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Fusion Was a Punchline – General Fusion Heated Plasma to 8.4 Million Degrees by Squeezing It

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Issued on behalf of General Fusion Inc.

In a single stretch of 2026, General Fusion was named the world’s top GreenTech company by TIME, reported heating plasma to millions of degrees in its innovative demonstration machine, signed a framework to bring fusion power to the Italian grid, and advanced toward becoming the first publicly traded pure-play fusion company.

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Key Takeaways

General Fusion Inc. was ranked the world’s #1 GreenTech company of 2026 by TIME (in partnership with Statista), topping a list of 250 companies with a score of 96.68, selected from more than 8,300 applicants worldwide.The company says its world-first Lawson Machine 26 (“LM26”) demonstration machine, operating since early 2025, heated plasma to roughly 8.4 million degrees Celsius by mechanically compressing it, a step toward the milestones required for practical Magnetized Target Fusion.General Fusion signed a framework agreement with Renexia S.p.A. to explore deploying its fusion technology in Italy, an early move from the laboratory toward the commercial power grid.The company is advancing toward becoming the first publicly traded pure-play fusion company through a proposed business combination with Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III (NASDAQ: SVAC), expected to trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker “GFUZ” upon consummation of the transaction.The move arrives as next-generation energy names, including NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR), Oklo (NYSE: OKLO), NANO Nuclear Energy (NASDAQ: NNE), and Centrus Energy (NYSE: LEU), draw investor attention amid AI-driven electricity demand.

From Punchline to Proof Points

VANCOUVER, BC, June 30, 2026 /CNW/ — For half a century, commercial fusion has carried a punchline: it is always “twenty years away.” The physics is the closest thing humanity has to a perfect energy source. It is the reaction that powers the sun, fueled by hydrogen, producing no carbon emissions and no long-lived radioactive waste, but turning it into electricity on the grid has defeated generations of scientists. What has changed for General Fusion Inc. is that, across a remarkable run in 2026, the Vancouver-based company has begun replacing the punchline with proof points: a top global ranking, an operating demonstration machine posting real results, a first step toward the commercial grid, and a path to the public markets. Taken together, they reframe a decades-old “someday” into a story built on milestones, hardware, and execution.

 

 

A No. 1 Ranking That Signals Credibility

The headline acknowledgment came from TIME. On June 9, 2026, General Fusion was ranked number one on TIME’s list of the World’s Top GreenTech Companies of 2026, produced in partnership with Statista. The company topped a field of 250 ranked companies with a score of 96.68, selected from more than 8,300 applicants worldwide. The company said the recognition reflects both the innovation behind its fusion technology and the execution it has shown as it pushes toward commercialization.

That kind of outside signal matters in a field as hard to handicap as fusion. The opportunity is enormous if anyone can deliver reliable, zero-carbon baseload electricity at scale, but the sector has spent decades burdened by long timelines and skepticism. A high-profile ranking does not solve the engineering challenge, but it does provide a credible third-party marker that General Fusion is being taken seriously as one of the leading names in the field. “Being named TIME’s top GreenTech company of 2026 is a testament to the incredible work of our team and a recognition of our innovative approach to transforming the world’s energy supply through fusion energy,” said General Fusion CEO Greg Twinney, while emphasizing that practical fusion will depend on disciplined investment and a clear path to commercialization.

The Big Idea: Magnetized Target Fusion

Most fusion approaches that make headlines fall into two camps: massive tokamaks that use powerful superconducting magnets to confine superheated plasma, or laser-driven systems that implode tiny fuel pellets. Both are scientifically remarkable, and both are extraordinarily expensive and complex. General Fusion is pursuing a different path, Magnetized Target Fusion, or MTF, designed to achieve fusion without relying on either banks of high-powered lasers or large superconducting magnets. Instead, the approach mechanically compresses magnetized plasma, which the company argues can be done with more conventional, durable materials and at lower cost.

That practical-engineering angle is central to the investment story. Fusion has always captured attention because of its potential to deliver clean, abundant energy, but General Fusion’s pitch is that the winner may not be the company with the most elegant physics on paper. It may be the one that can build something durable, repeatable, and economically viable enough to plug into the real-world power system.

LM26: The Machine and the 8.4-Million-Degree Result

The company’s central proof point is hardware, not just theory. In early 2025, General Fusion said it designed, built, and began operating its world-first MTF demonstration machine, Lawson Machine 26, or LM26, in under two years, describing it as the first MTF demonstration machine built at a commercially relevant scale. According to the company, LM26 mechanically compresses plasma with a lithium liner at 50% commercial-scale diameter based on current design parameters.

