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ICONIQ Impact Announces Grantees of Collaborative Philanthropy Fund Aiming to Mobilize $200M for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing

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ICONIQ Impact’s Youth Mental Wellbeing Co-Lab is supporting 25 organizations that are addressing youth anxiety and depression around the world.

NEW YORK, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, ICONIQ Impact, ICONIQ Capital’s platform for collaborative philanthropy, announced the grantees of the Youth Mental Wellbeing Co-Lab—a collaborative philanthropy fund that aims to mobilize $200 million to support organizations addressing youth anxiety and depression around the world.

The Co-Lab is kicking off with $112 million in donations from eight philanthropic donors and will support 25 grantee organizations with unrestricted funding over five years.

“This Co-Lab is boldly supporting organizations addressing critical but often neglected areas of youth mental health, like ensuring culturally responsive care for underserved populations and teaching young people how to build healthy relationships with technology,” says Xin Liu, philanthropist and anchor donor to the Youth Mental Wellbeing Co-Lab. “We’re encouraging other philanthropists to join us in this effort because we have an opportunity and a responsibility to empower the most vital and powerful force this world has—its young people.”

The mental health and wellbeing of young people around the world has been declining for nearly two decades. Roughly 20% of youth globally struggle with anxiety, and nearly one in four experience symptoms of depression. Mental health and policy experts agree that global trends like a worsening climate, financial inequity, social media use, and more have created a bleak present—and future—for young people around the world. This is particularly true for young people in the Global South, who often deal with compounding crises like extreme poverty, conflict, and forced migration.

Despite an increased need for support, only 2% of government health funding globally is directed toward mental health, leaving many young people without the care they need. Youth mental health and wellbeing is a prime space for support; every dollar given toward scaling interventions for depression and anxiety returns four times its value in terms of improved health and productivity.

It’s against this backdrop that ICONIQ Impact—alongside Xin Liu and other philanthropists in the ICONIQ community—launched the Youth Mental Wellbeing Co-Lab, which will support organizations focused on reducing youth anxiety and depression by (1) giving young people agency, (2) helping them foster a sense of community and belonging, and (3) building their resilience.

Giving young people agency: Economic inequity, climate anxiety, political turmoil, and other societal scale challenges can leave young people feeling powerless and like they lack the ability to control their own circumstances and futures. Co-Lab grantees will help give youth the power and support they need to affect change in their own lives, within their communities, and across society.For example, Co-Lab grantee Force of Nature helps young people turn their “eco-anxiety” into climate change activism. In its flagship training program, youth participants develop public speaking skills, learn to advise influential figures such as corporate and government leaders, and gain the ability to lead climate advocacy training programs for their peers.Helping young people build a sense of community and belonging: Despite being more connected than ever, young people today experience higher levels of loneliness and isolation than any other generation. Co-Lab grantees will help youth cultivate meaningful connections with peers, find a sense of belonging in their chosen communities, and build a purposeful life.Co-Lab grantee OurHerd is a storytelling app powered by the youth mental health organization batyr that connects young people with peers experiencing similar mental health challenges in a safe, monitored space. The platform’s peer-to-peer storytelling model helps foster a sense of community among youth and lets them know they are not alone. It also shares quantitative and qualitative data with decision-makers in government and mental healthcare systems to help ensure young people’s ideas and voices are considered when making policy and programming decisions.Building young people’s resilience: Societal-scale problems and individual crises—like family conflict, poverty, chronic illness, and more—can overwhelm young people, leading to emotional distress and poor mental health. Co-Lab grantees will help build young people’s resilience so they can better withstand hardships, failures, and adversity, reducing the likelihood of long-term mental health issues.Co-Lab grantee Roca, Inc. helps young people escape cycles of incarceration and poverty by providing direct mental health support to those impacted by violence in the United States. It also instructs the institutions that surround underserved young people—like police forces, child protective services, and court systems—on how to effectively support young people’s mental health in these circumstances.

A full list of the 25 grantees can be found here. The Co-Lab will fund organizations across the United States and the Global South. Organizations in the Global South will receive roughly 60% of the Co-Lab’s total funding.

“Building up an individual’s agency, resilience, and sense of belonging from a young age is foundational to their mental wellbeing over the course of their life,” says Matti Navellou, head of ICONIQ Impact. “We are determined to support our grantees in getting these formative tools into the hands of today’s youth and creating new pathways for them to shape their own futures.”

