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Volta Labs joins PacBio Compatible program to help PacBio customers scale sequencing through automated library prep

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BOSTON, Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Volta Labs™, a genomics applications company, announced today that it has joined the PacBio Compatible program, further expanding the partnership between Volta Labs and PacBio.

Volta Labs is partnering with PacBio to offer walk-away automation for PacBio library prep, enabling labs to scale sample prep for sequencing. Through preloaded apps on the Callisto™ Sample Prep System, a push-button sample prep solution for all NGS sequencing needs, PacBio customers can prepare high-quality PacBio HiFi libraries with less than 30 minutes of hands-on time and 5.5 hours of walk-away time.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Volta, and specifically the Callisto platform, into the PacBio compatible program. Thanks to Volta’s Callisto automation system, PacBio customers can now benefit from a streamlined library prep process, significantly reducing hands-on and setup time which in turn allows labs to focus more on sequencing and discovery rather than manual prep. This simplification aligns with where we at PacBio have been focusing our library prep innovations and supports our mission to make high-quality sequencing accessible and scalable for all,” said David Miller, VP of Global Marketing at PacBio.

The announcement comes shortly after a recent Genomeweb webinar where Greg Young, senior product manager at PacBio, joined Maya Fridrikh, PacBio sequencing manager at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, to unveil new data showing the impact of Volta Labs library prep automation to scale PacBio sequencing. Callisto’s walk-away operation supports flexible batch sizes from 4-24 reactions, with high yield at half-scale reactions. The VoltaPrep™ app for PacBio SMRTbell Libraries has proven to positively impact operational costs and efficiency, for organizations ranging from core labs to biotech companies.

“PacBio library prep can be challenging for many labs, especially those suffering from resource constraints. With Callisto, even inexperienced users can be trained in minutes to generate high-quality PacBio libraries with minimal inter-operator variability,” said Udayan Umapathi, founder and CEO of Volta Labs. “We have been collaborating with the PacBio team for quite a while, and their recognition of Volta as a compatible partner is a big step forward for sample prep automation.”

PacBio Compatible works with a wide range of organizations to ensure customers can find verified products that are complementary to their workflows for PacBio sequencing. Partners like Volta Labs collaborate closely with PacBio scientists to provide seamless integration and support for customers who are just starting out with PacBio or expanding their current capabilities.

About Volta Labs
Volta Labs is a genomics applications company that has developed a cutting-edge digital fluidics platform to maximize performance and scalability of sample preparation in genomics while providing unparalleled consistency. Volta Labs is transforming the way biological research and analyses are performed, allowing scientists to focus on what they do best — pushing the boundaries of biology.

About PacBio
PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) is a premier life science technology company that is designing, developing and manufacturing advanced sequencing solutions to help scientists and clinical researchers resolve genetically complex problems. Our products and technologies stem from two highly differentiated core technologies focused on accuracy, quality and completeness which include our HiFi long-read sequencing and our SBB® short-read sequencing technologies. Our products address solutions across a broad set of research applications including human germline sequencing, plant and animal sciences, infectious disease and microbiology, oncology, and other emerging applications. For more information, please visit www.pacb.com and follow @PacBio.

Media Contact:
Kim Miller
Volta Labs
kmiller@voltalabs.co

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SOURCE Volta Labs Inc.

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TestGrid Wins ‘Best Use of AI’ at India Digital Enabler Awards 2026, Powered by Entrepreneur India

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Recognition from one of India’s most prominent technology award platforms underscores a systems-first approach to enterprise AI — focused on control, reliability, and cost predictability

SURAT, India, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TestGrid has been named the winner of the ‘Best Use of AI’ category at the India Digital Enabler Awards (IDEA) 2026, organized by Entrepreneur India and held at Sheraton Grand, Bengaluru.

The award, judged by a panel including representatives from NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology (Government of India), and IvyCap Ventures, highlights applied innovation across digital technology, enterprise systems, and artificial intelligence.

This result places TestGrid among IDEA honorees such as Reliance Foundation, Swiggy, Zepto, Groww, and Tata Teleservices—organizations known for translating technology into measurable enterprise impact.

TestGrid was selected for its approach to embedding AI within software testing—not as a standalone capability, but as part of a structured system built on real-device infrastructure, automation, and controlled execution environments.

