Technology
Optimizing Productivity on the Jobsite: DEWALT® Announces Extensive Range of New Innovations in Hand Tools and Accessories Designed for Trade Professionals
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2 years agoon
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DEWALT unveils the 20V MAX* GRABO Lifter boasting a lift-load capacity of up to 265 lbs. max in horizontal lifting, carrying and installing heavy construction materials across all tradesThe IMPACT CONNECT™ System expands with new Inside Pipe Cutter, Nut Runner, and PEX Crimper & Pincher Attachments for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing professionalsJoining the DEWALT TOUGHSERIES™ lineup are new mechanics tool sets and wrench sets featuring powerjaw technology as well as 144-tooth Count Quick Release Ratchets
TOWSON, Md., Sept. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) brand and leader in total jobsite solutions, today announced a new lineup of innovations in its hand tools and accessories category designed to empower tradespeople on the jobsite by optimizing user workflow and productivity. New product offerings, anchored by the 20V MAX* GRABO Lifter and additions to the IMPACT CONNECT™ System, provide solutions for a variety of trades including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and automotive.
“The expansive new roster of groundbreaking hand tools and accessories continues to strengthen DEWALT’s ecosystem of tools and technology that provides end-to-end solutions,” said Dave Veprek, Vice President, Hand Tools, Accessories & Storage, DEWALT. “In alignment with DEWALT’s 100-year legacy of productivity and performance, each product is designed to deliver on the demands of trade professionals, enhancing their workflows every day on the job.”
Introducing the 20V MAX* GRABO Lifter
With a lift-load capacity of up to 265 lbs. max in horizontal lifting and up to 132 lbs. max in vertical lifting, the 20V MAX* GRABO Lifter (DCE592) utilizes a powerful electric vacuum pump to help maximize user control during lifting, carrying or installation applications. The Lifter can be used with a wide range of heavy construction materials including glass, tile, metal, as well as semi-porous materials like wood, drywall, concrete and natural stones. Powered by a DEWALT 20V MAX* battery, the tool offers generous runtime to optimize productivity throughout the workday.
The 20V MAX* GRABO Lifter is equipped with a built-in pressure sensor that automatically controls the pump, helping to maintain the vacuum grip. It also features a digital pressure gauge that communicates pressure developed as well as an audio alarm alerting users when battery level is low, and four metal lift-strap attachment hooks allowing for use of lifting straps (straps sold separately).
The 20V MAX* GRABO Lifter will be available as a bare unit (DCE592B, battery sold separately) or kitted (DCE592D1, battery included) in December where DEWALT products are sold.
IMPACT CONNECT™ System Expands With Inside Pipe Cutter, Nut Runner & PEX Crimper and Pincher Attachments
The DEWALT IMPACT CONNECT™ portfolio continues to grow with several new attachments that quickly transform select DEWALT® 20V MAX* and other pro-grade 18V Impact Drivers into specialized tools for the trades.
Designed with a durable diamond grit cutting edge (manufactured with lab-made diamond particles) that delivers 10X longer life, the IMPACT CONNECT™ Inside Pipe Cutter Attachment (DWAIPCIR) cuts 2X faster† in tough plumbing applications. The attachment cuts a wide range of PVC pipe sized from 1-1/4 in. to 8 in. schedule 40 and features a permanently fixed blade.
The IMPACT CONNECT™ Nut Runner Attachment (DWANRRIR) is 3X faster than running nuts by hand and offers a lifting capacity of up to 100 lbs. † The attachment rotates 360 degrees for accessibility in tight spaces and offers application versatility with seven compatible nut sizes and four compatible rod sizes including 3/8 in. standard and heavy, 1/2 in. standard and heavy, 1/4 in. standard and heavy, and 5/8 in. standard (1/4 in. and 5/8 in. sizes sold separately).The split socket design enables access to trapped nuts to meet the needs of mechanical, electrical, or plumbing professionals utilizing trapeze systems, cable trays, or other threaded rod ceiling suspension systems.