The Youth Mental Wellbeing Co-Lab sought input from a youth advisory group, which provided critical feedback, insights, and recommendations on the grantee organizations considered for funding. The group consisted of youth representatives from nearly every continent, reflecting a diverse range of genders, ethnicities, and mental health expertise, including research, policy development, and program implementation.

The Co-Lab is currently supported by eight philanthropic donors, who, over the course of several months, have collectively learned about the global youth mental health and wellbeing space from subject-matter experts and have worked alongside them and ICONIQ Impact to source, diligence, and select the Co-Lab’s 25 grantee organizations.

To date, ICONIQ Impact has mobilized $112 million for this effort and is inviting additional philanthropists to join this donor community. Philanthropists interested in learning more about or providing additional funding for the Youth Mental Wellbeing Co-Lab should contact ICONIQ Impact at iconiqimpact@iconiqcapital.com.

ABOUT ICONIQ IMPACT:

ICONIQ Impact is ICONIQ Capital’s platform for collaborative philanthropy. We convene our extraordinary community to tackle some of the world’s most complex challenges. Guided by experts and impacted groups, our model lowers the barriers to philanthropy, encourages collective action, and prioritizes learning and equity at each step. We focus our philanthropy on areas where we believe it can be catalytic and where we see an opportunity to inspire additional funding from philanthropists, governments, and the private sector. This means supporting unproven solutions that have the potential to be transformative, such as a new technology, an overlooked approach, or a locally led organization.

ICONIQ Impact Co-Labs are collaborative philanthropy funds addressing urgent challenges facing the world today. Each Co-Lab enables donors to maximize their efficiency through co-funding while learning from experts and leaders of impacted communities.1

Xin Liu is the co-founder and president of the Enlight Foundation, as well as the director and co-founder of the Xinhe Foundation (previously Xinping Foundation) in China. Her philanthropy is focused on creating equal educational opportunities for children in developing countries, supporting action-driven research that advances education, and investing in young social entrepreneurs and leaders. Xin is an award-winning photojournalist whose work has been published in both the United States and China. She began her career as a writer and photojournalist for China Youth Daily, where she documented women’s and children’s schooling conditions throughout the mainland. She was later invited to join the Baltimore Sun and has subsequently had her work published in the Miami Herald, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Palm Beach Post, China for Time magazine, Newsweek, Fortune magazine, and more. Through her work, Xin was exposed to education inequality across China and the United States and developed a strong belief that rural poverty can be alleviated through strengthening communities, improving and increasing access to early education, and investing in the next generation.

MEDIA CONTACT:  
Amy Enright
Newton Street
amy.enright@newtonstreet.com
+1 206 612 3151

1 ICONIQ Impact serves as a philanthropic advisor to the third-party sponsoring the Co-Lab and receives compensation for its advice.

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SOURCE ICONIQ Capital

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Russell E. Jones as a Pinnacle Professional Member

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July 21, 2026

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CHANDLER, Ariz., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Russell E. Jones is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to Pioneering Innovation in Software Engineering and Communications.

With over three decades of experience in software engineering and software quality engineering, Russell E. Jones continues to lead transformative innovations in the field of communications as the Executive Director of Integration, Verification, and Validation at Iridium Communications Inc.. Since stepping into this role in 2021, Mr. Jones has overseen critical processes that ensure the seamless integration and functionality of the company’s sophisticated communication systems.

His promotion to this key leadership position followed a successful tenure as Director of SV Software Engineering at Iridium, where his leadership was pivotal in advancing the company’s technological capabilities. Before joining Iridium, Mr. Jones gained extensive experience in systems engineering and software testing through impactful roles at Motorola and Boeing, further solidifying his reputation as an innovator in the field.

Mr. Jones’s academic foundation includes an Associate of Arts in Electronics Technology (1990) and a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management (2001), both from DeVry University. These credentials have been instrumental in shaping his career, which has spanned satellite testing, systems engineering, and software integration.

Throughout his journey, Mr. Jones credits his family’s unwavering love and support and his mother and father’s influence for instilling the values of hard work and resourcefulness—traits that have been the cornerstone of his success.

Looking to the future, Mr. Jones is passionate about educating the next generation of engineers. His vision includes addressing educational gaps by teaching courses, presenting at conferences, and advocating for the inclusion of testing and integration in academic curricula. His goal is to inspire future leaders while continuing to contribute to the advancement of technology at Iridium.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

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Vision Marine Technologies Announces Next Phase of Its Marine Technology Strategy

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July 21, 2026

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Company plans to leverage its integrated operating platform to support technology development, commercialization and long-term growth.

