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Plug and Play GOAL Program Highlights 2024 Milestones and Plans for Advancing Global Innovation in 2025

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SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Plug and Play GOAL achieved significant milestones in 2024, driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and enhancing its global presence. In the past year, the US Soft Landing program supported 90 startups from over 12 countries, delivering 13 programs in in-person and hybrid formats. Looking ahead to 2025, the focus remains on advancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem and empowering startups worldwide. From its establishment in 2009, the GOAL program has accelerated over 1000 startups from across the globe to connect them to Silicon Valley resources.

Last year, Plug and Play worked closely with 16 esteemed collaborators and program sponsors, including the Armenian Ministry of High Tech Industry, City of Hamburg, City of Laval, Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Daegu CCI), Enterprise Singapore, Hamdi Ulukaya Initiative, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Innovation Denmark, Korea Environmental Industry Association (KEIA), K Innovation Center (KIC) in Silicon Valley, Korean Ministry of Environment, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Startup Lithuania, Team of Wakers, The State of Schleswig-Holstein, and Zagreb Innovation Centre (ZICER). These partnerships played a key role in supporting startup growth and fostering innovation.

“We bring our startups into the Plug and Play ecosystem, which provides immense benefits, such as meeting real American people, experiencing the culture, and understanding how to expand their business in the U.S.,” said Alexandre Corriveau, Director of Terro X from Laval. “As a partner, it’s an opportunity to witness a wide range of innovations and stay updated on global trends. This is my third time coming to the summit, and I’m super happy to be part of this journey—I absolutely love what we’re doing with Plug and Play right now.”

Jon Steffen Therkildsen, Senior Advisor at Innovation Centre Denmark adds, “True value lies in networking, identifying emerging trends, and paths to action. Our partnership with Plug and Play Tech Center perfectly cements this commitment. When we bring our initiatives to the United States, connecting with the innovative ecosystems that Plug and Play so vividly helps define in Silicon Valley is paramount. This immersive exposure to American business culture and investor networks is indispensable for navigating not only the U.S. but also the global stage.”

Jaehong Min, VP of Korea Environmental Industry Association, emphasizes Plug and Play’s global presence, stating that, “Plug and Play plays a key role not only in Silicon Valley but also as a global hub for industries worldwide, helping multinational companies form strong networks while efficiently managing costs and time. In particular, the Korean team had the opportunity to participate in a well-structured program, from mentoring to demo day, over the course of several months, which significantly enhanced the global capabilities of Korean SMEs, leading to high satisfaction across the board.”

Additionally, Stephane Ouaki, Head of Department at European Innovation Council, shares, “Plug and Play is ideally positioned to deliver the value that we’re looking for our companies. Plug and Play provided them with training, exposure and understanding of what it takes to be successful in the US as well as gave us the platform to provide access to our companies to meet with corporates and investors.”

Last year, the GOAL program delivered comprehensive support to startups through over 100 workshops focused on Silicon Valley best practices, including market entry strategies, scaling operations, fundraising, and corporate partnerships. The program facilitated more than 350 mentor introductions, provided tailored one-on-one guidance from industry experts and connected startups to a global network of over 550 corporate partners.

Participants also showcased their innovative solutions at Plug and Play’s Global Startup Showcases during the June and November Summits, attended by over 3,500 representatives from corporations, governments, investors, and startups. In addition, startups gained valuable insights from over 20 founders, including unicorn leaders such as Alfonso de la Nuez from UserZoom, Martin Basiri from ApplyBoard, and Safwan Shah from Payactiv.

The following alumni shared how the GOAL program impacted their growth journey:

Eddie Yu, Founder & CEO of Okosix from Hong Kong, shared, “Plug and Play has very rich connections with investors and corporate partners. One of the highlights for me was attending Silicon Valley Summit. I met more than 15 potential investors there.”

Catherine Kurt, CEO of AQ22 from Lithuania, said, “Participating in the GOAL program was a transformative journey for AQ22. The program’s immersive workshops and personalized mentorship helped us refine our strategy, build meaningful partnerships, and sharpen our value proposition in ways we never anticipated.”

Siyoung Na, Founder & CEO of Carbon Energy from South Korea, added, “The GOAL program was an incredible experience that exceeded all our expectations. We highly recommend GOAL to anyone looking to elevate their skills, gain fresh perspectives, and build lasting relationships within a supportive community.”

Echoing this sentiment, Berkan Mifleh, Co-Founder of Malty from Turkey, highlighted the program’s value in driving global ambitions: “It was a productive program for showcasing our startup and expanding our global network. (It was) an important milestone in taking steps toward our global market expansion.”

Tomas Byčkovas, CEO of Biohifas from Lithuania, also emphasized the unique opportunities provided by their time in Silicon Valley, noting, “Engaging with fellow startups, industry mentors, and entrepreneurs has provided us with practical insights into scaling a business and improving our operations.”

The success is demonstrated by the numerous partnerships and pilot projects that emerged from the participation in the GOAL program. The founders’  journey highlights the program’s mission to bridge global markets and foster economic growth.

