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SXSW Announces Winners of 2025 Pitch Competition

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Seventeenth Annual Competition honors innovative startups within nine categories

AUSTIN, Texas, March 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals announced the winners of the 17th annual SXSW Pitch event presented by KPMG, which took place March 8-9 at the Hilton Austin Downtown during the Startups Track of the SXSW Conference. In addition to a winner chosen from each of the nine categories, winners were selected for the “Best Bootstrap Company”, “Best Speed Pitch”, “Best in Inclusivity” and “Best In Show” awards.

The category winners of the 2025 SXSW Pitch event are:

AgTech & Food: Knead Technologies (Calgary, Canada)

Enterprise, Smart Data, FinTech & Future of Work: Polygraf AI (Austin, TX)

Entertainment, Media, Sports & Content: NeuralGarage (Bangalore, India)

HealthTech, MedTech, BioTech & Accessibility: Glidance (Seattle, WA)

Innovative World Tech: Xatoms (Toronto, Canada)

Robotics, Web3, Voice & Extended Reality: Contoro (Austin, TX)

Security, GovTech & Space: Little Place Labs Inc. (Houston, TX)

Smart Cities, Transportation & Sustainability: Helix Earth (Houston, TX)

Student Startups: MabLab (Boston, MA)

SXSW Pitch 2025 also honored its “Best In Show” winner, Polygraf AI (Austin, TX). Special awards were also presented to Azul Biotechnologies, Inc. (Brooklyn, NY) for “Best Bootstrap Company,” Tempest Droneworx (Houston, Texas) for “Best Speed Pitch,” and Launch Ahead (Tulsa, OK) for “Best In Inclusivity.”

Each of the Pitch winners received a cash prize, two badges for next year’s SXSW conference, the SXSW Arrow Trophy, and most importantly, exceptional exposure to SXSW attendees and potential investors who are looking for the latest in cutting-edge technology and innovation.

“SXSW Pitch is proud to give a platform to today’s leading global startups for its 17th year,” said SXSW Pitch Event Producer, Chris Valentine. “As we watch industries change with the advent of AI and the leaps forward facilitated by new technologies, we are excited to showcase the companies and entrepreneurs that are leading innovation within their fields and give them a stage to highlight their work, which has the power to transform our world as we know it.”

This year’s participating companies represent the most innovative global startups. Since the program kicked off in 2009, SXSW Pitch finalists have raised more than $23.2 billion in funding, with 17% of SXSW Pitch finalists have been acquired by industry giants such as Google, British Telecom, Huffington Post, Apple, Live Nation, OpenTable, Meta, Michelin, Constant Contact, and Harmon.

Prominent trends showcased at this year’s Pitch event included artificial intelligence and GenAI, autonomous robotics and virtual environments, disease detection, and environmental and sustainability initiatives.

SXSW attendees and media will have the opportunity to meet the Pitch finalists on Monday, March 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT at the Griffin Hall at the JW Marriott.

For a complete list of the 2025 Finalists, including alternates and the Pitch event judges, visit: https://www.sxsw.com/pitch/

To learn more about the Startups Track, visit: https://www.sxsw.com/conference/startups/

About SXSW
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music, and comedy showcases, film and television screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of opportunities to meet and connect with people. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and individuals come together. SXSW 2025 will take place March 7–15 in Austin. Learn more at sxsw.com. To register for the event, please visit sxsw.com/attend.

SXSW’s expansion into the Asia Pacific region, with SXSW Sydney starting in 2023 and Europe with SXSW London in 2025, provides new possibilities at this iconic experience. These events, each with their own distinct flavor, make South By an indispensable three-stop tour for the global creative community.

SXSW 2025 Driven by Rivian.

Press Contacts:
Benjamin Perez
benjamin@sxsw.com
512-467-7979

Nicole Lombardo
nicole@calibercorporate.com
631-357-9593

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SOURCE South by Southwest

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Delixi Electric at the 140th Canton Fair Expanding Solutions Strengthening Global Partnerships

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GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 140th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, opened in Guangzhou on October 15, 2026, marking the event’s 70th anniversary. Delixi Electric returned with an expanded portfolio spanning power distribution, industrial control, home electrical products and tools, while inviting distributors and business partners worldwide to explore new opportunities for cooperation.

Under the brand philosophy “Making it happen,” the company presented products for industrial, commercial and residential applications. The display was designed to give international customers more choice and help channel partners broaden their offerings.

A key highlight was the official Canton Fair debut of Delixi Electric’s tool portfolio. Presented under the theme “The right tool for every task,” the range covers hand tools, power tools and measuring tools. A dedicated trial area allowed visitors to experience the products firsthand.

