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bit.bio Launches ioTracker Cells Range at SLAS 2025, Adding New Visualisation Functionality to Human iPSC-derived Cell Types

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Researchers can easily track and isolate bit.bio’s consistent, defined, and scalable human iPSC-derived cells for the first time, opening up new applications in neurodegenerative drug discovery.

ioTracker Cells, the new range within bit.bio’s ioCells portfolio, deliver added visualisation capabilities that enhance the portfolio of deterministically-programmed human iPSC-derived cells powered by opti-ox™.The first product in this range, GFP ioMicroglia, is derived from bit.bio’s industry-leading wild-type ioMicroglia and retains their consistent, defined, and highly functional properties. It is specifically designed to track and isolate cells in complex in vitro cultures and in vivo settings, enabling a deeper understanding of intercellular interactions in neurodegenerative diseases.Microglia are the primary responders to signals of brain injury or disease, and their activation and movement patterns are frequently studied in conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases.

CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — bit.bio, the global leader in cell programming technology, today announces the launch of its ioTracker Cells range, starting with GFP ioMicroglia, a progressive tool designed to accelerate complex neurodegenerative disease research and drug discovery. This innovative new range represents a strategic expansion of bit.bio’s ioCells Toolkit, introducing advanced live-cell imaging assay capabilities to further enhance the functionality of its flagship products.

bit.bio will showcase its portfolio of human iPSC-derived cells at the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) conference, taking place from January 25-29, 2025, in San Diego, California. The bit.bio team will be at Booth #851, present multiple poster sessions and host a panel discussion with industry experts, highlighting real-world applications on how its cells are transforming drug discovery workflows.

“With ioTracker Cells, we are empowering researchers to unravel the complexities of the human brain,” said Jonathan Milner, CEO of bit.bio. “This new range, starting with GFP ioMicroglia, reflects our mission to deliver transformative tools for biomedical research and drug discovery. Our cells are accessible to scientists worldwide through global shipping, providing a comprehensive toolkit to accelerate discoveries that have the potential to transform the understanding and treatment of devastating neurological diseases.”

bit.bio’s ioCells are human iPSC-derived cells, manufactured using the company’s deterministic cell programming technology, opti-ox™. They are widely recognised as best-in-class for their unparalleled consistency, functionality, and scalability. The ioCells portfolio now features 46 products, including ioWild Type Cells, ioDisease Model Cells, ioCRISPR-Ready Cells, and the newly introduced ioTracker Cells.

“With GFP ioMicroglia, we’re simplifying cell visualisation in complex model systems,” said Mark Kotter, Founder of bit.bio. “We are committed to relentlessly innovating cellular tools that enable scientists to study human biology and disease. I look forward to learning how our customers will use our ioTracker cells to enable novel scientific breakthroughs.”

GFP ioMicroglia are engineered to constitutively express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in bit.bio’s well-established ioMicroglia Male wild type cells. These cells demonstrate key functionalities including phagocytosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Assay-ready in just 10 days, GFP ioMicroglia are ideal for co-culture with other neural cell types, live-cell imaging assays to simplify assessment of microglia motility and morphology, and fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) workflows.

“bit.bio’s new ioTracker Cells range represents a valuable addition to our neuroscience toolkit,” said Farah Patell-Socha, Vice President of Products at bit.bio. “These cells offer researchers a more refined approach to studying neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, and neurodegenerative processes. By enabling precise tracking and isolation in complex in vitro cultures, they facilitate a deeper understanding of intercellular interactions in disease. Combined with our CRISPR-Ready cells, disease models, and genetically-matched controls, these tools provide a comprehensive foundation for advancing neurodegenerative disease research.”

For more information or to purchase bit.bio’s GFP ioMicroglia, please visit our ioCells Product catalogue.

About bit.bio

bit.bio designs and manufactures human cells to advance drug discovery and biomedical research enabling transformative treatments in human health. Using our proprietary deterministic cell programming technology, opti-ox, our aim is to convert any induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into any desired human cell type in a single step. Using our AI-powered discovery platform, we are working towards identifying unique combinations of transcription factors that can program any desired cell type with exceptional purity and consistency at scale, with products ready to ship globally. To date, bit.bio’s ioCells portfolio features eight differentiated cell types and 38 derivative products including ioWild Type Cells, ioDisease Model Cells, ioTracker Cells and ioCRISPR-Ready Cells.

Since spinning out from the University of Cambridge and launching in 2016, we have raised approximately $225m from leading investors, including Arch Venture, Blueyard Capital, Charles River Laboratories, Foresite Capital, M&G, Milky Way, National Resilience, and Tencent.

For more information, please visit: www.bit.bio
For information on bit.bio’s trademarks, visit www.bit.bio/trademarks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitbioltd/

Media Contact:

Chris Hempel
Spark Public Relations
chris.hempel@sparkpr.com

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

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