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Ellucian Announces 2026 Impact Award Winners, Honoring Institutions Leading with Data, SaaS, and Student-First Innovation

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Key Highlights:

Ellucian recognized four institutions for innovative use of the company’s technology solutions to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency.Award winners demonstrated measurable impact through SaaS transformation, data-driven decision-making, and student-first digital experiences.Each winning institution will receive $25,000 USD to support continued innovation and student success initiatives.

RESTON, Va., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ellucian, the leading higher education technology solutions provider, announced the winners of its eighth annual Impact Award at Ellucian Live, the industry’s premier technology conference. The annual Ellucian Impact Award Program celebrates visionary higher education institutions that are inspiring others to push the boundaries of technology and innovation. These institutions demonstrate the impactful use of Ellucian’s AI-powered platform and solutions to transform the student experience and institutional performance.

Recognizing Innovation that Transforms Higher Education

“Higher education is being redefined in real time, and this year’s Impact Award winners exemplify what it means to lead through change,” said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. “These institutions are harnessing the full power of Ellucian’s AI-driven, SaaS-native solutions to break down barriers, unlock insights, and create more connected, student-centered experiences. Their work demonstrates how innovation, when grounded in purpose, can drive meaningful outcomes for students, faculty, staff, and communities worldwide.”

2026 Ellucian Impact Award-winning institutions will each receive a $25,000 USD award recognizing achievements across four categories, including Students First, Unlocking the Power of Data, Shaping the Future through SaaS, and Institutional Agility.

The 2026 Ellucian Impact Award Winners are:

Shaping the Future through SaaS

St. John’s University – Queens, N.Y.

St. John’s University earned recognition for its bold, institution-wide SaaS transformation through Project Genesis, modernizing core systems across student, finance, and HR on Ellucian’s SaaS-native platform. The university retired nearly 800 customizations, reduced support requests by 20%, and enabled faculty and staff to save 30–40% of their time through streamlined processes. Critical services are now significantly faster, with financial aid processing reduced from multiple days to one day and grade changes completed in about an hour instead of a full day. With 99.99% uptime and a more agile operating model, St. John’s is accelerating innovation while strengthening the experience for students, faculty, and staff.

Students First

Florida Polytechnic University – Lakeland, Fla.

Florida Polytechnic University was recognized for transforming the student experience with Ellucian solutions delivering a unified, student-first digital campus. The central workspace, MyFloridaPoly, is a single hub consolidating academic, administrative, and campus life resources. Streamlining access to essential tools and services reduced login barriers by 85%, increased mobile usage by 70%, and helped students save up to two hours per week. At the same time, the university retired more than 100 customizations and reduced infrastructure and licensing costs by 40%, creating a modern, scalable environment built around student success and continuous innovation.

Unlocking the Power of Data

Rend Lake College – Ina, Ill.

Rend Lake College earned recognition for using Ellucian Student powered by Colleague to transform a manual, paper-based state reporting process — collecting required student career and demographic data — into a fully automated, data-driven workflow. The institution expanded its data collection reach by 45%, increasing from 1,290 to more than 1,870 students, while boosting response rates by over 13%. Automation eliminated approximately two weeks of manual data entry, improving accuracy and freeing staff to focus on higher-value, student-centered support. The initiative also delivered measurable financial impact and supported a 5% enrollment growth, demonstrating how targeted data innovation can drive both operational efficiency and institutional outcomes.

Institutional Agility

American University of Beirut – Beirut, Lebanon

The American University of Beirut was recognized for its exceptional institutional agility, leveraging Ellucian solutions to sustain operations and expand global reach amid ongoing national crises. Through the launch of AUB Online and modernization of its digital ecosystem, the university increased its program portfolio to more than 30 offerings and generated $6 million in tuition revenue, with continued growth projected. At the same time, AUB unified access to services through Ellucian’s central workspace capability, simplifying the digital environment by 83% and increasing user adoption from 45% to 90%. Operational efficiency improved significantly, with 80% fewer support tickets, 20% faster registration processes, and a 40% reduction in IT costs — positioning the university to deliver resilient, scalable education to learners worldwide.

To learn more about Ellucian solutions, visit: https://www.ellucian.com/

WHAT IS ELLUCIAN
Ellucian powers innovation for higher education, partnering with approximately 3,000 customers across 50 countries, serving more than 21 million students. Ellucian’s AI-powered platform, trained on the richest dataset available in higher education, drives efficiency, personalized experiences, and strengthened engagement for all students, faculty and staff. Fueled by decades of experience with a singular focus on the unique needs of learning institutions, the Ellucian platform features best-in-class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future. These solutions and services span the entire student lifecycle, including data-rich tools for student recruitment, enrolment, and retention to workforce analytics, fundraising, and alumni engagement. Ellucian’s innovative solutions, vast ecosystem of partners and user community of more than 45,000 provides best practices leading to greater institutional success and achieving better student outcomes.

