Technology

Plug and Play, One of the World’s Most Active VCs, Announces Third Batch for its International Accelerator in Uzbekistan

Published

2 years ago

November 11, 2024

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Plug and Play, one of the world’s largest innovation platforms based in Silicon Valley, has announced 17 startups selected for the third batch of its International Accelerator in Tashkent. With strategic support from the founding partners of Plug and Play Uzbekistan—the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan and IT Park Uzbekistan—this initiative marks an important milestone in Uzbekistan’s rapid transformation and its expanding role as a hub for innovation and technology.

“At IT Park Uzbekistan, we are dedicated to creating impactful pathways for our startups, providing them with the support, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed. Through our strategic partnership with Plug and Play, we are able to connect local innovation with global networks, accelerating the growth of our startups and positioning them to compete on the world stage. Together, we empower entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into scalable solutions that drive progress and impact across industries, expanding to new markets globally,” highlighted Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, Executive Director of IT Park Uzbekistan.

The acceleration program is industry-agnostic and highlights advancements across various sectors, driving collaboration, pilot projects, and new opportunities for business development. The selected startups showcase a broad spectrum of industries, from Enterprise & AI and Healthtech to Fintech, Edtech, Sustainability, and beyond. This diverse strategy aims to enhance innovation and foster synergies across different sectors. Following a thorough evaluation of over 80 applications, the selected 17 startups have distinguished themselves as frontrunners in their fields, each bringing unique and innovative solutions to the program.

“We’re not just bringing our accelerator program to Uzbekistan, we’re investing in the future of its tech sector. We are committed to providing Uzbek startups with the resources, mentorship, and global connections they need to succeed, contributing to the country’s rise as a regional innovation leader,” stated Alfredo Gomez Soria, Senior Corporate Partnerships at Plug and Play.

The acceleration program presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to collaborate with seasoned mentors, form connections with corporate partners, and participate in specialized industry events and workshops. By tapping into Plug and Play’s vast global network, startups will not only gain significant international exposure but also establish crucial industry connections. During the program, participants will also benefit from comprehensive guidance on vital aspects of startup success, including pitch refinement, strategic business expansion, investor relations, and building robust corporate partnerships. This supportive ecosystem is crafted to equip startups with the necessary skills and connections to accelerate their scaling.

The following startups have been selected for Batch 3:

SynCall AI – SynCall AI is revolutionizing call center interactions with human-like AI voices.

Datagaze – Datagaze LLC is the first national company providing cybersecurity solutions for medium and large enterprises.

medevery – medevery is an online platform (marketplace) for the sale of medical equipment.

iU Test – iU Test is an educational platform for school exam preparation powered by generative AI—study effectively from anywhere.

Voltiva – Voltiva is an AI-powered navigation system with personalized routing, smart charging, auto management for insurance and penalties, and on-road emergency support for a seamless EV experience.

TrustMe – TrustMe is a service for signing contracts on blockchain technology.

Imkon Uzbekistan – Sharh is a platform for collecting reliable reviews developed by Imkon Uzbekistan, a review catalyst for exceptional customer experience and business success.

MARS IT – MARS IT is an innovative space for technology education for children.

ISH.UZ – ISH.UZ is a job portal that connects talent with opportunities through streamlined hiring and recruitment solutions.

Growy Me – Growy Me is an AI-driven task management system that optimizes delegation and boosts team performance.

ZebraEye – ZebraEye is the world’s only AI-powered software for diagnosing rare eye conditions.

TPM – TPM provides smart solutions for residential building management.

Exode – Exode helps create, customize, and promote your online school with ease.

Sampler.az – Sampler.az develops the value of testing.

Global Green Hub – Global Green Hub presents Zara’s Planet brand—an entire eco-universe for the formation of an ecological lifestyle and thinking in the family and company based on a unique methodology that combines psychology, entrepreneurship, and ecology.

FlexSoft – Pulberry is a digital platform developed by FlexSoft that provides fast and transparent access to loans from various financial institutions.

KharezmiTech – SmartBuilding360 is an integrated smart management solution developed by KharezmiTech for building, energy, and billing.

To learn more about Plug and Play Uzbekistan, visit plugandplaytechcenter.com/locations/Uzbekistan.

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we’re present in 60+ locations across 5 continents. We offer corporate innovation programs and help our corporate partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. We also organize startup acceleration programs and have built an in-house VC to drive innovation across multiple industries where we’ve invested in hundreds of successful companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal, and Rappi.

For more information, visit http://plugandplaytechcenter.com/

About Plug and Play Uzbekistan

Plug and Play launched its Uzbekistan office in 2023 in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan and IT PARK Uzbekistan. Plug and Play Uzbekistan serves as an open innovation platform, connecting key local, regional, and international stakeholders to create new opportunities for corporations and accelerate the growth of Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem. This initiative allows international startups to tap into the rapidly growing Central Asian market, now emerging as a regional innovation hub, while Uzbek startups gain access to resources, mentorship, and pathways for global expansion.

For more information, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/locations/uzbekistan

Media Relations Contact

Julia Schimpf

PR & Communications Manager

press@pnptc.com

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SOURCE Plug and Play

Technology

Asian Hall of Fame Heritage Gala Highlights Impactful Legacy

Published

5 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Benefit supported Women In Tech, Entertainment, Science & Sports Scholars

LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global ambassador Asian Hall of Fame highlighted positive messages of interracial synergy with its Heritage Gala on May 1, 2026 at the iconic Biltmore Los Angeles. CBS LA Anchor Suzie Suh served as Master of Ceremonies of the festive Asian Heritage Month celebration brought to life by vibrant heritage costumes representing Asia, Latin America, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The intergenerational benefit funded Women In Tech, Entertainment, Science & Sports (WinTESS) scholarships for 103 applicants from all racial backgrounds.

