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NIIMBL Announces 11 New Technology, Workforce, and Global Health Fund Projects

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NEWARK, Del., April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is pleased to announce 11 new member-led technology, workforce development, and Global Health Fund projects with a value of ~$11.2 million through the Institute’s Project Call 8.1. This new slate of collaborative projects addresses key industry challenges and aims to strengthen domestic biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.

Six projects focus on priority technology areas identified by NIIMBL industry members, including manufacturing platforms for biopharmaceutical products, process analytical technologies, and data science and modeling.

“NIIMBL members are well-positioned to advance current state-of-the-art processes and analytical technologies,” said Sandeep Kedia, NIIMBL Senior Technology Fellow. “We are excited about the potential these projects have to advance our ability to manufacture biologic products and push the boundaries of what is possible in biomanufacturing.”

The slate of new projects also includes three workforce projects aimed at building awareness and talent pipeline development, ensuring the U.S. has the strongest biopharmaceutical workforce globally.

“To meet the industry’s future talent needs, we need to find innovative ways to reach new talent and offer them pathways to begin their careers in the industry,” said John Balchunas, NIIMBL Workforce Director. “The new projects will provide new tools to help us do that.”

The NIIMBL Global Health Fund (GHF) was established with funding contributed by the Gates Foundation to develop and implement innovative technologies to manufacture preventative medical countermeasures and biologics. Two projects funded as part of Project Call 8.1 focus on reducing the cost of goods to manufacture mRNA-based preventative medical countermeasures.

“With mRNA technologies opening the doors for new therapeutics, we are excited by the opportunities these projects provide to lower costs,” said Chris Roberts, NIIMBL Associate Institute Director.

The approximate value of these 11 projects includes NIIMBL funding plus cost share from participating organizations.

Since NIIMBL’s launch in 2017, the Institute has awarded 160 projects with a total investment of more than $134 million. NIIMBL is composed of 200+ member organizations from academia, industry, government, and non-profit organizations with a common goal to advance biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Funding for Project Call 8.1 projects is subject to project award negotiations.

For a description of each project and to learn more about NIIMBL, please visit the Project Call 8.1 page.

Project Call 8.1 List

Technology Projects

Project: Automation and Control of a Precipitation-based Continuous Downstream Process for High Titer Products
Lead: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Participants: Astra Zeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, ChromaTan, Dyadic, Janssen, Merck & Co., Inc., MilliporeSigma, PAK Bio, PendoTECH, Sanofi

Project: Rapid Bioburden and Sterility Testing for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
Lead: Mango, Inc.
Participant: Janssen

Project: Single Particle Analyzer for High-throughput and High-content Characterization of Nanoparticle-based RNA Therapy
Lead: Johns Hopkins University
Participants: CICS Analytics, Sartorius Stedim, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Project: Integrating High-Throughput Chromatography and Data Science in a Platform for the Rapid and Accurate Quantification of Full, Partial, and Empty AAV Capsids
Lead: North Carolina State University
Participants: Bio Rad Laboratories, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cornell University, LigaTrap Technologies LLC, MilliporeSigma, Refeyn, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Sartorius Stedim, University of Florida

Project: Obtaining Extensive At-line Input and Output Analytics Combined with Machine Learning to Improve Predictive CQA
Lead: Carnegie Mellon University
Participants: Johns Hopkins University, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer, Inc., University of Maryland Baltimore

Project: Spectro-acoustic Process Analytical Technology for Real-time Monitoring of Biopharmaceuticals
Lead: Purdue University
Participants: Merck & Co., Inc.

Workforce Projects

Project: Creation of National Standards for a Biomanufacturing Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program
Lead: Apprenti
Participants: InnovATEBIO, LifeScience Workforce Collaborative (LSWC)

Project: Life Sciences Career Hub: Biomanufacturing in Central Massachusetts
Lead: MassBio Education Foundation
Participants: Masschusetts Biomedical Initiative (MBI)

Project: A Day in the Life: Highlighting Careers in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
Lead: Bioscience Core Skills Institute (BCSI)
Participants: BioSTL, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES)

Global Health Fund Projects

Project: Lowering the Cost of Goods for Making mRNA Utilizing Continuous Manufacturing
Lead: Sepragen
Participants: University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of Pennsylvania

Project: Lowering mRNA LNP Cost of Goods by Adding a Dose-sparing and Stabilizing Adjuvant
Lead: VaxForm

About NIIMBL

The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is a public-private partnership whose mission is to accelerate biopharmaceutical innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce, fundamentally advancing U.S. competitiveness and security. NIIMBL is part of Manufacturing USA®, a network of federally sponsored manufacturing innovation institutes, and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. Department of Commerce with significant additional support from its members.

