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Climate Solutions Prize unveils 2026 winners

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Under the theme Innovation in Motion, the Festival brought together leading voices in climate, policy and innovation across seven tracks, with more than $1.5 million in prizes.

MONTREAL, June 12, 2026 /CNW/ – The fourth edition of the Climate Solutions Prize Festival came to a close on the evening of June 9 at the Marché Bonsecours. The event drew 1,500 people to Montreal on June 8 and 9 for two days of talks, panel discussions and pitch events bringing together innovators, investors, industry leaders and policymakers from more than 20 countries and 5 continents. The winners of the four 2026 prizes were revealed at the closing ceremony.

“Climate innovation will not be led by slogans, but by builders. Our finalists are proof of that: their solutions do not ask the market to make a sacrifice. They win because they are faster, cleaner and profitable. Thank you to each of them for bringing that ambition to our stage, and my warmest congratulations to Treetack, TerraFixing, Tydra Labs, Local Energy, BeNat, the National Research Council of Canada and Hyperion, the University of Toronto in collaboration with Xatoms, Pirouz Kian and Sanjay Dube. The real race today is no longer about invention, but about the speed of deployment, and this week, we proved that we can lead it,” said Galith Levy, CEO and co-founder of the Climate Solutions Prize.

From a high-level kickoff to a Shark Tank style finale

Pascale Déry, Quebec’s Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, officially launched the event, reaffirming the government’s commitment to accelerating the ecological transition through innovation. She was followed by Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Mayor of Montreal, who underscored the city’s key role as an international hub for research and innovation in the service of climate action, as well as the importance of cities on the front lines of environmental challenges.

The program brought together leading voices, including Sage Lenier, climate educator and founder of Sustainable & Just Future, and Bruce Friedrich, founder and CEO of the Good Food Institute. The Honourable Jean Charest, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and former Premier of Quebec, spoke with Henry Stern, Senator for the State of California. Their conversation, both clear-eyed and committed, explored a central question: how can democratic institutions respond to the climate emergency in a way that meets today’s challenges? They pointed to the Quebec-California carbon market partnership as an example of how to build sustainable and resilient economies.

The event concluded with a Shark Tank-style pitch competition, where the finalist companies for the Climate Tech Trailblazer Prize defended their solutions before a jury of investors and industry leaders, ahead of the announcement of the winning company at the closing ceremony.

The 2026 winners:

Climate Tech Trailblazer Prize (Canada & Quebec)

Treetack $100,000TerraFixing $100,000Audience choice: Tydra Labs, $25,000

Breakthrough Research Prize

First place : National Research Council of Canada and Hyperion, $250,000Second place : University of Toronto in collaboration with Xatoms, $150,000

Climate Startup Equity Prize, powered by Cycle Momentum – Pre-Seed

BeNat, $150,000

Climate Startup Equity Prize, powered by Cycle Momentum – Seed

Local Energy, $250,000

Student Entrepreneur Innovation Prize

First place : Pirouz Kian, University of Calgary – NanoStrip, $100,000Second place: Sanjay Dube, Memorial University of Newfoundland, $80,000

The Climate Solutions Prize in numbers

The 2026 edition welcomed 1,500 participants, with a 30% increase in prize applications over last year. It featured seven tracks, including three new ones (Nature and Biotechnologies, Resource Technologies, and Energy and Power). Since 2020, the Climate Solutions Prize has awarded more than $12 million in prizes, and its winners have unlocked more than $111 million in follow-on capital.

About the Climate Solutions Prize

Climate Solutions Prize is a climate innovation platform that arms startups and researchers with the funding, global visibility and strategic connections they need to move from proof-of-concept to real-world deployment. It connects climate technology innovators directly with the investors, industry partners, policymakers and decision-makers who can accelerate their path to market. Since 2020, the platform has awarded more than $12 million in prizes, and its winners have unlocked more than $111 million in follow-on capital.

Learn more: climatesolutionsprize.com

SOURCE Climate Solutions Prize

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Accuray and RaySearch Agree to Collaboration Integrating RayStation Software with Accuray Platforms to Accelerate Accuray’s Online Adaptive Capabilities

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MADISON, Wis., Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Accuray Incorporated (NASDAQ: ARAY), a leading provider of radiation therapy systems for cancer treatment, and RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ) today announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement providing for an expanded collaboration aimed at accelerating Accuray’s adoption of online adaptive radiation therapy.

The collaboration combines Accuray’s advanced photon-based radiation therapy platforms and imaging capabilities with RaySearch’s treatment planning and workflow software to enable online adaptive radiation therapy. The initial focus is on Accuray’s Radixact® and the solution will be extended to the CyberKnife® platform in the future.