As enterprise adoption of AI accelerates, organizations are increasingly encountering challenges around unpredictable, usage-based costs and limited execution control.

At the core of TestGrid’s approach is CoTester, its AI testing agent designed to operate within the software development lifecycle.

CoTester learns from product requirements, generates test scenarios, and executes them across real device and browser environments—while maintaining human oversight, traceability, and execution discipline.

Rather than replacing existing systems, CoTester operates as an integrated layer within TestGrid’s platform, where infrastructure, automation, and intelligence work together to deliver predictable outcomes at scale.

“AI in testing is only useful when it operates within systems that teams can trust,” said Harry Rao, Founder & CEO of TestGrid. “Our focus has been on building a foundation where intelligence is controlled, execution is consistent, and costs remain predictable. This validates the approach we’ve taken.”

This outcome comes at a time when enterprises are re-evaluating AI adoption models, particularly as token-based and usage-driven pricing introduces cost variability at scale. Testing environments—already fragmented across tools and workflows—become harder to manage when intelligence is introduced without system-level control.

TestGrid addresses this by consolidating testing infrastructure, automation, and AI into a single platform. This enables teams to execute tests on real devices, integrate with frameworks such as Selenium, Appium, and Cypress, and apply AI-driven capabilities without introducing operational unpredictability.

Following this milestone, TestGrid will continue expanding its AI capabilities within enterprise environments, with a focus on structured adoption, workforce enablement, and deeper integration into software delivery workflows.

To schedule a demo or explore TestGrid’s testing platform, visit testgrid.io.

About TestGrid

TestGrid is a leading provider of enterprise-grade testing infrastructure and automation solutions, trusted by the top Fortune 100. From infrastructure to software delivery intelligence, TestGrid empowers organizations to deliver high-quality software faster with cost-effective, scalable testing across web and mobile platforms.

Media Contact
Harry Rao
Founder & CEO, TestGrid
harry@testgrid.io

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NX China Pursues Industry-academia Collaboration at Beijing Wuzi University

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– Fostering Next Generation of Logistics Professionals through Endowed Lectures, Scholarship Awards, and Tree-planting Activities –

TOKYO, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nippon Express (China) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter NX China”), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., presented its 18th endowed lecture and conducted a scholarship award ceremony at Beijing Wuzi University on Thursday, March 26.

Logo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dqm0cxpYamnvMUra1AGXMuGlX932Z353/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT2kJRNwoOidkILz1t1bN7UvY7_cWMDw/view?usp=sharing 

Founded in 1980, Beijing Wuzi University (hereinafter BWU”) is an institution of higher learning specializing in logistics and distribution, and about 8,000 students are currently enrolled in its nine undergraduate faculties and 28 departments. One of these faculties, the School of Logistics established in 2006, ranks among Chinas best in its field and offers well-equipped educational facilities and an outstanding research environment.

NX China signed a letter of intent on strategic cooperation with BWU in 2012 and has since established NX Scholarships,” presented endowed lectures, organized NX International Logistics Classes,” and engaged in efforts of various formats designed to continually deepen industry-academia collaboration. Endeavoring to bring its long-standing cooperative relationship with BWU still closer, NX China has further introduced a comprehensive human resource development program titled the Nippon Express Series.”

In the 18th endowed lecture, Business Division General Manager Zuo Jingcheng from NX Chinas Management Strategy Headquarters delivered a presentation on NX Chinas Organizational Structure and Digital Transformation/Innovation” that introduced students to practical aspects of the logistics industry and cutting-edge initiatives. At the scholarship award ceremony that followed, certificates were presented to the ten recipients for the 2026 academic year. Their achievements to date were commended and they were encouraged to contribute to both industrial and social development by showcasing their talents on the global logistics stage in the future. This years scholarship recipients also participated in a new initiative: planting six cherry trees in an on-campus tree-planting activity. Having these next-generation leaders take part in the tree planting proved a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of environmental conservation while helping green the campus.

The NX Group will continue actively engaging in social contribution activities in the East Asia Region to foster talent capable of excelling in the logistics industry.

About the NX Group: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P317xr3Z9BzmG15Uqfv2iaVmWmhlmsqS/view?usp=drive_link 

NX Group official website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/ 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/nx-china-pursues-industry-academia-collaboration-at-beijing-wuzi-university-302752496.html

SOURCE NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC.