Guests from California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and New York applauded the Class of 2026 Official Announcement, including Asian Hall of Fame’s first-ever Major League Baseball Inductee Hideo Nomo, nominated by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and DTLA muralist Robert Vargas as Goodwill Ambassador.

Dedicated San Marino philanthropist and Board of Governors Chairwoman Melinda Rogers was honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year, with a moving speech presented by her younger brother William Rogers. Chairwoman Rogers highlighted the endearing impact of family, and delighted audiences with her custom Korean hanbok, designed alongside Anna Kim at her Koreatown boutique.

Distinguished philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis (Inductee 2007) shared an inspiring fireside chat with stories of family legacy and community empowerment. Guests received commemorative autographed memoirs, and complimentary gifts from Nan Yang Delight and SUP. Inductees in attendance were Marc Anthony Nicolas, Kristen Lui, incoming Inductees Kitty Lo and Maggie Tseng, Official Design Partner of the 2026 Season.

The dramatic Heritage Costume Show, sponsored by Meridien Vacation Homes, presented pageant holders including a Rose Pageant Princess, Miss Asia USA, Miss Teen Latina Global, Hi-Teen USA, Miss International U.S. Virgin Islands, Miss Taiwanese American, and Mrs. Asia Glamour.

Maki Mae performed from her upcoming album release with pianist Jason Lo and cellist Ryan Phipps. Walter Nishinaka and Los Angeles Taiko Collective kicked off raffle drawings, including an 18-carat gold ring donated by long-standing supporter Vartan Kazanjian, owner of Estate Jewelers of South Pasadena.

ABOUT ASIAN HALL OF FAME
Established in 2004, Asian Hall of Fame strengthens interracial synergy by advancing mainstream recognition of Asian and Native legacy. Inductees include Connie Chung, Kristi Yamaguchi, Margaret Cho, amongst others. Contact: press@asianhalloffame.org, (626) 600-9418, www.asianhalloffame.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asian-hall-of-fame-heritage-gala-highlights-impactful-legacy-302771594.html

SOURCE Asian Hall of Fame

Technology

Notice of Data Privacy Incident

Published

5 hours ago

May 13, 2026

MOUNT STERLING, Ill., May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brown County

Brown County, Illinois provides notice of a data privacy incident involving personal information of certain county constituents and staff.

What Happened? On April 3, 2025, we received alerts of unusual activity in one of our email accounts. We launched an immediate investigation, and retained independent cyber incident response specialists to assist. The investigation determined that two email accounts experienced unauthorized access. We have no evidence of fraud or identity theft from this incident.

What Information Was Involved. The information involved varied by individual, and may have included a first and last name along with a Social Security number, driver’s license number, government issued identification number, medical information, or health insurance information.

What We Are Doing. In addition to the above, we are offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services to individuals whose Social Security numbers were believed to be involved.

What You Can Do. Generally, it is best practice to remain vigilant for incidents of identity theft and fraud from any source by reviewing your account statements and credit reports for suspicious activity and errors. If you discover any suspicious or unusual activity, promptly contact your financial institution or service provider.

Individuals are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.

Individuals may further learn about identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps to take to protect personal information by contacting the credit reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or state Attorneys General. The FTC encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. It may be reached at 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261.

For More Information, you may contact us at 1-800-405-6108, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST for further assistance.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/notice-of-data-privacy-incident-302771596.html

SOURCE Kennedys CMK LLP

Technology

SharkNinja Set to Join S&P MidCap 400; Flowers Foods and F&G Annuities & Life to Join S&P SmallCap 600

Published

5 hours ago

May 13, 2026

NEW YORK, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — S&P Dow Jones Indices will make the following changes to the S&P MidCap 400, S&P SmallCap 600:

SharkNinja (NYSE: SN) will replace Flowers Foods Inc. (NYSE: FLO) in the S&P MidCap 400, and Flowers Foods will replace CSG Systems Intl Inc. (NASD: CSGS) in the S&P SmallCap 600 effective prior to the opening of trading on Monday, May 18. NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) is acquiring CSG Systems Intl in a deal expected to close soon, pending final closing conditions.F&G Annuities & Life Inc. (NYSE: FG) will replace Mister Car Wash Inc. (NASD: MCW) in the S&P SmallCap 600 effective prior to the opening of trading on Tuesday, May 19. Leonard Green & Partners L.P. is acquiring Mister Car Wash in a deal expected to close soon, pending final closing conditions.

Following is a summary of the changes that will take place prior to the open of trading on the effective date:

Effective Date

Index Name

Action

Company Name

Ticker

GICS Sector

May 18, 2026

S&P MidCap 400

Addition

SharkNinja

Consumer Discretionary

May 18, 2026

S&P MidCap 400

Deletion

Flowers Foods

FLO

Consumer Staples

May 18, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Addition

Flowers Foods

FLO

Consumer Staples

May 18, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Deletion

CSG Systems Intl

CSGS

Industrials

May 19, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Addition

F&G Annuities & Life

Financials

May 19, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Deletion

Mister Car Wash

MCW

Consumer Discretionary

ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES

S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has been innovating and developing indices across the spectrum of asset classes helping to define the way investors measure and trade the markets.

S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

S&P Dow Jones Indices
index_services@spglobal.com

Media Inquiries
spdji.comms@spglobal.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sharkninja-set-to-join-sp-midcap-400-flowers-foods-and-fg-annuities–life-to-join-sp-smallcap-600-302771602.html

SOURCE S&P Dow Jones Indices