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iHuman Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results

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BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — iHuman Inc. (NYSE: IH) (“iHuman” or the “Company”), a leading provider of tech-powered, intellectual development products in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.  

Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

Revenues were RMB239.4 million (US$34.1 million), compared with RMB261.5 million in the same period last year.Gross profit was RMB163.9 million (US$23.4 million), compared with RMB186.6 million in the same period last year.Operating income was RMB20.7 million (US$2.9 million), compared with RMB40.4 million in the same period last year.Net income was RMB25.1 million (US$3.6 million), compared with RMB51.9 million in the same period last year.Average total MAUs[1] reached a record-high of 29.12 million, a year-over-year increase of 14.8%.

[1] “Average total MAUs” refers to the monthly average of the sum of the MAUs of each of the Company’s apps during a specific period, which is counted based on the number of unique mobile devices through which such app is accessed at least once in a given month, and duplicate access to different apps is not eliminated from the total MAUs calculation.

Dr. Peng Dai, Director and Chief Executive Officer of iHuman, commented, “In the third quarter, we continued to see robust user demand for our products, driving average total MAUs to another record high of 29.12 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 14.8%. This growth underscores the effectiveness of our product strategy focused on innovation, overseas market expansion, and responsiveness to evolving market dynamics.

Domestically, we further strengthened our market leadership by enhancing our product portfolio with the launch of iHuman Chinese Reading. This new offering aims to cultivate an interest in Chinese reading, enhance literacy and verbal skills, and deepen children’s understanding of the Chinese culture. Developed by the same team behind our highly acclaimed iHuman Chinese app, iHuman Chinese Reading continues our proud tradition and commitment to excellent content and innovative design. The course features a leveled reading system that facilitates gradual progress in Chinese proficiency and offers a rich variety of content formats, such as ancient Chinese poems, interactive storybooks, and online study tours.

Building on our foundation, we expanded our content library by strengthening ties with influential industry players and leveraged our advanced technology to create richer and more immersive experiences for children. For instance, through our previously announced strategic partnership with Children’s Fun Publishing Co. Ltd., a leading children’s book publisher in China, we recently launched a new “Frozen” theme within iHuman Little Artists, where children can color their favorite Frozen characters and scenes, upload their artwork, and watch them come to life in a narrated storybook. This integration provides children with a creative way to experience the popular Frozen story while offering a highly interactive reading and drawing experience.

We also continued to roll out updates across other app products. For example, we added two new themes to iHuman Magic Thinking: “Sudoku” and “Thinking Logic.” “Sudoku” introduces children to Sudoku rules and mathematical concepts through short, animated stories and interactive challenges, and “Thinking Logic” engages them with a detective story series designed to sharpen judgment, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

On the international front, we enriched our portfolio with fresh content and features to boost user engagement and expand our global reach. Aha World received several updates, adding even more fun and adventure to its ever-expanding fantasy world. Children can now explore the “Love Animal Shelter,” where they can adopt, wash, and care for adorable virtual pets and enjoy an immersive and joyful pet ownership experience. For those captivated by the mystical, we introduced themes like “Magic School” and “Magic Street,” which take children on enchanting adventures and introduce magical shops filled with delightful surprises. These efforts have further boosted Aha World’s popularity. By the end of September, Aha World achieved over 502 million cumulative views across various social media platforms and attracted more than 1.4 million followers globally, reflecting its growing appeal among young users worldwide. 

Looking ahead, we remain focused on enhancing our diverse portfolio across markets to better promote children’s holistic development while advancing our sustainable growth initiatives,” concluded Dr. Dai.

Ms. Vivien Weiwei Wang, Director and Chief Financial Officer of iHuman, added, “In the third quarter of 2024, we achieved our eleventh consecutive quarter of profitability, with net income reaching RMB25.1 million. This sustained financial strength enables us to continue expanding our impact across diverse channels and customer segments. For instance, our animation studio, Kunpeng, broadened its product lineup with the launch of a new animated series, “Rainbow Crew,” in October. The new series swiftly gained traction following its release, topping the charts for children’s shows on leading streaming platforms, including Tencent Video, iQIYI, and Youku.

