Connect with us

Technology

Pictor Biotech Inc. (d.b.a. SOLARBIOTECH), GPC Bio, and Eleszto Genetika Announce Strategic Unification

Published

on

NORTON, Va., LA ROCHELLE, France and BUDAPEST, Hungary, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, SOLARBIOTECH, GPC Bio, and Eleszto Genetika proudly announced their acquisition and strategic unification under a single ownership. 

This consolidation creates a vertically integrated Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing powerhouse, uniquely positioned to harness the disruptive potential of precision fermentation. By integrating decades of expertise, the unified organization will leverage the strength of each team to seamlessly advance Synthetic Biology innovation from ideation to commercial production.

The acquisitions bring together over 100 engineers, scientists, and seasoned biotech executives, marking a significant leap forward in the rapidly evolving biomanufacturing landscape. The unified organization is fully equipped to give clients unparalleled and seamless support in all stages of biomanufacturing, including microbial strain and bioprocess development, plant engineering, automation, construction, deployment, and large-scale operations. The coming months will involve further integrational activities to fully leverage the strength of the organization.

Strategic Relevance

“The challenges of microbial strain engineering often hindered by restrictive intellectual property and the technical hurdles of scaling bioprocesses, have long impeded the faster development of synthetic biology products. By uniting these companies, we can directly address these challenges head-on, transforming the biomanufacturing landscape with the financial and operational support necessary for growth,” said Alex Berlin, CEO of Pictor Biotech Inc. (d.b.a. SOLARBIOTECH).

Zsolt Popsé, CEO of GPC Bio, added, “With nearly 20 years of experience in designing, engineering, automating, and deploying biomanufacturing equipment, we have delivered world-class facilities for leading biopharmaceutical companies such as Merck, Sanofi, and Millipore-Sigma, as well as major food and beverage companies like Cargill, Groupe Soufflet, and Lesaffre. The integration of GPC Bio with EG and SOLARBIOTECH places us in a unique position to mitigate risk and accelerate growth in the biomanufacturing space.”

Lóránd Szabó, Managing Director of Eleszto Genetika Kft., stated, “Over the past two decades, we have developed hundreds of microbial strains for the production of biopharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. By joining forces with Solar Biotech and GPC Bio, we can efficiently transition products from laboratory scale to commercial production, overcoming the typical hurdles faced by non-integrated organizations.”

Peter Rosholm, owner of EG, GPC Bio and Pictor Biotech (dba SOLARBIOTECH) emphasized: “I am fully committed to investing in and to accelerate the commercial development of sustainable biomanufacturing technologies. By combining SOLARBIOTECH, GPC Bio, and EG under one umbrella, we are uniquely positioning our teams to thrive in this rapidly growing sector. We have a strong, client-focused and diverse organization with very experienced management, and this commitment adds significant funding to the existing companies’ infrastructure.”

About the Companies

Executive Management of the three companies will continue to serve in their respective leadership roles. Peter Rosholm will exclusively serve the organization from an owner and investor capacity.

SOLARBIOTECH (“SBC”), based in Norton, VA, USA, offers world-class expertise in microbial and animal and plant cell precision fermentation and downstream processing across various scales. Leveraging 18 acres of industrial park infrastructure in Southwest Virginia, SBC consistently delivers innovative synthetic biology bioprocesses and products for its partners. 

GPC Bio (“GPC”), headquartered in La Rochelle, France, specializes in the design, automation, software control, engineering, and fabrication of biomanufacturing equipment for the biopharmaceutical, food tech, and beverage industries. For nearly two decades, GPC Bio has delivered state-of-the-art systems to some of the biggest names in industrial biotech and biopharma.

Eleszto Genetika Kft. (“EG”), based in Budapest, Hungary, brings nearly two decades of expertise in R&D for advanced industrial microbial strains. EG’s portfolio includes microbial strains from engineered yeasts, bacteria, and filamentous fungi for producing a wide range of biopharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals, supported by cutting-edge infrastructure in the heart of the European Union.

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Alex Berlin, CEO & CTO, Pictor Biotech Inc. (d.b.a. SOLARBIOTECH), alex@solarbiotech.com, www.solarbiotech.comZsolt Popsé, CEO of GPC Bio, z.popse@gpcbio.com, www.gpcbio.comLóránd Szabó, Managing Director, Eleszto Genetika Kft., lszabo@elesztogenetika.com, www.elesztogenetika.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pictor-biotech-inc-dba-solarbiotech-gpc-bio-and-eleszto-genetika-announce-strategic-unification-302357893.html

SOURCE Pictor Biotech Inc. (dba SOLARBIOTECH), GPC Bio, and Eleszto Genetika

Continue Reading

Technology

LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

Published

on

By

Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

Continue Reading

Technology

STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

Continue Reading

Technology

Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

Published

on

By

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending