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MEDIA ADVISORY: KPMG thought leaders available for interviews at Web Summit Vancouver

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KPMG subject matter specialists to share insights with organizations, investors and media at one of the world’s premier tech conferences

VANCOUVER, BC, May 23, 2025 /CNW/ – Thought leaders from KPMG will attend Web Summit Vancouver next week to engage in discussions and offer insights about the key trends and technologies driving transformational change across Canadian organizations. 

Web Summit Vancouver brings together more than 15,000 attendees from across the globe to exchange knowledge and ideas about technology and innovation with international organizations, start-ups, investors and the media. KPMG is a sponsor of Web Summit Vancouver.

“As this globally recognized technology conference embarks on an exciting new chapter in Vancouver, some of the world’s most-innovative thinkers and visionaries will come together to share ideas and knowledge with one another,” says Walter Pela, KPMG in Canada’s AI Client and Market Development Lead and Regional Managing Partner for the Greater Vancouver Area.

“Web Summit gives Canadian organizations and startups the chance to learn how to innovate, scale, and transform their business with the latest technology and strategies from peers and industry experts. We’re looking forward to exchanging ideas, exploring topics and offering insights on advancements in technology and how companies are competing in a world that’s constantly evolving.”

WHAT: Web Summit Vancouver

WHEN: May 27-30, 2025

WHERE: Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver BC V6C 0C3
The KPMG in Canada booth will be located on the show floor (E147).

WEBSITE: Web Summit 2025 – KPMG Canada

KPMG professionals will present a Masterclass, deliver opening remarks on stage and participate in the PITCH competition at the following dates and times:

Session

Date and time
 

Presenters

Overview

Corporate Innovation Summit

Wednesday, May 28
9:10 A.M.

Marissa Johnson,
Managing Director, 
KPMG U.S.

Opening Remarks

PITCH startup competition

Wednesday, May 28
4:00 P.M.

Ryan Youhan,
Market Relationship Director, 
KPMG U.S.

Judging panel 

Masterclass: Unlocking innovation: Explore funding opportunities

 

Thursday, May 29

10:30 AM – 11:15 A.M.

Ed Zacharuk,
Partner, Taxation Services
Partner in Charge,
Western Canada 
Tax Incentives Practice

Guy Gauthier,
Partner, Tax – R&D Tax Incentives Practice

Andrew McDowall,
Executive Director,
Tax Incentives
Practice

Jacqueline Gustafson,
Director, Tax Incentives
Practice

Ignite your business
potential with a holistic
strategy that helps maximize
funding and optimizes
programs across Canada.
We’ll explore the funding framework, eligibility, and
how to secure new opportunities.

AI Summit

Thursday, May 29

1:50 P.M. 

Marc Low, Lead,
Ignition Vancouver

Opening Remarks

 

PITCH startup competition

Thursday, May 29

4:55 P.M.

Davin Gnanapragasam,
Partner and National Practice
Leader, Ignition Tax and
Chief Technology Officer, Tax

Judging panel

 

KPMG professionals will also be available for media interviews on the following topics:

Spokesperson

Area of expertise

Marc Low, Lead, Ignition Vancouver 

Operationalizing AI Agentic AI Scaling innovation

 

Davin Gnanapragasam, Partner and Chief Technology Officer, Tax

New digital capabilities in Tax The future of tax, and the role of technology AI’s impact on tax

 

George Kondopulos, Partner and Technology, Media and Telecommunications Lead for the Greater Vancouver Area

 

Start up and scale strategies for technology companies

 

Walter Pela, AI Client and Market Development Lead and Regional Managing Partner for the Greater Vancouver Area

 

KPMG’s AI investments and strategy Digital Twin technology Vancouver’s technology ecosystem

 

Dino Infanti, Partner and National Leader, KPMG Private Enterprise Tax

 

Private Enterprise Tax Small and Medium-sized businesses Tax incentives

 

Jameel Ahamed, Partner, Technology Strategy & Digital Transformation

 

Digital Transformation Data Analytics

 

Ed Zacharuk, Partner, Taxation Services Partner in Charge, Western Canada Tax Incentives Practice 

 

Andrew McDowall, Executive Director, Tax Incentives Practice

 

Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentive reform Pros and cons of flow-through shares for technology companies

 

Roopa Davé, Partner and National Climate Risk Leader

 

Climate risk & resilience Climate & sustainability technology

 

Conor Moore, Global Head of KPMG Private Enterprise, KPMG U.S.