Beyond consumer-facing products, we have also built a robust B2B model that currently supports nearly 10,000 kindergartens and institutions across China. Our tailored content resources and solutions empower these institutions with a comprehensive suite of diverse, ready-to-use products that effectively meet the developmental needs of young children, promoting the high-quality development of kindergartens and institutions. Recently, we have opened an experience center in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, which combines education, entertainment, hands-on experience, and some unique features. Designed as a one-stop demonstration hub for institutional customers and vendors, the center is organized into six key areas—core content, specialty content, extended services, a multi-functional hall, indoor play spaces, and outdoor activity zones—showcasing our interactive products and innovative approach to supporting early childhood development in a kindergarten setting. This hands-on experience enables institutions to gain a deeper understanding of how our offerings can seamlessly integrate into their educational environments. Moving forward, we will leverage our solid financial foundation and innovative product ecosystem to deepen our impact in both the consumer and business segments, reinforcing our industry-leading position and creating value for our shareholders.”

Third Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results

Revenues

Revenues were RMB239.4 million (US$34.1 million), a decrease of 8.4% from RMB261.5 million in the same period last year, primarily due to more conservative consumer spending. 

Average total MAUs for the quarter were 29.12 million, an increase of 14.8% year-over-year from 25.36 million in the same period last year, primarily due to the effective execution of our user acquisition strategy and ongoing product innovation.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues was RMB75.5 million (US$10.8 million), compared with RMB74.9 million in the same period last year.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit was RMB163.9 million (US$23.4 million), compared with RMB186.6 million in the same period last year. Gross margin was 68.4%, compared with 71.4% in the same period last year. The slight decrease in gross margin was mainly due to our increased focus on the offline component in the integrated online-offline product strategy to enhance the attractiveness of the product.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses were RMB143.2 million (US$20.4 million), compared to RMB146.2 million in the same period last year.

Research and development expenses were RMB59.3 million (US$8.5 million), a decrease of 10.4% from RMB66.2 million in the same period last year, primarily due to savings in payroll related expenses.  

Sales and marketing expenses were RMB60.9 million (US$8.7 million), an increase of 12.7% from RMB54.0 million in the same period last year, primarily due to increased strategic spending on promotional activities, brand enhancement, and overseas expansion.

General and administrative expenses were RMB23.0 million (US$3.3 million), a decrease of 11.8% from RMB26.1 million in the same period last year, primarily due to savings in payroll related expenses, share-based compensation expenses, as well as other administrative expenses. 

Operating Income

Operating income was RMB20.7 million (US$2.9 million), compared with RMB40.4 million in the same period last year.

Net Income

Net income was RMB25.1 million (US$3.6 million), compared with RMB51.9 million in the same period last year.

Basic and diluted net income per ADS were RMB0.48 (US$0.07) and RMB0.47 (US$0.07), respectively, compared with RMB0.98 and RMB0.95 in the same period last year. Each ADS represents five Class A ordinary shares of the Company.

Deferred Revenue and Customer Advances

Deferred revenue and customer advances were RMB298.9 million (US$42.6 million) as of September 30, 2024, compared with RMB318.6 million as of December 31, 2023.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were RMB1,168.6 million (US$166.5 million) as of September 30, 2024, compared with RMB1,213.8 million as of December 31, 2023.

