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EPO: Transforming polluted air into biodegradable material: Colombian innovator Mariana Pérez in top 10 innovator in the Young Inventors Prize 2025

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99.3% of Colombia’s population lives in areas where air pollution exceeds WHO guidelines, affecting public health, according to the Air Quality Life IndexMariana Pérez’s invention removes CO₂, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide from the air, converting pollutants into biodegradable materialsPérez is among the ten innovators of the Young Inventors Prize 2025, awarded by the European Patent Office (EPO) on 18 June 2025

MUNICH, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to the Air Quality Life Index, 99.3% of Colombia’s population is exposed to air pollution exceeding WHO safety limits, with average particulate pollution increasing by 52.8% over the past two decades. Colombian entrepreneur Mariana Pérez (27) has developed a system that not only removes CO₂ from the air but also captures nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which are pollutants linked to respiratory diseases. Her innovative solution has secured her a place among the ten global innovators of the Young Inventors Prize 2025, known as Tomorrow Shapers, selected from 450 candidates by an independent jury.

Mimicking the human respiratory system

Fine particulate matter and harmful gases pose serious health risks, contributing to respiratory diseases and premature deaths. While existing carbon capture technologies primarily target CO₂, Pérez’s invention goes further, capturing additional pollutants. Ecol-Air’s technology is designed to mimic the human respiratory system, using mechanical bronchioles and alveoli to optimise pollutant absorption. It can be installed on chimneys to draw in and process polluted air or used as a free-standing unit to purify ambient air. The captured pollutants are neutralised and processed into biodegradable polymers, which can be used in eco-friendly packaging and industrial materials, like biodegradable bags or tiles.

From childhood curiosity to real-world impact

Pérez’s scientific interest began at the age of eight, when she noticed how rain washed away the residue of vehicle emissions from her father’s car. This curiosity later led her to develop early prototypes, refining them through science fairs and eventually securing investor support. Despite initial scepticism from industries, she installed her devices for free at large factories to prove their efficiency. “There were moments in my journey when I doubted myself. But I believe all scientists need to realise that, while we can create incredible solutions for the planet, health and people, scaling our projects and turning them into businesses is what gives our inventions a real future. We can’t stop at just having an idea; we need to develop it further,” Pérez explained.

Ecol-Air now collaborates with industrial and academic partners. Yamaha Colombia was the first to adopt the system commercially, followed by Sumicol-Corona. In 2023, the first air treatment plant using Ecol-Air technology opened in Girardota (Colombia), processing 70 tonnes of air daily with an 82% efficiency rate, according to the company estimations. The Air Innovation Center, set to open in Barbosa in 2025, is expected to process 497 tonnes of air per day and incorporate public awareness initiatives. To support the international expansion of her company, Pérez recently relocated to the United States.  

The Young Inventors Prize celebrates worldwide innovators 30 and under using technology to address global challenges posed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Pérez’s invention supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing harmful air pollutants and creating sustainable by-products.

The prizes of the 2025 edition will be announced during a ceremony livestreamed from Iceland on 18 June 2025. 

Find more information (link) about the invention’s impact, the technology and the inventor’s story.

About the Young Inventors Prize

Aimed at individuals 30 and under, the Young Inventors Prize showcases the transformative power of youth-driven solutions and recognises the remarkable young people paving the way to a more sustainable future. Established in 2022, trophies were first handed out during the European Inventor Award ceremony. From 2025 onwards, the Prize will move up a gear with its own dedicated event, held separately from the Award. Among the 10 Tomorrow Shapers selected for each edition, three will be awarded a special prize: World Builders, Community Healers, and Nature Guardians. In addition, a People’s Choice winner, voted by the public online, will be revealed. Each Tomorrow Shaper will receive EUR 5 000, the three special prize winners will each receive an extra EUR 15 000. The People’s Choice winner will be awarded an additional EUR 5 000. Read more on the Young Inventors Prize eligibility and selection criteria.

