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Toyota Mobility Foundation Names Innovators in Clean Freight as Detroit Winners of Global Sustainable Cities Challenge

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Winners drive innovation in electric semi-trikes, hydrogen production, and fast-charging battery systemsEastern Market lays groundwork for clean freight innovation ecosystem development$1.5 million in implementation funding to be shared by winners to scale solutions in Detroit

DETROIT, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and City of Detroit today announced three winners of TMF’s Sustainable Cities Challenge in Detroit. The announcement marks the conclusion of the three-year competition, designed to accelerate sustainable and inclusive urban mobility solutions.

In Detroit, the Challenge focused on demonstrating clean freight solutions in the Eastern Market, the cornerstone of Detroit’s food economy and a thriving commercial hub. The goal was to identify solutions that reduce fossil fuel use, lower freight costs, and support cleaner, more efficient movement of goods.

Each winner previously received $180,000 in implementation funding and will now share $1.5 million to scale their solutions across the city.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said, “Big ideas in clean freight technology have found their home in Detroit. This means cleaner air and a brighter future for residents. We are grateful to the Toyota Mobility Foundation for choosing Detroit out of more than 250 cities across the globe. Our residents gain cleaner air, innovators gain a city serious about sustainability, and together we embody Detroit’s legacy of innovation.”

City of Detroit’s Deputy Chief of Business Innovation and Emerging Industries, Ryan Michael, said: “Globally, the need for advancement in clean freight technology is abundantly clear. Detroit values the opportunity to partner with TMF and the State of Michigan OFME on this vital emerging vertical.

Vince Keenan, Head of Engagement Innovation, City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation, said, “The Mayor’s Office of Mobility Innovation is designed to push big ideas. Whether it’s zero-emission micro-freight solutions that can zip through traffic to avoid (and prevent) congestion, fleet charging solutions that can deploy the capacity to charge in the same time it takes to fill up with diesel and a peek around the corner to the hydrogen solutions that could one day eliminate emissions entirely. The SCC has enabled Detroit to kick the tires on the future of clean freight today.”

Together, the winning cohort marks the beginning of a cleaner, more resilient freight ecosystem in Detroit’s Eastern Market, with benefits that could extend beyond the city and region. TMF and the City of Detroit are proud to announce that Detroit’s winners will include:

Civilized Cycles – A Detroit-based manufacturer of ultra-light electric cargo vehicles, Civilized Cycles is scaling its patented Semi-Trike as a practical alternative to gas-powered delivery vans. Since the finalists were announced, the company has been exploring applications for its Semi-Trike, most recently selling one to Detroit-based company Grounded EVs, where it will be used as a platform to build a mini-RV.

Zachary Schieffelin, Co-Founder and CEO of Civilized Cycles, said: “The Sustainable Cities Challenge gave us the platform to prove that ultra-light electric freight vehicles can meet commercial demand. Detroit offered an ideal opportunity to test and demonstrate their potential in a real-world commercial environment. With this support, we’re expanding production and advancing a cleaner, more efficient model for how goods move through cities.”

ElectricFish Energy Inc – A distributed energy infrastructure company advancing fast-charging EV solutions, ElectricFish recently launched 400squared™, a 400 kW battery-integrated fast charger and introduced its Turbo Charge program to enable seamless deployment at gas stations and fleet sites. Since being named a finalist, the company has been third-party endorsed by MotorTrend and received coverage in high-profile news outlets such as Axios.

Anurag Kamal, Co-founder and CEO of ElectricFish, said: “Detroit showed us what is possible when public and private collaborators come together to build resilient approaches to our nation’s critical infrastructure. We are excited to continue working with this forward-thinking city on deploying clean mobility to accelerate electrification, which may serve as a blueprint for the future of industrial growth and reducing carbon emissions at scale.”

Neology – A clean technology startup developing power systems that can produce hydrogen and electricity independently, useful in applications where clean, off-grid power is necessary. Since being selected as a finalist, Neology has conducted more than ten live demonstrations across Detroit, generating approximately 300 kWh of clean energy – enough to power an average U.S. home for 10 days – and producing approximately 20 kilograms of hydrogen from ammonia. These demonstrations serve as an example of the opportunities for validation of transportation concepts offered by the Sustainable Cities Challenge.