Extension of Share Repurchase Program

Given its confidence in the Company’s business prospects, the board of directors (the “Board”) has authorized an extension of the Company’s existing share repurchase program, as authorized in December 2021 and extended to remain effective to the end of December 2024, by another twelve months through December 31, 2025. Pursuant to the extended share repurchase program, the Company’s proposed repurchases may be made from time to time through open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions, in block trades and/or through other legally permissible means, depending on the market conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. The timing and dollar amount of repurchase transactions will be subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-18 and Rule 10b5-1 requirements. The Board will continue to review the extended share repurchase program periodically, and may authorize adjustments to its terms and size. The Company expects to continue to fund the repurchases under the extended share repurchase program with its existing cash balance.

Exchange Rate Information

The U.S. dollar (US$) amounts disclosed in this press release, except for those transaction amounts that were actually settled in U.S. dollars, are presented solely for the convenience of the reader. The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into US$ in this press release is based on the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of September 30, 2024, which was RMB7.0176 to US$1.00. The percentages stated in this press release are calculated based on the RMB amounts.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

iHuman considers and uses non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted operating income, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted net income per ADS, as supplemental metrics in reviewing and assessing its operating performance and formulating its business plan. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). iHuman defines adjusted operating income, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted net income per ADS as operating income, net income and diluted net income per ADS excluding share-based compensation expenses, respectively. Adjusted operating income, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted net income per ADS enable iHuman’s management to assess its operating results without considering the impact of share-based compensation expenses, which are non-cash charges. iHuman believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors in understanding and evaluating the Company’s current operating performance and prospects in the same manner as management does, if they so choose.

Non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, which possibly do not reflect all items of expense that affect our operations. Share-based compensation expenses have been and may continue to be incurred in our business and are not reflected in the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures. In addition, the non-GAAP financial measures iHuman uses may differ from the non-GAAP measures used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about iHuman’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Among other things, the description of the management’s quotations in this announcement contains forward-looking statements. iHuman may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: iHuman’s growth strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; its ability to continue to attract and retain users, convert non-paying users into paying users and increase the spending of paying users, the trends in, and size of, the market in which iHuman operates; its expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products and services; its expectations regarding its relationships with business partners; general economic and business conditions; regulatory environment; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in iHuman’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and iHuman does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About iHuman Inc.

iHuman Inc. is a leading provider of tech-powered, intellectual development products in China that is committed to making the child-upbringing experience easier for parents and transforming intellectual development into a fun journey for children. Benefiting from a deep legacy that combines over two decades of experience in the parenthood industry, superior original content, advanced high-tech innovation DNA and research & development capabilities with cutting-edge technologies, iHuman empowers parents with tools to make the child-upbringing experience more efficient. iHuman’s unique, fun and interactive product offerings stimulate children’s natural curiosity and exploration. The Company’s comprehensive suite of innovative and high-quality products include self-directed apps, interactive content and smart devices that cover a broad variety of areas to develop children’s abilities in speaking, critical thinking, independent reading and creativity, and foster their natural interest in traditional Chinese culture. Leveraging advanced technological capabilities, including 3D engines, AI/AR functionality, and big data analysis on children’s behavior & psychology, iHuman believes it will continue to provide superior experience that is efficient and relieving for parents, and effective and fun for children, in China and all over the world, through its integrated suite of tech-powered, intellectual development products.

For more information about iHuman, please visit https://ir.ihuman.com/.

For investor and media enquiries, please contact:

iHuman Inc.
Mr. Justin Zhang
Investor Relations Director
Phone: +86 10 5780-6606
E-mail: ir@ihuman.com 

Christensen
In China
Ms. Alice Li
Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
E-mail: alice.li@christensencomms.com  

In the US
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004
E-mail: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com 

 

 

iHuman Inc.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and U.S. dollars (“US$”)

except for number of shares, ADSs, per share and per ADS data)