Finally, two new PEX attachments, the IMPACT CONNECT™ PEX Crimper Attachment (DWAPXCIR) and IMPACT CONNECT™ PEX Pincher Attachment (DWAPXPIR) aid in fast, effort-saving work.
The IMPACT CONNECT™ PEX Crimper Attachment delivers 50% faster crimping with 30X less crimping effort†. Available in both 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. ring sizes, the attachment provides one-hand operation capabilities and wire ring supports that help prevent sliding in vertical applications. The IMPACT CONNECT™ PEX Pincher Attachment delivers 6X faster clamps with less than 1% pinching effort.† With a capacity of 3/8 in. to 1 in. pinch rings, users can take on a wide range of pinching applications and complete jobs with confidence utilizing the completion indicator that turns green when the pinch cycle is complete. Both PEX attachments are designed to fit in a standard joist bay and feature 360-degree rotation to help maximize accessibility.
The IMPACT CONNECT™ Inside Pipe Cutter Attachment as well as the PEX Crimper and Pincher Attachments are available now. The Nut Runner Attachment will be available in early 2025 where DEWALT products are sold.
New TOUGHSERIES™ Mechanics Sets and Automotive Tools
Joining the DEWALT TOUGHSERIES™ lineup are several new mechanics tool sets and wrench sets that include design and technology advancements for maneuverability, durability and productivity.
TOUGHSERIES™ Mechanics Tool Sets include new TOUGHSERIES™ Sockets with powerjaw technology providing 30% more torque on rounded fasteners^ as well as TOUGHSERIES™ 144-Tooth Count Quick Release Ratchets that deliver 4X longer life*** and a 2.5-degree arc swing that helps ease movement in tight spaces. Engineered with a full-polish chrome finish that helps provide corrosion resistance, these sets are packed in a durable case for organization and portability. The sets are available in 1/4-in. to 1/2-in. drive sizes and range from 20 pieces to 242 pieces.
The TOUGHSERIES™ 144-Tooth Count Quick Release Ratchets will also be sold separately in a 1/2 in. Drive (DWMT45021), 3/8 in. Drive (DWMT45020) and 1/4 in. Drive (DWMT45019).
New TOUGHSERIES™ Wrench Sets feature powerjaw technology that allows for 30% more torque on rounded fasteners^ with a 15-degree offset to provide access in tight spaces and long panel forging designed to maximize torque. Packed in a stackable TOUGH BOX case with a clear lid, these sets offer visibility and a removable inner tray for use in metal storage drawers. Sets include the:
TOUGHSERIES™ 8-Piece Metric Combination Wrench Set (DWMT45426)TOUGHSERIES™ 8-Piece SAE Combination Wrench Set (DWMT45427)TOUGHSERIES™ 17-Piece SAE Combination Wrench Set (DWMT45428)TOUGHSERIES™ 18-Piece Metric Combination Wrench Set (DWMT45429)
TOUGHSERIES™ Mechanics Tool Sets, Wrench Sets and 144-Tooth Count Quick Release Ratchets are available now where DEWALT products are sold.
DEWALT’s Latest Knives and Lasers
DEWALT has also released several new knives and lasers including:
TOUGHSERIES™ Retractable Utility Knife (DWHT10999): Designed with a new slider mechanism, this knife delivers 2X longer life and debris resistance.^^ATOMIC COMPACT SERIES™ Push and Flip Folding Utility Knife (DWHT10990): With an ergonomic design that makes it 30% more compact ^^^, the knife features one-handed flip-to-open operation for convenience and ease of use.20V MAX* XR® Remote Control 360º Line Laser (DCLE34035): DEWALT’s first remote-control line laser with vertical and rotational adjustments.USB Rechargeable Green Cross Line Laser (DCLE14201G) and Red Cross Line Laser (DCLE14201RB): Designed for accuracy and efficiency with fine adjustment, manual slope and remote control functionality using DEWALT’s new DCLEAUSBRC1 Bluetooth® Remote Control (sold separately with DCLE14201RB).
