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Draper Officially Opens Its Newest Campus at UMass Lowell

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Draper celebrated the official opening of its newest office, located on the UMass Lowell campus, with an open house on April 8, 2025.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Draper officially opened its newest corporate campus at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. To celebrate, Draper hosted an Open House on April 8, 2025, at its offices in the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC).

“Success happens at the crossroads of innovation and partnerships between academia, and we continue to drive innovation through our university partnerships across the country and now at the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus,” said Draper President and CEO Jerry Wohletz.

Speakers at the open house included Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts Kim Driscoll, UMass President Marty Meehan, UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, Lowell Mayor Daniel P. Rourke, and Massachusetts State Representative Tara Hong. Draper was represented by President and CEO Jerry Wohletz, Ph.D., and Sarah Leeper, Vice President and General Manager of Electronic Systems. The open house also featured presentations of recent work by Draper research teams.

Draper is an anchor tenant in LINC, a transformative public-private development project made possible by the leadership of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the University of Massachusetts Building Authority (UMBA), and the City of Lowell, with significant support from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

“When leading companies like Draper partner with top-tier public research universities like UMass Lowell, it creates powerful momentum for innovation, workforce development and regional growth,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This is exactly the kind of collaboration our administration is proud to support — partnerships that fuel economic development, build a strong talent pipeline, and create long-term opportunity for communities across Massachusetts.”

The campus, announced in 2024, supports Draper’s Electronic Systems business, which focuses on specialized microelectronics for the military, critical infrastructure, and space exploration markets. It also significantly expands Draper’s ability to design and deliver specialized, secure, and environmentally resilient microelectronics and support the nation’s industrial base. And Draper is working closely with the university to develop the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technicians to grow the microelectronics workforce in Massachusetts.

“Draper has long embraced its roots in educating the future since our origins as the MIT Instrumentation Lab, and we carry that tradition forward with our mission focus on education,” said Wohletz. “Success happens at the crossroads of innovation and partnerships between academia. This model has worked well for over 90 years, and we continue to drive innovation through our university partnerships across the country and now at the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus. Draper is here to help with mentorships, prototype testing and development, and opportunities for customer collaborations that result in fielded and deployed solutions.”

Leeper added, “The opening of this campus is the first step in expanding our capabilities in Lowell. Over the next several years, Draper plans to develop a microelectronics production assembly and test facility to meet the increasing demands from our customers. This is instrumental in guaranteeing the onshore manufacturing capability required to deliver solutions that address our national security needs. At the same time, the project will serve as an engine for economic growth and employment here in Massachusetts.”

Draper is committed to enhancing the U.S.-based microelectronics ecosystem. As a member of the Microelectronics Commons, Draper is part of a network of regional technology hubs acting on a shared mission: to expand the nation’s global leadership in microelectronics. The Microelectronics Commons program is accelerating domestic prototyping and growing a pipeline of U.S.-based semiconductor talent.

The new Draper campus is in the Wannalancit Building at 600 Suffolk Street, Suite 301, Lowell, Massachusetts. Draper has appointed Colleen Anderson, Director of Tailored Microelectronic Systems, to lead the UMass Lowell campus expansion.

“This partnership with Draper strengthens Massachusetts’ innovation economy, expands opportunities for students and drives long-term growth for the entire region,” said UMass President Marty Meehan. “It is exciting to see the vision we had for the LINC project coming to fruition after many years of laying the groundwork to create a bustling business innovation center in downtown Lowell that is projected to generate $3.7 billion in economic activity and create 2,000 permanent jobs over the next decade.”

“We’re excited to grow our partnership with Draper as they help advance the vision of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen. “Their commitment to collaboration and cutting-edge technology opens incredible opportunities for our students to gain real-world experience, contribute to meaningful research, and build careers in high-demand fields. This partnership reflects what’s possible when industry and public universities work together.”

