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Forge Institute Launches Phoenix Xcelerator to Scale Growth of Defense Tech Startups

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Forge Institute is proud to announce the launch of the Phoenix Xcelerator, a pioneering program designed to empower & grow startups across the defense and aerospace sectors. Through structured programming—including a rigorous high-quality curriculum, personalized mentorship, and coaching—the Phoenix Xcelerator advances industry-informed and mission-led innovation. The program is funded in-part through a grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC).

Why Arkansas?

Forge Institute announces the launch of Phoenix Xcelerator, a pioneering program designed to empower defense startups.

Arkansas is home to over 178 aerospace and defense companies employing more than 10,900 people.  Reports from federal sources highlight a decline in defense contractors, with the Department of Defense (DoD) vendors shrinking by 27.6% in the past decade. The Phoenix Xcelerator aims to reverse this trend, empowering startups to address defense challenges and reinforcing Arkansas’s leadership in the sector.

Arkansas’s aerospace and defense exports, valued at over $850 million in 2023, represent 13% of the state’s total exports, making them the top export category. Furthermore, the Little Rock Air Force Base reported a $1.38 billion economic impact in 2023. Major players like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Dassault Falcon Jet have positioned the state as a hub for defense innovation, with the Phoenix Xcelerator serving as a launchpad for the next wave of industry leaders.

Program Details

The Phoenix Xcelerator offers a 12-week intensive program, guiding participants through business validation, go-to-market strategies, and development of minimum viable products (MVPs) or prototypes. Participants gain expertise in non-dilutive funding opportunities such as SBIR/STTR and other grant programs, as well as access to capital networks for sustained growth. Established companies receive support in maximizing intellectual property and evaluating dual-use markets.

Key features include:

Access to aerospace and defense prime contractors.Site visits to defense manufacturing facilities.Technical guidance on compliance, defense standards, and government procurement.Networking with industry veterans, government experts, and successful entrepreneurs.

The program emphasizes emerging technologies like directed energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drones, ISR and other technologies, ensuring readiness for critical defense challenges.

Apply Now

The Phoenix Xcelerator team brings decades of expertise to guide startups toward impactful, scalable growth. Entrepreneurs and companies working on dual-use technologies are encouraged to apply, gaining unparalleled resources and opportunities to innovate within the defense sector.

To apply now, visit www.forge.institute/phoenix-xcelerator

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SOURCE Forge Institute

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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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DJI Launches Beginner-Friendly Camera Drone Series with Lito X1 and Lito 1

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Creators now have an accessible option for filming high-quality aerial photography while flying safely with omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

SHENZHEN, China, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today launches the Lito series. Designed for aspiring creators exploring aerial photography for the first time, this new lineup of entry-level aerial camera drones makes high-altitude aerial photography accessible and beginner-friendly from day one. With its affordable price point and well-rounded features, the Lito X1 and Lito 1 strike the perfect balance between high performance and value. It’s an ideal camera drone for young newcomers to aerial photography who want to capture campus life, outdoor adventures, and creative moments without compromise.

Leading the range, the premium Lito X1 features a 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor with 48MP effective pixels for lifelike detail capture. It’s equipped with advanced 5-lux omnidirectional obstacle sensing and forward-facing LiDAR for enhanced precision—ensuring safer flight in complex environments. The intelligent filming tools, such as ActiveTrack, QuickShots, MasterShots, Hyperlapse, and Panorama, lower the learning curve and ensure professional results from a creator’s first takeoff. Meanwhile, the Lito 1 offers a 1/2″ CMOS 48MP sensor and comprehensive 5-lux omnidirectional obstacle sensing, bringing safety and tracking capabilities to an even more accessible package.

Smarter Sensing for Safer Flying

The Lito Series features a multi-layered safety system designed with beginners in mind. The built-in omnidirectional vision system actively avoids obstacles like cliffs, and walls, allowing creators to focus on the joy of flying from takeoff to landing. The premium Lito X1 takes this a step further, enhanced with forward-facing LiDAR for highly precise perception in complex environments.

Captures Crisp Imaging, Rich in Detail

The Lito Series makes it possible to capture stunning visuals – from rich daytime details to clean, low-noise nightscapes. Lito 1 is equipped with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor and an f/1.8 aperture to capture up to 8K-resolution photos and 4K-resolution video, retaining crisp detail even when zoomed or cropped. The premium Lito X1 uplevels the camera with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and an f/1.7 aperture, supporting HDR video recordings with up to 14 stops of dynamic range and 10-Bit D-Log M. 

Get High-Quality Shots with ActiveTrack and Smart Modes

The Lito Series delivers stable subject tracking via ActiveTrack, even at speeds up to 12 m/s. Combined with QuickShots, MasterShots, Hyperlapse, and Panorama modes, beginners can automatically execute complex camera moves and capture high-quality footage with ease.

Fly Farther with a Stable View

The Lito Series offers up to 36 minutes of flight time with the standard Intelligent Flight Battery. It also features wind resistance up to 10.7 m/s, allowing the camera drone to hover and fly stably in windy conditions.