In 2026, the program produced a tangible result that gives the story physical substance: General Fusion reported that, by mechanically squeezing the plasma, LM26 heated it to approximately 8.4 million degrees Celsius (on the order of 0.72 keV), reporting a more-than-threefold increase in plasma electron temperature through compression. The company has framed LM26’s roadmap as a sequence of milestones: plasma heating to 1 keV, then 10 keV, and ultimately the Lawson criterion, the combination of conditions needed to produce net fusion energy in the plasma. That sequence is what turns an abstract ambition into a trackable series of technical checkpoints. It does not remove the technical risk, but it gives the story a far more tangible shape than concept slides alone.

Advancing Towards Commercial Deployment: The Renexia Framework in Italy

If LM26 is the proof that the physics is advancing, General Fusion’s framework agreement with Italy’s Renexia S.p.A. is the first visible step toward where fusion ultimately has to land: the commercial power grid. Renexia, part of the Toto Group, is an Italian renewable-energy developer, and the framework agreement contemplates exploring the deployment of General Fusion’s magnetized target fusion technology in Italy through a milestone-based, multi-phase approach. The company has described the arrangement as a framework, a structured but non-binding step, rather than a final construction contract.

Still, the strategic signal is meaningful. Moving from a demonstration machine in British Columbia toward a named commercial-deployment pathway in Europe is exactly the kind of progression a fusion developer needs to show if it wants investors to believe the technology has the potential to travel from the laboratory to the energy market. “This agreement with Renexia represents another meaningful step toward exporting our practical fusion energy technology, developed in Canada, to the world,” General Fusion’s leadership framed the effort, while Renexia’s management pointed to fusion’s potential role in Italy’s long-term decarbonization. As with every milestone here, execution over time, not the announcement itself, is what will ultimately matter.

The Public-Markets Path: A Roughly US$1 Billion Transaction

What turns this from a science story into a market story is the deal. In January 2026, General Fusion entered into a business combination agreement with Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III (NASDAQ: SVAC), a special-purpose acquisition company focused on power infrastructure and decarbonization. The transaction implies an approximately US$1 billion pro-forma equity value, inclusive of a roughly US$108 million committed and oversubscribed PIPE financing and up to US$230 million of Spring Valley’s trust capital, assuming no redemptions. If completed, the company says the combined entity would trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker “GFUZ,” making General Fusion, by its account, the first publicly traded pure-play fusion company, a milestone that could bring a new class of retail investors into a sector that has largely remained private.

There is notable pedigree on the sponsor side. The Spring Valley team has, by its own account, raised roughly US$920 million across four IPOs over five years, and one of its earlier vehicles previously completed the business combination that took small-modular-reactor developer NuScale Power Corporation public, placing the General Fusion transaction in a recognizable clean-energy SPAC lineage. That pedigree should be weighed against the inherent risks of any pre-revenue, pre-commercialization business going public through a SPAC, a structure where outcomes depend on closing conditions, redemptions, financing, and a long road of technical execution still ahead. The transaction remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, as detailed in the SEC filings referenced below.

The Demand Backdrop: Why Fusion’s Moment May Be Arriving

The context behind all of this is a once-in-a-generation surge in electricity demand. The International Energy Agency has projected global electricity demand could grow on the order of 40% to 50% by 2035, driven by artificial-intelligence data centers, broad electrification, and industrial growth. That is not a gentle increase; it is a structural step-change forcing utilities, governments, and technology giants to hunt for new sources of firm, clean, baseload power, the kind that runs day and night regardless of weather. Fusion is the ultimate prize in that search: unlike fission, it does not rely on splitting heavy atoms or produce the same long-lived waste; unlike wind and solar, it is not intermittent. The collision of soaring demand and abundant capital has pulled next-generation energy toward the public markets and opened the door even to pre-revenue developers.

The Next-Generation Energy Names Investors Are Watching

General Fusion would be a genuine rarity as a publicly traded pure-play fusion company. There are almost no direct listed comparisons, which is part of the appeal and part of the risk. In practice, the market tends to group fusion with the broader advanced-nuclear and next-generation energy trade, where a handful of public names serve as proxies for investor enthusiasm. The following comparisons are provided for illustrative and contextual purposes only; these companies pursue different technologies, are at different stages, and several are far larger and more established than a pre-revenue fusion developer. Investors should not assume General Fusion will achieve comparable results, valuations, or outcomes.

NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR) is the most directly relevant reference point, and not only as one of the best-known public proxies for next-generation nuclear. NuScale was itself taken public through an earlier Spring Valley business combination, the same sponsor family now behind the General Fusion transaction. As a small-modular-reactor developer with a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission-approved design, it has reported roughly US$1 billion in liquidity in early 2026 and continued progress on large U.S. deployment programs. Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) has become one of the most visible advanced-nuclear names, pursuing compact fast-reactor designs and working through NRC licensing with ambitions to bring a commercial unit online later this decade.

