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National STEM Festival® Brings Together America’s Brightest Young Innovators and Industry Leaders to Celebrate the Future of STEM

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Third annual festival welcomed 52 National STEM Champions, featured leaders from across government and industry, and opened I Street to the public for a day of hands-on STEM experiences

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The third annual National STEM Festival®, powered by EXPLR, concluded Saturday after bringing together the nation’s brightest young innovators, industry leaders, educators, policymakers and families for three days celebrating American ingenuity as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The event drew nearly 2,900 visitors from 45 states and territories, featuring 45 speakers and mentors, 52 student exhibitors, 22 organization exhibitors, and 29 live sessions.

AI-powered surgical systems, energy transition, cancer diagnostics and more
The festival featured 52 National STEM Champions representing 40 states and four U.S. territories, selected from thousands of applicants with an acceptance rate of 5%. More than 60 percent of this year’s champions are young women. Students in grades 7–12 showcased PhD-level research, patent-pending inventions, and advanced prototypes addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, sustainability and energy.

Throughout the festival, student Champions presented their work to hundreds of attendees, including leaders from business, government, academia and the scientific community during the festival’s VIP & Media Showcase, participated in podcasts paired with industry experts, and shared their projects with the public during Open Build Day.

“This year’s National STEM Festival demonstrated what’s possible when young innovators are given the opportunity to share their ideas with the people shaping the future of science, technology and industry,” said Jenny Buccos, co-founder and CEO of EXPLR and co-director, National STEM Festival. “These students aren’t imagining tomorrow – they’re building it now.”

Live Q&A broadcast from the International Space Station
One of the festival’s signature moments was a live question-and-answer session with astronaut Chris Williams, who spoke with students directly from the International Space Station during a live broadcast, giving students the opportunity to discuss space exploration and STEM careers with an astronaut currently in orbit.

The festival also featured keynote conversations, demonstrations and remarks from leaders across government and industry, including executive leadership from Boeing, IBM, COSI, Dell Technologies, OPSWAT, Qualcomm, Roblox, Siemens USA, Waymo, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and other organizations advancing STEM education and innovation nationwide.

Open Build Day hosted families for hands-on fun
The festival concluded Saturday with Open Build Day, a free public expo that transformed The Square and I Street into an interactive STEM showcase for visitors of all ages. Families participated in more than 20 hands-on experiences led by industry and community partners, including:

The Curiosity Cube™, where visitors conducted synthetic biology experiments alongside MilliporeSigma scientists.The ACE Mobile Lab, featuring advanced manufacturing technologies including CNC machining and composites.The Future of Making, On Wheels featured a traveling lab packed with the real machines shaping advanced manufacturing.Waymo, where attendees explored a fully autonomous vehicle and learned how self-driving technology works.

The National STEM Festival is an official programming partner of America250, joining organizations advancing innovation and STEM education as the nation marks 250 years. The Festival is made possible by a coalition of organizations across industry, government, and academia investing in the next generation of talent. See the full list of supporters and partners on the festival website.

Press interested in post-event coverage can access a recap video, image selects and more in the folder here.

About EXPLR
EXPLR builds the future-ready talent pipeline by connecting curiosity to career. Students aged 13-19 engage in real-world, career-connected learning through digital content, industry-validated credentials, and live events. The ecosystem includes the National STEM Festival, EXPLR Edge® digital credentials, and programs that enable employers to discover, connect with, and invest in emerging talent. Visit EXPLR.com.

Media Contact
Actum for EXPLR / National STEM Festival
teamexplr@actumllc.com

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Vention Launches Vention H Series for Inclusive Design, and Next-Generation Dash Series, Setting Standards for Power Bank Innovations

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BERLIN, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vention, a design-led consumer electronics brand, today announced its all-new Vention H Series alongside the U.S. and E.U. debut of its flagship Dash Series. Introducing a more approachable take on portable power through a refined, fashion-forward design language, Vention at IFA 2026 is debuting a thoughtfully curated color palette, alongside a user-friendly charging platform that removes the guesswork from battery management.

While portable batteries have long competed on capacity, output, and other technical specifications, Vention believes the future of the category lies in the experience itself. The  Vention H Series and Dash Series reimagine portable power through a more refined design language and an intuitive interface that makes battery management effortless. By combining aesthetics with usability, Vention transforms portable power from a purely functional device with tool-inspired aesthetics, into one that people see as an extension of their personal style and identity.