Aris Maroonian, Founder and CEO of Neology, said: “Detroit is once again showing that it leads at the edge of industrial innovation. With the support of the Toyota Mobility Foundation, we are able to move ammonia-to-hydrogen technology from prototype to deployment – accelerating the city’s growing hydrogen ecosystem. We believe scalable, affordable hydrogen solutions will play a critical role in the future of mobility, and we are proud to help position Detroit as a global showcase for that transformation.”

Over three years, the Sustainable Cities Challenge has brought together innovators, policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to explore new, sustainable ways of moving goods through Detroit. Through multiple challenge rounds and collaborative development, ideas have evolved into practical, scalable solutions designed to support a cleaner, more efficient, and resilient freight system for the city and its communities.

Detroit, the only city chosen in the western hemisphere, is one of three global cities participating in the Sustainable Cities Challenge, alongside Venice, Italy and Varanasi, India. Across the three cities, TMF has invested a cumulative $9 million to tackle each city’s unique mobility challenge.

In every location, the goal remains the same: to catalyze solutions that enhance quality of life, support economic vitality, and advance more sustainable systems of movement. The Challenge turns bold ideas into tangible impact by empowering local innovation and pairing it with global expertise.

Katy Trudeau, President and CEO of Eastern Market, said, “For over a hundred years, Eastern Market has been a place where businesses have adapted and grown to keep Detroit fed. This Challenge builds on that legacy by bringing fresh ideas and innovations into a real-world working environment, created with the needs of the people and businesses who are here every day in mind. These solutions don’t just point to what is possible; they are already helping us move toward a cleaner, more efficient freight system that supports our community and can serve as a model for others.”

Ryan Klem, Director of Programs for the Toyota Mobility Foundation, commented: “In strong collaboration with the City of Detroit and the Eastern Market Corporation, we are excited to announce today’s winners as well as acknowledge the contributions of all innovators who played a role in shaping the effort.  Whether here in Detroit or around the world, the Toyota Mobility Foundation will continue to promote pragmatic solutions to make communities more sustainable, efficient, and functional.”

The Sustainable Cities Challenge is funded by the Toyota Mobility Foundation and conducted in collaboration with Challenge Works and the World Resources Institute. Detroit’s winners illustrate how supporting local innovators can create meaningful impact in communities, with the potential to scale solutions across cities and beyond.

For more information, visit sustainablecitieschallenge.org

About Toyota Mobility Foundation

Toyota Mobility Foundation (Chair Akio Toyoda) was established in August 2014 by Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) to support the development of a more mobile society in which everyone can move freely. The Foundation underscores Toyota’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and respect for people. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise and technologies to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. TMF works in partnership with universities, governments, non-profits, research institutions and other organizations, creating programs that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address mobility issues around the world. 

“TMF aims to create a truly mobile society that will help people live better lives no matter where they are,” said Chair Akio Toyoda.

About Challenge Works 

For a decade, Challenge Works has established itself as a global leader in designing and delivering high-impact challenges to incentivize cutting-edge innovation for social good. Challenge Works is a social enterprise founded by the UK’s innovation agency Nesta. Over the past decade, Challenge Works has worked on 101 challenge prizes, engaging more than 16,000 innovators and unlocking over £310 million in funding to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. Challenge Works believes no challenge is unsolvable, partnering with non-profits, governments, and other organizations around the globe to unearth entrepreneurs and their innovations that can solve the greatest challenges of our time. Find out more at https://challengeworks.org/   

About World Resources Institute 

World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization with offices in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States, and regional offices for Africa and Europe. WRI’s 1,700 staff work with partners to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives and ensure nature can thrive. Learn more: WRI.org and on Twitter @WorldResources. 

About the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI)

The Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI) exists to help the City of Detroit navigate the rapidly changing transportation and mobility industries. Transportation and mobility are essential for both people and businesses, and Detroit’s automotive heritage provides an unparalleled opportunity to work with industry to innovate and define their future.

OMI leads mobility advancement efforts on behalf of the City of Detroit and collaborates with industry, academia, philanthropy, and local, state and federal government. By centering residents in every step of the process, OMI is focused on leveraging mobility as a pathway to opportunity in Detroit.

For additional information about OMI, please visit detroitmi.gov/government/mayors-office/office-mobility-innovation or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

About Eastern Market

Eastern Market Partnership is a nonprofit organization that manages and stewards Detroit’s historic Eastern Market district—one of the largest and oldest public market districts in the United States. As a 501(c)(3), the organization leads operations, infrastructure development, and programming to strengthen the market as a nationally recognized regional food hub while supporting inclusive economic growth and community development. Through partnerships with local stakeholders, Eastern Market Partnership works to expand access to healthy, affordable food, support small businesses and local producers, and advance initiatives that enhance food systems, sustainability, and equitable development across Detroit and Southeast Michigan.