New knives and lasers are available now where DEWALT products are sold.
To learn more about DEWALT hand tools and accessories please visit: www.dewalt.com.
*Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20. Nominal voltage is 18.
† – DWAIPCIR: vs. legacy IRWIN IRA81643 PVC pipe cutter when cutting 2″ schedule 40 PVC pipe embedded in 6800PSI concrete using DCF887 impact driver, DCBP034 battery, and DW0521 impact chuck (sold separately).
DWANRRIR: 3X Faster – Run time only. On average, running 3/8″ standard nuts on 3/8″ threaded rod using DCF887 impact driver and DCB204 battery (impact driver and battery sold separately) vs. by hand. Lifting capacity up to 100 lbs. – In lab conditions, when used with DCF845 impact driver (sold separately), can produce up to 1825 in-lb. (205Nm) torque in setting 3 which applies over 100lb linear force when applied to 1/2″ threaded rod in good condition. Performance may vary based on materials, finish, hardness, coatings, grade and condition of the threaded rod and nut.
DWAPXCIR: 50% Faster Crimps and 30X Less Crimping Effort – Crimp time only. On average, crimping 3/4″ copper crimp rings on PEX-B pipe using DCF845 impact driver and DCB204 battery (impact driver and battery sold separately) vs. competitor’s crimper hand tool.
DWAPXPIR: 6X Faster Clamps and Less than 1% Pinching Effort – Pinch time only. On average, pinching 1″ Stainless Steel Pinch Clamps when clamping 1″ Stainless Steel Pinch Clamps on PEX-B pipe using DCF845 impact driver and DCB204 battery (impact driver and battery sold separately) vs. competitor’s pincher hand tool.
DWM45415, DWM45416, DWM45417: 50% rounded bolts with open end, and 70% rounded bolts with box end and sockets.
***As compared to DWMT81096, DWMT81097, AND DWMT81098
^50% Rounded bolts with open end, and 70% rounded bolts with box end
^^DWHT10999: Compared to DWHT10998 Utility Knife Slider.
^^^DWHT10990: Compared to DEWALT DWHT10992 Folding Utility Knife
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by DEWALT is under license.
About DEWALT
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, celebrates 100 years in business by continuing to provide our customers with total jobsite and outdoor solutions. By applying its latest technology to the challenges of today’s skilled trades, DEWALT is leading the charge for the jobsite of the future and is pioneering the next generation of tools, outdoor equipment and forward-looking technologies. DEWALT products. GUARANTEED TOUGH®. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Stanley Black & Decker
Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The Company’s approximately 50,000 diverse and high-performing employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world’s builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The Company’s world class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com or follow Stanley Black & Decker on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
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SOURCE DEWALT
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Technology
Cheche Group Announces Extraordinary General Meeting
Published
18 minutes agoon
November 5, 2026By
BEIJING, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cheche Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CCG) (“Cheche” or the “Company”), China’s leading auto insurance technology platform, today announced that an extraordinary general meeting of the Company (the “Meeting”) will be held at 10 A.M. on November 25, 2026, Beijing time (9 P.M. on November 24, 2026, U.S. Eastern time) at 8/F, Desheng Hopson Fortune Plaza, 13-1 Deshengmenwai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing 100088, China. The Company has established the close of business on November 5, 2026, Eastern time (the “Record Date”), as the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. The purpose of the Meeting includes, among others:
(1) to approve by ordinary resolution the creation of a new class of ordinary shares of the Company designated as class C ordinary shares, each with a par value of US$0.00035 (the “Class C Ordinary Shares”), with the rights and restrictions set forth in the proposed third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Company (the “New M&A”), including 300 votes per Class C Ordinary Share;
(2) to approve by ordinary resolution that the authorized share capital of the Company be amended:
(i) FROM: US$50,000 divided into 142,857,143 shares comprising (i) 114,285,714 class A ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00035 each, and (ii) 28,571,429 class B ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00035 each,
(ii) TO: US$50,000 divided into 142,857,143 shares comprising (i) 114,285,714 class A ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00035 each; (ii) 18,571,429 class B ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00035 each; and (iii) 10,000,000 class C ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00035 each;
(3) to approve by ordinary resolution that 10,000,000 authorized but unissued class B ordinary shares of the Company of a par value of US$0.00035 each be re-classified as 10,000,000 class C ordinary shares of the Company of a par value of US$0.00035 each with the rights attached to it in the New M&A; and
(4) to approve by special resolution the amendment and restatement of the Company’s second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association currently in effect (the “Current M&A”) be replaced in their entirety with the New M&A to provide for, among other things, the creation and rights of the Class C Ordinary Shares.