This is Draper’s 12th campus, which include: Cambridge, Massachusetts; Cape Canaveral, Florida; Houston, Texas; Huntsville, Alabama; Lowell, Massachusetts; Odon, Indiana; Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Reston, Virginia.; Clearfield, Utah; Titusville, Florida; Washington, D.C., and two locations in St. Petersburg, Florida.

About Draper
Draper is a non-profit research and development company that solves some of the nation’s most important challenges. With more than 2,000 employees working in collaboration across 12 campuses, Draper delivers transformative, mission-driven solutions that successfully meet our customers’ requirements. These efforts focus on four critical mission areas: Strategic Systems, Space Systems, Electronic Systems, and Biotechnology Systems. To extend our legacy into the future, the Draper Scholars program engages with the next generation of innovators while DraperSPARX™ seeks to partner with startups and small businesses that can further our mission. To learn more about Draper, visit http://www.draper.com.

About UMass Lowell
A nationally ranked public university, UMass Lowell has been a leader in research, learning and teaching for more than 130 years. The Carnegie-classified Research 1 university located in the heart of a Massachusetts Gateway City offers high quality in-person and online programs, as well as unique career-connected learning experiences, to more than 17,000 students from 50 states and 114 countries. Learn more at http://www.uml.edu.

Media Contact

Michael Shirer, Draper, 617-258-2464, mshirer@draper.com, https://www.draper.com

Brooke Coupal, UMass Lowell, 978-934-3424, brooke_coupal@uml.edu, https://www.uml.edu

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Call out – Optimize’s glass-box approach provides greater insight to explainable property-specific settings, controls, and demand. Spherexx® Expands Optimize Revenue Management with CoPilot Predictive Simulation and Strategic Governance

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New internal coaching and simulation capabilities expand predictive insight, strategic governance and user control

TULSA, Okla., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Spherexx announced the addition of CoPilot to Optimize, its neural-driven multifamily revenue management platform. CoPilot expands Optimize’s strategic governance capabilities with explainable visibility into how recommendations are developed, how operating controls influence outcomes, and how adjustments may affect future performance.

Optimize’s glass-box approach to revenue management gives greater insight into why leasing rates are recommended.

Designed to strengthen Optimize’s glass-box approach to revenue management, CoPilot provides revenue managers with greater insight into why each leasing rate is recommended based on explainable property-specific settings, controls, and demand. Users can evaluate potential adjustments while maintaining direct human oversight, decision authority, and accountability. This methodology also applies to lease-up construction apartments where previous data is nonexistent, Optimize formulated Its neural network to identify occupancy growth patterns based on lease-up data and certificates of occupancy since 2013; becoming the first revenue management platform to successfully target and exceed construction proforma expectations.

A robust, layered simulator allows revenue managers to model the potential impact of changes before implementation, helping teams understand how adaptive controls may influence future results. For each unit type, users can elect to maintain the current published leasing price, accept Optimize’s recommended leasing price, or hold a price from an earlier date. Additionally, Optimize provides a concession simulation against public comparables to reveal how the cost of recurring or one-time concessions will affect actual new lease pricing.

CoPilot consolidates these decisions within a central workspace where users can review available leasing prices by status, existing rates, recommendations, explanations for changes, and the history of prior decisions. Revenue managers can adjust directly within the workflow, while embedded training video segments provide task-specific guidance throughout the platform.

Optimize continuously incorporates client’s property data through property management software integrations, along with client-selected settings for additional intelligence providers.

Forward-looking intelligence provides revenue managers with an expanded view of asset performance. Optimize displays the property’s known upcoming performance based on scheduled expirations, notices to vacate, and future lease data. Based on this information and historical performance, Optimize forecasts future occupancy, projected renewals, and potential new move-ins three months beyond the max lease term the property offers, i.e. a twelve-month lease will forecast a 15-month horizon. Market positioning based on public-comparable data can be reviewed for rent, vacancy, concessions and leasing velocity daily, weekly, or across a custom period.

