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University of Utah to launch groundbreaking DARPA-backed critical minerals testbed

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The Strategic Materials Accelerator & Research Testbed (SMART) initiative will provide a first-of-its-kind testing ecosystem to accelerate breakthrough technologies for rare earth elements and strengthen domestic supply chains.

SALT LAKE CITY, May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The University of Utah, one of the nation’s leading research universities, is partnering with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to launch the Strategic Materials Accelerator & Research Testbed (SMART), a major innovation platform designed to accelerate the United States’ capabilities in critical minerals and rare earth elements.

SMART will serve as a national hub for cutting-edge biotechnology research, providing organizations with tools to develop, test and scale breakthrough technologies, accelerating solutions that directly strengthen national defense and power the innovations of tomorrow.

The U.S. faces a growing need to strengthen its domestic supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements, the essential components of advanced technologies including electric vehicles, cellphones, renewable energy systems and national defense. Meeting this challenge will require bold new approaches for identifying, extracting and refining these materials.

With deep expertise in earth sciences, engineering and commercialization, the University of Utah is positioned to drive new research pathways and innovation models, advancing U.S. capabilities and helping shape the future of technology and manufacturing.

This effort builds on the University of Utah’s recent announcement of the Institute for Critical and Strategic Minerals, a university-wide initiative focused on expanding sustainable domestic supply chains through research, education and workforce development. Together, SMART and the institute position the university as a national leader in addressing critical minerals challenges from discovery to deployment.

“Necessity is the core driver of innovation. The U.S. desperately needs a testbed to accelerate our strategic material supply chain,” said Jakob Jensen, associate vice president for research at the University of Utah. “SMART is a state-of-the-art testing ecosystem that addresses a pressing need.”

“The launch of SMART reflects how the University of Utah is stepping forward to help solve one of the nation’s most urgent challenges,” said University of Utah President Taylor Randall. “By bringing together our strengths in science, engineering and policy, we are accelerating solutions that strengthen national security and build a more resilient, forward-looking critical minerals ecosystem.”

This first phase launches a larger, multi-phase initiative to expand national capacity in critical minerals research, development and deployment. Phase I will support DARPA’s Environmental Microbes as a BioEngineering Resource (EMBER) program, which is pioneering new ways to unlock America’s supply of rare earth elements. SMART is establishing a state-of-the-art benchmarking space on the University of Utah campus to accelerate the path from lab discovery to real-world solutions. Benchmarking infrastructure is often difficult to fund, yet it is essential for validating breakthrough technologies and determining their potential to scale.

“One of the biggest challenges in this space is not invention, but translation,” said Sha-Chelle Manning, chief of DARPA’s Commercial Strategy Office. “SMART is designed to reduce the risk of scaling new technologies by giving innovators a place to validate performance at meaningful scale, helping accelerate the transition from breakthrough science to actual capability.”

The testbed was developed in coordination and with the support of multiple Utah entities, including 47G, the Utah Mining Association and the World Trade Center. This collaboration represents a distinctive model for research-driven innovation and helps position the state as an ideal home for the lab.

“47G is proud to have played a key role in forging the relationships that made SMART possible,” said Aaron Starks, CEO and president of 47G. “This initiative is more than a research platform—it’s a testbed that will serve our local industry here in Utah while also advancing innovation and supply chain resilience nationwide. Our mission is to connect partners, align priorities and create collaborations that drive real impact.”

SMART is just the beginning. By investing in this platform, the University of Utah is helping position the nation as a leader in critical materials research and innovation. We welcome collaboration from industry, researchers and policymakers to expand this work and build a stronger, more resilient innovation ecosystem.

About the University of Utah
The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs and an enrollment of more than 36,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. Ranked No. 1 public university in the West by the Wall Street Journal, the U strives to be a model public university in delivering unmatched value in higher education and health care while making social, economic and cultural contributions that improve the quality of life throughout the state, the nation and the world.

Media contacts:
Amanda Ashley, Amanda.ashley@utah.edu, director, marketing and communications, Technology Licensing Office, University of Utah

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SOURCE The University of Utah

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LG ELECTRONICS EARNS NVIDIA AI FACTORY VALIDATION FOR ITS 600KW COOLANT DISTRIBUTION UNIT

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Certification Validates LG’s Advanced Thermal Management Technology and Solidifies
the Partnership With NVIDIA, Accelerating AI Infrastructure Expansion

News Summary

LG Electronics has achieved NVIDIA certification for its 600kW Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU), meeting over 100 rigorous evaluation criteria for AI Factory standardization.The certification positions LG as an official NVIDIA partner for AI Factory infrastructure, serving as a trust signal that helps minimize procurement risks for global data center operators.LG Electronics offers a comprehensive Chip-to-Chiller portfolio for AI data centers, spanning from chillers, Coolant Distribution Units (CDUs) and cold plates.