Media Contacts
Greg Giangrande, Chief Marketing Officer
Greg.Giangrande@Ellucian.com

Jess Weston, Manager, Communications
Jess.Weston@Ellucian.com

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SOURCE Ellucian

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Foton Motor to Exhibit at Hannover IAA with All-Star Lineup, Entering a New Stage of In-Depth Global Expansion for Chinese Commercial Vehicles

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HANNOVER, Germany, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Next week (September 14), IAA Transportation 2026, the world’s largest commercial vehicle trade fair, will open in Hannover, Germany. Foton Motor, which has ranked first in China’s commercial vehicle industry for 21 consecutive years, will exhibit with its largest lineup ever.

Strong Lineup Targeting Global Markets

Over 460 Chinese companies are exhibiting at this IAA. Foton’s largest-ever lineup includes 7 new energy vehicles and 6 self-developed core components. FOTON GALAXUS R9 PHEV has completed field tests in Spain, and the CAVAN C1 has been launched overseas. Other models making their overseas public debut include the hydrogen-and-electric capable CAVAN BEACON heavy truck, eGALAXUS D3 (Sweeper) medium truck, DAYSTAR light truck, TUNLAND V9 PHEV pickup, and eAURORA bus. Components include power batteries, e-drive axles, and electric controls for heavy vehicles, e-drive axles for light vehicles, low-voltage vehicle controllers, and megawatt charging stations. Foton will also hold its global 13 millionth vehicle delivery, BEACON global launch, and announce its “European Strategy.”

From Broad Coverage to In-Depth Advancement

Foton has ranked first in China’s commercial vehicle exports for 15 consecutive years. Its products and services cover over 140 countries and regions, with 32 localized factories globally. In 2025, total exports reached 165,000 units; from January to August 2026, exports hit 149,000 units, up 44.3% year-on-year.

A New Chinese Solution for Global Market Restructuring

Foton is arguably the Chinese commercial vehicle maker with the most complete new energy lineup. Multiple pure electric light trucks and vans have obtained WVTA EU certification. Cavan new energy products are accelerating into 15 European countries and high-potential markets like Australia and New Zealand. Foton has established localized factories in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, with 18 regional and national parts centers, forming a full-chain closed loop from sales to maintenance to charging.

Under its overseas 3040 strategy, Foton aims to achieve annual overseas sales of 400,000 units by 2030, with new energy products accounting for 30%, entering a new stage of systematic global expansion.

 

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Changhong at IFA 2026: From Going Global to Going Local

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BERLIN, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At IFA 2026, Changhong unveiled a new lineup of AI-powered home appliances spanning TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners and laundry appliances. Centered on real-life scenarios, the company is bringing AI technologies designed to better understand everyday needs into the product experience, highlighting its transition from technological innovation toward more intuitive living experiences. The showcase also signals Changhong’s continued localization efforts.

The concept comes to life across Changhong’s latest AI products. The Q60S Pro TV features the Changhong LeDong AI sports platform, extending the TV beyond a traditional content screen into a space for family fitness and interaction. An AI human-sensing air conditioner can recognize users’ locations and habits and adjust airflow accordingly, while an AI refrigerator uses intelligent sensing to help users take a more proactive approach to food freshness. Rather than adding complexity, Changhong is making everyday life simpler.

This is at the heart of Changhong’s exploration of “seamless technology”—technology that works quietly in the background. The best technology does not always need to be seen; it simply helps people worry less.

A distinctive cultural element is also finding its way into Changhong’s smart product experience. The brand has incorporated the giant panda into AI assistant interactions, bringing greater warmth and approachability to AI-powered TVs and other home appliances. Closely associated with Changhong’s Sichuan heritage, the panda also provides a natural way to bring a recognizable element of Chinese culture into the technology experience.

Skiing offers another bridge to European lifestyles. In recent years, Changhong has continued to strengthen its presence in Europe with CHiQ as an important brand vehicle, building closer connections with local consumers through sports partnerships, including sponsorship of FIS Ski World Cup events in Germany, collaboration with the German Ski Association and its role as an official partner of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup. More than a sporting platform, skiing allows CHiQ to connect the speed, passion and outdoor spirit of the sport with its product experience, bringing technology closer to the way European consumers live.

Behind these initiatives is a deeper commitment to localization. From product experience and brand expression to sports, culture and local lifestyles, Changhong is creating more diverse touchpoints with the European market. From “going global” to “going local,” the company is moving beyond products and channels toward a deeper integration of its brands, technology and the markets it serves.

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SOURCE Changhong

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Clean hydrogen investment reaches USD 130 billion as energy security and resilience rise up the global agenda

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BRUSSELS, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Clean hydrogen is no longer a future bet – it is being built now. According to the Hydrogen Council’s Global Hydrogen Compass 2026, released today, committed investment has surpassed USD 130 billion, corresponding to 6.9 Mtpa of committed capacity across more than 570 projects worldwide, 90% of which are under construction or already operational.