CoPilot also extends governance capabilities for affordable and rent-controlled floor plans and units, enabling additional controls for fixed maximums, lease terms, and other applicable operating parameters

“We created Optimize as one of the early neural-intelligent revenue management platforms, and its intelligence has continued to evolve,” said Becca Wilson, Owner and CEO of Spherexx. “Our original vision remains the same: give clients pertinent, accurate and accessible intelligence they can understand, evaluate, and govern. CoPilot advances that vision by allowing revenue managers to see not only what Optimize recommends, but why it recommends it, explore the potential impact of their decisions, and remain firmly in control of the outcome.”

CoPilot builds upon Optimize’s established approach to transparent revenue management by combining predictive intelligence, adaptive controls, and strategic governance within a single decision environment.

About Spherexx.com®

Spherexx.com®: Redefining Real Estate Technology

Spherexx.com® continues to lead with cutting-edge predictive, generative, agentic, AI across a suite of software solutions, setting industry benchmarks for innovation.

With over two decades of experience, Spherexx.com® delivers top-tier Software as a Service (SaaS) internet-based software, data analytics, and marketing solutions to clients across the US and Canada. Spherexx expertise spans multifamily, single-family, affordable, senior, rent control, self-storage, and manufactured housing.

Spherexx technology stack streamlines operation and enhances brand experiences for clients, and their residents, and investors. Our technology stack includes:

Website CMS/Inline EditorSEM/GEO/AEO/LLM/PPCILS SyndicationCommission & Bonus ManagementBI DashboardsCRM + AI AgentWebsite Chat & Voice AIComparable AnalyticsRevenue ManagementInteractive Site PlansTouchscreen Leasing KiosksCustom Programming

Spherexx.com® is the authoritative trusted source for innovation and transformation in real estate technology. Visit www.spherexx.com to explore the future of PropTech.

News@spherexx.com

866.491.7500

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Empowering Malaysia’s Digital Future: AWS and Elitery Celebrate Grand Finale of AWS CendekiAwan

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20 Finalist Teams from Four Top Malaysian Universities Reach the Grand Finale of AWS CendekiAwan

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Elitery recently celebrated the Grand Finale of AWS CendekiAwan at Universiti Malaya (UM).

The event brings together 20 student finalist teams from four top Malaysian universities to pitch cutting-edge Generative AI solutions powered by Amazon Bedrock, tackling critical societal and enterprise challenges. Competing across five categories, the finalists will demonstrate how AI can be applied to address real-world challenges across education, healthcare, sustainability, financial inclusion, government technology, and social impact.

The CendekiAwan Malaysia program is a collaborative digital talent initiative by AWS and Elitery designed to bridge academic learning with practical industry requirements. Moving beyond theoretical AI concepts, the hands-on curriculum equipped participants from tech and non-tech backgrounds with practical skills in cloud computing, application development, and Generative AI.

Beginning at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), the initiative expanded through self-learning, hands-on workshops, and showcase sessions across Multimedia University (MMU), Nilai University, and Universiti Malaya (UM). Utilizing AWS developer tools including PartyRock, Kiro, and Amazon Bedrock, students built functional prototypes from scratch. The program encouraged students to move beyond learning AI concepts and gain practical experience developing technology-driven solutions for real-world needs.

“CendekiAwan reflects our belief that AI should be built and deployed by hands and minds like these students to solve real challenges facing communities across Malaysia,” said Daniel Zhang, Regional Data Center Operations Leader Malaysia, AWS. “Together with Elitery and our partner universities, we are proud to see these students turn skills in Kiro and Amazon Bedrock into practical solutions for education, healthcare, sustainability, financial inclusion and public services.”

The showcase brings together key decision-makers across government, higher education, and industry, including representatives from Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL). Beyond the competition, the event underscores Elitery and AWS’s shared commitment to building a resilient, future-ready AI workforce across Southeast Asia. “The CendekiAwan training programme supports Kuala Lumpur’s vision of ‘A Prosperous City for All by 2030’ by investing in talent development, strengthening capabilities, and fostering knowledge exchange. Through sustained training and collaboration, the programme seeks to contribute to a more dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready Kuala Lumpur, in line with DBKL’s commitment to the city’s socioeconomic progress and well-being,” said Ts. Kamariah binti Kamarudin, Representative of DBKL.

