Technology

Ginkgo Automation to Deploy Flexible Laboratory Automation System for Cutting-Edge Biofuels and Bioproducts Research at Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC)

Published

1 year ago

January 23, 2025

Customizable, anaerobic-enabled system aims to accelerate discovery and development of sustainable biofuels at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s GLBRC

BOSTON, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA), which is building the leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity, today announced that Ginkgo Automation will design and deploy a flexible, anaerobic-enabled laboratory automation system for the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), a U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. This new system is designed to support the diverse needs of multiple investigators and research teams simultaneously, enabling GLBRC scientists to more efficiently discover and optimize synthesis of biofuels and bioproducts from plant biomass.

GLBRC’s mission involves numerous investigators tackling a variety of scientific challenges, requiring flexible and robust research infrastructure. The anaerobic-capable automation system Ginkgo Automation will develop is designed to enable GLBRC scientists to run multiple, diverse experiments at once, across both aerotolerant and anaerobic conditions, while increasing “walkaway” time—allowing investigators to spend more time interpreting data and planning the next generation of experiments rather than tending to routine laboratory tasks. By consolidating diverse experimental needs into a single, flexible system, Ginkgo Automation expects to help GLBRC advance its mission of enabling cost-effective, sustainable biofuel production at scale.

Ginkgo Automation’s capabilities are built on years of internal expertise honed at Ginkgo Bioworks and Zymergen, encompassing hardware design, software integration, and applications development. Ginkgo Automation brings significant prior experience in automating workflows for anaerobic organisms, a key requirement for many of GLBRC’s research programs. The result is a customizable, future-forward system that can be easily adapted to meet emerging research needs and support more complex workflows as GLBRC continues to pioneer innovations in the bioenergy space.

In addition to providing advanced automation hardware and software, Ginkgo Automation’s deployment at GLBRC will include access to Catalyst Flow, a fully remote, active error resolution and troubleshooting support service. Catalyst Flow’s proactive monitoring is expected to enable Ginkgo’s scientists and engineers to identify and resolve approximately 80-90% of system errors remotely, without the need for user-initiated tickets. Remote recovery is especially critical when working within an anaerobic chamber, because of how disruptive environmental breaches are to research throughput. This helps enable extended walkaway time, improved instrument uptime, and minimized interruptions to research activities, allowing investigators at GLBRC to focus on innovation rather than maintenance.

“This project brings us one step closer to transforming the way researchers leverage laboratory automation,” said Will Serber, Head of Ginkgo Automation. “With the design of this new, automated, anaerobic-enabled system, we’re not just pushing boundaries—we’re reimagining what’s possible in the lab. By giving GLBRC investigators the ability to run flexible, multi-user, lab-directed evolution workflows in a highly automated manner, we expect this system to accelerate scientific progress. Ultimately, it’s about empowering researchers to achieve more with less effort and drive real-world impact in biofuels and bioproducts development.”

“We’re excited to incorporate this advanced automation system into our workflows,” said Michael Botts, Laboratory Automation Coordinator at GLBRC. “Our researchers tackle a wide range of scientific challenges, from optimizing microbial conversion processes to exploring new feedstocks. Having a single, flexible platform that can manage both anaerobic and aerobic conditions—and can run multiple experiments simultaneously—will be a game-changer. It frees our scientists to focus on innovation and analysis, rather than routine lab tasks, ultimately helping us advance our mission more efficiently.”

To learn more about how you can leverage Ginkgo’s Automation – built by scientists for scientists – please visit our website.

About Ginkgo Bioworks

Ginkgo Bioworks is the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, providing flexible, end-to-end services that solve challenges for organizations across diverse markets, from food and agriculture to pharmaceuticals to industrial and specialty chemicals. Ginkgo Biosecurity is building and deploying the next-generation infrastructure and technologies that global leaders need to predict, detect, and respond to a wide variety of biological threats. For more information, visit ginkgobioworks.com and ginkgobiosecurity.com, read our blog, or follow us on social media channels such as X (@Ginkgo and @Ginkgo_Biosec), Instagram (@GinkgoBioworks), Threads (@GinkgoBioworks), or LinkedIn.