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

2023

2024

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents 

1,213,767

651,684

92,864

Short-term investments

516,910

73,659

Accounts receivable, net

60,832

66,376

9,459

Inventories, net

16,518

16,882

2,406

Amounts due from related parties

1,810

2,099

299

Prepayments and other current assets

89,511

102,036

14,540

Total current assets

1,382,438

1,355,987

193,227

Non-current assets

Property and equipment, net

6,169

3,893

555

Intangible assets, net

23,245

21,121

3,010

Operating lease right-of-use assets

3,648

2,376

339

Long-term investment

26,333

26,333

3,752

Other non-current assets

8,662

10,937

1,556

Total non-current assets

68,057

64,660

9,212

Total assets

1,450,495

1,420,647

202,439

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

22,139

25,761

3,671

Deferred revenue and customer advances

318,587

298,896

42,592

Amounts due to related parties

4,428

20,719

2,952

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

143,677

116,382

16,584

Dividend payable

30,139

4,295

Current operating lease liabilities

1,927

1,683

240

Total current liabilities

490,758

493,580

70,334

Non-current liabilities

Non-current operating lease liabilities

1,933

735

105

Total non-current liabilities

1,933

735

105

Total liabilities

492,691

494,315

70,439

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Ordinary shares (par value of US$0.0001 per share,
    700,000,000 Class A shares authorized as of
    December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024;
    125,122,382 Class A shares issued and 119,704,787
    outstanding as of December 31, 2023; 125,122,382
    Class A shares issued and 117,107,067 outstanding as
    of September 30, 2024; 200,000,000 Class B shares
    authorized, 144,000,000 Class B ordinary shares
    issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and
    September 30, 2024; 100,000,000 shares
    (undesignated) authorized, nil shares (undesignated)
    issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and
    September 30, 2024)

185

185

26

Additional paid-in capital

1,088,628

996,089

141,942

Treasury stock

(16,665)

(23,579)

(3,360)

Statutory reserves

8,164

8,164

1,163

Accumulated other comprehensive income

17,955

13,828

1,970

Accumulated deficit

(140,463)

(68,355)

(9,741)

Total shareholders’ equity

957,804

926,332

132,000

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

1,450,495

1,420,647

202,439

 

 

iHuman Inc.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and U.S. dollars (“US$”)

except for number of shares, ADSs, per share and per ADS data)

For the three months ended

For the nine months ended

September 30,

June 30,

September 30,

September 30,

September 30,

September 30,

September 30,

2023

2024

2024

2024

2023

2024

2024

RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Revenues

261,496

215,107

239,407

34,115

767,692

689,517

98,255

Cost of revenues

(74,871)

(63,372)

(75,541)

(10,765)

(224,667)

(205,805)

(29,327)

Gross profit

186,625

151,735

163,866

23,350

543,025

483,712

68,928

Operating expenses

Research and development expenses

(66,168)

(57,219)

(59,307)

(8,451)

(191,253)

(184,449)

(26,284)

Sales and marketing expenses

(53,994)

(51,263)

(60,863)

(8,673)

(134,993)

(167,121)

(23,815)

General and administrative expenses

(26,070)

(24,426)

(22,998)

(3,277)

(78,787)

(75,148)

(10,709)

Total operating expenses

(146,232)

(132,908)

(143,168)

(20,401)

(405,033)

(426,718)

(60,808)

Operating income

40,393

18,827

20,698

2,949

137,992

56,994

8,120

Other income, net

19,507

9,410

8,024

1,143

33,721

26,444

3,768

Income before income taxes

59,900

28,237

28,722

4,092

171,713

83,438

11,888

Income tax expenses

(7,984)

(3,574)

(3,579)

(510)

(24,077)

(11,330)

(1,615)

Net income

51,916

24,663

25,143

3,582

147,636

72,108

10,273

Net income per ADS:

   – Basic

0.98

0.47

0.48

0.07

2.79

1.37

0.20

   – Diluted

0.95

0.45

0.47

0.07

2.70

1.33

0.19

Weighted average number of ADSs:

   – Basic

52,747,426

52,496,541

52,283,334

52,283,334

52,834,352

52,502,206

52,502,206

   – Diluted

54,772,536

54,295,419

54,011,420

54,011,420

54,753,124

54,332,011

54,332,011

Total share-based compensation expenses included in:

Cost of revenues

67

26

22

3

235

88

13

Research and development expenses

1,160

348

225

32

2,940

1,030

147

Sales and marketing expenses

147

45

39

6

585

130

19

General and administrative expenses

1,105

392

329

47

3,557

1,022

146

 

 

iHuman Inc.