Representing Elitery, President Director Kresna Adiprawira said, “Through CendekiAwan, we help students move beyond learning AI concepts to building practical applications that address real-world challenges. We are proud to see their ideas turn into meaningful innovations and help shape the next generation of digital talent.”

Finalists showcase projects across five categories:

Smart Education: Enhancing learning and accessibility.Digital Health: Improving healthcare and wellbeing.Sustainable Environment & Climate: Advancing sustainability and climate resilience.Financial Inclusion & SME: Supporting business growth and financial access.GovTech & Social Impact: Improving public services and community inclusion.

Through these categories, students demonstrate how Generative AI can translate into practical applications that address challenges faced by communities, institutions, businesses, and society.

“The development process was seamless thanks to the comprehensive technology provided by AWS. For students looking to build AI-powered solutions, the most vital factor is the core idea focus on solving real-world problems.” Dewan AI — Winner, GovTech & Social Impact, Multimedia University (MMU).

As Generative AI transforms industries, CendekiAwan equips students with practical skills and innovation capabilities to develop impactful, real-world solutions through collaboration between AWS, Elitery, and Malaysian universities.

CendekiAwan Malaysia is an AWS and Elitery initiative with partner universities, equipping students from four Malaysian universities with practical cloud computing and Generative AI skills through hands-on learning, culminating in 20 finalist teams competing across five categories using Amazon Bedrock.

PT Data Sinergitama Jaya Tbk  (Elitery, IDX: ELIT)  is an Indonesian publicly listed technology company specializing in IT Managed Services, AI, and cloud solutions, serving over 200 customers across three countries. In 2026, Elitery earned the AWS Migration Competency Designation.

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Small Joys, Big Market: Products That Spark Joy Take the Spotlight at 140th Canton Fair

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GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As emotional value becomes a key consumption driver, consumers are increasingly willing to pay for fun, companionship and peace of mind, offering an everyday interpretation of what “Better Life” truly means. This trend was on display throughout Phase 3 of the 140th Canton Fair.

Small Products, Big Feelings

In the Office Supplies Section, beyond traditional business supplies, vibrant products are capturing attention. Pens are expected to be visually appealing while staplers are designed to be cute as well as functional. Products that provide a burst of pleasure are gaining popularity.

3D stickers have emerged as a favorite among journaling enthusiasts. These stickers double as puzzles, requiring no glue and allowing users to assemble them for fun, turning decorations into interactive toys.

In the Toys Section, bag charms in various designs are ubiquitous. Meanwhile, animal-shaped sofa cushions in lazy, prone poses offer a healing touch. Filled with eco-friendly weighted glass beads, they provide a gentle hugging sensation, offering comfort and relaxation.

Emotional Comfort Across Categories

Emotional comfort was equally evident in products designed for children and pets.

A duck-shaped toy created for infants and toddlers aged 6 to 36 months attracted interest from overseas buyers. Simulating the movements of a real duck through head-turning and waddling motions alongside lights, sounds and voice guidance, the toy supports crawling, early learning and emotional comfort. Educational and bedtime-soothing modes offer music, stories, nursery rhymes and bilingual content, helping nurture development and providing a sense of security.

Meanwhile, the Pet Products and Food Section demonstrated how emotional needs also extend to animal companions. From creatively designed cat climbing structures to interactive automatic toys, exhibitors presented products aimed at enriching pets’ daily lives and strengthening the bond between pets and their owners.

As consumers increasingly seek products that deliver emotional as well as practical benefits, Phase 3 of the 140th Canton Fair offers a glimpse into evolving lifestyles and expectations. The message behind “Better Life” is clear: better living is no longer defined solely by utility, but by products that bring comfort, connection and joy.

For more convenient attendance, please click here for pre-registration:

https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

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