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Aitomatic Unveils SemiKong: AI Breakthrough Set to Reshape $500B Semiconductor Industry

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PALO ALTO, Calif., July 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Aitomatic today announced SemiKong, the world’s first open-source AI Large Language Model (LLM) designed specifically for the semiconductor industry. Unveiled at SEMICON West 2024, SemiKong aims to revolutionize semiconductor processes and fabrication technology, potentially reshaping the $500B semiconductor industry in the next five years.

SemiKong is the world’s first open-source AI Large Language Model designed specifically for the semiconductor industry.

SemiKong is the result of a collaborative effort within the AI Alliance, an industry-wide initiative promoting open and responsible AI development. Built upon the open-source Llama3 model from Meta, an AI Alliance member, SemiKong leverages expertise from leading semiconductor companies, including Tokyo Electron, and AI specialists like FPT Software. This approach exemplifies the AI Alliance’s commitment to open science and cross-industry innovation.

In industry-specific tasks, SemiKong demonstrates marked improvements in accuracy, relevance, and understanding of semiconductor processes, often outperforming larger general-purpose models. This performance boost offers potential for accelerated innovation and reduced costs across the semiconductor value chain.

Dr. Christopher Nguyen, CEO of Aitomatic, leader behind the SemiKong project, and Co-Lead of the Foundation Models Focus Area in the AI Alliance, stated: “SemiKong is set to redefine semiconductor manufacturing. This open innovation model, enabled by the AI Alliance, harnesses collective expertise for industry-specific challenges. At Aitomatic, we’re using SemiKong to create Domain-Specific AI Agents that tackle complex fabrication problems with unprecedented effectiveness.”

Dr. Yann LeCun, VP and Chief AI Scientist at Meta, the company behind Llama3 and a member of the AI Alliance, added, “SemiKong, built on Llama3, shows open-source AI’s potential to drive specialized innovation. It’s a prime example of why we advocate for AI openness.”

Atsushi Suzuki, Director of Product Lifecycle Management DX at Tokyo Electron and AI Alliance member, highlighted: “As an industry expert collaborating through the AI Alliance, I believe SemiKong represents a significant step forward in applying AI to semiconductor manufacturing.”

Daisuke Oku, Senior Specialist at Tokyo Electron and an early proposer of a Semiconductor Industry Model, added: “SemiKong is the beginning of an exciting journey in open-source AI for semiconductors. Aitomatic’s innovative approach has the potential to create huge leaps for our industry.”

Dr. Phong Nguyen, Chief AI Officer of FPT Software, noted: “FPT Software is excited to be part of this innovative initiative and eager to explore the potential applications of this model, especially to spark the convergence of global AI and Semiconductor. We are confident that our participation will reinforce our position as a frontrunner in shaping the future of the global semiconductor industry.”

As SemiKong drives down semiconductor production costs, consumers could see more powerful smartphones, laptops, and smart home devices at lower prices within the next few years.

Aitomatic, Tokyo Electron, and FPT Software are all AI Alliance members. Founded in 2023, the AI Alliance builds, enables, and advocates for open innovation across the AI technology landscape, including software, data and models, safety, security and trust, tooling, evaluation, hardware, education, open science, and advocacy.

SemiKong was developed as one of AI Alliance core projects addressing substantial cross-community challenges and providing an opportunity for individual contributors and members to collaborate, build, and make an impact on the future of AI.

Dr. Anthony Annunziata, IBM Director of AI Open Innovation and AI Alliance Engagement, commented: “This work exemplifies how The AI Alliance’s mission of open collaboration can bring together diverse expertise to drive advancement in applying AI to critical industries like semiconductor manufacturing.”

SemiKong will be available for download on HuggingFace and GitHub. It serves as a foundation for companies to develop proprietary models while leveraging industry-wide knowledge. The next, more powerful version of SemiKong is planned for December 2024, with the first process-specific models expected by September 2024.

The collaborators are committed to ongoing R&D, aiming to build an ecosystem of AI tools that will propel the semiconductor industry into a new era of innovation and efficiency. This breakthrough could accelerate progress in fields from quantum computing to renewable energy technologies.

For more information, visit https://www.semikong.ai.

About Aitomatic:
Silicon Valley-based Aitomatic is a leader in Industrial Generative-AI, specializing in advanced AI models for semiconductor manufacturing. CEO Dr. Christopher Nguyen, with expertise in both semiconductor and AI technologies honed at Stanford, Intel, Google, and Panasonic, drives the company’s innovation. Aitomatic’s OpenSSA-based products, aiKO and aiVA, capture and convert human domain expertise into precise AI agents, making it a sought-after partner for semiconductor enterprises worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.aitomatic.com/.