Vention H Series: Where Powerful and Safe Performance Meets Personal Style

Designed to complement the iPhone 18’s flagship red color, Vention H Series’ signature Burgundy Dusk colorway combines a sleek 6.9 mm profile with a high-capacity 5,000mAh battery. Blending naturally into everyday life through an understated yet refined silhouette, its contoured aluminum alloy body is finished with a refined matte texture that delivers a soft, frosted feel. A minimalist two-tone design and contoured edges introduces greater depth and sophistication than the conventional single-color, industrial aesthetic that has long defined the category.

The design philosophy is rooted in the Vention H Series’ concept of “Half Sky, Half Earth” where two shades of the same hue meet in harmony to evoke the horizon – the point where the colors of the sky merge with the light reflected across the earth. Drawing inspiration from the ever-changing colors of the sky, the Vention H Series is offered in a curated palette of Burgundy Dusk, Cloud White, and Midnight Black, allowing users to choose a finish that complements both their personal style and everyday surroundings. But beyond its visual inspiration, the design mandate also carries a deeper meaning. “Half Sky, Half Earth” carries a reference to “holding up half the sky,” reflecting the series’ broader expression of bringing a more inclusive and human-centered perspective to portable power design.

Despite its ultra-thin, design-forward profile, the Vention H Series is an engineering achievement built without compromise. Designed for everyday carry, from business and commuting to travel, the series incorporates a solid-liquid hybrid battery, a technology commonly found in flagship smartphones that delivers higher energy density, improved low-temperature performance, and enhanced reliability within an exceptionally slim form factor.

Safety is equally uncompromising. The Vention H Series has passed a 4mm tungsten steel needle puncture test without sparking, smoking, or exploding, while also withstanding a 135°C (275°F) hot-box test for 60 minutes without combustion. This provides users with greater confidence whether carrying it in a bag, pocket, or luggage.

Complementing the hardware is an intuitive companion app that rethinks the portable power experience. Rather than relying on a simple battery percentage, users gain real-time visibility into battery temperature, current, charging status, capacity, and overall system health. By transforming complex battery data into clear, accessible insights, the Vention H Series replaces uncertainty with confidence, making portable power easier to understand and more enjoyable to use.

Dash Series: Introducing the Dash Pro, a 140W 4-Port GAN 5.0 Charger with Smart Energy System

For people constantly on the move, be it business travelers or commuters, repeatedly checking whether their devices are charged is one more unnecessary distraction. But most chargers will only display how much power remains, and not how much power is actually being delivered, how quickly the devices are charging, or how efficiently the charger is performing. The Dash Series, a lineup of six chargers anchored by its flagship the Dash Pro, a 140W 4-port GaN 5.0 charger with a smart display, is designed to remove that uncertainty by making charging more transparent, intuitive, and effortless.

Powered by next-generation 140W GaN 5.0 technology, Dash Pro generates less heat than conventional chargers, while delivering a more compact size, higher efficiency, lower energy loss, and superior thermal performance. It pairs high-performance charging with Vention’s EnergyCore™ platform, transforming complex, real-time charging data into five animated and  color-coded expressive emojis that anyone can understand, regardless of technical expertise. Designed to communicate the real-time charging status at a single glance, Dash Pro’s real-time power readings display a sleepy white face when idle; a neutral blue face during trickle charging; a happy green face during fast charging; an excited orange face at maximum speed; and a protective red warning should any anomaly occur. 

Or through its companion app, users can monitor the real-time charging power, current, temperature, and device status at a glance. EnergyCore™ also intelligently recognizes connected devices and automatically optimizes power delivery with multiple charging modes, while Vention’s FlashCore™ technology supports all major fast-charging protocols for broad compatibility across both the latest devices and older electronics including PD 3.1, QC, PPS, UFCS, and more.

For users who are often on-the-go, the Dash Pro 140W 4-Port GaN 5.0 Charger with Smart Display features a versatile 3C1A configuration capable of charging up to four devices simultaneously. And whether used at home or abroad, adaptive voltage support (100V–240V) automatically adjusts to regional power standards, while its foldable plug design makes it an ideal travel companion. The charger also features a reinforced plug structure engineered to provide a more secure fit in wall outlets, reducing the tendency for larger multi-port chargers to loosen or tilt under their own weight.