BOISBRIAND, QC, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR; TSXV: VMAR) (“Vision Marine” or the “Company”), a marine technology company combining proprietary high-voltage electric propulsion technology with an integrated marine retail, marina and service platform through Nautical Ventures, today announced the next phase of its long-term strategy to advance and commercialize marine technologies through its operating platform.

The initiative establishes a framework through which Vision Marine intends to pursue internal development, technology partnerships and selected strategic opportunities, which may include mergers or acquisitions, that complement its existing capabilities and relate to the recreational boating industry.

The initiative builds upon the strategy presented by Vision Marine in May 2026: connecting proprietary marine technology with direct retail distribution, vessel integration capabilities, marina infrastructure, service operations and established customer relationships.

Over the past year, Vision Marine has integrated and expanded the Nautical Ventures platform, commercially launched and begun customer deliveries of its E-Motion™ 180 high-voltage electric propulsion system, expanded its intellectual property portfolio, continued optimizing its real estate and operating structure, and completed its previously announced at-the-market equity offering program. As previously disclosed, the Company currently has no active ATM program.

As previously disclosed, net cash provided by operating activities totaled approximately US$2.4 million for the nine-month period ended May 31, 2026. This result was supported by working-capital management, including the reduction and monetization of inventory. Management believes this reflects its focus on operational discipline and capital efficiency. Net cash provided by operating activities is distinct from net income and should not be interpreted as profitability.

The Company intends to use its existing customer relationships, distribution channels and service infrastructure to evaluate and, where appropriate, commercialize complementary marine technologies.

By combining technology development and vessel integration with retail distribution, marina operations, service, rentals and direct customer engagement, Vision Marine intends to evaluate whether new technologies can be introduced and supported through its existing operations. Any such initiatives will remain subject to customer demand, technical development and integration requirements, operating costs, financing availability, market conditions, regulatory approvals and disciplined capital allocation. There can be no assurance that these initiatives will result in commercialization, additional revenue or anticipated financial benefits.

“We are not beginning from a concept. We are expanding from a platform that is already in operation,” said Alexandre Mongeon, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Marine. “Vision Marine now connects proprietary technology with vessel integration, retail distribution, marina infrastructure, service capabilities and direct customer access. Our objective is to use these capabilities to evaluate and, where appropriate, support the development and commercialization of complementary marine technologies.”

“Proprietary electric propulsion remains central to Vision Marine’s technology strategy,” continued Mongeon. “We intend to evaluate complementary technologies that could improve vessel integration, energy management, connectivity, serviceability and the overall ownership experience. Our objective is to strengthen our marine technology platform through internal development, strategic partnerships and carefully selected strategic opportunities, while maintaining disciplined capital allocation.”

Vision Marine intends to prioritize initiatives that it believes complement its existing platform and may provide commercial value. In evaluating potential opportunities, the Company will consider expected costs, technical and operational requirements, financing needs, integration risks and potential financial benefits. There can be no assurance that any initiative will expand recurring revenue, improve margins or strengthen cash generation.

This announcement does not constitute the announcement of any acquisition, merger or definitive transaction. There can be no assurance that any evaluation or discussion will result in a completed transaction. Any material transaction will be disclosed in accordance with applicable securities laws and the requirements of Nasdaq and the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Vision Marine Technologies Inc.

Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR; TSXV: VMAR) is a marine technology company specializing in high-voltage electric propulsion systems and recreational boating solutions. Its E-Motion™ electric powertrain technology is designed to provide a marine-specific, integration-ready propulsion solution for boat manufacturers. Through Nautical Ventures, Vision Marine also operates an integrated marine retail, marina, service and rental platform supporting both electric and internal-combustion recreational boating. For more information, visit visionmarinetechnologies.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding Vision Marine’s business strategy; the advancement and commercialization of marine technologies; internal development initiatives; potential technology partnerships, investments, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic opportunities; the anticipated use and potential benefits of the Company’s operating platform; the introduction and commercialization of complementary technologies; the potential expansion of recurring revenue; potential improvements in margins and cash generation; and the Company’s capital allocation priorities and long-term growth objectives.

Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as “expects,” “plans,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “continues,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “will” and similar expressions or variations of such words and phrases.