Among Delixi Electric’s industrial offerings, the H500 Series high-performance vector drive and CDC8 Series AC contactor were key highlights. Winner of the 2025 iF Design Award and a CIIF industrial automation award, the H500 targets mid- to high-end drive applications, while the CDC8 supports reliable control in demanding equipment-manufacturing environments. The wider display also featured wall switches, multi-standard sockets and adapters, and power distribution products.

Qi Wenjie, General Manager of Delixi Electric’s Overseas Business Division, said:

“For many years, the Canton Fair has been an important platform for us to understand how market needs are evolving and to engage closely with customers and partners from around the world. As the Fair marks its 70th anniversary, we are pleased to meet global customers and partners here once again.”

“For Delixi Electric, participating in the Canton Fair is about more than presenting individual products. It is also an opportunity to better understand local needs, demonstrate our broader capabilities in power distribution, and explore long-term value together with our customers and partners.”

Since its Canton Fair debut in 2023, Delixi Electric has participated for four consecutive years. Its business network now covers more than 80 countries and regions.

Looking ahead, the company will continue investing in product development, quality management, international certification, supply chain capabilities and local service. By expanding its portfolio and working closely with local partners, Delixi Electric aims to support market development and create sustainable growth opportunities for distributors, customers and industry partners worldwide.

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SSI SCHAEFER’s Four-Way Pallet Roaming Shuttle Is Expanding Warehouse Design Possibilities

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SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For warehouse operators in South Korea, warehouse design is increasingly shaped by competing demands: making better use of available space, managing labor constraints and maintaining reliable operations without committing to automation that exceeds business needs.

The challenge is not simply to store more pallets, but to determine how storage capacity can be configured around the inventory characteristics and the movement the operation actually requires.

Rethinking the use of warehouse space

Warehouse capacity is often assessed by the number of pallet positions available. However, the same building footprint can support different storage configurations, each with its own implications for accessibility, material flow and operating requirements.

Four-way pallet roaming shuttles, such as the SSI Pallet Roaming Shuttle, use onboard multi-sensor navigation to determine their position, monitor their surroundings in real time, and accurately detect obstacles. This enables flexible pallet handling across multiple storage levels, opening up greater possibilities for high-density, single- or multi-deep pallet storage configurations.

For facilities where building expansion is restricted, the ability to use available space more effectively can be an important design consideration. With system heights of 24 metres and options for 40 metres subject to configuration, solutions like the shuttle allow warehouse planners to evaluate storage designs that make greater use of the space.

Matching movement capability to operational needs

The significance of four-way movement lies in the flexibility it introduces into storage design. This can be particularly relevant to manufacturing operations storing raw materials or finished goods, food and beverage distribution, and temperature-controlled warehouses where storage conditions and space utilisation are crucial design considerations.

The shuttle supports payloads of up to 3000 kg and uses RFID and photoelectric positioning, with a specified positioning accuracy of ±5 mm. Operating at a maximum aislewise speed of 1.5 m/s when loaded and 1.6 m/s when unloaded, it provides a technical basis for evaluating its suitability against a warehouse’s storage and movement requirement.

Automation solving the right challenges, at the right time

For South Korean warehouse operators facing a rapidly aging population and labor constraints, the question is whether automating pallet storage and movement will address a meaningful operational need. Suited to medium-to-low SKU ranges and lower-throughput applications, the SSI Pallet Roaming Shuttle is worth considering where frequent retrievals and reduced reliance on repetitive manual handling are priorities, rather than high-volume pallet retrieval.

“The value of warehouse automation lies in how well a system fits the operation it is designed to serve. More automation does not automatically mean a better warehouse.

The real measure of an effective solution is how well its storage density, retrieval capability and throughput match the operation’s needs. Investing in capacity or performance that the business cannot fully utilise—or sacrificing retrieval flexibility for density—misses the point of warehouse automation,” said Jeon Jae Beom, Head of Sales, SSI Schaefer Korea.

For South Korean businesses balancing space, labor and investment pressures, the key is to select systems according to its intended role in the wider operation, not on the assumption that greater automation will resolve every capacity or productivity challenge.

For more information, visit www.ssi-schaefer.com/ko-kr.

About SSI SCHAEFER

The SSI SCHAEFER Group is a leading global solution provider for all areas of intralogistics. With innovative technologies and software, the company empowers small to medium-sized enterprises as well as large companies to increase the efficiency and sustainability of their storage, picking, and transport processes. SSI SCHAEFER offers complete solutions ranging from fully automated warehouses with tailored service and maintenance packages to robotics and automated guided vehicles, as well as manual and semi-automated systems such as workstations, racks and containers.