About Civilized Cycles

Civilized Cycles is a Detroit-based design and engineering company redefining the future of commercial cargo transportation. By manufacturing ultra-light, commercial-grade electric vehicles—most notably their patented, modular “Semi-Trike”—Civilized Cycles enables businesses to seamlessly transition away from gas-powered vans. Their technology provides unparalleled cargo capacity, dynamic air suspension, and profound operational cost savings while reducing urban congestion, noise, and carbon emissions.

About Electricfish Energy Inc.

ElectricFish Energy Inc. is a distributed energy infrastructure company with an integrated EV charging platform for gas stations, convenience stores, and fleet operators. Its platform includes the latest ElectricFish 400squared™ (battery-integrated fast-chargers), Reef® (CSMS) , and Stargazer® (AI optimization) – backed by five, issued U.S. patents.

Founded in 2019, ElectricFish delivers 400 kW charging without costly grid upgrades, enabling deployment in weeks instead of years, and continues to power EVs and site loads even during outages. The company, with offices in San Carlos, California and Detroit, is backed by leading investors, corporates, and government agencies.

About Neology

Neology is a Swiss clean energy company developing modular ammonia-to-hydrogen and ammonia-to-power systems for decentralized energy and mobility applications. By leveraging ammonia as a hydrogen carrier, Neology enables scalable, transportable, and cost-efficient hydrogen production for fuel cells, combustion engines, and refueling infrastructure. Its solutions can replace diesel generators in off-grid environments while also supporting hydrogen mobility and industrial decarbonization. Neology is expanding its presence in the United States through deployment initiatives in Detroit.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Alison Powell
Communications Manager
Toyota Mobility Foundation
alison.powell@toyota.com

TMF@89up.org

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SMiT unveils UWB-enabled CI+ 2.0 dongle and Presence-Aware TV platform at IBC2026

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September 10, 2026

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Joint solution combines SMiT secure TV-access hardware, TrueSense UWB technology, The Hashgraph Group’s BrandBoost product and Sofia Digital’s TV application expertise.

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SMiT, a global provider of secure TV-access hardware and solutions, will unveil its Presence-Aware TV platform anchored by a CI+ 2.0 USB dongle integrating Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology at IBC2026, which will be held from September 11 for September 14. The solution is designed for Free-TV and Pay-TV operators and broadcasters seeking privacy-conscious audience awareness, richer viewer engagement and measurable advertising opportunities on the main screen.

The platform brings together SMiT’s secure and deployable TV-access hardware, the TrueSense UWB integration layer for precise identity association and precise relative positioning, The Hashgraph Group’s BrandBoost TV Awareness product, and Sofia Digital’s TV application and user-interface capabilities.

As viewing and advertising budgets increasingly move toward digital platforms, Pay-TV operators need a reliable and consent-based way to understand engagement at the shared television screen. SMiT’s proposition turns the television from a reach-only device into an interactive and measurable surface while keeping the operator at the center of the customer relationship.

How it works

The UWB-enabled CI+ 2.0 dongle connects directly to a compatible iDTV without requiring a separate set-top box. Using TrueSense UWB technology, the system can securely associate an opted-in registered viewer’s smartphone or tag with the television and determine the device’s proximity and relative position with high precision. This enables the TV, the operator application and cloud services to coordinate personalized and interactive experiences.

SMiT pairs its hardware with BrandBoost, The Hashgraph Group’s TV Awareness product. BrandBoost combines privacy-conscious viewer awareness, gamification, targeted engagement and reward workflows. Developed around the UWB layer, allowing the platform to link an authorized digital identity to the viewer’s precise proximity and position relative to the television.

Sofia Digital provides the TV application, operator user experience and integration capabilities required to bring these services to screen.

Demonstrated use cases include:

Live sports ‘Guess & Glory’: prediction and polling experiences with rewards for correct answers.Ad Trivia: interactive overlays during commercial breaks, with credits, vouchers or other operator-defined rewards.Presence-aware personalization: content, menus and offers adapted to an opted-in registered viewer.Location-based authentication: an additional proximity signal supporting account security and password-sharing controls.

Where required by the operator, engagement and reward events can be recorded using Hedera DLT, supporting transparent campaign measurement and tokenized reward models. The combined platform is designed to help operators progress from broad audience estimates toward permission-based, outcome-oriented engagement and advertising metrics.

