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Google Opens Office and Launches Centre of Excellence in Luxembourg to Drive AI-Powered Innovation

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Google’s new offices in the heart of Europe serve as a hub for digital transformation

LUXEMBOURG and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Google today announced the launch of its new Luxembourg offices and Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the University of Luxembourg, at an event attended by senior members of the Luxembourg Government, leading academics, and key partners and customers. This milestone underscores Google’s commitment to powering Luxembourg’s digital transformation; fueling regional innovation; and investing in digital skills and education for all citizens.

The offices will act as a hub for AI transformation, bringing Google Cloud experts together with customers and partners. The new Cloud go-to-market (GTM) team is focused on accelerating cloud adoption by providing skills training; building a robust local ecosystem of partners and startups; and enabling customers to unlock the full potential of cloud and AI solutions. This builds on Google’s effort to help deliver a cutting-edge, disconnected sovereign cloud solution for Luxembourg based on Google Cloud technology through Clarence — a joint venture between Proximus Luxembourg and LuxConnect — ensuring that all data and compute operations are carried out in Luxembourg and subject only to EU jurisdictions.

“Luxembourg is a vital center of innovation, and Google Cloud is proud to partner in its ongoing digital transformation,” said Anthony Cirot, VP of Google Cloud EMEA South. “Through our expanded presence and initiatives, we aim to empower Luxembourg’s businesses and citizens to harness the power of technology, foster innovation, and build a thriving digital future for the nation.”

“Luxembourg continues to strengthen its sovereign data economy by attracting numerous actors to our ecosystem. The inauguration of Google’s office and the Center of Excellence is another piece of that puzzle,” said Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg.

Boosting Digital Skills In Luxembourg
Due to Luxembourg’s strategic importance within the EMEA region, and to support its digital vision, Google is investing in a Center of Excellence at the University of Luxembourg. The CoE will focus on research, training, and incubation in cybersecurity and AI, to ensure students, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and the broader ecosystem have the right digital skills to succeed in the AI era.  Google will also support the creation of a Chair in Cloud Systems Engineering to enable deeper research into cloud architectures. The Centre of Excellence is set to enhance Luxembourg’s reputation as a leader in AI and cybersecurity research, making it attractive for top-tier talent.

“The establishment of the CoE and englobing the new Chair, is the beginning of a transformative partnership between Google and the University of Luxembourg. Furthermore, it represents a strategic alignment with Luxembourg’s dedicated efforts in the domain of data, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies, further enhancing our national strategy for research and innovation,” said Stéphanie Obertin, Minister for Research and Higher Education and Minister for Digitalisation, Luxembourg.

“The Center of Excellence (CoE) is an outstanding opportunity for the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) to boost our research activities in digital sovereignty with Google Cloud and to raise awareness of technology with a major impact on society. This partnership is not restricted to today’s technologies but anticipates tomorrow’s developments and their impacts,” said Prof. Yves Le Traon, Director of SnT at the University of Luxembourg.

“This new Chair in Cloud Systems Engineering, supported by Google Cloud, presents significant opportunities for the University of Luxembourg. In the future, the most sought-after academics, students, and administrative staff will be drawn to universities like the University of Luxembourg—institutions that not only embrace the digital age and its opportunities, but also place them within a broader societal, cultural, and responsible context,” said Prof. Jens Kreisel, Rector of the University of Luxembourg (Uni.lu).

In addition, Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, will provide $500,000 in funding from its $15 million Cybersecurity Seminar program to the University of Luxembourg. This funding will be used to support curriculum that will provide students with hands-on training to protect local organizations from cyber threats through internships, mentorship, and hackathons.

“Luxembourg’s approach to the Data Economy and AI adoption relies on a foundation of trust. We are therefore strongly committed to data privacy and cybersecurity. The Centre of Excellence focus on AI and cybersecurity and the partnership with Google, a company at the cutting edge of innovation, will reinforce Luxembourg’s efforts to secure the data of its companies and citizens,” said Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

About Google Cloud

Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.

About SnT

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg conducts internationally competitive research in Autonomous Systems, Cybersecurity, FinTech and Space Systems. SnT engages in demand-driven collaborative projects with industry and the public sector through its Partnership Programme. More than 65 partners in Luxembourg and beyond benefit from this unique, long-lasting strategic advantage.

About the University of Luxembourg (Uni.lu)

The University of Luxembourg (Uni.lu) was founded in 2003. With over 1,000 doctoral candidates among 7,500 students as well as 300 professors, Uni.lu is a research university focused on tomorrow’s major societal challenges. Its strategic priorities are digital transformation, medicine and health, and sustainable and societal development. The University distinguishes itself with its international and multilingual character, an interdisciplinary approach, an attractive intellectual property strategy and its openness to partnerships.

Uni.lu offers a personalised learning environment for all students, who benefit from state-of-the-art facilities across three faculties and four interdisciplinary research centres. 

Times Higher Education ranks Uni.lu 20th in the Young University Ranking 2024 and among the top 250 universities in the world.

 

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SOURCE Google

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BCE reports results of Series S and T preferred share conversions

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MONTRÉAL, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that 400 of its 4,798,333 fixed-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series T (“Series T Preferred Shares”) have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into floating-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series S (“Series S Preferred Shares”). In addition, 676,765 of its 1,866,877 Series S Preferred Shares have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into Series T Preferred Shares. Consequently, on November 2, 2026, BCE will have 5,474,698 Series T Preferred Shares and 1,190,512 Series S Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. The Series T Preferred Shares and the Series S Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols BCE.PR.T and BCE.PR.S, respectively.

The Series T Preferred Shares will pay on a quarterly basis, for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE, a fixed cash dividend based on an annual fixed dividend rate of 5.523%.

The Series S Preferred Shares will continue to pay a monthly floating adjustable cash dividend for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE. The monthly floating adjustable dividend for any particular month will continue to be calculated based on the prime rate for such month and using the Designated Percentage for such month representing the sum of an adjustment factor (based on the market price of the Series S Preferred Shares in the preceding month) and the Designated Percentage for the preceding month.

About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bce-reports-results-of-series-s-and-t-preferred-share-conversions-302913268.html

SOURCE BCE Inc.

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3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

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ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

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SOURCE 3M Company

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Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

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NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

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SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

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