Available in Titanium Gray and Titanium Silver, the Dash Pro 140W 4-Port GAN 5.0 Charger with Smart Display combines premium performance with a refined Red Dot Award winning design.

Marking a Defining Moment for Vention by Charting a New Chapter for Portable Power

The launch marks a defining milestone for Vention. After years of powering many of the industry’s leading portable battery brands as an OEM manufacturer, the company is stepping into the spotlight with its own unique vision for the future of portable power. Built on a foundation of in-house engineering and product innovation, Vention is reimagining the category by making battery technology more intuitive, more engaging, and more seamlessly integrated into everyday life. In doing so, it aims to transform portable power from a purely functional device into one people choose not only for its performance, but as a product that reflects their lifestyle and personal style.

At IFA 2026, Vention is also launching a series of new products including Vention 2-in-1 Retractable Charging Cable, Vention 7-in-2 USB-C Plug-in Docking Station, and the Vention SpotTag Pop Dual-Mode Smart Bluetooth Tracker.

To learn more about Vention, visit https://ventiontech.com/

To access the press kit for the Vention H Series and Dash Series, visit Vention Press Kit

About Vention

Vention is a hi-tech, design-minded consumer electronic accessories brand that offers a diversified portfolio of 4,000 SKUs across charging, connectivity, storage, audio-video, and peripherals selling in more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. Since 2006, the company has been dedicated to making a statement in design, R&D, engineering, supply chain and quality. Driven by a mission to become a trusted global leader in the consumer electronics industry, Vention holds more than 300 technology and design patents, culminating in innovative and high-quality accessories for global customers.

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THE DR. MARTENS LOAFER COLLECTION: FROM SEASONAL STAPLE TO YEAR-ROUND ESSENTIAL

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NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — No fall wardrobe is complete without a pair of loafers, and no one does them better than Dr. Martens. Rooted in unmistakable DM’s DNA, each style reimagines the classic loafer silhouette with a contemporary take, creating must have, versatile shoes, taking wearers through autumn and the seasons beyond.

‘The loafer has become one of the most versatile shoes in the modern wardrobe. The penny loafer traces its roots back to early 20th-century Europe but became a fashion statement among students in 1950s America, emerging alongside the rise of youth culture. Today, the silhouette is worn year-round, with creatives, designers and the zeitgeist embracing loafers as a smart alternative to sneakers and a reliable investment piece that moves effortlessly between seasons.’
– John Hensman, Head of Design – Footwear: Dr. Martens

The Mayfare Loafer is the ultimate penny loafer — complete in Polished Black Smooth leather, it’s a staple for elevated dressing this fall. Inspired by heritage design, it’s moc toe shape and penny strap pay homage to classic design, perfect for elevating a casual look. Built on a V18 low-profile sole with subtle welt, it offers a sleeker take on some of DM’s more classic styles.

A fan favorite, the Adrian Tassel Loafer offers a formal take on the tassel loafer. Crafted from rich Burgundy Arcadia leather, these shoes bring a bold edge to day to night dressing. Built on DM’s signature air-cushioned sole and finished with Goodyear-welted heat-sealed construction, they combine all day comfort with Dr. Martens durability.

Versatility is key when dressing for transitional weather, and the Penton Loafer in Spiced Brown does just that. Featuring include a moc toe, penny slot and deep cleats; balancing iconic detailing,  for a more relaxed take. Crafted from Mayhem leather, the corrected grain delivers a smooth finish while maintaining depth and character, designed for wearers who never compromise on style. The  loafer is complete on a BEN sole with air-cushioned comfort and signature yellow welt stitching, great for wearers on the go.

Finally, the Delapre Penny Loafer, crafted from Repello Calf suede, offers an elevated take on the timeless leather loafer. Part of the Made in England range, the material is a fine grade suede from the legendary C.F. Stead tannery. Each pair is treated with a Scotchgard finish for enhanced protection against water and stains, making them the perfect companion for fall dressing. Signature penny slot and moc toe detailing are paired with iconic Dr. Martens touches, including the heat-sealed, groove-edge construction and signature air-cushioned sole.