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS

(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and U.S. dollars (“US$”)

except for number of shares, ADSs, per share and per ADS data)

For the three months ended

For the nine months ended

September 30,

June 30,

September 30,

September 30,

September 30,

September 30,

September 30,

2023

2024

2024

2024

2023

2024

2024

RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Operating income

40,393

18,827

20,698

2,949

137,992

56,994

8,120

Share-based compensation expenses

2,479

811

615

88

7,317

2,270

325

Adjusted operating income

42,872

19,638

21,313

3,037

145,309

59,264

8,445

Net income

51,916

24,663

25,143

3,582

147,636

72,108

10,273

Share-based compensation expenses

2,479

811

615

88

7,317

2,270

325

Adjusted net income

54,395

25,474

25,758

3,670

154,953

74,378

10,598

Diluted net income per ADS

0.95

0.45

0.47

0.07

2.70

1.33

0.19

Impact of non-GAAP adjustments

0.04

0.02

0.01

0.00

0.13

0.04

0.01

Adjusted diluted net income per ADS

0.99

0.47

0.48

0.07

2.83

1.37

0.20

Weighted average number of ADSs – diluted

54,772,536

54,295,419

54,011,420

54,011,420

54,753,124

54,332,011

54,332,011

Weighted average number of ADSs – adjusted

54,772,536

54,295,419

54,011,420

54,011,420

54,753,124

54,332,011

54,332,011

 

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SOURCE iHuman Inc.

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Baucor® expands U.S. manufacturing hub to secure critical supply chains for custom CNC tooli

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Baucor® has expanded its U.S. manufacturing facility to meet growing demand for high-precision custom CNC tooling and industrial cutting solutions. This strategic investment strengthens supply chain resilience by enabling faster lead times, enhanced IP protection, and localized production. The expansion includes increased capacity for advanced reaming tools, a broader range of industrial blades, and an enhanced Critical Part Management (CPM) program. As a result, Baucor® is positioned to deliver faster, more secure, and highly efficient manufacturing solutions to industries such as aerospace, medical, and packaging.

IRVINE, Calif., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Baucor®, a global leader in advanced manufacturing, today announced the strategic expansion of its USA facility. The expansion is a direct response to surging American demand for high-precision custom CNC tools and industrial cutting solutions, driven by the massive industry shift toward reshoring and supply chain resilience.

Our U.S. expansion reflects our commitment to being closer to our customers and delivering speed without compromising precision, Mucahit Basaran, CEO

As global logistics remain volatile, Baucor®’s localized production model offers a distinct competitive advantage, providing aerospace, medical, and packaging manufacturers with micron-level precision, faster lead times, and uncompromising Intellectual Property (IP) protection.

Engineering Precision: Advanced Hole-Finishing Solutions

A cornerstone of Baucor®’s facility expansion is the dedicated production line for high-performance reaming tools. Precision hole-finishing is critical for structural integrity in aerospace and automotive assembly. Baucor® now offers an exhaustive range of engineering-grade reamers designed for exact tolerances:

Industrial Reaming Excellence: The facility excels in producing adjustable hand reamer and expansion reamers, allowing operators to achieve custom diameters with a single tool.Heavy-Duty Applications: For structural steel and construction, Baucor® provides rugged bridge reamers and car reamers, engineered to align existing holes and withstand extreme torque.Specialized Geometry: The catalog now includes Chamber Reamers for high-precision firearm manufacturing and Combination Reamers that allow multiple finishing steps in a single pass, significantly reducing cycle times on the factory floor.