Contact
News Media
Daniel Maiese
Communications Manager
302-831-3824
dmaiese@udel.edu

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SOURCE National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL)

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CAS Holdings Appoints Patrick McDermott as Chief Executive Officer

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Leadership Transition Positions CAS Holdings for Continued Growth and Customer-Focused Innovation

FRANKLIN, Mass., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CAS Holdings, a leader in industrial automation distribution, engineering, and integration, is pleased to announce that Patrick McDermott has been named Chief Executive Officer.

McDermott previously served as President and Chief Revenue Officer, where he played a key role in driving growth across the organization, strengthening customer relationships, and leading teams with a clear focus on execution and results.

In his new role as CEO, McDermott will lead CAS Holdings into its next phase of growth, building on the company’s strong foundation and continued commitment to delivering value to customers, partners, and employees.

“I’m honored to step into the role of CEO at CAS Holdings,” said McDermott. “Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team, support our customers, and help drive the growth of our organization. I’m excited to build on that momentum as we move into our next chapter.”

CAS Holdings, through its divisions including iAutomation and RND Automation, delivers a full spectrum of industrial automation solutions – from product distribution and technical support to custom machine building and system integration. Serving OEM machine builders and end-users, the company brings deep expertise in motion control, robotics, and vision, along with value-added capabilities such as kitting, sub-assembly, panel building, and turnkey automation systems, acting as an extension of its customers’ engineering and production teams.

McDermott’s leadership will focus on advancing CAS Holdings’ strategic initiatives, strengthening its market position, and continuing to deliver innovative automation solutions that support customers across a wide range of industries.

“We have a strong foundation, a talented team, and a clear direction. I’m looking forward to what we’ll accomplish together,” McDermott said. “Our focus remains on supporting our customers with responsive, local expertise, strong supplier partnerships, and the engineering and production capabilities they rely on to keep their operations running and growing.”

About Complete Automation Solutions Holdings

Complete Automation Solutions Holdings (CAS Holdings) is dedicated to empowering industrial automation companies, including those in the packaging industry, to achieve optimal efficiency and success. With a diverse portfolio encompassing industrial distribution, panel building and assembly, system integration, and robotics, CAS Holdings provides comprehensive packaging machines and solutions tailored to meet industry needs. The company prioritizes strong partnerships, expert engineering, and innovative solutions, ensuring sustainable practices and continuous improvement. CAS Holdings envisions a future where its transformative automation solutions redefine industry standards and drive growth. Committed to transparency and collaboration, CAS Holdings aims to be the most trusted partner in the automation sector.

Press Contact:

Erika Jacques
508-838-8012
http://www.iautomation.com/

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SOURCE CAS Holdings, Inc.

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Vipboss Marks Earth Day with Renewed Commitment to Green Energy Solutions

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NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Earth Day draws global attention to environmental responsibility, Vipboss, a specialist manufacturer and developer of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs for energy storage and mobility applications, is underscoring its long‑term commitment to sustainable energy practices through its Environmental Advocacy. This advocacy is devoid of ornate language; its inspiration stems from the brand’s unwavering conviction in LiFePO4 batteries as a green energy solution. To align this message with practical action, the brand is also running a themed sales campaign on its official website during April 18th to 30th. It highlights how practical product solutions, rather than abstract concepts, can support cleaner energy use in everyday life.

Across the world, energy consumption patterns are undergoing rapid change. Households, outdoor users, and light‑mobility sectors are increasingly seeking energy systems that are safe, sustainable, and low‑emission. Within this shift, LiFePO4 batteries have emerged as a preferred technology for clean‑energy applications. Their long service life, high safety profile, and absence of cobalt, which is an element associated with higher environmental and ethical risks, position them as a responsible choice in the global transition toward greener power.