Copies of the notice of the Meeting and the form of proxy are available on the Company’s corporate investor relations website at https://ir.chechegroup.com/.
Safe Harbor Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements also include, but are not limited to, statements regarding existing and new partnerships and customer relationships, projections, estimation, and forecasts of revenue and other financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and expectations, the Company’s ability to scale and grow its business, the Company’s advantages and expected growth, and its ability to source and retain talent, as applicable. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the Company’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, the Company cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known and projections of the future, which are inherently uncertain. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent the views of the Company as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events and developments may cause those views to change. Except as may be required by law, the Company does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements.
About Cheche Group Inc.
Established in 2014 and headquartered in Beijing, China, Cheche is a leading auto insurance technology platform with a nationwide network of around 108 branches licensed to distribute insurance policies across 25 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. Capitalizing on its leading position in auto insurance transaction services, Cheche has evolved into a comprehensive, data-driven technology platform that offers a full suite of services and products for digital insurance transactions and insurance SaaS solutions in China. Learn more at https://www.chechegroup.com/en.
Cheche Group Inc.:
IR@chechegroup.com
Crocker Coulson
crocker.coulson@aumadvisors.com
(646) 652-7185
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SOURCE Cheche Group Inc.
Technology
Hyperliquid Strategies Inc Reports Financial Results for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2026
Published
18 minutes agoon
November 5, 2026By
NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyperliquid Strategies Inc (NASDAQ: PURR) (“HSI” or the “Company”), the premier digital asset treasury platform focused on the Hyperliquid ecosystem, today reported its financial and operational results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026.
“We deployed $802 million this quarter and filed an application to become a futures commission merchant,” said David Schamis, CEO of Hyperliquid Strategies Inc. “Those two moves are the same bet. Hyperliquid is winning the parts of onchain finance that generate real fees, and nearly all of that value flows back to HYPE holders through programmatic buybacks. Owning HYPE is how we aim to capture economics associated with the Hyperliquid protocol; setting up an FCM is how we intend to help bring markets deployed on Hyperliquid onshore.”
Key Highlights (as of or for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2026):
Raised $911 million in equity capital under our committed equity facility.Deployed $802 million; $785 million to acquire 9.1 million HYPE tokens, increasing the treasury from 29.3 million tokens at June 30, 2026 to 38.5 million tokens at September 30, 2026 and $17 million to repurchase 2.7 million PURR shares.Maintained strong balance sheet, with $254.6 million in cash and cash-like instruments and zero debt.Hyperliquid Strategies x Unit validator is now the largest non-Foundation validator on the network.
Hyperliquid Ecosystem Momentum1
Momentum continues to build around the adoption of the blockchain by the global financial system, with much of that momentum represented within the Hyperliquid ecosystem.
As Hyperliquid pursues its vision of becoming the infrastructure to house all of finance, the Hyperliquid protocol continues to generate an increasingly diversified stream of fees (with about $834 million in value accruing to the Hyperliquid ecosystem for the twelve months ended September 30, 2026), processing billions in daily trading volumes, with much of the value generated by the Hyperliquid ecosystem directly accruing to the HYPE token through programmatic HYPE token buybacks.