These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These factors include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to execute its business strategy; identify, negotiate, finance, complete and integrate potential strategic transactions; develop and commercialize new technologies; generate market acceptance for its products and services; improve operating performance and achieve profitability; manage liquidity, inventory and floor-plan financing requirements; realize anticipated benefits from the integration of Nautical Ventures; maintain relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and commercial partners; protect its intellectual property; comply with applicable regulatory and listing requirements; and respond to competition, economic conditions, capital-market volatility, supply-chain disruptions and changes affecting the recreational marine industry.

Additional risks and uncertainties are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, as amended, for the year ended August 31, 2025, and in its subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and on SEDAR+. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Vision Marine undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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SOURCE Vision Marine Technologies, Inc

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World-Renowned MAGURA USV Manufacturer UFORCE Partners with RECONCRAFT to Build Combat-Tested Autonomous Maritime Drones in the U.S.

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July 21, 2026

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MAGURA family of drones, made exclusively by UFORCE, holds one of the most impactful and reliable combat records in modern maritime warfare, helping drive the Russian Navy from the Black Sea

LONDON and KYIV, Ukraine and WASHINGTON, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UFORCE, the Ukraine-origin, UK-based autonomous systems defense technology company built to unify and scale the world’s most combat-proven unmanned platforms, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with leading Special Operations combatant craft manufacturer RECONCRAFT, following a ceremony hosted by the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States.

UFORCE USA and RECONCRAFT are partnering to build the world’s most capable autonomous surface vessels as part of the Arsenal of Freedom. UFORCE has also entered the U.S. Drone Dominance competition and related programs in partnership with RECONCRAFT.

The initiative will be led by Sean Plankey, CEO of UFORCE USA. Plankey most recently served as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security, overseeing the United States Coast Guard, and was twice nominated by the President of the United States to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Through the partnership, UFORCE will work to make available to the United States its combat-proven full-stack aerial, maritime, and ground unmanned systems, advanced autonomy software, and command-and-control technologies.

The company’s MAGURA family of autonomous surface vessels holds one of the most impactful and reliable combat records in modern maritime warfare and contributed to the destruction of more than a dozen Russian warships in the Black Sea. UFORCE’s portfolio also includes the first autonomous surface vessel to successfully down manned helicopters and fighter aircraft in combat.

“Today’s combat environments show that autonomous warfighting capabilities are a must-have. UFORCE is exceptionally positioned to deliver capabilities already tested by some of the world’s most sophisticated militaries under the most demanding battlefield conditions,” said Oleg Rogynskyy, CEO of UFORCE. “Through this partnership with RECONCRAFT, these combat-proven capabilities will become available to the U.S., combining Ukrainian battlefield innovation with American manufacturing excellence.”

“This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when American manufacturing and combat-proven innovation come together,” said Sean Plankey, CEO of UFORCE USA. “Working with RECONCRAFT, we will help ensure these proven autonomous capabilities become available to the U.S. It’s exactly the kind of industrial partnership the Arsenal of Democracy is designed to enable.”

“RECONCRAFT is building multiple combatant craft platforms trusted by U.S. and Partner Special Operations Forces in the world’s most demanding environments,” said Joe Silkowski, Co-Founder of RECONCRAFT. “Partnering with UFORCE combines our manufacturing expertise and capabilities with the combat-proven autonomy of the MAGURA platform, allowing us to deliver greater capability to American warfighters faster than developing a new system from the ground up.”

About UFORCE

UFORCE USA is a U.S. based, wholly owned subsidiary of Ukrainian-origin defense technology operating company UFORCE, built to unify and scale the world’s most battle-proven autonomous systems. UFORCE unified nine leading Ukrainian defense technology developers and manufacturers into a single company, with registered in London and operations in Ukraine. By combining Ukrainian frontline innovation with Western capital, governance, and global distribution, UFORCE delivers next-generation autonomous defense capabilities to allied militaries. The company’s full-stack platform includes hardware systems spanning aerial, maritime and ground unmanned platforms, advanced autonomy software, and command-and-control solutions.

Media Contact: KekstCNC-UFORCE@kekstcnc.com

About RECONCRAFT

RECONCRAFT is the leading designer and manufacturer of combatant craft for U.S. and Foreign Partner forces.  RECONCRAFT’s global headquarters and primary manufacturing campus is located in the Portland, Oregon, area where the skilled team produces highly sophisticated vessels, manned and unmanned, between multiple Programs of Record.

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SOURCE UFORCE

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