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) rounds out the advanced-reactor cohort as a closely watched microreactor and advanced-fission developer, an earlier-stage, smaller-capitalization name illustrating the breadth of investor appetite, and the volatility, across the advanced-energy spectrum. Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE: LEU) approaches the theme from the fuel-supply side, producing and seeking to expand domestic enrichment capacity, including the high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) many advanced reactors will require, a “picks-and-shovels” angle on the build-out. These companies are referenced to illustrate the sector and do not imply any partnership, endorsement, affiliation, or comparable financial performance.

Why This Story Can Travel

The reason this General Fusion story resonates is that it taps several narratives at once: a clean-energy story, a climate story, an AI-power-demand story, a commercialization story, and a public-markets story, all in one. Crucially, the company frames fusion as an engineering and execution challenge, not a guaranteed breakthrough, a balance that keeps the narrative grounded while preserving what makes fusion compelling in the first place. For investors who have spent years hearing that fusion is always two decades away, the past several months offer a cleaner framework for following the story: outside recognition from TIME, a named machine posting real temperature results, a first commercial-deployment framework in Europe, and a defined route toward the public markets. That does not make the company low-risk. Fusion remains one of the hardest technical and commercial challenges in the world, and General Fusion’s own cautionary language makes that clear. But it is one of the more concrete and visible fusion narratives currently developing.

What to Watch From Here

For investors tracking the story, the near-term markers are clear: the progress of the LM26 program against its next temperature milestones; the development of the Renexia framework in Italy from framework toward defined project phases; and the path of the proposed business combination with Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III through its remaining shareholder and regulatory steps toward a targeted mid-2026 close. The substance behind the story is the technical execution; the market mechanism is the transaction. Both will be tested in the months ahead, and whether or not fusion finally beats its decades-old reputation, General Fusion has put itself, and soon potentially public investors, at the center of the attempt. More on the company’s technology and approach is available on the General Fusion homepage.

SIGNAL OVER NOISE

Signal over noise. Fusion, advanced-nuclear, and clean-energy headlines move fast, and the crowd often moves first. Eagle Eye is a real-time investor signal-intelligence platform that surfaces sentiment shifts, news flow, and trending tickers as they happen, so you see the move forming instead of reading about it later. See it at eagle-eye.dev.

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SOURCES

[1] General Fusion Inc., “General Fusion Named World’s Top GreenTech Company of 2026 by TIME” (June 9, 2026; TIME #1 ranking, score 96.68, LM26, SVAC combination, CEO Greg Twinney).
[2] General Fusion Inc. / Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III, “General Fusion to Become First Publicly Traded Pure-Play Fusion Company…” (January 22, 2026; ~US$1B equity value, PIPE, trust, mid-2026 close, GFUZ ticker).
[3] General Fusion Inc., LM26 compressional-heating results (2026; plasma heated to ~8.4 million °C / ~0.72 keV via mechanical compression; milestone roadmap).
[4] General Fusion Inc., framework agreement with Renexia S.p.A. (Toto Group) to explore fusion deployment in Italy (2026).
[5] TIME, “World’s Top GreenTech Companies of 2026” (June 9, 2026, in partnership with Statista).
[6] International Energy Agency, global electricity-demand projections (cited for ~40-50% growth by 2035).

Disclaimer:

This article is a paid digital media distribution and is for informational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, or trading advice, and is neither an offer nor a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice, nor are we licensed under U.S. or Canadian securities laws. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice, and no communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.