Live at IBC2026

Visitors to SMiT Stand 2.C36 will be able to experience a live demonstration in which an enabled smartphone approaching the television is associated with the TV session through UWB. The demonstration will show the combined hardware, viewer onboarding, TV interaction, gamification and operator cloud-management experience.

The architecture is extensible to personalized operator interfaces, live sports interaction, targeted advertising, loyalty programs and other presence-aware services. SMiT positions the dongle as a practical add-on for existing Pay-TV operators and conditional-access providers, supporting new services without requiring a complete replacement of the installed TV platform.

More information: www.smit.com.cn/engr/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/smit-unveils-uwb-enabled-ci-2-0-dongle-and-presence-aware-tv-platform-at-ibc2026–302874587.html

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Reinvented & Upgraded: Kuailu AI CRM into the 2.0 Era

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September 10, 2026

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HONG KONG, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Industry research reveals that 68% of sales data remains untracked outside of CRM systems, with sales representatives spending an average of 2 hours daily on manual data entry and report preparation. The limitations of traditional CRM workflows have become increasingly glaring.

As Generative AI steps into autonomous execution, AI Agents are completely rewriting software architecture. As a pioneer in smart workplace solutions, Kuailu Smart Office introduces the newly upgraded Kuailu AI CRM—built natively on an AI-first architecture.

By deeply embedding AI across the complete end-to-end business lifecycle—from lead acquisition and nurturing, opportunity follow-ups, and deal closing, to revenue collection and post-deal reviews—Kuailu AI CRM proactively derives insights, evaluates risks, and executes tasks. It elevates the CRM from a mere add-on utility into an enterprise-wide intelligent operating hub, restoring CRM to its ultimate core purpose: driving closed deals and revenue growth!

Not Just a Software Tool, But a Strategic Growth Partner

Most legacy CRMs rely on plugged-in AI overlays that only deliver isolated optimizations—such as basic chat interfaces or knowledge base search—failing to fundamentally address core enterprise growth goals. In contrast, an AI-Native CRM leverages holistic, end-to-end pipeline data combined with LLM-powered analytical reasoning, fundamentally shifting CRM management from “process-driven” to “insight-driven.”

As an AI-native platform, Kuailu AI CRM constructs an enterprise-wide intelligent data computing hub powered by a proprietary three-tier architecture:

AI Data CenterAI Intelligence HubAI Core Business Engine

Looking through a holistic operational lens, the platform delivers real-time sales dynamics, proactively evaluates business risks, and automatically formulates tactical strategies—achieving a complete closed loop of Intelligent Insight — Intelligent Decision-Making — Intelligent Execution — Intelligent Review.

For Decision-Makers: Comprehensive Business Control at a Glance

Data is an enterprise’s most critical moat. However, data in conventional CRMs is often fragmented and poorly correlated, failing to record true operational reality—let alone guide executive decision-making. For leadership, this creates a scenario of “data overload with zero actionable clarity.”

Kuailu AI CRM solves this with a Management Command Cockpit equipped with an AI Diagnostic Engine, Real-Time Revenue Board, and Multi-Dimensional Operational Dashboards. Core metrics—including revenue performance, client distribution, deal conversion rates, activity levels, and customer churn pre-warnings—are visible at a single glance. By combining full-process visual monitoring, proactive risk alerts, and intelligent revenue forecasting, executives can officially say goodbye to blind management and reactive post-mortems.

For Sales Reps: AI Models Delivering Direction and Actionable Plans

Traditional sales planning relies heavily on reps’ subjective “gut feelings” and personal judgment tracked in manual Excel sheets—a process that is time-consuming, labor-intensive, prone to inaccuracy, and incapable of offering clear execution guidance.

Kuailu AI CRM leverages authentic enterprise master data, buyer intent stages, historical engagement logs, and win probabilities. Powered by advanced AI models, it automatically generates a personalized, high-priority daily follow-up task list.

These plans align perfectly with live business scenarios, dynamically adapting to each rep’s workflow rhythm and the client’s current status. By clearly outlining daily target accounts, key actions, and milestone goals, the system completely eliminates blind follow-ups and unproductive busywork—allowing sales teams to focus 100% of their energy on high-value, deal-closing activities.