The Dr. Martens loafer collection is available to shop now via drmartens.com, and in Dr. Martens stores and through selected retailers worldwide.

ADRIAN ARCADIA LEATHER TASSEL LOAFERS
CHERRY RED — ARCADIA LEATHER

MAYFARE SMOOTH LEATHER LOAFERS
BLACK — POLISHED SMOOTH LEATHER

PENTON LOAFER MAYHEM LEATHER 
SPICED BROWN — MAYHEM LEATHER

DELAPRE PENNY REPELLO CALF SUEDE LOAFERS
BROWN — REPELLO CALF SUEDE MB

ABOUT DR. MARTENS
Dr. Martens is an iconic British footwear brand founded in Northamptonshire, England. Its first silhouette, the 1460 boot – named after the date it was produced – rolled off the production line on 1st April 1960. Originally chosen by workers for their air-cushioned comfort and durability, “Docs” or “DM’s” were later adopted by musicians and subcultural pioneers who took them from the street to the global stage.

Over six decades later, Dr. Martens operates in more than 60 countries and employs around 3,600 people. The company continues to honour the brand’s heritage through its ‘Made in England’ footwear, manufactured at its original Northamptonshire factory, while meeting global demand from multiple high-quality production sites across Asia. All our products are made with an unwavering commitment to craft, combined with innovative techniques.

A brand built to put a bounce in the step of those who stand out from the crowd, Dr. Martens is available through Direct-to-Consumer (Retail and Ecommerce) and Wholesale channels. The brand’s collections range from its Original silhouettes – The Icons such as the 1460 boot, 1461 shoe, 2976 Chelsea boot, and Adrian loafer – to modern franchises like the Zebzag, Buzz, and Lowell. The lineup also includes an extensive range of sandals, a dedicated Kids collection, and a curated selection of bags, small leather goods, and accessories.

Every Dr. Martens product reflects craftsmanship, heritage, timeless style, comfort, and versatility. Having transcended generations, the brand stays as relevant today as it was at its inception. Its signature yellow welt stitching, grooved sole edges, and scripted “With Bouncing Soles” heel loops remain iconic symbols recognised around the world.

Dr. Martens plc (DOCS.L) is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index.

For more information, visit www.drmartens.com or www.drmartensplc.com

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SOURCE Dr. Martens

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Motorola debuts the moto watch ultra at IFA 2026

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Motorola is expanding its connected ecosystem in North America with the launch of the moto watch ultra, the most intelligent moto watch yet, featuring Polar fitness and wellness insights, Wear OS by Google™ and LTE eSIM functionality.1

BERLIN, Sept. 3, 2026 /CNW/ — The new moto watch ultra was built on the idea that a healthy lifestyle looks and feels different to everyone. Designed for the 5-a.m. fitness enthusiasts as well as the people who want to better understand their health, this device gives new meaning to well-being through Polar insights.

Motorola is once again teaming up with Polar, a global leader in wearable sports and fitness technology, to help users stay more in tune with their health. The moto watch ultra helps consumers better manage stress, analyze their sleep, train more efficiently and track calories and exercise.

Using Polar’s science-backed fitness algorithms, users can turn to the following wellness features:

Serene™, a breathing exercise mode that offers real-time biofeedback for ultimate relaxation. It notes how long a user spends in the three serenity zones and if they synchronized with the optimal breathing rhythm;Nightly Recharge™ combines sleep quality and autonomic nervous system (ANS) recovery measurement, so users know how well their bodies adjusted from the previous day;Sleep Plus Stages™ tracks the quality of one’s sleep and the time spent in different stages (light, deep, REM) to calculate a personal sleep score.

For those wanting to live a healthier lifestyle, they can depend on these Polar features:

Activity Goal creates a tailored daily target based on the user’s profile and chosen activity level;Activity Score measures the user’s movement and intensity throughout the day, resulting in a personalized score against one’s goal;Active Intensity Zones give users a breakdown of their activity by intensity level (light, moderate, vigorous) that’s determined by their heart rate and movement;Inactivity Alert pops up when someone has been inactive for too long and encourages an active break;Smart Calories provides an overview of a user’s daily burned calories, considering one’s heart rate, wrist movement, weight and age;Energy Sources analyzes how one’s body uses different fuels (fat, carbs, protein) during one’s workout and offers metabolic insights.