USA News Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Ireland (“MIQL”). This article is being distributed by USA News Group on behalf of MIQL. MIQL, in turn, has been paid a fee for advertising and digital media by Creative Direct Marketing Group (“CDMG”). CDMG has been retained by General Fusion, pursuant to a services agreement, to provide various marketing and advertising services for an aggregate fee. This article was prepared and published pursuant to that services agreement. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this article or email as the basis for any investment decision. MIQL does not own shares of General Fusion Inc. or Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III (Nasdaq: “SVAC”) but reserves the right to buy and sell shares of the company at any time. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company. This disclaimer serves as notice that all material disseminated by MIQ has been reviewed and approved on behalf of General Fusion Inc. by CDMG; this is a paid digital media distribution.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this document are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this document are forward-looking statements. Any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are also forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “target,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “preliminary,” or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the potential benefits of the framework agreement with Renexia S.p.A. (“Renexia”), including its potential to support Italy’s decarbonization and energy transition objectives and to serve as a means of exporting General Fusion’s technology; the settlement and execution of definitive agreements for future stages of the work program contemplated under the agreement; the intended roles and contributions of Renexia and General Fusion; the possible siting, development, funding, construction, and commissioning of one or more MTF power plants, including the evaluation, selection, and potential use of a site; the closing of the transactions (the “Proposed Business Combination”) contemplated by the business combination agreement, dated January 21, 2026, among General Fusion, Spring Valley Acquisition Corp (“SVAC”) and the other party thereto (as amended, the “Business Combination Agreement”); SVAC’s, General Fusion’s, or their respective management teams’ expectations concerning General Fusion’s plan to go public through the Proposed Business Combination and expected benefits or timing thereof; the outlook for General Fusion’s business, including its ability to commercialize MTF or any other fusion technology on its expected timeline or at all; and statements regarding the current and expected results of General Fusion’s LM26 program; as well as any information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of General Fusion. The forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the management team of each of SVAC and General Fusion, as applicable, and are inherently subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstance and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk that the General Fusion and Renexia are unable to agree on the terms of a definitive agreement for the identification and evaluation of a potential site; that General Fusion and Renexia are unable to complete due diligence and the acquisition or leasing of any proposed site; that General Fusion and Renexia are thereafter unable to agree on the scope, timing, budgets and other terms for the development, permitting, funding, construction, and commissioning of an MTF power plant in Italy; that General Fusion and Renexia are unable to negotiate and enter into definitive agreements with third parties in connection with the funding, permitting, construction, commissioning, and operation of an MTF power plant in Italy; that General Fusion and Renexia are unable to secure required capital, permits, approvals, equipment, and services; that demand, interest, and the regulatory environment for fusion energy in Italy develop in a manner adverse to the objectives of the agreement; that the Proposed Business Combination may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of SVAC’s securities; the risk that the conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Business Combination, including the adoption of the Business Combination Agreement by the shareholders of SVAC and General Fusion and the receipt of regulatory approvals are not satisfied or waived; the risk that there occurs any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; the risk that the announcement or pendency of the Proposed Business Combination has a negative effect on General Fusion’s business relationships, performance, and business generally; the risk that the Proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans of General Fusion and potential difficulties in its employee retention as a result of the Proposed Business Combination; the risk of legal proceedings against General Fusion or SVAC related to the Proposed Business Combination; the risk that the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Business Combination are not realized; the risk that the combined entity is unable to maintain the listing of SVAC’s securities or to meet listing requirements and maintain the listing of the combined company’s securities on Nasdaq; the risk that the Proposed Business Combination may not be completed by SVAC’s business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by SVAC; the risk that the price of the combined entity’s securities may be volatile due to a variety of factors, including changes in laws, regulations, technologies, natural disasters, national security tensions, and macro-economic and social environments affecting its business; the risk of changes in the laws and regulations governing General Fusion’s research and development activities; the risk that General Fusion fails to commercialize MTF on the expected timeline or at all, including any failure to achieve the objectives of the LM26 program; the risk of the effects of climate change, extreme weather events, water scarcity, and seismic events, and that strategies to deal with these issues are not effective; the risk that sufficient demand for fusion energy does not develop or takes longer to develop than anticipated; the risk of fluctuations in currency markets; the risk that General Fusion is unable to complete and successfully integrate any future acquisitions; the risk of increased competition in the fusion industry; the risk of supply chain disruptions and that materials are in limited supply; and the risk that the proposed private placement of convertible preferred shares and warrants by General Fusion (the “PIPE Financing”) may not be completed, or that other capital needed by the combined company may not be raised on favorable terms, or at all, including as a result of the restrictions agreed to in connection with the PIPE Financing. The foregoing list is not exhaustive, and there may be additional risks that neither General Fusion nor SVAC presently know or that SVAC and General Fusion currently believe are immaterial. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors, any other factors discussed herein and in the other filings and potential filings by General Fusion, SVAC, or the combined company resulting from the proposed transaction with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including those described under the heading “Risk Factors.”

General Fusion and SVAC caution you against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect current beliefs and are based on information currently available as of the date a forward-looking statement is made. Forward-looking statements set forth in this document speak only as of the date of this document. Neither General Fusion nor SVAC undertakes any obligation to revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, except as required by applicable securities laws. In the event that any forward-looking statement is updated, no inference should be made that General Fusion or SVAC will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statements.

Important Information for Investors and Shareholders

In connection with the Proposed Business Combination, General Fusion and SVAC jointly filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”), which includes a preliminary prospectus with respect to SVAC’s securities to be issued in connection with the Proposed Business Combination and a preliminary proxy statement in connection with SVAC’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by SVAC’s shareholders with respect to the Proposed Business Combination and other matters described in the Registration Statement. On June 12, 2026, the SEC declared the Registration Statement effective and SVAC filed the definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) with the SEC. SVAC mailed copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to SVAC’s shareholders as of the record date of June 12, 2026. Before making any investment or voting decision, investors and security holders of SVAC and General Fusion are urged to read the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and any amendments or supplements thereto, as well as all other relevant materials filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the Proposed Business Combination as they become available because they will contain important information about General Fusion, SVAC and the Proposed Business Combination. Investors and security holders are able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by SVAC through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed by SVAC may be obtained free of charge from SVAC’s website at https://sv-ac.com or by directing a request to Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III, Attn: Corporate Secretary, 2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1675, Dallas, Texas 75201. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this document is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.