An Out-of-the-Box AI Toolkit Unlocking End-to-End Productivity

Beyond solidifying the four foundational CRM modules—Leads, Accounts, Opportunities, and Orders—Kuailu AI CRM seamlessly embeds intelligence across every operational node. It introduces 9 out-of-the-box AI Smart Tools covering acquisition, engagement, quoting, team collaboration, and pipeline management.

Case Study 1: AI Generated Quotes

Value: Deliver precise quotes in 1 minute with real-time profit visibility, preventing loss-making deals.Step 1: Upload custom quotation templates. Input applicable discounts, and the AI automatically calculates final totals, eliminating human calculation errors with template-level precision.Step 2: Deeply connected with CRM opportunity data, the system auto-populates required details from the deal pipeline with a single click—no manual typing required—generating standardized, professional quotation documents.Step 3: Export quotes directly for download or printing, unifying client-facing formats and establishing a standardized, high-efficiency quoting workflow.

Case Study 2: AI Customer Insights

Value: Generate 360-degree client intelligence reports in 10 seconds, doubling ice-breaking efficiency and turning junior reps into domain experts overnight.Step 1: Simply enter an account name to scrape comprehensive web intelligence and generate pre-visit briefing decks.Step 2: Automatically consolidate public corporate records, AI-analyzed target buyer demographics, product lines, sales channels, commercial models, and competitive landscapes.Step 3: Synthesize current industry pain points and generate 3 tailored ice-breaking conversation topics to maximize discovery call impact.

Powered by AI, Winning Digital Value Together

Evolving from a passive data repository into a self-deciding, self-executing AI Growth Engine, Kuailu AI CRM transforms software from a tedious operational burden into an indispensable business growth partner. By redefining the value of commercial platforms, Kuailu Smart Office converts raw, flowing data into actionable revenue opportunities—driving sustainable enterprise growth in the AI era.

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SOURCE Kuailu Technology

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Aulumu Introduces the A18 Series for iPhone 18: Lightweight Protection Meets Next-Gen Design

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September 10, 2026

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SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aulumu introduces the new A18 Series, a collection of smartphone cases that brings together advanced materials, everyday protection, and distinctive design. At the heart of the lineup is the A18 Armor Shockproof Aramid Fiber Case, Aulumu’s latest take on lightweight protection.

Built with 1500D aramid fiber and TPU in a one-piece construction, the A18 Armor combines the refined texture and lightweight feel of aramid fiber with TPU’s flexibility and cushioning properties. Unlike conventional ultra-thin aramid cases, it is engineered to provide enhanced everyday drop protection while maintaining a slim profile.

Its full-wrap structure protects the phone’s edges, while reinforced corners help distribute impact from drops and bumps. The case is designed for up to 2m drop protection, with a 1.36mm raised edge around the screen and a 1.3mm raised camera frame providing additional protection for key areas.

The A18 Series also expands into a more expressive approach to aramid fiber. The A18 Ultra-Slim Gradient Aramid Fiber Case uses 800D aramid fiber with a grayscale gradient woven directly into the material, creating depth without relying on printed patterns. At just 1.2mm thick and from 26g, it maintains a minimal presence while adding a distinctive visual character.

For a more futuristic aesthetic, the A18 Ultra-Slim Pixel Aramid Fiber Case combines 1500D plain-weave aramid fiber with a UV-treated gradient particle pattern inspired by digital structures and tactical technology. It is 1.2mm thick and starts at 27g.

The collection is further complemented by the A18 Ghost Lumen Transparent Case, featuring high-transmittance PC, an IML-laminated luminous array, and a one-piece full-cover design, as well as the A18 Particle Vegan Leather in five colors.

Beyond phone cases, Aulumu also introduces the C05 FKM Sport Watch Band, combining sweat- and water-resistant FKM rubber with a lightweight titanium alloy buckle, and adds a new color to the A39 Geometric Case for AirPods Pro 3, designed to complement the latest iPhone color palette.

With the A18 Series, Aulumu continues to explore how materials, protection, and visual identity can work together in everyday carry.

About aulumu

Founded in 2022, aulumu is a design brand focused on high-performance gear, drawing inspiration from the functional aesthetics of cyberpunk and the philosophical roots of ancient Greek thought. Since its inception, the brand has launched dozens of digital accessory products, secured multiple utility and invention patents, and received the 2025 Red Dot Design Award. Today, aulumu products serve hundreds of thousands of users across more than 20 countries and regions, positioning the brand as a growing presence in the global high-performance accessories market.

For more information, visit: https://aulumu.com/, or follow aulumu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aulumu_official/

 

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