Technology

SCORE Welcomes Four New Board Members to Advance Small Business Success

Published

1 day ago

July 10, 2026

New board members bring expertise in finance, technology, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship to support SCORE’s mission of helping small businesses start, grow and thrive.

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to its board of directors.

Collectively, the new directors bring decades of experience in entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, artificial intelligence (AI), finance and technology, strengthening SCORE’s ability to support America’s small business community.

“As SCORE continues to expand its reach and support more entrepreneurs nationwide, we are thrilled to welcome these accomplished leaders to our board of directors,” said SCORE Board Chair Julie Poland. “Their diverse perspectives and deep expertise will help strengthen SCORE’s impact, guide our future growth and ensure we continue delivering the mentorship, resources and education entrepreneurs need to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment.”

New Members of the Board of Directors

Carlos Blanco

Carlos Blanco is a technology executive, entrepreneur, investor and advisor with more than 30 years of experience leading high-growth organizations and expanding global partnerships. He has held leadership roles at Calabrio, Jamf, Dynatrace and Citrix, and has founded and invested in multiple ventures across technology, healthcare and consumer industries. A dedicated mentor and supporter of entrepreneurship, Carlos brings extensive experience helping businesses accelerate growth and achieve market success.

Kelly Spillane

Kelly Spillane brings more than 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, investor and advocate for small businesses. She currently leads emerging-brand investments and the supplier lending program at Whole Foods Market and previously served as small business advocate for the State of Texas. Her experience supporting and advising entrepreneurs aligns closely with SCORE’s mission to help small business owners succeed.

Rachel Wei West

Rachel Wei West is a venture investor, operator and board director with expertise in artificial intelligence, fintech and emerging technologies. Throughout her career, she has advised leading organizations, including Fidelity, State Street, Vanguard and Bank of America, and served as president of Boatsetter. She is also the founder of VentureWomen.co, an organization dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs. Her experience in innovation, venture investing and entrepreneurship brings valuable perspective to SCORE’s board of directors.

Sunny Zhang

Dr. Sunny Zhang is the founder and chief evangelist of TrueLeap Inc. and is currently developing Orian.ai, an artificial intelligence operating system for communities and ecosystems. An award-winning educator, entrepreneur, investor and researcher, she brings more than 25 years of expertise in behavioral science, social networks and technology innovation. Through her leadership in business, higher education and entrepreneurship, Dr. Zhang offers valuable experience supporting innovation and advancing entrepreneurial growth.

“Our new directors bring experience that speaks directly to the opportunities and challenges facing today’s entrepreneurs, along with a genuine commitment to the volunteers who make SCORE’s mission possible,” said SCORE Executive Director Thomas Kim. “I am truly grateful they’ve decided to bring that experience to SCORE, and I am confident their leadership will help us build an even stronger future for the small business owners we serve.”

The Executive Committee

Chair: Julie Poland, speaker, author and coach partner for ProActive Leadership Group.

Vice chair: Julie Christiansen, founder of Propel Progress with more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across the consumer goods and manufacturing industries.

Secretary: Ray Lee, SCORE mentor and workshop presenter for more than 15 years who has held various financial leadership positions in several multinational corporations.

Treasurer: Michele Adelman, SCORE mentor and former finance director at Medtronic and Kraft Foods.

Returning Members of the Board

Maggie Aaron, senior government relations manager at Point Digital Finance, former principal at FS Vector and brings extensive Capitol Hill experience from both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Rick Brimacomb, speaker, advisor, investor and founder of Brimacomb.

Ricardo Casas, a former executive with the ExxonMobil Corporation.

Bryan Eckle, founder of Summit2Sea Consulting and Jupiter Peak, LLC, where he currently advises businesses on strategy, growth and innovation.

Jim Helfgott, author, member of the Hofstra Radio Hall of Fame, who held leadership positions for HBO, Time Warner and Liberty Global.

Tim Jeffcoat, founder of Competitive Edge Development, founder of Tsquiggle, former director of the U.S. Small Business Administration in Southeast Texas and an executive with the U.S. Government for 20 years.

Frank Klisanich, a startup consultant and former executive with ConAgra and The Village Company.

Pat Loftus, investor and investment committee member with New World Angels.

Sam Marfatia, former global marketing director for Sealed Air and founder of Pack’n Fresh.

Megan Malone, senior director with the U.S. Government Engagement team at Visa.

John A. McCloskey, former CEO of the Schaeffler Aerospace Group who served on the management boards of FAG Bearings and Schaeffler AG.

Steve R. Smith, a former executive with IBM.

