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Batteries Plus at Full Charge Heading into the Second Half of 2026 with 15 Signed Agreements for 30 New Units

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Specialty Battery and Power Solutions Leader Pairs Multi-Unit Growth with National Recognition and Invests in Leadership, Brand and Community

HARTLAND, Wis., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Batteries Plus, the nation’s leading specialty battery and power solutions service center, is heading into the second half of 2026 with sustained momentum on every front. The brand signed 15 franchise agreements covering 30 units and opened 12 new stores in the first six months of the year, building a strong foundation for the year marked by national recognition, new leadership, expanded strategic partnerships and a growing commitment to community impact.

Commercial-First Model Fuels Multi-Unit Growth
The brand’s growth in 2026 continues to reflect a growing confidence in their diversified, essential-service model, and in its commercial business in particular. Franchisees serving hospitals, school systems, municipalities and community organizations are posting some of the system’s strongest sales results to date.

“Our growth so far this year reflects the strength of a model built for durable, everyday demand,” said Victor Daher, VP of Franchise Development at Batteries Plus. “Owners are increasingly investing in more than one unit, and many are seeing their strongest returns on the commercial side, serving the hospitals, schools and municipalities that depend on reliable power. That commercial-first mindset is fueling both franchisee performance and the pace of our development.”

That momentum was on full display in May at the brand’s annual Sales Achievement Event in Orlando, which recognized top-performing owners from across the system:

150 franchisees representing 75 ownership groups from across the country226 awards presented across categories including commercial growth and operational performanceRookie of the Year honors for Sion Owen, who built a strong commercial presence in the Minneapolis metro after launching through the brand’s Commercial First program

Investing in Leadership, Partnerships and Brand
Batteries Plus spent the first half of 2026 strengthening the engine behind that growth. The brand promoted Jon Sica from Chief Operating Officer to President, reflecting a focus on strategic growth under a proven leadership team. This also comes with the expansion of the franchise development team, adding Rick Schanz as Franchise Development Manager of Resales/Conversions and promoting Scott Buchalter to Senior Director of Relations and Administration.

Batteries Plus also deepened its bench of strategic partners as well, having named event management agency, GoGather, as its Official Strategic Event Management Partner through 2027. The brand also engaged franchise marketing agency, HOTDISH, to sharpen development strategy and reach sophisticated, multi-unit operators. On the consumer side, Batteries Plus launched its national “Battery Pack” advertising campaign, building its Experts in Charge platform by spotlighting the knowledge and personality of the store associates who set the brand apart.

Powering Communities with Purpose
Community impact remained central to the brand’s first half through its Power with Purpose program. In February, Batteries Plus announced its largest single-year holiday contribution to date, donating more than 1.6 million batteries to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program to help ensure donated toys arrive ready to use.

This summer, Batteries Plus extended that commitment through their support of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), as was demonstrated through its Power with Purpose: America 250 campaign in partnership with LUXPRO. In conjunction with the campaign, Batteries Plus and LUXPRO will donate approximately $17,000 to the VFW’s National Veterans Service Program, supporting veterans and their families.

Building AI From the Inside Out
Batteries Plus is also developing and investing in technology designed to strengthen the owner experience. Building on the AI-ready enterprise architecture the brand has developed over the past several years, Batteries Plus is creating proprietary tools in-house rather than turning to an outside vendor, an approach still uncommon across franchising.

“We are investing in this brand the same way our owners are betting on it,” said Joe Malmuth, Chief Development Officer of Batteries Plus. “We spent the past several years building an AI-ready foundation from the inside out rather than buying it off the shelf, and we are now developing proprietary tools on top of it to take friction out of everyday operations for our franchisees and their customers.”

National Brand Recognition
The brand’s first half of the year was matched by a wave of national honors spanning franchising, retail and workplace culture, including:

Named Best Retail Franchise – 2025 by the Global Franchise AwardsNamed to the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, one of the industry’s most competitive and comprehensive rankingsNamed to the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Hall of Fame for the 3rd year in a row since the list was introduced in 2023Recognized as one of the SOCi100 Most Visible Local Enterprise Brands of 2026Included on Forbes’ 2026 Best Midsize Employers List

With over 800 locations open and in development across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Batteries Plus serves as America’s go-to battery and service provider. To explore the full range of services offered to both consumers and businesses, or to find a convenient Batteries Plus location near you, visit: www.batteriesplus.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS:
Batteries Plus is the nation’s leading battery and power solutions service center, offering a comprehensive selection of products, technical expertise, and customized services through a nationwide network of over 800 locations open and in development. Headquartered in Hartland, Wisconsin, and owned by Freeman Spogli, Batteries Plus is dedicated to providing reliable, commercial and residential power solutions – including batteries, lighting, and repair services – to help organizations and customers minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. For more information about Batteries Plus and its franchising opportunities visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

Media Contact: Paige Stark, Fishman Public Relations, pstark@fishmanpr.com

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ScienceOra Demonstrates AI-Assisted Hydrogen-Production Catalyst Design Workflow at Tencent Global Digital Ecosystem Summit

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The workflow spans literature analysis, candidate design, experimental planning and industrial decision support, extending AI4S into materials research

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wenge AI demonstrated an AI-assisted hydrogen-production catalyst design workflow supported by ScienceOra at the 2026 Tencent Global Digital Ecosystem Summit. The demonstration showed how AI for Science (AI4S) can connect literature analysis, catalyst candidate design, experimental planning and industrial decision support, helping materials researchers translate scientific evidence into actionable research plans.