About the EPO

With 6,300 staff members, the European Patent Office (EPO) is one of the largest public service institutions in Europe. Headquartered in Munich with offices in Berlin, Brussels, The Hague and Vienna, the EPO was founded with the aim of strengthening co-operation on patents in Europe. Through the EPO’s centralised patent granting procedure, inventors are able to obtain high-quality patent protection in up to 46 countries, covering a market of some 700 million people. The EPO is also the world’s leading authority in patent information and patent searching.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/epo-transforming-polluted-air-into-biodegradable-material-colombian-innovator-mariana-perez-in-top-10-innovator-in-the-young-inventors-prize-2025-302461845.html

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Kerun Launches Integrated Transformer and Substation Solutions for AI Data Centers in Hot-Climate Regions

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JIANGSHAN, China, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kerun Intelligent Control Co., LTD., a manufacturer specializing in power transmission and distribution equipment, announced the launch of its Integrated Transformer and Substation Solutions for AI data centers, cloud facilities and high-density computing infrastructure.

Designed for demanding environments such as the Middle East, the solution supports stable power distribution in regions where high temperatures, heavy electrical loads and continuous 24/7 operation place greater pressure on power infrastructure.

Combining transformers, prefabricated substations, switchgear and intelligent monitoring systems, Kerun’s integrated solution helps data center developers, EPC contractors and infrastructure operators build reliable and scalable power systems for mission-critical facilities.

Addressing Power Challenges in Hot-Climate Data Center Environments

AI data centers and high-density computing facilities face complex electrical challenges, including nonlinear loads, harmonic interference, continuous high-temperature operation and rising power density. In hot-climate regions, transformer thermal performance, fire safety and long-term reliability become even more important.

Key features include:

K-Factor harmonic-resistant transformer design: Optimized for server clusters and high-harmonic environments, helping reduce overheating risks and improve stable operation.FR3 vegetable oil-based insulating fluid option: Supports improved fire safety, thermal performance and overload tolerance, making it suitable for facilities requiring uninterrupted operation.High-efficiency power distribution: Helps reduce power losses, energy consumption and long-term operating costs.Intelligent monitoring and detection: Enables visualization of operating parameters and supports preventive maintenance in demanding environments.Reliable power architecture: Supports redundancy configurations for mission-critical loads.Flexible engineering customization: Allows adaptation based on voltage level, local climate conditions, installation environment and project specifications.

Designed for Reliability, Safety and Scalability

As AI, cloud services and digital infrastructure continue to expand across the Middle East, reliable power systems are becoming a key foundation for data center growth.

“Data centers in high-temperature environments require power systems that can deliver stability, safety and efficiency under continuous operating pressure,” said Mr. Wang, General Manager of Kerun. “Kerun remains committed to providing integrated transformer and substation solutions that support resilient digital infrastructure.”

Beyond data center applications, Kerun also serves utility, industrial, renewable energy and long-distance power transmission sectors.

About Kerun

Founded in 2004, Kerun Intelligent Control Co., LTD. provides power transmission and distribution solutions for utility, industrial and digital infrastructure projects worldwide. Its portfolio includes transformers, switchgear, prefabricated substations, energy storage containers and EV charging infrastructure.

For more information, visit: https://ar.kerunpower.com
Learn more about the solution: https://ar.kerunpower.com/solutions/transformers-solution-for-data-center/

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kerun-launches-integrated-transformer-and-substation-solutions-for-ai-data-centers-in-hot-climate-regions-302801093.html

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Arcfra Releases AKE 1.6 to Enhance Production Kubernetes Operations and Network Management

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SINGAPORE, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Arcfra announces the release of Arcfra Kubernetes Engine (AKE) version 1.6, the latest version of its production-grade container management and service platform.

This release improves Kubernetes operational efficiency and strengthens production network management. AKE 1.6 introduces form-based visual management for Kubernetes resources, enabling users to deploy and manage applications without writing complex YAML files. It also supports separation of workload cluster management networks from service networks and multiple network interfaces for Pods, helping enterprises address security isolation, compliance, and high-performance networking requirements.