Advancing SCORE’s Mission

Guided by its board of directors and powered by thousands of dedicated volunteers, SCORE remains committed to providing entrepreneurs with the expert guidance and resources they need to confidently start, grow and sustain successful businesses.

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 20 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 7,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories.

SCORE is funded [in part] through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor, start or grow a business, or volunteer your expertise, visit SCORE.org. Follow @SCOREMentors on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X for the latest small business news and resources.

Contact: Alexis Downing, Media@score.org

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SOURCE SCORE

Technology

AlgoLaser Launches DIY KIT MK3: Start, Just That Simple–A Smarter Way to Laser Engrave

Published

13 hours ago

July 11, 2026

SHENZHEN, China, July 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AlgoLaser, a global leader in smart laser engraving technology, today officially launched its latest desktop laser engraver: the DIY KIT MK3. For years, complex assembly, cumbersome operation, and steep learning curves have kept many creators from exploring laser engraving. The DIY KIT MK3 eliminates these barriers. Built around the core promise to ‘Start, Just That Simple,’ it features optimized structural engineering, an intuitive AlgoOS-powered HD touchscreen, and significantly boosted laser performance. From unboxing to final creation, the DIY KIT MK3 seamlessly streamlines the entire process while delivering exceptional value.

Streamlined Assembly for Immediate Use

The DIY KIT MK3 introduces an innovative Structrix Frame, featuring precision alignment slots and cable management. Arriving 95% pre-assembled, the machine can be fully set up in just five simple steps in under 10 minutes. This completely eliminates traditional frustrations like belt tensioning, repeated alignments, and messy wiring.

Intelligent, Computer-Free Operation

Powered by the proprietary AlgoOS, the built-in HD touchscreen enables fully offline, standalone operation. It boasts smart parameter recommendations, drag-and-drop positioning, and direct image processing. Combined with over 400 ready-to-use projects and creative tools like AlgoType and AlgoSketch, the system allows beginners to start creating instantly—no computer or technical expertise required.

Enhanced Power and Speed for Higher Productivity

Equipped with new 8W, 15W, and 20W laser modules, the DIY KIT MK3 delivers up to a 60% power increase over its predecessor. Robust structural and material upgrades fully harness this power, ensuring stable, high-precision engraving at speeds up to 15,000 mm/min. Additionally, the spacious 400×400mm workspace and an efficient repetitive processing mode make intricate designs and small-batch production highly practical, empowering users to easily monetize their craft.

Modular Design for Long-Term Flexibility

The DIY KIT MK3’s modular architecture supports seamless laser module upgrades and effortless integration with accessories like rotary attachments. This flexibility adapts to diverse needs—from scaling an Etsy business to exploring family DIY projects. Furthermore, with an optional Class 1 safety enclosure and multiple built-in monitoring systems, the DIY KIT MK3 provides peace of mind, making it safe for both commercial studios and home environments.

Availability

The DIY KIT MK3 is now available for pre-order exclusively on the official website, algolaser.com. From July 11–31, customers can order during the Super Early Bird window and enjoy exclusive perks, including free gifts and bonus points. It will then launch globally on Amazon and other major platforms starting August 1.

Order now to secure early access before the worldwide launch.

About AlgoLaser

AlgoLaser is a global provider of smart laser engraving solutions, dedicated to empowering makers, educators, and everyday creators around the world. By pairing high-performance hardware with the intuitive AlgoOS operating system, AlgoLaser breaks down technical barriers to make professional-quality creation as simple as everyday printing. The company is committed to helping users of all skill levels effortlessly transform creative ideas into reality, making laser technology easier, safer, and accessible enough for every household. For more information, visit www.algolaser.com.

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SOURCE AlgoLaser

Technology

DRAI Health Introduces SpaceXAI-Powered Personalized Voice Interaction in heyDRAI

Published

16 hours ago

July 11, 2026

New capability delivers more natural, adaptive, and human-centered voice-guided healthcare experiences

LOS ANGELES, July 11, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DRAI Health today announced the launch of a new personalized voice interaction capability within heyDRAI, its AI-powered healthcare platform. Powered by advanced SpaceXAI technology, this innovation enables more natural, expressive, and context-aware voice-guided healthcare interactions, further advancing DRAI Health’s mission to deliver truly patient-centric digital care.

“By integrating SpaceXAI technology into heyDRAI, we are enabling a more natural, adaptive, and emotionally intelligent interface that enhances how patients interact with healthcare information.” said Gor Galstyan, CTO of DRAI Health.