Hyperliquid recently announced its intention to add additional deployer functionalities under the name HIP-3*. These optional additional features would allow deployers to build and launch permissioned markets on Hyperliquid’s onchain infrastructure. Independent operators would run their own market in a compliant manner, while the chain underneath would stay a neutral infrastructure layer.
In support of these developments, a subsidiary of HSI has filed an application to become a futures commission merchant (“FCM”). Subject to regulatory approval, the FCM would carry US client accounts for permissioned markets deployed on Hyperliquid under HIP-3*, allowing HSI to play a role in bringing perpetual futures to US customers within a regulated framework. There can be no assurance as to the timing or outcome of the application or regulatory approval of permissioned HIP-3* markets.
HSI Financial Highlights for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2026:
Balance Sheet:Total assets of $3,764.3 million as of September 30, 2026, including $254.6 million in cash and cash-like instruments and $3,505.3 million in HYPE tokens (based on a September 30, 2026 HYPE price of $90.99 per HYPE token, representing approximately 38.52 million tokens held).Strong balance sheet with $3,403.0 million in stockholders’ equity and no debt.Income Statement (quarter ended September 30, 2026):$12.3 million in staking revenue and validator commissions from HYPE holdings.$1.0 million in interest income.$7.6 million in SG&A and R&D expenses.$620.6 million in net income.Net income primarily comprised of:$803.0 million in net unrealized gains on HYPE tokens.$15.3 million in primarily non-cash expense recognized in connection with the committed equity facility.$172.3 million in provision for income taxes.
Update on Treasury Strategy Progress (as of October 28, 2026):
Capital Deployment2:$1,583.2 million deployed to accumulate ~25.9 million HYPE tokens at an average cost of $61.13, bringing total HYPE token holdings (including staking and validator rewards earned) to 38.9 million at a blended cost of $56.35 per token.$27.9 million deployed to repurchase ~5.8 million PURR shares at an average cost of $4.81 per PURR share.Capital Raising:$1,578.4 million raised at an average issue price of $10.36 per PURR share under our committed equity facility.Cash balance:$245.3 million in remaining cash and cash-like instruments.
Webcast:
The Company will host an audio webcast with Q&A on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. ET, featuring CEO David Schamis and CFO Brett Beldner. Register in advance here: https://hyperliquid-strategies-earnings-call-q1-2027.open-exchange.net/registration.
Advance questions may be submitted to investors@hypestrat.xyz.
A replay will be available after the event at www.hypestrat.xyz.
About Hyperliquid Strategies Inc
Hyperliquid Strategies Inc (NASDAQ: PURR) is a digital asset treasury company whose primary focus is to maximize shareholder value through accumulating HYPE, the native token of Hyperliquid, a high-performance blockchain custom-built to house all of finance. HSI aims to provide capital-efficient and productive access to the HYPE token for U.S. and institutional investors, generating compounding shareholder returns that individual holders may not be able to replicate through staking, yield optimization, and active ecosystem engagement. HSI is currently the largest HYPE-focused digital asset treasury vehicle capitalizing on Hyperliquid’s rapid growth and providing exposure to one of the largest and fastest growing revenue pools in digital assets. For more information, please visit www.hypestrat.xyz.
Website Information:
The Hyperliquid Strategies Inc website (www.hypestrat.xyz) includes, among other information, a dedicated section tracking the Company’s “Adjusted Net Asset Value” (the Company’s stockholders’ equity adjusted for, among other things, movements in cash, the value of the HYPE token and the number of HYPE tokens held).
This section is updated regularly, enhancing transparency for the Company’s stockholders and aligning with HSI’s commitment to provide transparent, capital efficient and productive access to the HYPE token.
We use our website as a means of disclosing information that may be considered material, non-public information (including the information regarding our Adjusted Net Asset Value) and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor our website, in addition to following our press releases, Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts.