“We are proud to have hosted in 2024 more than 90 technology startups in Silicon Valley from so many countries with the help of JETRO and NEDO in Japan, State of Schleswig-Holstein in Germany, EIC from the European Union,  KIC and KEIA in South Korea and more. These startups will learn the best practices from the culture here and build global companies like BusinessObjects, Skype and Waze that would keep their organization in the home country but raise money in Silicon Valley and execute globally. This is why the top companies are either born in Silicon Valley or have satellite offices here,” said Saeed Amidi, CEO of Plug and Play.

As the Plug and Play GOAL program looks ahead to 2025, it will build on the progress of 2024 to expand its reach, foster collaboration, and create new opportunities for startups and partners.

For inquiries and GOAL Soft Landing Program partnerships, please contact:
Elina Gorji, Senior Program Manager – GOAL Silicon Valley (elina@pnptc.com)
Yui Koda, Program Manager – GOAL Silicon Valley (y.koda@pnptc.com)

About Plug and Play:
Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we’re present in 60+ locations across 5 continents. We offer corporate innovation programs and help our corporate partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. We also organize startup acceleration programs and have built an in-house VC to drive innovation across multiple industries where we’ve invested in hundreds of successful companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal, and Rappi. To get in contact with Plug and Play, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/contact.

For media inquiries, please contact:
press@pnptc.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/plug-and-play-goal-program-highlights-2024-milestones-and-plans-for-advancing-global-innovation-in-2025-302374298.html

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HelloNation Examines Medicare Advantage & Medigap Coverage Differences, Featuring Financial Advisor Ash Toumayants

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The article reviews provider access, prescription coverage, and out-of-pocket expenses when comparing Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How should residents evaluate whether Medicare Advantage or Medigap coverage better fits their healthcare and financial needs? HelloNation answers this question in an article that explains the key considerations involved in choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans.

The HelloNation article features insights from Financial Advisor Ash Toumayants of Strong Tower Associates. The article explains that both Medicare Advantage and Medigap supplement Original Medicare but differ significantly in how they handle healthcare providers, prescription coverage, and overall out-of-pocket expenses.

Medicare Advantage plans are typically offered through private insurers and bundles Medicare Part A, Part B, and possibly prescription coverage into a single policy. However, Medicare Advantage plans generally operate with provider networks, meaning healthcare providers must often be selected from within the plan’s approved list.

For residents across Pennsylvania, provider access can play an important role in selecting the right plan. The article explains that individuals should review which healthcare providers are included in a Medicare Advantage network before enrolling. Plan networks may vary by county in Pennsylvania, so residents should confirm that their preferred doctors and specialists are covered.

Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, operate differently from Medicare Advantage. The article explains that Medigap works alongside Original Medicare and helps cover certain out-of-pocket expenses such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Although Medigap policies generally involve higher monthly premiums, they can offer greater predictability in medical expenses.

One advantage of Medigap is flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. The article explains that individuals with Medigap coverage can typically visit any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare nationwide. This broader provider access can be beneficial for retirees who want more freedom in choosing healthcare providers across Pennsylvania or while traveling.

Prescription coverage is another important factor in the decision process. Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription coverage as part of their bundled benefits. In contrast, Medigap plans do not include prescription coverage, which means individuals who choose Medigap often purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan to manage medication costs.

Budget considerations also influence the decision between Medicare Advantage and Medigap. The article explains that while Medicare Advantage plans may have lower premiums, they often include copays and service limits that affect annual out-of-pocket expenses. Medigap plans generally involve higher premiums but may reduce unexpected out-of-pocket expenses throughout the year.

Travel and lifestyle habits can also affect which plan is more suitable. The article explains that Medicare Advantage plans may have limitations on out-of-network care outside their coverage area. For residents in Pennsylvania who travel frequently or spend time in multiple locations, Medigap coverage may offer greater flexibility when accessing healthcare providers.

Enrollment timing is another important consideration discussed in the article. Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans have different enrollment rules and deadlines tied to the Initial Enrollment Period or the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period. Missing these enrollment opportunities can limit plan choices or result in additional underwriting requirements.

The article concludes that choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap in Pennsylvania requires careful evaluation of healthcare providers, prescription coverage, travel habits, budget considerations, and potential out-of-pocket expenses. Comparing plan structures and reviewing coverage details helps individuals make informed decisions that align with their healthcare and financial priorities.

How to Decide Between Medicare Advantage & Medigap features insights from Ash Toumayants, Financial Advisor of State College, PA, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hellonation-examines-medicare-advantage–medigap-coverage-differences-featuring-financial-advisor-ash-toumayants-302829329.html

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In HelloNation, Pool & Landscaping Expert Tina Possehn Wolbers Discusses What Pool Opening & Closing Services Include

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The article highlights how seasonal pool service simplifies pool maintenance and protects backyard pools year-round.