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SOURCE SSI Schaefer Korea

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Heybike Launches V1 Pro, a 72V Power Beast with 8,000W Peak Power and Bigger Attitude

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ONTARIO, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Heybike today announced the launch of the V1 Pro, a 72V electric dirt bike designed for riders who want bigger tires, bigger attitude, and ultimate off-road performance. With 8,000W peak power, 17-inch front and 14-inch rear tires, and Wheelie Boost Assist, the V1 Pro delivers powerful off-road performance while featuring hydraulic disc brakes and a magnetic emergency kill switch. Available now on Heybike’s official website, the V1 Pro is offered at an Early Bird price of $1,999, compared with its $2,199 MSRP.

The 72V Power Beast, Ready for Every Trail

With its oversized Big Foot tires, bold styling, and powerful 72V drive system, the Heybike V1 Pro is built to stand out. Delivering 8,000W peak power and 250 N•m of wheel torque, it reaches speeds of up to 50 MPH and tackles inclines of up to 45°, bringing serious power to demanding off-road adventures.

Its staggered 17-inch front and 14-inch rear Big Foot tires provide a larger rear contact patch for traction, while 285 mm of ground clearance helps the bike clear rocks, roots, and ruts. A 150 mm-travel front fork and rear hydraulic shock help absorb bumps on uneven terrain.

Powered by a 72V 27Ah battery with 1,944 Wh of capacity, the Heybike V1 Pro offers a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge, with charging taking approximately 5.5–6 hours using the included 84V 5A charger.

Smart Control. Your Ride, Your Way.

The Heybike app lets riders adjust speed limits and throttle response, choose from ECO, LINEAR, and SPORT riding modes, and configure regenerative braking to suit their riding preferences and terrain.

For added personalization, an optional Bluetooth speaker and horn accessory supports music playback and multiple simulated motorcycle engine sounds.

Enhanced Protection for Every Adventure

The Heybike V1 Pro combines performance with multiple safety-focused features. Its 220 mm front and 190 mm rear hydraulic disc brakes provide stopping power, while regenerative braking adds another layer of deceleration control.

A magnetic emergency kill switch is designed to cut power if the rider falls or steps away from the bike. A throttle-reset safety mechanism prevents power delivery until the throttle has returned to its reset position.

The Heybike V1 Pro features a UL 2849-certified battery system and an IPX6 waterproof rating, offering added protection for outdoor riding in changing weather conditions.

Together, these features complement the V1 Pro’s performance-focused design with added control and protection for off-road riding.

Wheelie Boost Assist: Unleash Your Wild Side

Experience wheelies like never before. With just a single mode control, Wheelie Boost™ lifts the front wheel to a fixed angle, safely turning a complex trick into an exciting riding experience. Less effort, more wild — unleash your bigger attitude and take your V1 Pro ride to the next level.

Bring the Family Together. Conquer Every Terrain.

More than an off-road ride, the Heybike V1 Pro opens the door to shared outdoor adventures and memorable family moments. Designed to bring riders together, it makes weekend trail rides and outdoor exploration opportunities for parents and teens to connect, build confidence, and discover new terrain side by side.

From family outings to challenging off-road adventures, the V1 Pro brings power, excitement, and the freedom to explore together.

A Step Up From the Original Heybike V1

Launched in the first half of 2026, the Heybike V1 quickly gained popularity among teens across the United States. Building on that success, the V1 Pro takes off-road performance to the next level with nearly 100% more peak power, 43.8% greater battery capacity, 11% higher top speed, 20% more range, and a 50% higher maximum climbing angle.

Beyond raw power, the V1 Pro delivers 31.5% more wheel torque and 14.5% greater ground clearance, along with stronger front and rear suspension system for a smoother ride. Its larger 17-inch front and 14-inch rear Big Foot tires further enhance off-road control and rear traction, while the full-size frame is designed to accommodate a broader range of riders.

Make Their Next Ride Unforgettable

The Heybike V1 Pro is available now for $1,999 (MSRP $2,199). Customers can also receive a limited-quantity launch gift box with their purchase, while supplies last. 

More riding challenges, giveaways, and community activities are on the way. Stay tuned for more ways to ride, connect, and share the adventure.

Shop the Heybike V1 Pro on its official website.

About Heybike

Heybike is a leading global e-bike brand making joy easy to reach for every age and every terrain, from city commutes to off-road adventures, blending accessible innovation, safety-first engineering, and design that connects. Every ride connects you to a worldwide community — to your family, to your city, and to the simple joy of moving. Learn more on Heybike’s official website.

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SOURCE Heybike

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