Navigating compound volatility in the private enterprise The evolving IPO market Role of venture debt in the current VC ecosystem

 

Francois Chadwick, Global Lead, KPMG Private Enterprise Emerging Giants, Partner, KPMG U.S.

The role of AI in attracting venture capital investment The next frontier of emerging technologies: SpaceTech and DefenceTech Insights from an operator’s perspective on navigating expansion, raising capital, and spearheading IPOs

 

About KPMG in Canada
KPMG LLP, a limited liability partnership, is a full-service Audit, Tax and Advisory firm owned and operated by Canadians. For over 150 years, our professionals have provided consulting, accounting, auditing, and tax services to Canadians, inspiring confidence, empowering change, and driving innovation. Guided by our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, For Better, KPMG employs more than 10,000 people in over 40 locations across Canada, serving private- and public-sector clients. KPMG is consistently ranked one of Canada’s top employers and one of the best places to work in the country. 

The firm is established under the laws of Ontario and is a member of KPMG’s global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a private English company limited by guarantee. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. For more information, see kpmg.com/ca.

For media inquiries:
Alannah Page
National Communications and Media Relations
KPMG in Canada
(306) 934-6255
alannahpage@kpmg.ca

SOURCE KPMG LLP

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SOUTHWEST AIRLINES BRINGS LIVE GAMING TO 35,000 FEET, POWERED BY STARLINK

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Twitch creators compete and livestream in real time from a Starlink-equipped Southwest aircraft en route to TwitchCon

DALLAS, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) brought gaming to 35,000 feet with the first-ever live gaming tournament in the sky, bringing Twitch creators onboard a special flight from Austin to San Diego on their way to TwitchCon. Powered by Starlink’s fastest WiFi in the sky, creators competed head-to-head while livestreaming the action to the Twitch community in real time.

This one-of-a-kind activation showcased what faster, reliable connectivity can make possible onboard as Southwest expects to become the first major U.S. airline to equip its entire fleet with Starlink in fall 2027.

Game Mode: On
The tournament added a new spin to Southwest’s history of creating unexpected moments onboard, turning the cabin into a gaming arena and giving creators a new way to connect with their communities from the sky. The experience extended well beyond the aircraft, with the livestream bringing viewers along for the flight and creating moments creators could continue sharing with their followers after touchdown.

“Gaming is all about connection, competition, and sharing the moment with a community, which made bringing a live tournament onboard such a natural fit for Southwest,” said Sabrina Callahan, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital & Marketing Officer at Southwest Airlines. “Southwest is known for making the journey memorable for our Customers, and this was a unique way to unite the energy of TwitchCon with the power of Starlink at 35,000 feet.”

Going All-In on Ultra-Fast WiFi 1
From Nintendo Switch systems and gaming laptops to tablets and phones, Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency connectivity gives Customers more ways to play, stream, work, and stay connected using the devices they bring onboard.

“Our Customers want to stay connected in the air just as they do on the ground, and Starlink is helping us deliver that experience,” said Lisa Hingson, Vice President Customer Experience & Innovation. “Livestreaming a gaming tournament shows what this technology can do, made possible by Starlink’s constellation of thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites. Whether Customers want to stream, work, or simply stay connected along the way, we’re investing in an inflight experience that gives them more freedom to spend their time onboard the way they want.”

The carrier offers free WiFi to all Rapid Rewards Members, thanks to T-Mobile. Customers can join Rapid Rewards to unlock access to free WiFi, tier benefits, and points by flying qualifying flights or spending with eligible partners. Members can purchase points to earn a reward to book their favorite destination or a new Southwest route. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply at Southwest.com/rrterms. 

TwitchCon 2026 takes place November 13 to 15 at the San Diego Convention Center, bringing together streamers, creators, developers and communities for live shows, panels, game demos and fan meet-ups. More information about attending TwitchCon San Diego is available online.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world’s most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 12 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline.2 By empowering its more than 73,0003  People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 134 million Customers carried in 2025. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

1 Where available. Available only on WiFi-enabled designated aircraft.

2 Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2025.