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KuCoin Launches KuCard on Mastercard’s Global Network in Australia, Advancing Real-World Crypto Payments

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First KuCard rollout in Australia brings seamless crypto payments to millions of Mastercard merchants.

SYDNEY, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform, today announced the launch of direct crypto payments via Mastercard’s global network for eligible users in Australia, enabling users to make everyday purchases using crypto wherever Mastercard is accepted. Through a partnership with Immersve, a principal member of the Mastercard network, the solution allows users to make crypto-backed purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted, including via Apple Pay and Google Pay—advancing KuCoin’s commitment to trust-first infrastructure and the real-world utility of digital assets.

Through the integration, USDC can be used to fund everyday spending in real time at the point of sale. At launch, the service supports 37 USDC trading pairs, enabling eligible users to pay with supported digital assets. At checkout, digital assets are converted to fiat currency for settlement through Mastercard’s global payment network—so users can pay with a familiar card experience without manually pre-converting funds ahead of time.

The launch reflects KuCoin’s broader trust-first strategy—strengthening security, transparency and compliance while expanding practical, real-world crypto usage. KuCoin continues to invest in resilient infrastructure for users and partners, focused on reinforcing confidence in the digital-asset ecosystem through security and accountability initiatives.

BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin, said: “Making digital assets useful in the real world requires trusted infrastructure—secure rails, clear compliance standards, and user-first protections. This launch brings Mastercard acceptance to our users in Australia, builds on our AUSTRAC DCE registration, reflecting KuCoin’s commitment to responsible innovation and the everyday utility of crypto as it integrates into global finance. This solution empowers our users to spend their assets easily, securely, and globally—wherever Mastercard is accepted.”

James Pinch, Australian Managing Director of KuCoin, added: “Australia is a fast-moving market for digital asset adoption. For everyday users, utility is the turning point. KuCard helps connect digital assets to real commerce through a familiar Mastercard payment experience—supporting broader adoption while reinforcing the importance of security, governance, and responsible innovation.”

“Collaborating with well-known and trusted brands like Mastercard and KuCoin is a major step toward mainstream adoption of digital assets for everyday purchases,” said Jerome Faury, CEO of Immersve. “Immersve is building the bridges between web3 and traditional finance on a global scale that enable individuals to spend crypto everywhere Mastercard is accepted. It’s a game-changer for everyone.”

Christian Rau, Senior Vice President of Digital Commercialization of Mastercard, added: “The partnership with KuCoin and Immersve is another example of Mastercard’s ongoing commitment to responsible innovation in the Web3 space. By enabling the spending of digital assets at scale in a safe, secure, and compliant way, we’re helping digital assets become truly usable in everyday life.”

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust and security, serving over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,500+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance, backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certifications. In recent years, we have built a strong global compliance foundation, marked by key milestones including AUSTRAC registration in Australia, a MiCA license in Europe, and regulatory progress in other markets.

Learn more: www.kucoin.com

About Immersve

Immersve is a principal member of the Mastercard network.  Its issuing-as-a-service platform supports both centralised and decentralised payment experiences. Exchanges, web3 wallets and DeFi protocols can easily integrate with Immersve’s APIs and smart contracts to transact everywhere Mastercard is accepted, with no bank or fiat involved. Immersve is a regulated entity.

For more information go to www.immersve.com.

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
www.mastercard.com

Axis One Markets Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Immersve Pty Ltd (ACN 658 192 057, AFSL No. 545925) and is authorised to provide certain financial services in respect of ‘KuCard’ on Immersve’s behalf, limited to the scope of its Corporate Authorised Representative agreement with Immersve Pty Ltd. ‘KuCard’ is issued or provided by Immersve Pty Ltd, and it is solely responsible for the issuance of that product, including all associated disclosures and obligations under its Australian financial services licence. Immersve Pty Ltd is not responsible for any financial products or services issued by Echuca Trading Pty Ltd. Before acquiring or using any such financial product or service, you should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (“PDS”), Financial Services Guide (“FSG”), Target Market Determination (“TMD”), and any other disclosure documents issued by Immersve Pty Ltd.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kucoin-launches-kucard-on-mastercards-global-network-in-australia-advancing-real-world-crypto-payments-302751563.html

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