Technology
iHuman Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results
Published
1 year agoon
By
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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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.
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
Technology
Oxford Royale Academy Partners with MIT to Bring AI Education to Summer School Students
Published
40 minutes agoon
April 23, 2026By
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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