3 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of June 30, 2026.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements related to (i) the Company’s initiatives, strategic priorities, focus areas, core strengths, goals, and opportunities, including with respect to product offering enhancements; and (ii) the Company’s expectations with respect to timing of and Customer response to its product offering enhancements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current estimates, intentions, beliefs, expectations, goals, strategies, and projections for the future and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the impact of geopolitical conflicts, fears or actual outbreaks of diseases, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, actions of competitors (including, without limitation, pricing, scheduling, capacity, and network decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities), governmental actions, consumer perception, consumer uncertainties with respect to trade policies, tariffs, or government shutdowns, economic conditions, fears or actual acts of terrorism or war, sociodemographic trends, and other factors beyond the Company’s control, on consumer behavior and the Company’s results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ii) the Company’s ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, operate, maintain, and protect the technology systems, cybersecurity measures, artificial intelligence and other emerging technology capabilities, and infrastructure necessary to support its operations and initiatives; (iii) the Company’s ability to effectively execute and evolve its strategic plans, initiatives, product offerings, and policies, including related consumer behavior and response; (iv) the impact of fuel price changes, fuel price volatility, and fuel availability on the Company’s business plans and results of operations; (v) the impact of the Federal Aviation Administration and other governmental regulations and actions, including with respect to government shutdowns and Air Traffic Control staffing shortages and inefficiencies, as well as the Company’s ability to obtain any required governmental approvals, on the Company’s business plans, results, and operations; (vi) the Company’s dependence on The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) and Boeing suppliers with respect to the Company’s aircraft deliveries, fleet and capacity plans, operations, maintenance, strategies, and goals; (vii) the Company’s dependence on other third parties, including with respect to technology, revenue management, distribution channels, operational reliability, fuel supply, maintenance, and the impact on the Company’s operations and results of operations of any third-party delays or nonperformance; (viii) the impact of labor matters on the Company’s business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ix) the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain adequate infrastructure and equipment to support its operations and initiatives; (x) the Company’s dependence on its workforce, including its ability to employ and retain sufficient numbers of qualified Employees with appropriate skills and expertise to effectively and efficiently maintain its operations and execute the Company’s plans; (xi) the cost and effects of the actions of activist shareholders; and (xii) other factors, as described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the detailed factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-brings-live-gaming-to-35-000-feet-powered-by-starlink-302938581.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

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X-Sense XR0A-iR Makes Smart Radon Monitoring Accessible Through Lowe’s U.S. Stores

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NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — X-Sense‘s XR0A-iR Wi-Fi Smart Radon Detector is available at Lowe’s stores across the United States. With an MSRP of $99.99, it offers a reusable solution for continuous home radon monitoring.

Its retail presence includes locations in Pennsylvania, Colorado and Iowa, extending access in states with significant radon concerns. Pennsylvania reports elevated radon in approximately 40% of tested homes, while Iowa is classified entirely within EPA’s highest radon-potential zone.(Pennsylvania DEP, Iowa HHS)

Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that can enter homes from the ground. EPA estimates that it causes approximately 21,000 U.S. lung cancer deaths annually and is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. (EPA)

For routine monitoring, the XR0A-iR reduces reliance on repeated paid professional visits and eliminates mailing samples for each check, saving scheduling time and recurring testing expenses. Unlike single-use mail-in kits, it provides ongoing readings and trends without laboratory processing.

The C-NRPP-certified XR0A-iR offers measurement accuracy within ±10% at 5.4 pCi/L (200 Bq/m³) after seven days of monitoring, at a 95% confidence level. The detector connects to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for remote readings and app notifications. Its LCD displays radon levels and trend arrows, while up to 999 days of monitoring help reveal changes over time. Saved history survives battery replacement, and PDF reports or XLSX/CSV exports support professional consultation. Simple setup and up to two years of battery life make ongoing use convenient.

Home monitoring complements professional assessment and mitigation. EPA recommends fixing homes at 4 pCi/L or higher and considering reduction between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The detector measures radon; reducing elevated levels requires appropriate action. (EPA guidance)

Availability through Lowe’s brings radon monitoring into everyday home improvement shopping. Customers should check local stock before visiting.

About X-Sense

X-Sense has helped protect more than 15 million households worldwide through its range of smoke, carbon monoxide, and radon detectors, as well as environmental sensors. Its products combine smart features with long-term reliability and ease of use. X-Sense is committed to making innovative home safety solutions accessible to every household.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/x-sense-xr0a-ir-makes-smart-radon-monitoring-accessible-through-lowes-us-stores-302938594.html

SOURCE X-Sense

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Cohere Deepens Commitment to Japan with Sovereign AI Investments and Growing Enterprise Adoption

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Establishment of a new Japanese legal entity, expanded sovereign AI initiatives, and local enterprise partnerships accelerate Cohere’s growth in Japan

TOKYO, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cohere, a leading provider of sovereign AI for enterprises and governments, today announced significant momentum in Japan, including plans to establish a Japanese legal entity and expand investments in sovereign AI initiatives tailored to the country’s regulatory, linguistic, and industrial requirements.