The new report, co-authored with McKinsey & Company and informed by the perspectives of some 70 global CEOs, highlights continued industry progress alongside a changing strategic context. Over the past year, global operational capacity has nearly doubled and is expected to double again next year as projects under construction come online.

At the same time, shifting geopolitical priorities are strengthening hydrogen’s role as a strategic resilience lever. As governments seek to strengthen energy security, build more resilient economies and support long-term industrial growth, hydrogen is receiving renewed attention for its ability to help address multiple strategic priorities alongside deep decarbonization, complementing growing electrification and use of renewable energy sources.

Geographically, China remains the largest market, accounting for more than half of global committed renewable hydrogen capacity, as well as 90% of new operational capacity globally added since 2025. Europe now follows as the second-largest market, leading in project count and relative investment growth (+35% since 2025). The United States continues to lead in low-carbon hydrogen deployment, accounting for approximately 75% of global committed low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia capacity.

The experience of these leading markets also points to the industry’s next challenge: projects move forward where policy and infrastructure are the most robust. Of the 11 Mpta of potential 2030 clean hydrogen demand that existing policies could unlock by 2030, around 6 Mtpa is firmed today by policies that have been enacted and enforced.  Unlocking the remaining 5 Mpta now requires urgent action from governments to deliver on existing policy commitments.  

For policymakers, the top priority is to implement enabling incentives and mandates, as well as robust carbon pricing instruments providing demand signals. For industry, the focus is to serve that demand cost effectively, which requires strong push to reduce cost and build the necessary infrastructure.

Combining comprehensive industry data with CEO perspectives and lessons learned from some of the world’s most significant clean hydrogen projects, Global Hydrogen Compass 2026 provides a fact-based assessment of the industry’s progress and the practical actions needed to accelerate deployment. The report was launched today for the first time through a dedicated global virtual event, featuring the Hydrogen Council Co-Chairs alongside CEOs from Baker Hughes, CF Industries, Port of Rotterdam and Sinopec, with its findings also presented at today’s Hydrogen Energy Ministerial in Japan.

Jaehoon Chang, Vice-Chair of Hyundai Motor Group and Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, said: “The debate has shifted from whether hydrogen can deliver to how fast countries choose to build. While the pace varies by market, the principle is the same: identify where hydrogen creates the most value, build the ecosystem around it and prove it works. This year’s Compass highlights a clear lesson: wherever countries deploy hydrogen solutions suited to their context and support them with policy, competitive hydrogen ecosystems are taking hold. By learning from those examples, we can build on that momentum faster and with greater confidence.”

François Jackow, CEO of Air Liquide and Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, said: “Hydrogen is not only a decarbonization solution; it is also the indispensable partner to renewable electricity. Through their synergies, hydrogen strengthens the resilience and improves the efficiency and affordability of the overall energy system. As countries accelerate electrification, recognizing hydrogen’s systemic role will be essential to building secure, competitive and affordable energy systems for the future.”

Ivana Jemelkova, CEO of the Hydrogen Council, said: “Decision-makers need both robust market data and practical experience from those delivering projects on the ground. Global Hydrogen Compass 2026 complements the IEA’s Global Hydrogen Review by bringing together the collective perspective of industry leaders. Together, they provide a more complete picture of where the industry stands today and the practical actions needed to accelerate deployment.”

Global Hydrogen Compass Launch
Join the Hydrogen Council for the launch of Global Hydrogen Compass 2026 on September 10, 2026 where you will hear directly from industry CEOs.

The event will be delivered in two live virtual sessions. Sign up here: https://hc.brrmedia.co.uk/

About Global Hydrogen Compass 

Global Hydrogen Compass is the Hydrogen Council’s annual publication tracking the progress and priorities of the global hydrogen industry. Authored in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, it combines comprehensive industry data with proprietary insights from Hydrogen Council members, direct perspectives from global CEO leaders, and lessons learned from key hydrogen projects worldwide.

Visit compass.hydrogencouncil.com for key insights, dynamic dashboards and global maps.

About The Hydrogen Council

The Hydrogen Council is the world’s largest and only CEO-led global hydrogen alliance, bringing together some 140 companies from 20+ countries across the entire hydrogen value chain. Representing some $9 trillion in market capitalization, 7.1 million in FTEs and some $6.4 trillion in revenues, the Council provides a unique, cross-sector platform for global leaders to align strategy, accelerate collaboration and shape the development of a globally integrated hydrogen sector.

To find out more visit www.hydrogencouncil.com and follow the Hydrogen Council on LinkedIn.

Media Enquiries
communications@hydrogencouncil.com

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SOURCE Hydrogen Council

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