We may also use social media channels to communicate with our investors and the public about us and other matters, and those communications could be deemed to be material information. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website or social media channels is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain statements which are not historical facts, which are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include certain statements made with respect to the Company’s business, strategy and future plans, including plans to become a futures commission merchant, as well as certain statements regarding expected growth and developments with respect to Hyperliquid. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “potential,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events or conditions that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; risks relating to HSI’s operations and business, including the highly volatile nature of the price of HYPE tokens; the risk that HSI’s stock price will be highly correlated to the price of HYPE tokens and the price of HYPE tokens may decrease; risks related to increased competition in the industries in which HSI operates; risks relating to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty regarding HYPE tokens; risks relating to the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes; risks that HSI experiences difficulties managing its growth and expanding operations; challenges in implementing HSI’s business plan including HYPE token-related financial and advisory services, due to operational challenges, significant competition and regulation; and those factors discussed in the annual report on Form 10-K filed by HSI with the SEC on August 27, 2026, and in subsequent filings and reports made by HSI with the SEC from time to time. While HSI may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, HSI specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.
1 Information in this section is based on public information and has not been independently verified by HSI.
2 Capital raising and deployment cover the period from inception (December 2, 2025) until August 28, 2026.
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SOURCE Hyperliquid Strategies Inc
Technology
Rice breaks ground on the Arc in the Ion District, expanding Houston’s innovation ecosystem
Published
18 minutes agoon
November 5, 2026By
Nearly 200,000-square-foot research hub will connect Rice, industry and entrepreneurs to accelerate discovery, collaboration and commercialization
HOUSTON, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rice University broke ground on the Arc in the Ion District, a nearly 200,000-square-foot research, corporate innovation and office building designed to bring researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and top talent together to accelerate innovation and move ideas from discovery to real-world application.
Located in Houston’s Ion District powered by Rice, the Arc will feature seven floors of flexible, future-ready lab and office space for Rice and other organizations seeking proximity to leading research, highly skilled workers and Houston’s dynamic innovation ecosystem. Rice will be a lead tenant, occupying nearly 80,000 square feet, or about 40% of the building.
“The Arc is a significant investment in Rice’s future and in Houston’s continued growth as a center for innovation,” said Robert T. Ladd, chairman of the Rice Board of Trustees. “It will create new opportunities for industry leaders, researchers and students to work together on ideas with the potential for lasting impact.”
The Arc will share a plaza with the Ion building, extending the 12-block Ion District and placing researchers in close proximity to companies, startups, investors and entrepreneurs.
“The Arc will bring Rice’s extraordinary research and talent and Houston’s impactful innovation ecosystem into even closer connection with the industries and innovators working to solve some of the world’s most consequential challenges,” said Rice President Reginald DesRoches. “That constant exchange of ideas and expertise will help move discoveries more rapidly from the laboratory to real-world impact.”
Built for advanced research and collaboration
The facility will offer flexible lab and office environments that can adapt to evolving research and business needs. Floor plates will range from 28,000 to 31,000 square feet, with 15-foot floor-to-floor heights and infrastructure capable of supporting advanced HVAC, high-capacity electrical and emergency power systems and core laboratory requirements.
The building will also include conference and meeting spaces, an amenity lounge, fitness center, outdoor plazas, underground parking, secure bike storage and on-site retail and dining — creating opportunities to build solutions in the lab, develop partnerships across the district and connect informally throughout the day. The project is designed to meet LEED Gold criteria and will incorporate smart-building and energy-saving features.
“We are creating more than a high-performance business and research building,” said Kelly Fox, Rice executive vice president for operations, finance and support. “The Arc is being designed as a destination where companies can access sophisticated infrastructure, connect with one another and build the relationships that lead to new ideas and opportunities.”
Work within the building will span areas including artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science, robotics, quantum science and engineering, energy and more.