About FPT Software:
FPT Software, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation, is a global technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam, with $1 billion in revenue (2023) and over 30,000 employees in 30 countries. The company champions complex business opportunities and challenges with its world-class services in Advanced Analytics, AI, Digital Platforms, Cloud, Hyperautomation, IoT, Low-code, and so on. It has partnered with over 1,000+ clients worldwide, 91 of which are Fortune Global 500 companies in Aviation, Automotive, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Healthcare, Logistics, Manufacturing, Utilities, and more. For more information, please visit https://fptsoftware.com/

Media Contact:
Elise Nguyen
Aitomatic
elise@aitomatic.com

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VERNAL CAPITAL ACQUISITION CORP. ANNOUNCES PRICING OF $100 MILLION INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

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NEW YORK, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vernal Capital Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: VECA) (“Vernal”) announced the pricing of its initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 10,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit. The units are expected to trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under “VECAU” beginning May 6, 2026. Each unit consists of one ordinary share and one right to receive one-fourth of one ordinary share upon consummation of an initial business combination. Upon separate trading, the ordinary shares and rights are expected to be listed on NYSE under “VECA” and “VECAR,” respectively.

D. Boral Capital LLC is acting as sole book-running manager of the offering. The underwriters have a 45-day option to purchase up to 1,500,000 additional units to cover any over-allotments. The offering is expected to close on May 7, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

A registration statement for these securities was declared effective by the SEC on May 5, 2026. The offering is made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained, from D. Boral Capital LLC, 590 Madison Ave., 39th Floor, New York, New York 10022, by telephone at (212) 970-5150 or by email at dbccapitalmarkets@dboralcapital.com.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or to buy, nor shall there be any sale where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the applicable securities laws.

About Vernal

Vernal is a blank check company formed to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Vernal’s target search will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” including statements regarding Vernal’s IPO. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. No assurance can be given that the offering will be completed on the terms described, or at all. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, beyond Vernal’s control, including those in the Risk Factors section of Vernal’s registration statement filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Vernal disclaims any obligation to release publicly updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in Vernal’s expectations, except as required by law.

Contact

Binghan Yi, CFO
binghan@vernal.com
www.vernalspac.com

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RIVANNA nominated for MedTech Scale-Up of the Year at MedTech World Awards 2026 | North America

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Nomination places the Charlottesville-based company among growth-stage medtech leaders recognized for commercial momentum in AI-powered clinical decision support; public voting is open through May 8

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RIVANNA®, developer of AI-powered clinical decision-support solutions, today announced that it has been nominated for MedTech Scale-Up of the Year at the MedTech World Awards 2026 | North America. Public voting is open through Friday, May 8, 2026, with category winners to be announced at the inaugural North American Awards Gala on May 11, 2026, at the Hilton West Palm Beach in Florida.

The MedTech Scale-Up of the Year category honors a growth-stage company successfully scaling revenues, partnerships, and adoption across the global medical technology ecosystem. Nominees across the program’s 22 categories were selected through a structured process led by the MedTech World Steering Committee, with category winners determined by a combination of expert evaluation and public voting from the global MedTech community.

“We have built RIVANNA on validation earned from the most rigorous technical buyers in healthcare: competitive federal awards translated into FDA-cleared products, each paired with a commercial program that meets clinicians where they work,” said Will Mauldin, PhD, Co-founder and CEO of RIVANNA. “Being nominated for MedTech Scale-Up of the Year is a meaningful affirmation of that approach and the team executing it.”

Public voting closes Friday, May 8, 2026. Members of the MedTech community are invited to support RIVANNA’s nomination at the official voting page: vote here.

The award nomination follows a year of measurable scaling for RIVANNA:

In October 2025, RIVANNA reported on being named a finalist in MedTech Innovator’s 2025 Early-Stage Grand Prize competition, selected from nearly 1,500 global applicants to represent the top 4% of medtech innovations worldwide.In December 2025, RIVANNA reported on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 510(k) clearance of its Accuro® 3S Needle Guide Kit consumables, building on existing Accuro 3S device clearance.In April 2026, RIVANNA reported on peer-reviewed findings, published in 2025 in the Journal of Emergency Medicine (DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2025.11.011), showing that the Accuro® XV musculoskeletal imaging system enables non-physician operators to acquire diagnostic-quality scans after just one hour of hands-on training.In May 2026, RIVANNA reported on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 510(k) clearance of the Accuro® XV Diagnostic Ultrasound System for musculoskeletal imaging, authorizing commercial use across hospital and clinic settings.The company’s clinical program now spans eight sites nationwide with more than 1,500 patients enrolled.