ScienceOra is Wenge AI’s intelligent research decision platform, built on the ScienceOne Scientific Foundation Model. For specialist research tasks such as materials development, the platform brings together scientific models, professional literature, research data and tools to support information access, research-plan development and scientific decision-making.

From literature analysis to catalyst candidate design

The demonstration focused on the design of a high-entropy alloy catalyst for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction. To address the need for high activity and durability, ScienceOra searched professional literature and drew on published research methods and elemental properties to support the development of candidate designs. It also cross-checked optimization proposals against relevant literature, providing researchers with references that could be reviewed and verified.

Rather than simply generating material formulations, the workflow connects documentary evidence, materials knowledge and specific design objectives to support more targeted analysis of candidate solutions. Researchers remain responsible for assessing scientific validity and determining subsequent research directions.

From experimental planning to industrial decision support

For experimental planning, ScienceOra can assist in developing research protocols around candidate designs, helping researchers organize experimental variables and producing testing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and related reference information for subsequent validation.

For industrial applications, the platform can also support comparative analysis across dimensions such as the feasibility of scaled hydrogen production, performance at industrially relevant current densities, durability, raw-material availability and compatibility with mass-production synthesis processes. It can then assist in establishing decision priorities, screening criteria and process-improvement recommendations.

Candidate designs, experimental plans, process recommendations and references can be consolidated into a structured research report, helping R&D teams assess scientific evidence alongside engineering constraints. AI provides analytical and decision support, while experimental testing and scientific validation remain essential parts of materials research.

Previously disclosed collaboration reports design efficiency and activity improvements

In a previously disclosed industry–research collaboration on hydrogen-production catalyst design, ScienceOra supported literature analysis and research-plan development. The collaboration reported a 38% improvement in catalyst activity and reduced the design stage from several months to 30 minutes. The case illustrates the potential of domain-specific AI to connect scientific literature, research design and engineering requirements.

ScienceOra was recently made available on Tencent WorkBuddy, with an initial offering of more than 30 research expert agents and skills covering literature analysis, research hypotheses, plan design, modeling and simulation, validation analysis and research communication. The conference demonstration further illustrated how ScienceOra can be applied to specialist materials research, as AI4S moves beyond general information processing toward support for research workflows and industrial R&D decision-making.

For more information, visit https://www.scienceone.ai/portal/.

About Wenge AI

Wenge AI (1956.HK) is a provider of artificial intelligence technology and service platform products for enterprises. With self-developed large models as its core, the company helps enterprises build practical intelligent platforms and applications. Founded by a team of AI scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenge AI has deep technological expertise in large models, cognitive intelligence and complex-system modeling, and is committed to advancing AI from technological capabilities to enterprise-level applications.

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SOURCE Wenge AI

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Cake Digital Bank Wins Gold at Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards 2026

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ROME, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cake Digital Bank, a digital-only bank from Vietnam, has won Gold at the Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards 2026 for its initiative, “Reinventing Financial Experiences Through an AI-First Banking Model.” Cake was the only financial institution from Vietnam recognized at this year’s awards.

The winners were celebrated in Rome, Italy, during Infosys Finacle Conclave 2026. The 13th edition of the awards attracted 538 submissions from 206 financial institutions across 68 countries, with 37 institutions recognized across ten award categories. The selection process combined voting by industry peers with evaluation by an expert jury of 81 senior banking executives.

The award-winning institutions included leading international banking names such as Santander, Commonwealth Bank, DBS, Maybank, and CaixaBank, reflecting the global scope and competitive landscape of the awards.

John Berry, Chairman of Qorus, observed that the banking industry is entering a new era in which AI is becoming integral to innovation, transforming initiatives and expanding the possibilities of financial services.

Building an AI-First Banking Model from the Ground Up

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to banking innovation, financial institutions face a growing challenge: translating technological capabilities into better customer experiences, greater operational efficiency, and sustainable business performance.

Cake’s AI-first approach reflects this industry shift while taking a different starting point. Rather than integrating AI into established banking processes, Cake was built as a digital-only bank from the outset, embedding AI, data, and automation into its technology architecture, operating model, and customer journeys.

This greenfield foundation has enabled Cake to develop an integrated AI-first banking model, where technology supports how the bank makes decisions, manages operations, and delivers financial services at scale.

Supported by its independently developed core banking and card management systems, Cake applies AI across the banking value chain, from customer onboarding, credit assessment, and fraud prevention to risk management, customer service, and personalized financial recommendations.