The groundbreaking event comes on the heels of the university’s recent announcement of a transformational universitywide AI initiative to recruit 75 faculty members working across disciplines and expand AI-related courses and degrees. The initiative is accelerating Rice’s emergence as a global leader in advanced computing and responsible AI.
“The closer researchers are to the people confronting real-world problems, the more opportunities there are to identify important questions, test ideas and improve solutions,” said David Sholl, Rice executive vice president for research. “The Arc gives us an environment built specifically for that kind of sustained collaboration.”
AI Foundry to call the Arc home
Rice’s new AI Foundry will be located inside the Arc, where faculty AI experts will have offices and work with industry partners to tackle complex challenges, rapidly develop practical solutions and help organizations build long-term AI capabilities.
The effort will address a growing challenge: AI is advancing faster than many traditional industry innovation models can adapt. Instead of relying on lengthy, linear development cycles, the Foundry will bring Rice experts and industry partners together to identify high-value opportunities, design and test solutions, deploy them in real-world settings and continually refine them based on results.
The Foundry is envisioned to support organizations through AI readiness assessments, feasibility studies, proofs of concept, deployment-ready solutions, executive education and customized workforce training.
“The AI Foundry is exactly the kind of collaboration the Arc is designed to enable,” said Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “By bringing Rice researchers together with industry partners in a shared environment, we can accelerate the movement of ideas from research into practical applications while helping organizations build the capabilities they need to succeed as AI continues to evolve.”
Responsible AI is a key catalyst in Momentous: Personalized Scale for Global Impact, Rice’s strategic plan, which also calls for strategic faculty growth and specifically identifies cross-disciplinary cluster hiring as a way to build depth and breadth in areas vital to the university’s future. The institution’s four AI cluster areas are foundational AI; two applied areas including AI for health and AI for energy, the environment and resiliency; and responsible AI: society and ethics.
Building on the Ion’s momentum
The Arc will complement the Ion building, the namesake centerpiece of Houston’s innovation corridor and home to corporate and industry partners including Chevron, Microsoft, Aramco, ExxonMobil, Oxy, Shell, United, Transocean and Woodside Energy.
Co-working space in the Ion managed by Industrious is fully occupied, with more than 250 member companies. Activate, an organization that scientists and engineers become founders and move research toward commercialization, recently launched its third cohort of fellows. Twenty-five startups have participated in the program to date.
Companies based in the Ion, including Persona AI, CES Renewable, Greenflash Infrastructure and Cognite, also have experienced significant growth, reinforcing the building’s role as a home for emerging companies and technology-driven organizations. The Ion’s development also extends beyond offices and laboratories. MADabolic, a strength-training gym, recently opened in the building. Greentown Labs, Community Artists’ Collective and Pickle Lab are also among the organizations that call the district home.
Together, the Ion and the Arc are intended to create a more connected environment where researchers, entrepreneurs, established companies and the broader Houston community can work, meet and exchange ideas.
“Houston has an extraordinary concentration of industry expertise, capital, talent and entrepreneurial energy,” said Bobby Tudor, Rice alumnus and chairman of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative. “The Arc will help turn that concentration into action by creating more opportunities for breakthrough research to become technologies and companies.”
The project is being developed by Rice Real Estate Co. Construction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2028. Preleasing opportunities are now open for companies and organizations interested in locating alongside Rice researchers and joining the broader Ion District ecosystem.
For more information, visit https://www.thearciondistrict.com/.
About Rice University
Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of architecture, business, continuing studies, engineering and computing, humanities and arts, music, natural sciences and social sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy and Kinder Institute for Urban Research. Internationally, the university maintains the Rice Global Paris Center, a hub for innovative collaboration, research and inspired teaching located in the heart of Paris, and Rice Global India in Bengaluru, India. With 4,793 undergraduates and 4,185 graduate students, Rice’s undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked in the top 10 for best quality of life by the Princeton Review.
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SOURCE Rice University
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