GINKGO BIOWORKS INVESTOR CONTACT:
investors@ginkgobioworks.com

GINKGO BIOWORKS MEDIA CONTACT:
press@ginkgobioworks.com

Forward-Looking Statements of Ginkgo Bioworks

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the capabilities and potential success of the partnership and Ginkgo’s cell programming platform. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “can,” “project,” “potential,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) volatility in the price of Ginkgo’s securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Ginkgo operates and plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, and changes in laws and regulations affecting Ginkgo’s business, (ii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and to identify and realize additional business opportunities, (iii) the risk of downturns in demand for products using synthetic biology, (iv) the uncertainty regarding the demand for passive monitoring programs and biosecurity services, (v) changes to the biosecurity industry, including due to advancements in technology, emerging competition and evolution in industry demands, standards and regulations, (vi) the outcome of any pending or potential legal proceedings against Ginkgo, (vii) our ability to realize the expected benefits from and the success of our Foundry platform programs, (viii) our ability to successfully develop engineered cells, bioprocesses, data packages or other deliverables, and (ix) the product development or commercialization success of our customers. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Ginkgo’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 29, 2024, Ginkgo’s most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and other documents filed by Ginkgo from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Ginkgo assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Ginkgo does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

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SOURCE Ginkgo Bioworks

Technology

VYLIT OPENS ITS CREATOR ADVISORY BOARD, GIVING CREATORS EQUITY IN THE PLATFORM

Published

41 minutes ago

July 23, 2026

Reality star & chef Dom DeAngelis, model & creator Cydney Moreau, and creator-entrepreneur Crystal Jackson named as founding members, with applications now open for creators who want a voice in how the platform is shaped

MIAMI, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vylit, the 18+ creator-first social platform co-founded by Ami Gan, former CEO of OnlyFans, and seasoned entrepreneur Kailey Magder, is opening applications for its Creator Advisory Board, which will include a select group of creators that will have a strong voice in shaping the platform they use and earn on.

Vylit is inviting creators not just to join the platform, but to help build it, with real shares in the company reserved for those who contribute to its growth, culture and direction. The Creator Advisory Board will give creators a direct voice in building Vylit’s community, the platform’s development and creator tools, along with ownership in the business they’re helping grow.

Applications are now open. Creators can apply by emailing vylit@vylitworld.com with their name, bio and social handles.

Vylit is launching the board with three founding members who show the range of creators it’s built for.

Dominic DeAngelis, known from YouTube and Vanderpump Villa, where his culinary skills earned recognition from viewers around the world, has been using the platform to share behind-the-scenes and day-in-the-life content with his subscribers — the kind of direct, monetized relationship with fans that Vylit is designed around.

“Social media sucks right now. The algorithms are negative, you don’t even see the people you follow anymore, and creators are struggling to find real connections with their fans,” said DeAngelis. “I’m thrilled to be part of a platform that’s doing it differently. Vylit is actually listening to creators and building with us, not just for us.”

Cydney Moreau, a Louisiana-born former track athlete turned model and creator with a following across fitness, fashion and lifestyle, balances her work with life as a mom. Vylit is where she’s turning that following into a business for the first time, on her own terms.

“As someone who is monetizing my content for the first time, knowing that I will have a say in how the platform treats other creators means everything,” said Moreau. “It’s not every day a platform actually wants creators in the room while they’re building it. Knowing Vylit is making decisions with our interests at heart gives me the confidence to build here, and I’m excited to help shape where this goes.”

Crystal Jackson, known to millions of followers as Mrs. Poindexter, is the co-founder of EssentL, a company building business infrastructure and benefits for creators. A former engineer turned multi-platform creator and entrepreneur, she brings an operator’s understanding of what creators actually need from the platforms they build on.