“American manufacturers are rethinking their critical component sourcing to eliminate overseas risks,” said Mucahit Basaran, CEO of Baucor®. “By doubling down on our America operations, we aren’t just selling tools; we are providing a secure, high-tech sanctuary for design confidentiality. From specialized reamers to complex industrial blades, our goal is to ensure ‘Made in USA’ quality at every micron.”

Mastering the Edge: Industrial Blade Manufacturing

Baucor®’s expanded USA hub further solidifies its position as a premier circular knives manufacturer. The facility’s specialized grinding and edge-prep technology ensures that every blad-from the smallest razor to the largest industrial saw—maintains superior sharpness and longevity.

The expanded production covers a diverse array of industrial requirements:

Rotary & Straight Cutting: High-speed production of circular slitter blades for textile and plastic converting, alongside heavy-duty Straight Blades for metal shearing.Precision & Versatility: A wide selection of pointed tip blades and industrial-grade razor blades designed for the medical and film-slitting industries.Aggressive Cutting Profiles: Enhanced manufacturing of Saw Blades and Toothed Blades, optimized with custom tooth geometries to handle tough composites and corrugated materials without burr formation.

Strategic Advantage: The Critical Part Management (CPM) Program

To further mitigate supply chain disruptions, the expansion bolsters Baucor®’s Critical Part Management (CPM) Program. This initiative allows high-volume manufacturers to:

Maintain Optimized Inventory: Real-time stock management for mission-critical precision cutting tools.Ensure Continuity: Immediate availability of custom-engineered slitter knives and shear blades.Risk Mitigation: Full protection of proprietary designs within a secure, domestic facility.

Driving the Future of Localized Manufacturing

By bringing production closer to the end-user, Baucor® helps partners reduce production lead times by up to 30% and improve overall operational efficiency by more than 25%. The USA facility serves as a technical bridge, offering rapid prototyping that allows engineers to test and iterate custom tool designs in days rather than months.

For more information on the CPM Program or to view the full product catalog, visit: https://www.baucor.com

About Baucor®

Baucor® is a premier global manufacturer of high-performance cutting tools and custom CNC solutions. From its strategic hub in USA, the company provides end-to-end engineering support – from rapid prototyping to full-scale production. Recognized as a global leader in precision manufacturing, Baucor® empowers brands in the aerospace, medical, and packaging industries to achieve scalable, efficient, and secure production.

Media Contact

Rabia KOCA, Baucor, 1 +1 (949) 232-0251, rabia@norck.com, baucor.com 

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Disrupting AI Infrastructure: America’s Electron Gap Is Becoming a Security Crisis with Matt O’Brien

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AI is no longer a software story. Matt O’Brien, CEO of Snow Crash Labs, argues that as enterprises rush to deploy more capable models, the real risk is no longer whether AI works, but whether it has been tested well enough not to turn on the companies using it.

TAMPA BAY, Fla., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The AI race is no longer decided by models alone. On this episode of Disruption Interruption podcast, host Karla Jo Helms (KJ) speaks with Matt O’Brien, CEO of Snow Crash Labs, about why the U.S. is falling behind China in the electricity needed to power next-generation models, why enterprises can no longer afford to deploy AI without rigorous quality control, and why, as O’Brien puts it, “AI has become just as much of an infrastructure problem as it is a technology problem.”

Industry Is Moving Faster Than Its Safeguards

For O’Brien, the deeper problem is that AI capability is scaling predictably with compute and power, which means the race is now constrained by physical infrastructure as much as by software. In the episode, he explains that the U.S. would need to add at least 20 gigawatts of power to the grid every year through 2030 just to keep pace with expected data-center buildout, while China added roughly 430 gigawatts in a single year. “The AI models are grown like a garden, not built like a skyscraper,” he says, and the “water” they need is data-center compute.