The new capability transforms AI-guided consultations from static, text-based exchanges into dynamic, conversational experiences tailored to each individual user. Patients can select from a range of voice styles—such as calm and reassuring, clear and clinical, or energetic and motivational—allowing interactions to align with their personal preferences and emotional needs.

Unlike conventional text-to-speech systems that simply vocalize scripted content, heyDRAI’s SpaceXAI-powered voice interaction is designed to understand conversational context, adjust tone dynamically, and deliver responses in a more human-like manner. This creates a more engaging and intuitive experience that helps patients feel more comfortable, attentive, and connected throughout their healthcare journey.

Each user’s preferred voice profile is retained across interactions, ensuring continuity and personalization over time, while maintaining flexibility for users to modify their preferences as needed.

Technology Differentiation Through SpaceXAI Integration

The integration of SpaceXAI technology enables a new class of voice interaction that goes beyond traditional AI voice systems by incorporating:

Context-aware response generation rather than static script delivery

Adaptive tone modulation based on conversational flow and user engagement

Improved reasoning and coherence in multi-step healthcare interactions

More natural conversational pacing, reducing cognitive load for users

These capabilities are particularly important in healthcare, where clarity, empathy, and precision directly impact patient understanding and engagement.

Leadership Commentary

“Healthcare conversations are deeply personal. Our goal is to make interactions with AI feel less transactional and more human,” said Gor Galstyan, CTO of DRAI Health. “By integrating SpaceXAI technology into heyDRAI, we are enabling a more natural, adaptive, and emotionally intelligent interface that enhances how patients interact with healthcare information.”

Enhancing the Patient-Centric Healthcare Experience

The introduction of personalized voice interaction represents a significant step forward in DRAI Health’s broader vision to create a continuous, patient-centered healthcare experience spanning:

Wellness and preventive care

Symptom assessment and early intervention

Acute and chronic condition support

Post-acute recovery and ongoing monitoring

By embedding advanced voice interaction into the consultation flow, heyDRAI improves accessibility for a wide range of users, including those who prefer voice-first interaction or may have difficulty engaging with traditional text-based interfaces.

Looking Ahead

The personalized voice capability is now available within heyDRAI and will continue to evolve with additional features, including deeper personalization, multilingual support, and enhanced clinical interaction workflows.

About DRAI Health

DRAI Health is developing AI-powered healthcare technologies designed to transform how patients, providers, and health systems interact with medical information. Through platforms such as heyDRAI, the company focuses on intelligent intake, guided consultation, patient engagement, and clinical decision support.

DRAI Health’s mission is to make healthcare more accessible, personalized, and human-centered, leveraging advanced artificial intelligence combined with real-world clinical insight.

For more information, visit www.draihealth.com.

Media Contact

Kelsey Whiddon, DRAI Health, Inc., 1 818.621.1441, marketing@draihealth.com, https://www.draihealth.com/

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SOURCE DRAI Health, Inc.

Technology

PrimeBOT Brings Personal Robotics to the UN’s AI for Good Summit in Geneva

Published

23 hours ago

July 11, 2026

GENEVA, July 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PrimeBOT, a robotics brand, appeared at the United Nations’ AI for Good Global Summit. The summit, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with over 50 UN agencies including UNESCO, explores how AI can serve human welfare. PrimeBOT defines a new category: the Personal Robot – robots designed for homes and daily life, not production lines, that anyone can own, program, and create with. PrimeBOT came not to showcase technical specs, but to join a global conversation on education, inclusion, and human potential.

Personal robots will reshape how AI is taught. Imagine a child learning to code by teaching a real robot to move and respond. PrimeBOT Q1 offers a developer console for young learners. Children start with block-based programming to choreograph movements, expressions, and conversational responses – turning Q1 into a companion that listens and speaks. They can then convert blocks into Python code and train AI models to recognize gestures or objects, making the entire machine learning cycle tangible. Programming becomes a conversation with a robot, not abstract syntax. PrimeBOT envisions Q1 as an AI learning companion for every family – not replacing teachers or parents, but making education hands-on and playful.

PrimeBOT’s vision is collaboration and integration – robots understanding human needs and augmenting creativity. The brand partners with youth and educational institutions globally, helping people see technology as a connector, not a divider. At the UN, PrimeBOT chose education over spectacle. In its view, technology must let the next generation grow as creators of AI, not just consumers.

PrimeBOT is in dialogue with educational and non-profit organizations across North America and Europe to explore how personal robots can support youth AI literacy. This is a patient journey – not a product announcement, but a shared exploration with educators, parents, and children. The future of personal robots is not something to be defined alone – it will be built together.

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SOURCE PrimeBOT