Participants in the Solicitation

General Fusion, SVAC and their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies from SVAC’s shareholders in connection with the Proposed Business Combination. For more information about the names, affiliations and interests of SVAC’s directors and executive officers, please refer to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement, Proxy Statement and other relevant materials filed or to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Proposed Business Combination when they become available. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the Proxy Statement/Prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above.

No Offer or Solicitation

This document shall not constitute a “solicitation” as defined in Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This document shall not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, the solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation to purchase, any securities, or a solicitation of any vote, consent or approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale may be unlawful under the laws of such jurisdiction. No offering of securities in the Proposed Business Combination shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

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ASTRI Showcases Pioneering Technologies at InnoCarnival 2026

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October 24, 2026

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Driving Technology Adoption, Shaping a Vision for the Future

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is proud to present a range of cutting-edge technologies and practical solutions at this year’s InnoCarnival, spanning communications technology, smart cities, IoT sensing, and renewable energy and energy storage. ASTRI’s innovations address urban development needs and everyday applications, driving diversity in the innovation and technology (I&T) sector.

Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the InnoCarnival 2026 runs from today through 1 November at Hong Kong Science Park (HKSP) with the theme of “Lead with I&T, Dream to Fly High “, offering the public an opportunity to experience the transformative power and I&T vibrancy.

Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, stated: “Innovation is not just about breakthroughs in the lab – it’s about putting technology into practice, empowering industries, and benefiting society as a whole. At ASTRI, we align closely with the government’s priorities in advancing AI development and accelerating new industrialisation. Through our participation in the InnoCarnival, we showcase various state-of-the-art technologies, some of which have been co-developed with industry partners and are already in commercial rollout. These innovations demonstrate the tangible benefits of technology in daily life and inspire the public to explore their curiosity about science and innovation.”

He highlighted the InnoCarnival as a key platform to bridge the I&T community with the public. “This annual landmark event motivates young people to explore their potential and encourages them to pursue careers in Hong Kong’s growing I&T sector,” he added.

ASTRI’s booth (A08), located at the HKSP’s Atrium Link, features interactive games powered by its groundbreaking technologies “5G-SAT Link” and “Omniguard-All-Weather Multispectral Surveillance System” technologies. Visitors can also explore other advanced solutions on display, including the dual-purpose “SafeStop Dual-purpose Impact Dissipation Bollard”, the “Hybrid-Powered Asset Tracker”, and the award-winning “NIR Secure Anti-Counterfeit Solutions”, which received gold award at the prestigious Edison Awards.

1. 5G-SAT Link
ASTRI’s “5G-SAT Link” technology delivers seamless, comprehensive communications coverage—even in remote areas, emergency scenarios where infrastructure is compromised, or at sea and in the air.

2. Omniguard: All-Weather Multispectral Surveillance System
The “Omniguard” is equipped with exceptional fog penetration capabilities, superior contrast, and crystal-clear signal quality. Leveraging its advanced shortwave and longwave infrared sensors, the system can even detect non-metallic vessels that are difficult for radar systems to identify in harsh coastal environments.

3. SafeStop Dual-purpose Impact Dissipation Bollard
Developed by ASTRI, the “SafeStop Bollard” features a unique material design inspired by the retractable claw structure of cats. Its 3D tension-expansion composition allows it to effectively dissipate kinetic energy from moving vehicles, providing dual protection by blocking vehicles while minimising potential harm to occupants. Certified to meet international crash-test standards, the bollard’s shallow foundation design makes it ideal for fast and efficient installation in high-traffic urban locations.

4. Hybrid-Powered Asset Tracker
The “Hybrid-Powered Asset Tracker” enables efficient, real-time management of airport equipment such as baggage carts over extended periods. Supported by the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the tracker is compatible with airport wireless networks and utilises automatic Bluetooth-GPS switching for seamless indoor and outdoor location updates. With a long-lasting battery combined with an efficient, low-light solar panel, the tracker extends its lifespan from under two years to five years.

5. NIR Secure Anti-Counterfeit Solutions
The “NIR Secure Anti-Counterfeit Solutions” offer an innovative authentication system by embedding covert near-infrared (NIR) absorbing materials into product packaging. Users can verify product authenticity instantly using a smartphone, paired with an NIR reader and mobile app. Highly scalable and robust, this solution combats counterfeit goods while preserving the original product design and production workflow. Co-developed with Zhuhai Print-Rite New Materials Corporation Ltd., this technology sets a new benchmark in secure authentication.