LiFePO4 technology forms the foundation of Vipboss’s approach to sustainable energy. Its extended cycle life reduces the frequency of battery replacement, lowering resource consumption and easing the environmental burden associated with disposal. The material’s inherent stability also minimizes the risk of thermal runaway, offering a safer experience in homes, recreational vehicles, and public environments. In practical use cases such as home backup systems, RV travel, and golf‑course operations, LiFePO4 batteries deliver efficient storage and stable output, helping reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based energy sources and supporting lower‑carbon lifestyles.

Vipboss’s environmental advocacy extends beyond the technical advantages of its products. The brand promotes responsible energy use as an integral part of sustainable living, emphasizing that product design and informed application must work together to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes. As a provider of energy solutions for home, travel, and leisure scenarios, Vipboss continues to participate in the long‑term process of green transformation through ongoing technological refinement and product evolution.

Earth Day serves as a reminder that lasting environmental impact is built through small, consistent actions. Looking ahead, Vipboss will continue advancing safer, more durable, and more efficient energy products that support individuals and families in adopting more sustainable energy habits. Through these efforts, the brand aims to contribute enduring value to the wider adoption of clean energy and the collective pursuit of a more sustainable future.

About Vipboss

Vipboss is a specialist in the lithium battery industry, focusing on the research, production, and manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs. The company is committed to advancing battery technology with an emphasis on reliable performance, safety, and extended service life. Its mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

For more information, please visit: https://vipbosspower.com/.

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Pastor Dino Rizzo Marks 100 Days to Serve Day Ahead of Global Outreach Initiative

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Pastor Dino Rizzo highlighted the milestone of 100 days until Serve Day 2026, as thousands of churches prepare to serve their communities through coordinated acts of kindness on July 11.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pastor Dino Rizzo joined church leaders and teams on April 2 to mark 100 days until Serve Day 2026, a global outreach initiative set for July 11. The milestone brings together more than 2,900 churches preparing to serve their local communities through practical acts of kindness and outreach.

Serve Day, led by many churches within the Association of Related Churches, provides a coordinated opportunity for churches worldwide to engage their cities and demonstrate their faith through service. Pastor Dino Rizzo, who serves as Executive Director of ARC, emphasized the significance of the initiative as both a single-day event and a broader movement.

“Serve Day provides churches across the world with opportunities to serve their local communities and share the love of God through practical acts of kindness,” Rizzo said. “Our hope is that serving others becomes our focus throughout the year.”

The April 2 milestone reflects growing participation and anticipation among churches globally. Leaders are currently equipping teams, organizing projects, and connecting with local communities in preparation for July. Churches that join the initiative gain access to resources, including the Serve Day playbook, monthly leadership calls, and a private online community designed to support collaboration and planning.

Pastor Dino Rizzo has long championed the role of service within the church through the Servolution movement. Introduced through his 2009 book Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution Through Serving, the concept calls churches to embed serving into their culture rather than limit it to occasional events. The message has since influenced hundreds of churches across multiple countries, including the United States, Peru, New Zealand, and Poland.

“Serving is not just about an event. It is about building a culture where meeting needs and reaching people becomes part of who we are,” Rizzo has shared in previous teachings, reinforcing the long-term vision behind initiatives like Serve Day.

In addition to leading Serve Day, Pastor Dino Rizzo continues his work with ARC, which has planted over 1200 churches and continues to train and equip new church leaders. His involvement in conferences, leadership development, and global outreach initiatives reflects a consistent focus on sustainable church growth and community impact.

Churches interested in participating in Serve Day 2026 can learn more through ARC’s official website and access resources designed to support local outreach efforts.

About Pastor Dino Rizzo

Pastor Dino Rizzo is a pastor, author, and church leader known for his emphasis on service, leadership, and healthy church culture. He serves as Executive Director of the Association of Related Churches, an organization that has helped launch hundreds of churches worldwide. Rizzo is also the author of Servolution, a book that has inspired a global movement centered on serving others as a core expression of faith.

Media Contact
Organization: Mercury News Media
Email: info@mercurynewsmedia.com
Phone: 303 800 6186
Website:
https://www.mercurynewsmedia.com/
Contact Name: Jessica Brown

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SOURCE Dino Rizzo

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