That infrastructure gap becomes even more dangerous because model behavior is getting riskier at the same time. O’Brien points to the now well-known Anthropic case, where a pre-quality-control Claude Opus 4 attempted blackmail in 96% of the time when it had leverage over a user. He adds that by mid-2025, behaviors like scheming, gaslighting, and other “nefarious activities” were appearing in models about 30% of the time, up from roughly 5% in late 2024. In his view, the issue is not that models are malicious, but that they are becoming smart enough to discover routes to accomplish goals that are unethical, illegal, or damaging to the enterprise using them.

Some companies understand this risk, especially in highly regulated sectors or where sensitive healthcare and financial data are involved, but many still do not. “The market isn’t as prepared for this problem as it needs to be,” O’Brien says. This creates a dangerous asymmetry: AI adoption is accelerating faster than AI literacy, while legal, compliance, and reputational risks continue to grow.

Quality Control Before Deployment

O’Brien’s solution is to treat AI more like a regulated product than a magic trick. Snow Crash Labs tests models for alignment failures, unsafe behaviors, and quality defects before companies deploy them at scale. “We test the models to see if they have gone through a quality control process,” he says. “Because if they haven’t, the consequences can be quite severe.” That means crash-testing models for behaviors such as blackmail, bias, privacy violations, or illegal goal-seeking, and then routing enterprise requests to safer models when needed.

His analogy makes the stakes clear: “Imagine going to a supermarket without the FDA. Is that steak going to be okay? That’s what it’s like deploying AI without quality control.” In O’Brien’s view, the next major AI market is not just building more powerful models. It is making them trustworthy enough for the real economy.

That is why he believes AI literacy will determine which companies survive the next phase of adoption. “The best future for everyone is if literacy did develop in these large enterprises before they were outcompeted by AI-literate startups,” he says. The upside, in his view, is not fear-driven retreat. It is responsible adoption: quality-controlled models, fewer enterprise disasters, and a path for companies to keep using the best AI available without betting the business on blind trust.

Links

Disrupting AI Security: The End of the “Safe” AI Pilot with Matt O’Brien

Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today’s biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption.

https://omny.fm/shows/disruption-interruption/disrupting-ai-security-the-end-of-the-safe-ai-pilot-with-matt-o-brien

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-o-brien-98318369/
Company Website: http://www.snowcrashlabs.com/

About Disruption Interruption™
Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries — MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more — and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, “THAT’S IT! I’VE HAD IT!”? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo “KJ” Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits — and not-so-common — that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world’s key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at www.disruption-interruption.com.

About Matt O’Brien

Matt O’Brien is CEO of SnowCrash Labs, where he is building AI quality-control and security infrastructure for enterprises deploying advanced models at scale. A former corporate attorney and current Techstars mentor, O’Brien combines legal, engineering, and operational experience to help companies test AI systems for alignment failures, unsafe behavior, and other defects before they reach production. He holds a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a B.S. from Lehigh University in logistics, materials, and supply chain management.

Before founding SnowCrash Labs in 2025, O’Brien practiced corporate law at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and Nelson Mullins and earlier worked with startup and engineering teams on product, supply chain, and market-development challenges. In the podcast, he says he has followed AI progress for about a decade and launched SnowCrash Labs after recognizing that advanced models were beginning to affect white-collar work at scale. Today, his focus is making AI adoption safer, more scalable, and more trustworthy for the companies relying on it.

About Karla Jo Helms
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.

References

LIMRA, & Life Happens. (2024, April 15). U.S. life insurance need gap grows in 2024. limra.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2024/u.s.-life-insurance-need-gap-grows-in-2024/LIMRA. (2026, March 3). Double-digit growth drives individual life insurance new premium to set new sales record in 2025. limra.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2026/limra-double-digit-growth-drives-individual-life-insurance-new-premium-to-set-new-sales-record-in-2025/Optifino. (2025, September 29). Optifino and Covr announce deal to transform life insurance distribution. optifino.com/optifino-and-covr-announce-deal-to-transform-life-insurance-distribution/

Media Inquiries:
Karla Jo Helms
JOTO PR™
727-777-4629

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SOURCE Disruption Interruption

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Oxford Royale Academy Partners with MIT to Bring AI Education to Summer School Students

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One of Europe’s fastest-growing education companies — ranked 156th in the FT 1000 — announces a curriculum partnership with MIT’s RAISE initiative, offering teenagers AI literacy credentials in Oxford this summer.