Beyond operational efficiency, Cake has also invested in localized AI capabilities designed specifically for Vietnamese users, enabling more accessible, responsive, and personalized financial experiences.

Scaling Growth with Efficiency and Sustainable Business Performance

Nearly six years since its launch, Cake has grown to serve more than 8 million customers, demonstrating the scalability of its branchless digital banking model.

Cake achieved positive EBITDA in Q3 2024, just 3.5 years after launch, marking a significant milestone in demonstrating the viability of its digital-only banking model. The bank subsequently recorded 173% year-on-year revenue growth in 2025, followed by a further 121% growth in 2026, reflecting sustained business momentum as it continues to scale. Meanwhile, average revenue per user (ARPU) increased from USD 12 in 2024 to USD 44 in 2026, highlighting Cake’s ability to generate greater value from its growing customer base.

Beyond customer acquisition, Cake’s growth strategy increasingly focuses on deepening customer relationships and expanding the range of financial needs served through its platform and partner ecosystems. This approach reflects the bank’s evolution toward a mature digital banking model, where scale is complemented by stronger customer engagement, operational efficiency, and long-term business sustainability.

Nguyen Huu Quang, CEO of Cake Digital Bank, said:

“Winning Gold at the Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards is a meaningful international recognition of Cake’s AI-first banking model. From the beginning, our ambition has been to build a digital bank that combines technological innovation with sustainable business performance, while making financial services simpler, more accessible, and more relevant to customers. This recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class banking experiences for Vietnamese users and continuing to advance our AI-first capabilities.”

The Gold Award marks another milestone in Cake’s development as a next-generation AI-first digital bank. It also demonstrates how a banking model developed and scaled in an emerging market can deliver meaningful customer and business outcomes, contributing practical perspectives to the global conversation on the future of digital banking.

In September 2026, Cake was also named “Vietnam’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney under its Group Level Banking Awards, further recognizing the bank’s progress in strategy, technology, and business performance.

About the Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards

The Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards are jointly organized by Qorus, a global association for retail financial institutions, and Infosys Finacle, a digital banking solutions provider. Now in their 13th edition, the awards recognize innovative initiatives and banking models that deliver meaningful impact across the global financial services industry.

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KSAT and Morehead State University Partner to Expand Lunar Communications Infrastructure

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Partnership strengthens the KSAT Lunar Network and supports deep space and lunar exploration

DENVER and MOREHEAD, Ky., Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), a leading provider of ground station networks and satellite operations, today announced a strategic partnership with Morehead State University (MSU) to enhance the KSAT Lunar Network, supporting the growing demand for communications and tracking services for deep space and lunar missions.

The partnership leverages MSU Space Science Center’s established deep space communications capabilities, including its 21-meter and 12-meter-class antennas in Morehead, Kentucky, to further increase the KSAT Lunar Network. Together, the partnership enables mission operators to maintain reliable links with spacecraft operating beyond Earth orbit by adding network capacity and resiliency over the Eastern United States.

“Partnering with MSU advances KSAT’s ability to deliver the communications infrastructure required for the accelerated demand for deep space and lunar missions. We are especially thrilled about this partnership as it helps enable science and exploration space missions today, while developing the next-generation workforce to support the long-term development of the U.S. cislunar economy,” said Dan Adams, General Manager of KSAT Inc.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the future of space exploration through innovation, education, and collaboration,” said Dr. Benjamin K. Malphrus, Executive Director of Space Science Center. “Working with KSAT provides exciting opportunities for our students and researchers while enabling us to contribute directly to the thriving commercial sector.”

KSAT and MSU share a strong commitment and heritage of supporting NASA’s Artemis program, most recently the Artemis II mission, and the broader science and exploration, as well as inspiring the next generation. In addition to expanding KSAT Lunar capabilities, the partnership will create even more opportunities for student involvement and workforce development through KSAT’s internship programs, helping prepare the next generation of engineers and space professionals for careers in the rapidly growing space sector.

About KSAT:

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) is the leading commercial provider of Ground Station Services, Earth Observation Services, and Satellite Operations Services. Headquartered in Tromsø, Norway, the company operates the largest commercial satellite ground station network worldwide, including facilities in Svalbard and Antarctica to provide unique southern hemisphere coverage. Through KSAT Inc., KSAT’s U.S. based full-capability subsidiary, KSAT delivers mission-critical infrastructure for customers in government, civil, and commercial space in the United States, as well as the global space industry. 

About MSU:
Morehead State University (MSU) is a comprehensive, regional university located in Appalachian Kentucky in the Daniel Boone National Forest. MSU is known for excellence in STEM fields and pre-professional programs. The Space Science Center is MSU’s Program of Distinction and manages a significant research and development portfolio in small satellite systems, having executed 7 smallsat missions to date. The Center operates a 21-meter ground station and a 12-meter tracking antenna that provides lunar tracking services and smaller aperture ground stations for satellite telecommunications support. The Center also supports innovative undergraduate, graduate and a Doctor of Engineering program in Space Systems Engineering.

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