The announcement comes as Japanese organizations increasingly seek secure AI solutions that give them greater control over sensitive data and intellectual property. Cohere’s enterprise-grade models and North platform enable advanced AI deployments in private, highly secure environments, helping meet stringent security, data residency, and compliance requirements as regulatory and cybersecurity demands grow.

“Japan is emerging as one of the world’s leading markets for secure, sovereign AI,” said Andrew Chang, Vice President of APAC, Cohere. “Organizations across both the public and private sectors are moving beyond experimentation and deploying AI in mission-critical environments. We’re proud to deepen our local presence in Japan and work alongside some of the country’s most important institutions and enterprises as they build AI capabilities that reflect their own requirements, values, and strategic priorities.”

Building AI for Japan
The company has been building its local team under the leadership of Hyonju Cho, Cohere Japan Country Manager, while partnering with Japanese organizations to advance domestic AI capabilities. The company has partnered with Fujitsu to support the development and deployment of sovereign AI technologies, including Takane, a large language model (LLM) optimized for the Japanese market.  As announced  by Japan’s Digital Agency, Takane is among the domestic LLMs selected for evaluation in GENAI, the generative AI environment developed as part of the Agency’s Government AI efforts.

Today, Cohere’s products are deployed by organizations operating in the public sector and advanced manufacturing, reflecting growing demand for secure AI systems that enable organizations to retain control over their data and operations.

To support this growth, Cohere plans to establish a legal entity in Japan, strengthening its ability to serve customers locally and invest further in the country’s rapidly expanding AI ecosystem. As part of this commitment, Cohere is investing in its growing partner ecosystem in Japan, including a training and certification program designed to help local Japanese partners build expertise deploying secure, enterprise-grade AI solutions.

Japan has become one of Cohere’s fastest-growing markets globally, driven by strong demand from organizations seeking enterprise AI that can be deployed securely and adapted to local requirements. The establishment of a legal entity in Japan reflects Cohere’s long-term commitment to building a global ecosystem of frontier AI model builders that can retain choice, security, and control as they build the critical infrastructure of the future.

Cohere is also continuing its initiative to expand its Model Vault offering in Japan, a proprietary AI inference infrastructure that enables secure, region-localized deployment of AI models. Backed by local compute clusters, this initiative allows customers to run fully in-region inferencing for their AI workloads, ensuring customer prompts and model responses remain within Japan while supporting sovereign inferencing and maintaining strong privacy and security protections.

Enabling AI Adoption in Highly Regulated Industries
Cohere’s platform is designed to address complex requirements around security, privacy, compliance, and data residency, with deployment flexibility across public cloud, private cloud, on-premises, and fully air-gapped environments, making Cohere a trusted partner for governments and enterprises operating regulated industries.

Cohere’s record-setting Series E funding, targeting up to CAD $7 billion and representing a CAD $35.7 billion valuation, will accelerate frontier model development, expand enterprise-scale compute infrastructure, and strengthen its full-stack AI platform with purpose-built solutions tailored to regulated industries. The acquisition of AISLE establishes Cohere Cyber, enhancing security and threat detection capabilities for organizations operating in highly sensitive environments. Together, these investments signal Cohere’s ability to support Japanese organizations with secure AI deployments at scale.

Cohere’s continued investments in Japan reflect its belief that organizations increasingly want AI they can deploy on their own terms, with greater control over how it is developed, deployed, and governed.

About Cohere
Cohere, founded in 2019, is a leading provider of sovereign AI for regulated industries and governments that enables organizations to own, operate and govern their AI systems with greater control over their data, infrastructure, and deployment. Our all-in-one platform provides maximum security, privacy, and deployment flexibility across public and private clouds, on-premises environments, and fully air-gapped settings. Headquartered in Toronto, Cohere operates in San Francisco, London, New York, Berlin, Montreal, Ottawa, Singapore, Paris, Tokyo, United Arab Emirates, and Seoul, serving customers worldwide. For more information, visit cohere.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/cohere-deepens-commitment-to-japan-with-sovereign-ai-investments-and-growing-enterprise-adoption-302937158.html

SOURCE Cohere Inc

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