OXFORD, England, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Oxford Royale Academy, one of Europe’s fastest-growing education companies, has announced a partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to bring AI literacy education to international summer school students this year.

 

The collaboration will see students at Oxford Royale’s programmes in Oxford complete the MIT RAISE FutureBuilders pathway — a structured AI education curriculum developed by MIT’s Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education (RAISE) initiative in partnership with Pharos Education. Students who complete the programme will receive an official MIT RAISE certificate.

Oxford Royale hosts more than 3,000 students from over 175 countries each summer, offering university-style academic programmes at colleges in Oxford. The partnership introduces a formal AI curriculum strand to its existing academic offering for the first time.

The announcement follows Oxford Royale’s inclusion in the Financial Times’ FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2026, in which the organisation ranked 156th across the continent.

IN THEIR WORDS

“The future will be led by those who understand technology and know how to harness it responsibly. Our collaboration with MIT’s RAISE initiative and Pharos Education gives students the opportunity to explore artificial intelligence at an early stage — not simply as a tool, but as a force that will shape the careers, industries and societies they inherit.”

— Andy Palmer, Chief Executive Officer, Oxford Royale Academy

“The MIT RAISE FutureBuilders programme has a clear objective: to transform the next generation from consumers of technology into AI builders. Oxford Royale’s student body — drawn from more than 175 countries — makes this one of the most internationally diverse cohorts we have worked with.”

— Felipe Arango, Chief Executive Officer, Pharos Education

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Artificial intelligence has risen sharply up the agenda of schools, universities and policymakers in recent years, driven by the rapid commercial deployment of large language models and other AI systems. A number of governments have introduced national strategies for AI education, while surveys of employers consistently highlight AI literacy as among the most valued skills for new entrants to the workforce.

Despite this, structured AI education at secondary level remains limited in most countries. Oxford Royale’s adoption of the MIT RAISE pathway is intended to help close that gap, giving students aged 13–18 exposure to both the technical principles and ethical dimensions of AI before they reach university.

MIT RAISE describes its mission as promoting AI literacy and ethical understanding among young learners worldwide. Programmes developed by the initiative aim to equip students to engage with artificial intelligence thoughtfully, with particular attention to questions of fairness, accountability and the societal implications of automated systems.

Oxford Royale was founded in 2004 by Oxford graduate William Humphreys. Since launch, more than 50,000 students from over 175 countries have attended its programmes.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Programme Dates and Availability

The summer programme will run across two sessions: 5th July to 18th July and 19th July to 1st August 2026. There are a total of 60 places available across both sessions.

About Oxford Royale Academy

Oxford Royale Academy is a leading international education company offering academic summer school programmes at colleges in Oxford, UK, and at campuses worldwide. Founded in 2004, Oxford Royale has welcomed more than 50,000 students from over 175 countries. The organisation was ranked 156th in the Financial Times FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2026. Further information is available at oxfordroyale.com.

About MIT RAISE

MIT RAISE (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education) is a global initiative based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology dedicated to expanding access to AI literacy education. Its FutureBuilders programme provides structured pathways for young learners to develop skills in artificial intelligence, with an emphasis on ethical and responsible use.

About Pharos Education

Pharos Education is an education technology company that develops and delivers AI learning programmes in partnership with leading academic institutions. Pharos is the delivery partner for the MIT RAISE FutureBuilders curriculum.

 

SOURCE Oxford Royale

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