Create with Ease and Efficiency

With QuickTransfer, files can be transferred up to 50 MB/s via Wi-Fi 6. Additionally, the premium Lito X1 includes 42GB of internal storage.

Price and Availability

DJI Lito 1 and DJI Lito X1 are available for order starting today through store.dji.com and authorized retailers. Pricing and configurations are as follows: 

DJI Lito 1

DJI Lito 1 retails for 339 EURDJI Lito 1 Fly More Combo (DJI RC-N3) retails for 479 EUR

DJI Lito X1

DJI Lito X1 retails for 419 EURDJI Lito X1 Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2) retails for 579 EUR

DJI Care Refresh

DJI Care Refresh, the comprehensive protection plan for DJI products, is now available for DJI Lito 1. The replacement service covers accidental damage, including flyaway, collisions and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.

DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to two replacements in one year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to four replacements in two years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include official Warranty and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit: https://www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh

For more information, please refer to:
https://www.dji.com/lito-x1
https://www.dji.com/lito-1

1 All data was measured using a production model of the DJI Lito 1 and DJI Lito X1 in a controlled environment; actual experience may vary. For more information, please refer to https://www.dji.com/lito-x1 and https://www.dji.com/lito-1

.

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SOURCE DJI

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Silicon Valley Stars Gather for Dreame’s San Francisco Debut

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SAN FRANCISCO, April 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dreame Technology, a global high-end technology company, confirmed the guest lineup for DREAME NEXT, the company’s largest-ever international launch event, running April 27 to 30, 2026, in San Francisco. The roster brings together figures who have shaped the trajectory of autonomous driving, personal computing, and professional sports: Sebastian Thrun, Steve Wozniak, and Dwyane Wade will all attend.

The breadth of expertise on the guest list reflects the reach of DREAME NEXT itself. Over four days, Dreame will stage product launches across smart mobility, smart home appliances, personal devices, and premium personal care, the first time a single event from the company has spanned its full product ecosystem. The event is organized around five themed segments: Drive Next, Living Next, Connect Next, Self Next, and Humanity Next.

Over the course of the four-day launch event, DREAME NEXT will bring together leading voices from across technology, academia, investment, and innovation to explore the next stage of industry transformation. Discussions will center on how AI-driven applications are reshaping products from the ground up, whether the age of AI requires products to be fundamentally reimagined, how intelligent technologies will redefine the foundations of manufacturing productivity, and what the next decade of human technological evolution may look like.

Featured speakers include AI pioneer Sebastian Thrun (Google X, Udacity), tech futurist Robert Scoble (Microsoft), Meta design leader Julie Zhuo, AI strategist William Fong (Microsoft), and business veteran James W. Keyes (7-Eleven, Blockbuster). The lineup also features Turing Award winner David Patterson, NASA rocket scientist Sylvia Acevedo, Stanford GSB’s Yossi Feinberg, economist Barry Eichengreen, tech journalist Rebecca A. Fannin, engineering leader Jim Chen, and Fremont Mayor Emeritus Lily Mei, alongside former Google DeepMind AI researchers and the co-founders of Robot Launch. These global leaders will share insights on AI, technology, innovation, economics, and entrepreneurship.

Demonstrating Dreame’s growing global influence, the event will also welcome standout guests from beyond the technology sector, including Apple co-founder and personal computing pioneer Steve Wozniak; and three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade.

The guests in attendance at DREAME NEXT reflect where the company is headed; that leaders from autonomous driving, personal computing, and professional sports are all in the same room for a single company’s launch event speaks to the scale and ambition of what Dreame is building. DREAME NEXT is not just a product launch but the opening chapter of the company’s next ten years.

Dreame’s product portfolio now spans categories that, until recently, belonged to entirely separate industries. DREAME NEXT is designed to demonstrate that these categories are connected by core technologies, including high-speed motors, intelligent algorithms, and bionic robotic arms, which are now being applied across smart mobility, personal devices, home appliances, and personal care. It represents not only the next generation of products and lifestyles, but also the beginning of Dreame’s vision for the next decade.

DREAME NEXT runs April 27 to 30, 2026, in San Francisco. Media, partners, and invited guests are welcome to attend.

Please stay tuned for the latest updates from the event through the official website or the social accounts on X: @DreameGlobal, Facebook: Dreame Tech, and Instagram: @dreame_tech.

About Dreame Technology

Founded in 2017, Dreame Technology is a global high-end technology brand built on a foundation of high-speed digital motors, intelligent algorithms, and bionic robotic arms. The company’s product portfolio spans smartphones, smart vehicles, smart home appliances, intelligent cleaning appliances, outdoor smart devices, and personal care, designed to simplify daily life and give users more time for what matters. Dreame operates in more than 120 countries and regions with over 6,500 offline stores and serves more than 42 million households globally. As of December 31, 2025, the company has filed more than 10,000 patents worldwide and holds over 3,000 granted patents.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/silicon-valley-stars-gather-for-dreames-san-francisco-debut-302753481.html

SOURCE Dreame Technology

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