Photos Download: https://bit.ly/4iguifh

About ASTRI

Founded in 2000 by the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is the city’s largest government-funded R&D centre. Committed to transforming high-impact research into practical innovations, ASTRI drives market-driven, interdisciplinary advancements across sectors, including Smart City, FinTech, Digital Health and Life Sciences, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Advanced Electronics, New Energy and Energy Storage, and Green and ESG Technologies. Following its merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, ASTRI has further strengthened its capabilities, with over 1,500 patents and 2,200 successful cases of technology transfer. Recognised with numerous international awards, ASTRI continues to nurture top I&T talent and foster collaborations among the I&T ecosystem, contributing to Hong Kong’s high-value economic development. For more information, please visit: https://www.astri.org 

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SOURCE Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI)

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Best Magnetic Stand Cases for iPhone 18 Pro & iPhone 18 Pro Max in 2026: TORRAS Recognized as a Top Choice by Expert Consumers

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9 minutes ago

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Expert Consumers has recognized the TORRAS Magnetic Stand Case as a top choice for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max users seeking built-in stand functionality, magnetic accessory support, and everyday convenience. The recognition highlights TORRAS’s Q-series and O-series lineup, including Q3 Spin, O3 Fitness, Q3 Silicone, Q3 Wind, Q3 VegSkin, and Q3 Air Essential.

Best MagSafe Cases:

TORRAS – offers magnetic stand cases with rotating and adjustable viewing mechanisms, support for compatible MagSafe accessories, and different materials and grip designs. Its Ostand lineup provides options for desk work, entertainment, fitness, travel, and everyday smartphone use.

As smartphones become increasingly central to video calls, navigation, streaming, and mobile work, the role of a phone case has expanded beyond protection. For consumers researching the best MagSafe case, the ability to position a phone hands-free, connect compatible accessories, and maintain comfortable everyday handling can make a meaningful difference.

Expert Consumers examined the features that matter when choosing a magnetic stand case, including stand practicality, viewing flexibility, magnetic functionality, charging compatibility, material feel, and documented durability features. The review highlights how TORRAS addresses these priorities through multiple stand configurations and case designs.

TORRAS Ostand Series Combines Stand and Magnetic Functionality

The TORRAS Ostand lineup integrates stand mechanisms into magnetic phone cases, reducing the need for separate hands-free viewing accessories. Rather than offering one universal configuration, the Q-series and O-series address different preferences for stand movement, grip, materials, and everyday use.

The TORRAS Q3 Spin features a 360-degree rotating ring stand that folds flat when not in use. The design supports flexible positioning for portrait video calls, landscape streaming, and desk use. For the iPhone 18 Pro version, TORRAS specifies an 18N magnetic holding force for compatible accessories and states that the stand mechanism has been tested through 30,000 rotations.

The TORRAS O3 Fitness offers additional adjustment for users who frequently move between handheld and hands-free activities. Available for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, its aluminum stand provides 360-degree rotation, up to 180-degree tilt, and grip functionality. TORRAS lists 38 N56 magnets arranged in a Halbach array, delivering up to 18N of magnetic force. The design is particularly relevant for workouts, filming, travel, and video calls.

For users prioritizing a softer case feel, the TORRAS Q3 Silicone combines a liquid silicone exterior with a 360-degree rotating stand. Its documented iPhone 18 Pro Max version uses N52 magnets in a Halbach array for compatible magnetic charging and accessories. A microfiber interior and reinforced construction complement the soft-touch finish, supporting comfortable everyday handling.

The TORRAS Q3 Wind takes a related approach to comfort while offering a different stand configuration. Its iPhone 18 Pro Max version features 360-degree rotation and an opening range of up to 180 degrees. The stand can also function as a finger grip. TORRAS specifies N56 magnets in a Halbach array with an 18N magnetic holding force, combining flexible viewing with magnetic accessory support.

The TORRAS Q3 VegSkin emphasizes material finish alongside everyday functionality. Available for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, it features an organic silicone-leather exterior and a 360-degree rotating aluminum stand. Its N56 Halbach magnetic system provides a stated 18N holding force. The combination makes it suitable for meetings, commuting, presentations, and users who prefer a more refined case appearance.

The TORRAS Q3 Air Essential combines rotating stand functionality with textured handling surfaces and Air Pro cushioning. Available in dedicated iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max versions, it features a 360-degree rotating stand for hands-free viewing and a stated magnetic holding force of up to 18N. Its textured exterior is designed to support grip during everyday use, while cushioning provides an additional protective element.

Together, these models demonstrate how integrated stand cases can accommodate different routines without requiring users to rely on separate stands or grips.