Additionally, the new moto watch ultra can monitor key vitals with health tracking sensors. For new and experienced runners, the Running Coach functionality offers guided running and walking workouts right from their wrist. Running Coach is ideal for those who need help with pacing or some extra encouragement.

When out for a run or walk, users can leave their phone at home or disconnect while still being reachable. This is because the moto watch ultra is the first moto watch with LTE functionality,1 allowing users to make or receive calls, send text messages and manage notifications. If stopping for an impromptu coffee or bite to eat, moto watch ultra users can turn to Google Wallet and NFC support to pay2 and rely on dual-band GPS for accurate navigation and precise location tracking.

The new moto watch ultra is powered by Wear OS by Google, unlocking the world of Google Play. Users can access YouTube Music,3 Google Maps, Google Messages, Google Gemini4 and much more. The moto watch ultra is also the first Motorola wearable with built-in Motorola Qira on compatible Motorola and Lenovo devices. Users can raise their wrist or simply say “Hey Qira” to naturally ask questions or pull up saved information from the memory across Lenovo and Motorola devices, too.5 These activities are boosted by the Snapdragon® W5+ Gen 1 Platform that allows individuals to multitask at a moment’s notice.

The moto watch ultra was made to transition from day to night, featuring a large, 1.5″ OLED display with 2700 nits of brightness and an always-on display. This makes it easy to see, regardless of the time of day. Its 46mm stainless steel body makes it suitable for any occasion. And its third-party 22mm band compatibility lets users swap out one look for another, giving users the choice between a breathable silicone band in PANTONE Black Beauty or PANTONE Mountain View and a classy genuine leather option that features PANTONE Black Beauty or PANTONE Nuthatch.

Everything on the moto watch ultra is safeguarded by IP686 and 5ATM underwater protection.7 This way, users can complete a workout in the pool, go on a rainy bike ride or participate in a heated yoga class. Plus, there’s Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 on the display to keep the watch looking sharp and clear.

The moto watch ultra also offers efficient battery performance. When not using the always-on display, enjoy up to 2 days8 of active use on a single charge, and get up to 24 hours of active use with a 15-minute charge.8,9 

Availability
In the United States, the new moto watch ultra will be available on Motorola.com starting September 10 (MSRP: $349.99).10 The device will also be available at Verizon on September 24, and T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, AT&T,  Xfinity Mobile, and Consumer Cellular in the coming months.

Contact
Brendan Hall
bphall@motorola.com

Legal Disclaimers
1 Requires a connection. Usage rates may apply. Contact your service provider for more details. Carrier fees, plan requirements, and availability may vary by region.
2 Requires NFC-supported payment terminal and Google Wallet app. Requires pin authorization for purchase. Utilizes Host Card Emulation (HCE) technology, which enables contactless payments through third party mobile apps running on Android operating system. Availability varies with region.
3 Requires a YouTube Premium membership.
4 Gemini mobile app available on select devices, languages, and countries. Internet connection required. Check responses for accuracy.
5 Requires a Motorola account and an active connection to the Motorola Qira-compatible device.
6 Tested to IP68 standards under controlled laboratory conditions. Withstands immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Resistance will decrease as a result of normal wear. Not designed to work while submerged underwater. Not waterproof. Do not expose to pressurized water or liquids other than fresh water. Designed to protect against the ingress of solid foreign objects of any size. Not waterproof.
7 Tested to 5ATM water ratings under controlled laboratory conditions. Withstands water pressure up to 50 meters deep for up to 10 minutes. Exposure to conditions beyond this rating are not covered by warranty. Resistance will decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not expose to pressurized water jets or liquids other than fresh water. Do not attempt to charge a wet phone. Not waterproof.
8 Tested with AOD off. All battery life claims are approximate and based on optimal conditions. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on many factors, including device settings, temperature, battery condition, and usage patterns.
9 Battery must be substantially depleted; charging rate slows as charging progresses. The charger must be paired with at least a 30W adapter for fast charging. The adapter is sold separately.
10 Pricing varies by channel.

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SOURCE Motorola Mobility, Inc

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