The 2026 MedTech World Awards | North America, powered by Blue Goat Cyber, will be presented Monday, May 11, 2026, at the inaugural North American Awards Gala at the Hilton West Palm Beach, marking the first time the MedTech World Awards have been hosted in the United States.

About the MedTech Scale-Up of the Year Award
Presented by MedTech World, the MedTech Scale-Up of the Year category recognizes growth-stage medical technology companies demonstrating strong commercial momentum, expanding partnerships, and accelerating real-world adoption. The award is one of 22 categories spanning innovation, clinical excellence, regulatory strategy, investment, and leadership across the global MedTech ecosystem.

About RIVANNA
RIVANNA® is a medical technology company developing clinical decision-support solutions powered by proprietary clinical datasets, AI models, and purpose-built imaging hardware. The company’s platform automates complex anatomical analysis at the point of care, enabling faster, more confident clinical decisions while reducing variability and expanding access to advanced capabilities. The first applications target significant market opportunities in regional anesthesia and fracture care. RIVANNA has built a proven FDA regulatory track record across its Accuro® platform, with device clearances for Accuro® 3S (spinal needle guidance) and Accuro® XV (musculoskeletal imaging), a portfolio of supporting cleared consumables, and AI software modules advancing through regulatory review. The company is backed by 100+ patents and validated through clinical partnerships with leading academic medical centers. RIVANNA is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, and operates an FDA-registered, ISO 13485:2016-certified manufacturing facility. Learn more at rivannamedical.com.

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D2L Launch Week Highlights Latest Product Releases

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Latest innovations are designed to save time, simplify workflows, and help drive better learning outcomes

TORONTO, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – D2L, a global leader in learning innovation, hosted its first-ever D2L Launch Week, a four-day virtual webinar series spotlighting the company’s latest product innovations across D2L Brightspace in 2026.

Throughout the week, D2L showcased a range of product releases through live demos and practical customer use cases, highlighting how institutions, school districts and organizations can help to drive engagement and improve learning outcomes. The featured updates include enhancements to D2L Lumi for idea generation, intervention suggestions, quiz creation and summarization; tools to strengthen parent and guardian outreach; and administrative capabilities designed to help large organizations delegate course and configuration management more effectively.

“We’re proud to showcase the ways D2L continues to innovate to help make learning more personalized, efficient, and scalable,” said Christian Pantel, Chief Product Officer at D2L. “From new D2L Lumi features to enhanced communication tools and more flexible distributed administration capabilities, these updates are designed to help our customers save time, improve usability, and deliver better learning experiences at scale.”

Enhancements to D2L Lumi

Among the new capabilities were several updates to D2L’s AI-native tool, D2L Lumi, designed to improve usability, transparency, and alignment across workflows, including:

D2L Lumi Ideas: Generates assignment and discussion ideas directly within Brightspace, making it easier to generate high quality content aligned to learning outcomes.D2L Lumi Insights: Gives educators access to learning intervention suggestions, designed to provide recommended next steps based on learner data.D2L Lumi Quiz: Helps educators generate questions from multiple course content topics and includes a more streamlined question-generation workflow.D2L Lumi Summary: Supports summarization from more content sources, including nested submodules, and can give educators the ability to preview and adjust source text before summarization.

Updates to Parent and Guardian Communications

D2L also introduced new parent and guardian communication enhancements to help K-12 educators strengthen engagement beyond the classroom. Teachers can now send bulk emails to all parents and guardians associated with students in their class. For individual student outreach, teachers can also email parents and guardians of a specific learner, making it easier to share timely updates on student progress and classroom activity.

Manage Distributed Administration at Scale

Distributed Administration gives organizations more flexibility to delegate administrative responsibilities across organization levels. With Distributed Administration, administrators can manage specific areas, enabling them to oversee courses while helping to reduce bottlenecks and free up time.

Learn more about the latest product releases showcased at D2L Launch Week.

About D2L   
D2L is transforming the way the world learns, helping learners achieve more than they dreamed possible. Working closely with customers all over the world, D2L is on a mission to make learning more inspiring, engaging and human. Find out how D2L helps transform lives and delivers outstanding learning outcomes in K-12, higher education and businesses.

D2L Media Contact
PR@D2L.com
X: @D2L
© 2026 D2L Corporation.

The D2L family of companies includes D2L Inc., D2L Corporation, D2L Ltd, D2L Australia Pty Ltd, D2L Europe Ltd, D2L Asia Pte Ltd, D2L India Pvt Ltd, D2L Brasil Soluções de Tecnologia para Educação Ltda and D2L Sistemas de Aprendizaje Innovadores, S. D2 R.L de C.V., and H5P Group AS.

All D2L and H5P marks are owned by the D2L group of companies. Please visit D2L.com/trademarks for a list of D2L marks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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