Practical Features for Everyday Phone Use

A magnetic stand case becomes more useful when its design matches the way a phone is used. The TORRAS lineup includes configurations suited to several everyday situations:

Desk work and streaming: Q3 Spin provides a rotating ring stand for changing between portrait and landscape viewing.Fitness and filming: O3 Fitness combines 360-degree rotation, up to 180-degree tilt, and grip functionality for flexible positioning.Comfortable everyday handling: Q3 Silicone and Q3 Wind combine soft-touch finishes with adjustable stand mechanisms.Office use and commuting: Q3 VegSkin offers rotating stand functionality with a leather-inspired exterior.Travel and hands-free viewing: Q3 Air Essential combines a rotating stand with textured grip and cushioning.

Magnetic functionality is another shared consideration. The featured models support compatible MagSafe chargers and accessories, including magnetic mounts and wallets. However, magnet grades, arrangements, and attachment specifications differ between models.

These distinctions allow buyers to consider not only whether a case supports MagSafe accessories, but also how its stand mechanism and exterior design suit everyday habits.

Evaluating Durability, Handling, and Design

Expert Consumers’ evaluation considers the practical trade-offs of integrated stand cases. A built-in stand can reduce the need for additional accessories, but it also introduces a moving component that should be evaluated for convenience, durability, and comfort.

Stand construction varies across the lineup. Q3 Spin uses a rotating ring mechanism, while O3 Fitness offers additional tilt adjustment. Q3 Wind combines rotation with a wider opening range, and Q3 Silicone, Q3 VegSkin, and Q3 Air Essential provide their own approaches to rotating stand functionality.

Material choice also affects handling. The TORRAS magnetic stand case lineup includes soft silicone finishes, leather-inspired textures, and textured cushioning designs intended to address different preferences for grip and everyday carrying.

Manufacturer-stated testing offers additional product context. TORRAS reports 30,000 rotations for the Q3 Spin stand mechanism, although such figures should not be treated as guarantees of performance under every condition.

Protection features should also be considered separately from stand durability. Raised edges, cushioning, and reinforced construction may contribute to a case’s protective design, but the best choice ultimately depends on the intended phone model, handling preferences, and frequency of hands-free use.

A Complementary Screen-Protection Option

TORRAS also offers the SunView AR Ultra Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, as well as iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.

The protector incorporates seven anti-reflective layers and two anti-fouling layers. TORRAS specifies film-only reflectance below 0.8%, light transmittance above 95%, and approximately 97% coverage through its 2.5D silk-screened glass.

Designed to reduce distracting reflections and fingerprint oils, the protector offers a complementary option for users who frequently check maps, messages, workout information, or camera previews outdoors.

Choosing a Magnetic Stand Case

Expert Consumers’ recognition of TORRAS highlights the growing importance of integrated stand functionality in everyday phone accessories. Rather than selecting a case solely for its appearance or magnetic attachment, buyers can consider viewing flexibility, stand construction, material feel, charging compatibility, and intended use.

The TORRAS Ostand lineup provides several approaches to these priorities. Q3 Spin emphasizes rotating viewing positions, O3 Fitness adds movement and grip flexibility, Q3 Silicone and Q3 Wind focus on comfortable handling, Q3 VegSkin combines functionality with a refined finish, and Q3 Air Essential balances adjustable viewing with textured grip and cushioning.

For consumers comparing magnetic stand cases for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, the most suitable option depends on viewing preferences, magnetic accessory compatibility, and everyday handling. Shoppers can explore the TORRAS Magnetic Stand Case to learn more about its integrated stand functionality and magnetic features.

The full review, including detailed product comparisons and buying considerations, is available at the Expert Consumers site.

About TORRAS

TORRAS creates technology accessories that combine protection, thoughtful engineering, and practical everyday function. Across the Q3 Air, Q3 Air Pro, and Ostand product lines, the brand challenges the idea that better protection must mean more bulk, while using Ostand to make hands-free use and spontaneous content capture part of daily life.

About ExpertConsumers.org: Expert Consumers delivers news and insights on consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

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SOURCE ExpertConsumers.org

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2026 China Marine Economy Expo Kicks Off: Embarking Together on a Journey Toward Digital and Smart Ocean

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October 24, 2026

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 22, Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center was illuminated in a deep ocean blue as the 2026 China Marine Economy Expo—themed “Digital and Smart Ocean: Co-creating a Sustainable Future”—officially opened. Spanning an exhibition area of 50,000 square meters, the expo hosts over 350 enterprises and is expected to attract 25,000 professional visits. It focuses on core marine sectors and cutting-edge fields, featuring eight exhibition zones including integrated deep-sea and far-sea energy development and application, green shipping and low-carbon logistics, marine electronic information, marine ecology and sustainable development, offshore applications of the low-altitude economy, full-space marine monitoring and disaster early warning, marine biomedicine, and modern marine services and coastal cultural tourism, as well as three specialized exhibition zones dedicated to international participation, industrial clusters, and accelerated technological innovation, which together present the complete ecosystem of marine industries across their entire value chain.