Form-Based Visual Management for Kubernetes Resources

AKE 1.6 introduces form-based deployment and management for Kubernetes resources, allowing users to complete common application operations through the UI instead of manually writing and maintaining YAML files.

This capability brings infrastructure, Kubernetes clusters, and business applications into a unified visual management experience. Users can view related resources in a single interface, access frequent operations more directly, and reduce the complexity of managing containerized applications.

Separated Management and Service Networks for Workload Clusters

To prevent management traffic and service traffic from affecting each other, AKE 1.6 supports separating the management network from the service network for workload clusters.

In this architecture, management traffic and business service traffic are isolated into separate network planes. The container service network cannot directly route to control plane components such as the Kubernetes apiserver. Even if a container is compromised, control plane operations remain isolated, improving platform security and helping enterprises meet network isolation and compliance requirements.

Multiple Pod NICs for High-Performance and Isolated Network Access

AKE 1.6 also introduces support for configuring multiple network interfaces for Pods. This capability supports scenarios where applications need access to multiple network planes for security isolation, direct connectivity, or higher network performance.

Compared with Overlay networking, direct flat network access can reduce network overhead and deliver higher throughput and lower latency, with an approximately 20% performance improvement in applicable scenarios.

AKE: Proven in Production

AKE powers mission-critical systems for enterprises in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, e-commerce, and other sectors, including ConnectWave and Foxconn.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/arcfra-releases-ake-1-6-to-enhance-production-kubernetes-operations-and-network-management-302801094.html

SOURCE Arcfra

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Daymond John and the RedPocket Mobiles Drop “Color Rush” Jersey — and Two Fans Get to Pitch the People’s Shark

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Giveaway opens June 16 in Ogden; grand-prize winners receive a signed jersey, a free year of wireless, and a one-on-one pitch session with Daymond John

OGDEN, Utah, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RedPocket Mobile today announced the release of the RedPocket Mobiles’ new “Color Rush” red jerseys, designed in collaboration with Shark Tank entrepreneur and spokesperson Daymond John, alongside a fan giveaway that puts two winners in the room with the People’s Shark.

RedPocket sponsors the RedPocket Mobiles, which are RedPocket Mobile’s barnstorming Pioneer Baseball League team, a club with no home stadium that plays its entire season on the road. The team is powered by RedPocket Mobile, the independently owned wireless company that lets customers choose coverage across all three major U.S. 5G networks, so the Mobiles stay connected no matter where their team bus takes them.

The giveaway, which opens June 16, awards two grand-prize winners each: a Mobiles Color Rush jersey signed by Daymond John, an official team hat, a full year of RedPocket Mobile service on the network of their choice, a team merch bundle, and a 30-minute pitch session with Daymond himself.  On the call, Daymond will hear their business idea, push on it, and coach them on how to make it better.

“Getting to have a hand in designing the RedPocket Mobiles’ jerseys was something I couldn’t pass up with RedPocket. Every business starts with someone willing to take a chance and that’s why I’m looking for the fans who have a real idea to pitch to a Shark. I can’t wait to hear what these entrepreneurs bring to the table,” said Daymond John.

The giveaway runs through late June. Full entry details are available on the RedPocket Mobiles, RedPocket Mobile, and Daymond John Instagram channels.

About RedPocket Mobile RedPocket Mobile is an independently owned wireless company founded in 2006. RedPocket gives customers the choice of coverage across all three major U.S. 5G networks, with locked-in rates and no price increases. [Confirm/trim boilerplate to current approved standard to your comfortability, alex.salas@redpocket.com.

Entry via Instagram post on @redpocketmobile, @redpocketmobiles  and @TheSharkDaymond

Media contact: [Alex Salas / Alex.salas@redpocket.com / 5626-644-3864]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/daymond-john-and-the-redpocket-mobiles-drop-color-rush-jersey–and-two-fans-get-to-pitch-the-peoples-shark-302801034.html

SOURCE RedPocket Mobile

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