LANSING, Mich., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What is included with pool opening and closing services, and how do they support pool ownership? The answer is explored in a HelloNation article, which features insights from Tina Possehn Wolbers of Wolbers-Possehn Pools, Ponds and Landscapes.

The HelloNation article explains that seasonal pool service plays a key role in maintaining a backyard pool throughout the year. By handling the transition between seasons, pool opening service and pool closing service make pool maintenance more manageable and allow homeowners to focus on enjoying their space.

Pool opening service marks the beginning of the swimming season. One of the first steps is removing the pool cover, which has protected the pool during colder months. The pool cover is carefully cleaned and stored, helping extend its lifespan and prepare it for future use. Once removed, the backyard pool begins to take shape as a clean and inviting environment.

Another important part of pool opening service is reconnecting and inspecting pool equipment. Pumps, filters, and circulation systems are checked to ensure they are functioning properly. This step helps restore water flow and sets the foundation for effective pool maintenance throughout the season.

Water level adjustments and water balancing are also essential components of pool opening service. Ensuring proper water levels allows systems to run efficiently, while water balancing helps create a safe and comfortable swimming environment. These steps help homeowners enjoy their backyard pool without unnecessary complications.

The article emphasizes that pool opening service and pool closing service are key components of seasonal pool service, helping simplify pool maintenance and reduce the stress of managing a pool. With a structured approach, homeowners can rely on consistent care that keeps their pool in good condition.

Pool closing service prepares the pool for colder months when it is not in use. This process includes lowering the water level to help prevent potential damage. Proper water management during pool closing service helps protect the structure and equipment over time.

Protecting plumbing lines is another critical part of pool closing service. Water is removed from pipes to prevent freezing and expansion, which could lead to damage. Taking these steps ensures that the system remains intact and ready for the next pool opening service.

Securing the pool cover completes the process. A properly fitted pool cover keeps debris out and helps maintain water quality during the off-season. It also makes the next pool opening service easier by reducing the amount of cleaning required.

Seasonal pool service provides a more predictable and low-stress experience for homeowners. Instead of handling every detail themselves, pool owners can rely on professional processes that keep their backyard pool functioning properly year after year.

Beyond maintenance, a well-cared-for backyard pool becomes a space for relaxation and connection. Whether hosting gatherings or enjoying quiet time, the pool adds value to everyday life. Pool opening service and pool closing service support that experience by keeping the pool ready when it matters most.

The HelloNation article concludes that understanding what is included in seasonal pool service helps homeowners set clear expectations and maintain their pool with confidence. With proper pool maintenance, water balancing, and use of a secure pool cover, owning a backyard pool in Lansing becomes both simple and enjoyable.

What Is Included With Pool Opening & Closing Services in Lansing? features insights from Tina Possehn Wolbers, Pool & Landscaping Expert of Lansing, MI, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-pool–landscaping-expert-tina-possehn-wolbers-discusses-what-pool-opening–closing-services-include-302829324.html

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Verra Mobility Schedules Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Call

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MESA, Ariz., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM), a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions, announced today that it will report financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, after market close on August 5, 2026.

Verra Mobility’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Jon Keyser, and Chief Financial Officer, Craig Conti, will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss financial results for investors and analysts at 5:00 p.m. ET on August 5, 2026.

A live webcast will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at ir.verramobility.com. To access this conference call by telephone, register here to receive dial-in numbers and a unique PIN to join the call. A replay of the call will also be made available on the Investor Relations website.

In addition, an archived webcast will be available in the “News & Events” section of Verra Mobility’s Investor Relations website at ir.verramobility.com.

About Verra Mobility

Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM) is a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions that make transportation safer, smarter and more connected. The company sits at the center of the mobility ecosystem, bringing together vehicles, hardware, software, data and people to enable safe, efficient solutions for customers globally. Verra Mobility’s transportation safety systems and parking management solutions protect lives, improve urban and motorway mobility and support healthier communities. The company also solves complex payment, utilization and compliance challenges for fleet owners and rental car companies. Headquartered in Arizona, Verra Mobility principally operates in North America, Europe and Australia. For more information, please visit www.verramobility.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about Verra Mobility’s plans, objectives, expectations, beliefs and intentions and other statements including words such as “hope,” “anticipate,” “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue” and “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The forward-looking statements herein represent the judgment of Verra Mobility, as of the date of this release, and Verra Mobility disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. This press release should be read in conjunction with the information included in Verra Mobility’s other press releases, reports and other filings with the SEC and on the SEC website, www.sec.gov. Understanding the information contained in these filings is important in order to fully understand Verra Mobility’s reported financial results and our business outlook for future periods. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions and estimates used as a basis for the forward-looking statements.

Additional Information

We periodically provide information for investors on our corporate website, www.verramobility.com, and our investor relations website, ir.verramobility.com. We intend to use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor our website, in addition to following the Company’s press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts.

Media Relations:

Investor Relations:

Valerie Schneider

Mark Zindler

valerie.schneider@verramobility.com

mark.zindler@verramobility.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/verra-mobility-schedules-second-quarter-2026-earnings-call-302834170.html

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