SEOUL, South Korea, July 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics (LG) has secured official NVIDIA certification for its 600kW Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU). This milestone validates the reliability and efficiency of LG’s liquid cooling solutions and thermal management technology with NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure standards, supporting the company’s continued expansion in the AI data center cooling market.

Reliable Partner for Global Hyperscalers

As one of the select few companies globally to pass NVIDIA’s technical verification process, LG successfully validated its 600kW CDU against more than 100 technical evaluation criteria. These metrics are designed to standardize cooling performance, reliability and failover capabilities for high-density AI Factories.

The certification marks a strategic milestone for LG, strengthening the company’s position as an officially verified NVIDIA partner for AI Factory infrastructure. For global hyperscalers and data center operators, this designation provides greater confidence in supplier selection by reducing procurement risks and accelerating qualification for large-scale AI infrastructure deployments.

Chip-To-Chiller Cooling Solution Provider 

LG’s NVIDIA-certified 600kW CDU is engineered to manage the thermal demands of high-heat AI GPUs. By implementing a Direct-to-Chip (DTC) liquid cooling solution that delivers coolant directly to heat-generating components such as GPUs and CPUs, the unit creates a highly efficient “hybrid cooling” system that operates in synergy with existing air-cooling infrastructure.

The unit is designed to achieve a temperature control precision of ±0.25 degrees Celsius*, helping enhance system thermal stability and support reliable AI server operation. It also integrates virtual sensor technology for real-time monitoring and leak detection capabilities. Paired with LG’s Data Center Cooling Control Manager (DCCM), the solution enables predictive control and centralized monitoring, while supporting seamless integration with data center management systems through standard communication protocols.

To ensure comprehensive reliability, LG evaluates these solutions at its dedicated Chip-to-Chiller validation site in Pyeongtaek. Here, the company tests system-wide transient responses, temperature changes and low-load stability across the entire cooling chain—from the AI chip load and cold plates to the CDU and chiller. By meeting NVIDIA’s strict failover requirements, the CDU is engineered to maintain operational stability even under highly demanding conditions.

LG aims to further solidify its position as a trusted AI data center infrastructure partner with a comprehensive “Chip-to-Chiller” portfolio, offering end-to-end thermal management solutions from the chip level to the cooling plant. The company’s end-to-end offering includes chillers that produce chilled water, CDUs that distribute coolant and cold plates that deliver cooling directly to AI chips—the core components of liquid cooling systems for AI data centers.

Expanding AI Infrastructure Capabilities

This certification serves as the starting point for LG’s broader AI infrastructure business expansion. Moving forward, LG plans to sequentially secure NVIDIA certifications for entire large-capacity CDU lineups, including its 1MW, 2.5MW and 4MW models.

Backed by 60 years of engineering expertise in the HVAC sector, LG’s CDUs are designed for high-density AI data center environments, offering precise temperature control, advanced control capabilities and high reliability. The company also strengthens its competitiveness by producing key components in-house, including inverter systems and magnetic bearing compressors—core technologies widely applied across its chiller portfolio.

LG has recently secured major global data center cooling projects, including hyperscaler facilities in North America and the Sinar Mas data center, SM+ Data Center’s flagship AI-ready facility in Jakarta, Indonesia. By leveraging its core technological capabilities, LG aims to expand global orders and strategic partnerships in the next-generation AI data center market.

“As AI data centers continue to scale, the need for highly reliable liquid cooling solutions has never been greater,” said James Lee, president of the LG ES Company. “Leveraging our advanced cooling technologies together with the LG Group’s integrated infrastructure capabilities, we are expanding our AI infrastructure business with end-to-end solutions that help enable Physical AI, where AI creates value in real-world environments.”

* Performance results, including temperature control precision and component lifespan, may vary depending on actual operating environments, server loads and conditions.

About LG Electronics Eco Solution Company

The LG Eco Solution Company (ES) offers advanced air conditioning solutions, including chillers, for diverse sectors and climates. Committed to exceptional HVAC performance, the ES Company aims to enhance indoor comfort and well-being with innovative air care products. Leveraging deep industry expertise, it offers digitalized HVAC solutions designed for better life. As a trusted partner, the company integrates cutting-edge technology into daily operations while offering ongoing support. For more information, please visit www.LG.com/global/business/hvac.

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SOURCE LG Electronics

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VT Markets Gold Cup 2026 Offers Traders Up to USD 200,000 and A Spot in the Island Finale

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SYDNEY, July 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — VT Markets, a global multi-asset broker, today announced the launch of VT Markets Gold Cup 2026, a global trading competition open to clients across the globe. Set against the backdrop of global sports fever, the competition kicks off its regional series from 3 August to 13 September 2026, culminating in an exclusive Island Finale later this year.