“I’ve spent years building an audience and a business across platforms that weren’t built for today’s creator ecosystem,” said Jackson. “What drew me to Vylit is that they’re handing creators actual ownership and a real say in the decisions that affect us. That’s not something I’ve seen anyone else do, and I want to help build it right.”

Since launching, Vylit has positioned itself as the “HBO of social media,” a space between traditional social media and adult subscription platforms, where creators can be expressive, marketable and in control. The Creator Advisory Board takes that further. Rather than building the platform for creators and handing it over, Vylit is building it with them, giving them direct ownership and a say in its direction.

“The users driving value should have a say in the business,” said Ami Gan, Co-Founder and CEO of Vylit. “Creators understand culture and digital monetization better than anyone. At Vylit, that expertise earns them a real seat at the table.”

“We didn’t want to build another platform where creators show up after the fact,” added Kailey Magder, Co-Founder and COO of Vylit. “We want them involved from day one, shaping the product, the community and the direction of the business.”

Vylit truly puts creators in charge, giving them real ownership and a direct say in how the platform evolves. The Creator Advisory Board is just the start.

To learn more, visit https://vylitworld.com/

To access the media kit, click here.

ABOUT VYLIT
Vylit is an 18+ creator-first social platform redefining how adults share, discover and monetize content. Co-founded by Amrapali (Ami) Gan and Kailey Magder, Vylit was created to fill the gap between traditional social media and creator platforms, offering a premium digital experience for expression. Built as “the HBO of social media,” the platform allows topless content while prohibiting explicit material, giving creators greater freedom. Vylit combines social connectivity with built-in monetization, interest-based discovery through its Vybe Matching Engine, and in-house AI Image Generation and Chat tools designed for its users. Learn more at www.vylitworld.com.

FOR PRESS INQUIRIES
pr@vylitworld.com

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SOURCE Vylit World

Technology

CNBC Names PayJoy one of the World’s Top FinTech Companies of 2026

Published

41 minutes ago

July 23, 2026

Recognition highlights PayJoy’s leadership in emerging market consumer finance

SAN FRANCISCO, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNBC and Statista have named PayJoy to the “World’s Top Fintech Companies 2026,” which honors companies providing digital funding and bank-independent lending solutions for individuals and businesses. PayJoy is a leading financial services provider for underserved consumers across emerging markets.

Now in its fourth edition, the ranking identifies 500 leading companies across eight fintech market segments worldwide, including Payments, Neobanking, Wealth Technology, Digital Assets, Enterprise Fintech, Insurtech, Regtech, and Alternative Financing. Companies were evaluated using an aggregated scoring model built on both general and segment-specific KPIs, drawing on desk research from publicly available sources alongside company self-reports submitted through an open application process.

PayJoy’s inclusion reflects its work bringing credit access to the emerging middle class in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, South Africa, the Philippines, and Indonesia, nine countries where traditional financial infrastructure has long excluded first-time borrowers.

“This recognition from CNBC and Statista is a meaningful validation of the work our team does every day,” said Doug Ricket, PayJoy CEO and Co-Founder. “Millions of people across the markets we serve are building credit for the first time through PayJoy. Being named among the world’s top fintech companies reflects the scale and impact of that work.”

For more information on the full ranking, visit https://www.cnbc.com/worlds-top-fintech-companies-2026/

About PayJoy
PayJoy expands credit access across emerging markets through point-of-sale financing and card offerings. Its proprietary secured-credit technology enables first-time borrowers to responsibly build financial stability and participate fully in the modern economy. Through its cutting-edge machine learning, data science, and anti-fraud AI, PayJoy has financed over $3.5 billion of loans to more than 20 million people and employs over 1,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.payjoy.com/

Contact
payjoy@thekeypr.com

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SOURCE PayJoy

Technology

Youngstown Innovation Hub Breaks Ground at YBI’s 107 Building

Published

41 minutes ago

July 23, 2026

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the United States works to strengthen its aerospace and defense manufacturing base, the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense broke ground today on YBI‘s 107 Building in downtown Youngstown, positioning the region as a national proving ground for advanced and additive manufacturing. The Hub is managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM).

Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense breaks ground at YBI’s 107 Building.

The Hub is one of four Innovation Hubs established across Ohio as part of a statewide initiative to strengthen innovation-driven economic growth. Once complete, it is projected to generate approximately $161.6 million in economic impact, create 450 new jobs, and produce 185 new STEM credential opportunities and 40 internship opportunities by 2029.

The groundbreaking comes as Ohio was recently ranked the No. 1 state for business in America by CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business rankings, up from No. 5 in 2025.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel attended and delivered remarks at the ceremony.

“Today is about more than renovating a building. It’s about building opportunity for Ohioans,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “The Mahoning Valley has always been defined by the people who make things, solve problems, and never stop working toward a better future. This Innovation Hub builds on that proud tradition while preparing the next generation for in-demand careers in manufacturing.”

Hub and YBI leadership also spoke at the ceremony.

“Today’s groundbreaking of the Youngstown Innovation Hub represents much more than the start of a building renovation. It reflects what can happen when state, regional, industry, academic, and community partners come together around a shared vision for the future of manufacturing, aerospace and defense innovation,” said Megan Malara, Ph.D., director of the Youngstown Innovation Hub.

The renovation is made possible in part by a $750,000 state capital investment. Ohio State Sen. Al Cutrona and state Rep. Lauren McNally were credited with helping advance the funding request through the legislative process. YBI also recognized the broader Lake to River legislative delegation, including state Reps. Nick Santucci, Tex Fischer, Monica Robb Blasdel, Dave Thomas, and Sarah Fowler Arthur, for their support, as well as U.S. Sens. Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno for their support of the project in the U.S. Senate.

Speakers at the ceremony included Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel; Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development; Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Julius Oliver, 1st Ward Councilman for the City of Youngstown; State Sen. Al Cutrona; State Rep. Nick Santucci; State Rep. Lauren McNally; and Megan Malara, Ph.D., director of the Youngstown Innovation Hub. Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI, served as master of ceremonies.

The City of Youngstown, which committed $1.35 million in local matching funds to the project, was represented at the ceremony. John Wilczynski, executive director of America Makes, attended, and Barb Ewing recognized Kimberly Gibson and Alexander Steeb of America Makes for their roles in advancing the project.

Upon completion, the five-story, 130,000-square-foot concrete-framed building will offer flexible space for offices, workspaces, and display areas, along with robust power capacity to support multiple high-demand tenants. The building’s security features, including limited access points and naturally separated manufacturing bays, are designed to meet U.S. Department of War contracting criteria, positioning tenants to compete directly for federal defense work.

“It’s great to finally be transitioning from talking about this project to actually working on it. We appreciate all the support we’ve had from our political leaders and the community. YBI is proud to be a part of the project team that’s changing the trajectory of the Mahoning Valley,” said Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI.

Companies looking to expand, relocate, or enter the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector are encouraged to visit the Youngstown Innovation Hub website at youngstownhub.us.

About the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense

Managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), the Youngstown Innovation Hub is a national proving ground for advanced and additive manufacturing, strengthening U.S. aerospace and defense supply chains and workforce development. Learn more at youngstownhub.us.

About YBI

YBI is a globally recognized economic development nonprofit, advancing innovation and growth across Ohio and beyond. Through a flexible suite of high-quality entrepreneurial services and resources, YBI supports startups, small businesses, and manufacturers at every stage of development. For more information, visit ybi.org.

Media Contact:
Jessica Sprowl, Marketing and Communications Director, YBI
jsprowl@ybi.org

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SOURCE YBI