Online adaptive radiation therapy allows treatment plans to be adjusted immediately before treatment based on the patient’s anatomy at the time of delivery. By bringing imaging, treatment planning and care coordination together, the solution is designed to support more personalized treatments while helping clinics work more efficiently.

Under the agreement, Accuray has agreed to purchase specified RayStation licenses (with a total order value of USD $8 million) to support the commercialization of online adaptive radiation therapy solutions, which the parties will then jointly market and support. The collaboration will also leverage RayCare® technology to simplify connectivity between clinical systems and support efficient online adaptive workflows. In connection with the collaboration, RaySearch will further enhance its software to support the Radixact platform, enabling a more integrated workflow for online adaptive radiation therapy.

“Advanced software is a key enabler of online adaptive radiation therapy. By combining RayStation and RayCare technology with Accuray’s imaging and treatment delivery technologies, we are creating a comprehensive solution designed to simplify implementation and help more clinics adopt adaptive radiation therapy,” says Johan Löf, founder and CEO of RaySearch. “Accuray’s global presence, large installed base, differentiated technology, and worldwide service capabilities made them an ideal partner for us.”

“Strategic partnerships are an important part of Accuray’s growth strategy, enabling us to accelerate innovation while focusing on our core strengths. RaySearch’s expertise in treatment planning, workflow software and system integration makes them a valuable partner as we advance our online adaptive radiation therapy strategy. By combining our complementary capabilities, we aim to bring efficient and personalized adaptive treatments to more patients worldwide,” commented Steve LaNeve, CEO of Accuray.

About Accuray
Accuray is committed to expanding the potential of radiation therapy to improve as many lives as possible. The company develops unique, market-changing solutions designed to deliver radiation treatments for even the most complex cases, while making commonly treatable cases easier, helping to meet the full spectrum of patient needs. Accuray is dedicated to continuous innovation in radiation therapy for oncology, neuro-radiosurgery and beyond. Through collaboration with clinicians and administrators, the company aims to empower healthcare professionals to help patients return to their lives faster. Accuray is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, and has facilities worldwide. For more information, please visit www.accuray.com 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the expected benefits of the collaboration and Accuray’s future plans, performance, and growth opportunities. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including the risks described in Accuray’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Form 10-K and subsequent filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and Accuray undertakes no obligation to update them except as required by law.

Accuray Media Contact

Taylor Bould
Communications Specialist
tbould@accuray.com

About RaySearch
RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ) is a medical technology company that develops innovative software solutions for improved cancer treatment. RaySearch markets the RayStation®* treatment planning system (TPS) and the oncology information system (OIS) RayCare®*. The most recent additions to the RaySearch product line are RayIntelligence® and RayCommand®*. RayIntelligence is an oncology analytics system (OAS) which enables cancer clinics to collect, structure, and analyze data. RayCommand, a treatment control system (TCS), is designed to link the treatment machine and the treatment planning and oncology information systems. RaySearch’s software has been sold to over 1,200 clinics in 54 countries. The company was founded in 2000 as a spin-off from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and the share has been listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2003 (STO: RAY B). More information is available at raysearchlabs.com.

*Subject to regulatory clearance in some markets.

RaySearch Media Contact

Johan Löf, founder and CEO, RaySearch Laboratories AB
Tel: +46 (0) 8 510 530 00

Carolina Strömlid, Head of Investor Relations, RaySearch Laboratories AB
Tel: +46 (0) 708 807 173
ir@raysearchlabs.com

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SOURCE Accuray Incorporated

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CGTN: How BRICS creates new opportunities for Global South development

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CGTN published an article examining how China’s four global initiatives are aligning with BRICS cooperation to create new development opportunities for the Global South. The article highlights how the initiatives are helping the Global South pursue more inclusive development and gain a greater voice in global affairs.

BEIJING, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A solar power plant is bringing cleaner energy to remote communities. A digital industrial platform is connecting businesses across borders. A proposed grain exchange aims to bolster global food security. A unified voice ensures that developing nations have a seat at the table in AI governance.

These are not isolated success stories. Together, they illustrate how BRICS cooperation is generating tangible opportunities for the Global South, demonstrating how China’s four major global initiatives are being translated into action.

As BRICS marks 20 years of cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13 at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the theme “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,” the summit arrives at a critical juncture as Global South nations actively seek more resilient, inclusive and self-reliant paths to development.

As Stefan Ossenkoepper, a researcher at Germany’s Schiller Institute, noted, the philosophy underpinning BRICS cooperation aligns seamlessly with Xi’s four global initiatives, creating a powerful collective force to forge a new paradigm of win-win development.

Putting development first

Development has been the beating heart of BRICS since its inception.