The trading competition features one of the largest prize pools for an online trading competition this year, with up to USD 200,000 in total prizes. Participants compete across a regional leaderboard that refreshes hourly, ranked by their Total Profit Percentage (%) to measure strategic account growth rather than starting capital. Emerging at the top of your region demands exceptional skill, and top regional performers will earn cash prizes and an invitation to the Island Finale to compete with the best of the best.

To participate in the VT Markets Gold Cup, traders must open a live account, complete KYC verification, and opt in via the Client Portal. The first 100 opt-ins per region will also receive a USD 10 trading credit. Maintaining a consistent net deposit of USD 1,000 is required throughout the campaign, and any withdrawals or internal transfers will result in immediate disqualification to preserve ranking stability. Leaderboard qualification also requires a minimum cumulative volume of 10 lots, and positions must be held for at least 5 minutes. For full terms and conditions, eligibility criteria, and additional bonuses and rewards, please visit https://www.vtgoldcup.com/

About VT Markets

VT Markets is a regulated multi-asset broker with a presence in over 160 countries as of today. It has earned numerous international accolades including Best Online Trading and Fastest Growing Broker. In line with its mission to make trading accessible to all, VT Markets offers comprehensive access to over 1,000 financial instruments and clients benefit from a seamless trading experience via its award-winning mobile application.

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Sungrow Powers the Nordics’ Largest Commissioned BESS Project in Sweden with PowerTitan 2

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STOCKHOLM, July 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The largest battery energy storage system (BESS) project in the Nordics in Ånge, Sweden has now been taken into commercial operation. Sungrow, a global leader in battery storage and PV inverters, delivered its utility BESS PowerTitan 2.0 for the 70 MW / 160 MWh battery system developed by Delta Capacity. Designed to deliver high reliability and efficiency, the system is built to operate under challenging Nordic weather conditions and extreme temperature variations.

The Ånge BESS will contribute to balancing Sweden’s power system, offering rapid response capabilities and capacity for both frequency regulation and arbitrage across the volatile Nordic power market. Sweden’s battery storage market is expanding rapidly as the country’s energy transition accelerates. The regulatory framework has enabled battery storage to participate in balancing markets, turning it into a revenue-generating asset, according to a report from SolarPower Europe. Sweden and Finland together installed more than 1 GWh of new battery capacity in 2025[1].

“Ånge is a great example of how large-scale energy storage is built in practice. Fast, at the right scale, and with the right partners like Delta Capacity. Our role is to be a long-term partner and contribute to expanding renewable energy capacity in Sweden,” says Samer Nameer, Country Manager Sweden at Sungrow.

Fast deployment for the Nordic energy transition

The Ånge project is owned by a joint venture between WOOD & Company Renewables Sub-Fund and Delta Capacity, which has led the project from design to completion. From procurement start to commercial operation took 15 months. The facility is located in bidding zone SE2 and contributes to balancing the Swedish power system.

Patrik Hes, CEO of Delta Capacity: “The Nordic energy transition is moving fast and requires infrastructure that keeps the same pace. Sweden has great renewable resources, but flexibility is missing and that is exactly what Ånge provides. 160 MWh of storage, delivered in 15 months. Delta Capacity’s goal is to keep building faster and at a greater scale. The energy transition cannot wait.”

The project was acquired from RES in February 2025. Other suppliers in the project are Stenger & Ibsen Construction, Rejlers, Green Power Monitor, Solvina and Ellevio. Centrica Energy manages the buying and selling of electricity for the facility around the clock.

Local presence with a global footprint

Sungrow Europe currently has 25 local offices, two research and development centres and 26 warehouses across Europe. The Swedish team with dedicated experts for Services, and energy solutions is based in Stockholm, with other Scandinavian offices in Malmö, Copenhagen and Helsinki. Among its most recent projects in the Nordic region are the Nordic region’s largest solar roof in Sweden[2] (14 MW) and the northernmost solar project in Finland[3] (70 MW).”

About Sungrow
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 29 years. As of Dec 2025, Sungrow has installed over 1000 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The company is recognized as the world’s most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experiences. At Sungrow, we’re committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com/en

About Delta Capacity
Founded in 2022, Swiss-based Delta Capacity is driven by its vision to develop, acquire, and own and operate utility-scale battery storage across Europe. The company is scaling quickly while maintaining a consistent focus on asset quality—prioritizing designs that support high availability, efficient performance, and bankable operating outcomes. The rapidly growing team brings decades of experience across large infrastructure, renewable energy, energy trading, and software development. Delta Capacity currently has nearly 800 MWh under construction and targets the build-out, commissioning, and operation of more than 6 GWh of flexible assets by 2030.

 

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