The international zone stands as one of the most prominent core zones. For the first time, China Marine Economy Expo has introduced a Guest Country of Honor mechanism, with France serving as the inaugural honoree. France pavilion offers an immersive experience of its Mission Neptune, and showcases the achievements of Sino-French cooperation in deep-sea research, polar affairs, marine engineering, digital marine technologies, etc. in collaboration with Deep Blue Voyager 2035 global ocean expedition (an international cooperation initiative under UN Ocean Decade spearheaded by China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association) and Fujian Ocean Innovation Center.

Hainan, as the inaugural Guest Province of Honor, has brought its leading enterprises to the expo. The enterprises unveil solutions in deep-sea oil and gas, marine renewable energy, deep-sea equipment manufacturing, marine tourism, fisheries, modern marine services, marine biomedicine, subsea embodied-AI robots, large AI models for marine application, quantum-based marine communication and navigation, as well as progress in the development of service and support bases for South China Sea resource exploration, and maritime search and rescue facilities.

Many leading Chinese enterprises, industry front runners and emerging companies are present to demonstrate their capabilities.

Enterprises including China Merchants Group, China Communications Construction Group, China International Marine Containers, and Shenzhen Mawan Smart Port present innovations in smart shipping, offshore engineering and port operations. Tech companies like China Telecom, Huawei, Hikvision and China Unicom introduce cross-industry solutions covering large marine AI models, open sea networked communications, subsea cables and underwater connectors, and digital twin technology for the marine environment.

Underwater robotics section offers a particularly immersive experience. Companies such as CRRC SMD, Boya Gongdao, VVLAI, Sealien Robotics, Seahi, T-SEA Tech, QYSEA Technology, Chasing Innovation, and Wujiang Ocean showcase a diverse range of equipment from consumer-grade robots to 6,000 m industrial-grade submersibles, deep-sea trenching gear, and autonomous underwater exploration and imaging installations. Shenzhen Energy Group highlights a project integrating seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production with offshore wind power generation. SANYA Oceanographic Laboratory presents its Magic Needle large AI model for the South China Sea. ZJU-Hengyi Global Innovation Research Center, Zhejiang University features Haihong II deep-sea unmanned submersible.

There is also a wealth of standout innovations in marine materials and parts. Exhibits such as heavy plates for offshore engineering from Baosteel Zhanjiang Steel, deep-sea robotic arms from KathayBot, deep-sea optoelectronic connectors from Lansuo Technology, pressure resistant spherical hulls from Yancheng Huida Glass Instrument, and solid buoyancy materials from T21 offer visitors a glimpse into the essential materials and parts that underpin China’s major national equipment. Professional service organizations including China Classification Society, China Rescue & Salvage, and Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration provide expertise in areas ranging from testing and certification to emergency response, commercial arbitration, and legal services. Additionally, regional delegations from Guangdong, Hainan, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Shenzhen’s Dapeng and Bao’an districts, Huizhou, and Shantou stage a diverse array of marine projects and technological innovations.

Meanwhile, the 2026 Shenzhen Global Marine Economy Forum, serving as a premier platform for international exchanges within China Marine Economy Expo, took place from October 22 to 23. Nearly 50 high-level representatives and professionals from more than 10 countries and regions engaged in in-depth discussions to advance initiatives related to ecological conservation, the resilience of coastal cities, the value of blue carbon, blue finance, and sustainable urban development.

Industry matchmaking and investment promotion efforts also advance steadily, exemplified by events including International Shipping and Cross-Border Trade Matchmaking, Inaugural Greater Bay Area Blue Ocean Summit on University Sci-Tech Innovation and Capital, investment and financing roadshows by marine SMEs, and Investment Promotion for Shenzhen’s Marine Industries. Notably, the 2026 Investment Promotion for Shenzhen’s Marine Industries—held on October 23 and co-hosted by the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Marine Development and the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, with the support of Bao’an, Longgang and Guangming districts—attracted representatives from around 100 enterprises and organizations specializing in high-end shipping, new energy vessels, deep-sea equipment and other related sectors.

From the technological feast inside exhibition halls to forums covering global ocean governance, blue finance and APEC regional cooperation, and further to city-wide ocean week, yacht shows and public science outreach activities, this edition of China Marine Economy Expo boasts both in-depth professional content for the marine sector and inclusive public experiences with a humanistic touch. It serves not only as a vivid microcosm of the transformation and advancement of China’s marine industries, but also as a vital link for deepening global maritime cooperation and venturing into deep ocean. By gathering guests from all over the world for a journey toward digitally-empowered smart ocean governance, the event ushers in a new chapter of high-quality development in the global marine economy.

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SOURCE 2026 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE)

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