updates across the brand experience – from visual identity and packaging to how NCL shows up across every channel and platform. Each of these changes will reflect the same standard of excellence customers have come to expect.

More Than 10 Years of Trust

This evolution comes at a time of significant momentum. Since 2015, NCL has grown from a small startup into an award-winning wellness brand available nationwide through Amazon, Walmart, Target+, TikTok Shop, eBay, and other major marketplaces. Along the way, the company has reached milestones that reflect the trust its community has placed in it:

200,000+ customers served worldwide35+ million capsules sold7,000+ verified customer reviewsRecognition in the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companiesMultiple Stevie Awards from the American Business AwardsNamed a 2025 and 2026 Gator100 HonoreeThree-time Global 100 winner for Best Health & Wellness Nutrition Manufacturer

“This rebrand isn’t about changing who we are – it’s about evolving how we present ourselves to match the brand our customers already know and trust,” said Damon Sununtnasuk, Founder & CEO.

What This Means for Customers

For existing customers, nothing changes about the products they know and trust. The same formulations, manufacturing facilities, quality controls, and customer support team remain in place. Products sold as Natural Cure Labs and products sold as NCL are from the same company. Customers can continue to find NCL products on the company’s website and through Amazon, Walmart, Target+, Kroger, eBay, and other major marketplaces.

NCL is grateful for every customer who has been part of this journey and is excited for what is to come.

Media Contact

NCL (Natural Cure Labs), NCL (Natural Cure Labs), 1 8003036214, press@naturalcurelabs.com, https://www.naturalcurelabs.com/

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SOURCE NCL (Natural Cure Labs)

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