The New Development Bank (NDB), whose establishment Xi personally championed, has approved 139 projects with total financing of about $43 billion by the end of 2025. From renewable energy and transport infrastructure to affordable housing and clean water access, NDB funding directly improves livelihoods across the developing world.

Meanwhile, the establishment of the BRICS Industrial Capacity China Center has provided a dedicated platform for industrial cooperation, technology transfer and business matchmaking.

Indonesian scholar Siti Mutiah Setiawati observed that over the past five years, the Global Development Initiative and BRICS cooperation have reinforced one another, elevating development on the international agenda and translating shared aspirations into concrete results for emerging markets.

Addressing shared risks

For the Global South, development and security are closely intertwined.

Facing today’s complex challenges in energy, food security and climate change, BRICS members are expanding cooperation beyond economic growth to jointly mitigate shared risks.

At the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in June 2026, members prioritized food security, agricultural trade, climate-resilient farming and innovation. With BRICS nations accounting for roughly 42% of the world’s agricultural land and global grain production, initiatives like the proposed BRICS Grain Exchange are poised to stabilize global food supply chains.

This collaborative approach embodies the Global Security Initiative, which advocates common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, recognizing that true stability relies on safeguarding the very foundations of development.

Putting people at the center

Beyond balance sheets and mega-projects, BRICS is ultimately about people.

The bloc has established a robust intergovernmental cultural framework, giving rise to vibrant platforms across film, education, sports, media and youth exchanges. These initiatives bridge cultural divides and empower younger generations to learn from one another.

This reflects the core essence of the Global Civilization Initiative: respecting civilizational diversity, promoting mutual learning and building lasting bonds among peoples.

Giving the Global South a greater voice

BRICS is not only helping developing nations share in the fruits of growth, but also empowering them to help shape the rules of global governance and frontier technology.

The 2025 BRICS Statement on AI Governance championed an inclusive digital ecosystem, ensuring developing countries transition from passive technology consumers into active rule-makers.

This movement directly reflects China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which calls for sovereign equality, multilateralism and a more equitable international order. B. R. Deepak, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, noted that the GGI offers a valuable framework for BRICS to advance global governance reform, strengthening the UN-centered system to make it more representative and fair.

As BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, the bloc continues to forge concrete pathways for deeper collaboration. In this ongoing journey, China’s four global initiatives offer a clear framework to unlock fresh opportunities across the Global South, paving the way for a more equitable, inclusive and shared future.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-09-11/How-BRICS-creates-new-opportunities-for-Global-South-development-1Qm07pN10U8/p.html

SOURCE CGTN

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U.S. Compliance Expands Chicago Presence to Meet Growing Safety and Environmental Compliance Demand

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National EHS leader strengthens regional investment to help manufacturers and other industrial employers build safer workplaces

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. Compliance (USC), a national leader in environmental, health and safety (EHS) compliance services, announced today an expanded investment in the greater Chicago region through adding a deeper bench of local EHS professionals and increased support for Chicagoland manufacturers.

“The expansion reflects growing demand among area businesses for experienced safety and environmental compliance resources that help organizations navigate increasingly complex regulatory requirements,” said Jim Ginther, chief executive officer of USC. “By expanding our local presence, we’re making it easier for companies to access the expertise they need to protect their employees, maintain compliance, and improve business performance.”

While USC has been serving the Chicagoland market for over 30 years, with hundreds of existing clients and a well-established team of professionals based in the market, the company is deepening its engagement with the region’s manufacturing community, including sponsoring and speaking at the Chicagoland Safety, Health and Environmental Conference, Sept. 14–16, 2026. 

The company also plans to expand its team of bilingual EHS advisors, including Spanish-speaking professionals, grow its team of environmental specialists, and enhance its digital capabilities to make training, compliance resources and EHS support more accessible to Chicagoland manufacturers.

“Chicago is one of the nation’s most important industrial and manufacturing markets,” said Chris Whitehorne, regional vice president of USC. “While many organizations recognize the importance of workplace safety, hiring and retaining experienced EHS professionals continues to be a challenge. USC can help bridge that gap by providing companies with a dedicated advisor supported by a broader team of specialists in OSHA compliance, environmental compliance, industrial hygiene, training, permitting and reporting.”

Founded in 1988, U.S. Compliance is a leading provider of EHS solutions, serving more than 2,200 organizations across North America. The company pioneered the Compliance as a Service (CaaS) model, providing organizations with access to dedicated EHS professionals, specialized subject matter experts, training resources, digital compliance technology, and ongoing support through a predictable monthly subscription.

Media Contact: Chris Naylor
U.S. Compliance
612-802-9137
cnaylor@uscompliance.com
www.uscompliance.com

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SOURCE U.S. Compliance

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