Connect with us

Technology

Nearly $2 million for HEC Montréal’s ERPsim Lab in partnership with SAP Canada, UQAM and Université de Sherbrooke

Published

on

Training future leaders and helping companies make the most of their data with artificial intelligence

MONTREAL, April 30, 2025 /CNW/ – HEC Montréal, in partnership with SAP Canada, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS), is launching an innovative project to eventually help Canadian companies harness artificial intelligence to make data learning and interpretation more intuitive and optimize real-time decision-making. The results of this research will also help reduce the costs associated with common data visualization errors.

At the heart of this initiative is the Business Builders learning platform, developed by the ERPsim Lab team at HEC Montréal in collaboration with SAP Canada. This game-based tool, which is available free of charge to university and college students, will integrate new research developments to enable users to acquire advanced data visualization skills more quickly and independently.

Led by Pierre-Majorique Léger, Full Professor, Department of Information Technologies and Director of the ERPsim Lab at HEC Montréal, this three-year research project is part of the Alliance program of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Making data analysis and visualization more intuitive
“In a world where companies rely massively on data to guide their decisions, the ability to interpret and visualize information effectively is essential,” stresses Olivier Caya, Full Professor of Information Systems at the School of Management, Université de Sherbrooke.

Yet many still struggle to fully exploit advanced analytical tools. This project aims to bridge this gap—initially with future managers—using Business Builders, a data visualization learning platform. Researchers will use the data it generates from user exercises to better understand how users behave when analyzing and visualizing data on the SAP Analytics Cloud interface.

By studying users’ behavioral patterns, the researchers will identify common errors and design predictive algorithms capable of detecting and correcting inappropriate use of data visualization.

“By improving the understanding and use of data, we will help companies avoid costly mistakes,” explains Théophile Demazure, Assistant Professor, Department of Information Technologies at HEC Montréal.

“By analyzing user habits, we will develop tools capable of anticipating and correcting these errors in real time, while testing new pedagogical approaches to make learning about data more intuitive,” adds Patrick Charland, Full Professor of Science and Technology Didactics at UQAM.

A strategic partnership with SAP Canada
SAP, the world leader in enterprise applications and business intelligence, is actively involved in this project, while providing financial and technological support, including access to SAP Analytics Cloud.

“SAP Canada is committed to cultivating the next generation of talent by integrating cutting-edge business solutions into the learning environment. Through our university partnerships, we bridge the gap between academia and business, equipping students with the skills they need to bring tangible benefits to businesses and organizations in Canada and around the world,” says Cindy Fagen, General Manager, SAP Labs Canada.

The results of this research will be published in scientific journals and integrated into academic and professional training courses, thus promoting the adoption of best practices in data management.

About HEC Montréal
An internationally renowned French-language university, HEC Montréal is open to the world and firmly rooted in the Quebec community. Since 1907, it has been training leaders in all areas of management, who contribute responsibly to the success of organizations and the sustainable transition of society. Its community includes nearly 14,000 students from 146 countries, over 300 faculty members and more than 110,000 graduates, who make their mark here and around the world. The School offers nearly 150 programs at all undergraduate and graduate levels and welcomes more than 9,000 managers and executives every year.

About the HEC Montréal ERPsim Lab
The ERPsim Lab develops innovative teaching solutions by transforming business software into dynamic learning platforms. Faculty members who use the ERPsim Lab’s simulations for teaching or research benefit from these platforms, thus creating the ideal setting for introducing the concepts and challenges of integrated business processes, data analytics, corporate information management, and more into the classroom. The gamified experience leads to increased student motivation toward learning concepts through play (serious gaming approach), heightened engagement in the form of participation and discussions, higher satisfaction, and a change in attitude toward complex business concepts.

Learn more about Business Builders.

About SAP Canada
As the world leader in enterprise applications and business intelligence, SAP (NYSE:SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best by uniting business-critical operations spanning finance, procurement, human resources, supply chain and customer experience. SAP Canada employs over 3,250 people in six locations: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Waterloo, Ottawa and Montréal. We support more than 7,000 customers and are home to the fourth-largest SAP lab, driving innovation across all our product lines.

About UQAM
The Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) is a French-language public university with an international reputation. The originality and distinctive features of its programs, its cutting-edge research, often focused on social concerns, and its creative innovations have contributed to building its reputation over the past 56 years. Dynamic and innovative, UQAM offers more than 365 programs, nearly half of which are at the graduate and postgraduate levels, in the fields of management sciences, arts, communication, political science and law, sciences, education sciences, health sciences, and humanities. Fully contributing to the social, economic, and cultural progress of society, UQAM has trained more than 310,000 graduates working in diverse fields.

About Université de Sherbrooke
Renowned for its innovative spirit, its synergy with organizations and its research activities that meet the needs of society, the Université de Sherbrooke is a leading partner of senior and regional governments in fostering social, cultural and economic development. It also stands out for the strong growth of its research activities in recent years, its successes in technology transfer, and its initiatives in entrepreneurship and open innovation in collaboration with industry and society.

About NSERC Alliance
NSERC Alliance grants support university researchers in collaboration with industry partners to carry out projects that generate new knowledge and accelerate the application of research results in Canada.

SOURCE HEC Montréal

Continue Reading

Technology

3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

Published

on

By

ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3m-announces-collaboration-with-gseo-to-advance-expanded-beam-optical-manufacturing-and-development-302913170.html

SOURCE 3M Company

Continue Reading

Technology

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

Published

on

By

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scott-vicknair-personal-injury-lawyers-announces-second-annual-operation-fur-ever-home-pet-adoption-event-at-lafreniere-park-302913183.html

SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Continue Reading

Technology

Can we produce low-cost omega-3s without relying on fish?

Published

on

By

GOLD COAST, Australia, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Southern Cross University researchers are aiming to halve the cost of producing omega-3 supplements to make these essential nutrients more accessible to pregnant women and infants in low-income countries, backed by the University’s first-ever grant from The Gates Foundation.

The research takes a novel approach: rather than relying on fish oil, the team is going closer to the original source of omega-3. Fish don’t produce omega-3 themselves – they accumulate it from marine microorganisms lower in the food chain.

Led by Professor Dirk Erler from Southern Cross University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, the team is investigating how these naturally omega-3-producing microorganisms can be grown more cheaply through precision fermentation, including the use of agricultural and food-processing by-products as a source of fermentation sugar.

Omega-3 is an important nutrient during pregnancy and early life, supporting brain and nervous system development in babies. But the cost of supplements remains a significant barrier to access in many low-income countries.

“The main barrier for the uptake of omega-3s as supplements in pregnant women is the cost,” Professor Erler said.

“The whole objective of our project is to reduce that cost and make omega-3 supplements more available.”

The research team at Southern Cross University, which includes biomedical scientist Dr Nedeljka Rosic, Dr Shane McIntosh, postdoctoral researcher Dr Jasmine Haskell and PhD researcher Michael Ingram, is focused on growing omega-3-producing marine microorganisms known as thraustochytrids – or ‘throstys’ for short.

“By growing those microorganisms on land through precision fermentation, we have an alternative way of producing omega-3s that is both reliable and highly targeted,” Professor Erler said.

Precision fermentation allows the researchers to grow thraustochytrids under controlled conditions to produce omega-3 oils. The team is investigating whether expensive feedstocks used in the process can be replaced with lower-cost agricultural and food-processing by-products, helping drive down the overall cost of production.

The approach could also reduce reliance on wild-caught fish as a source of omega-3 oil and create a more reliable, scalable, and local supply.

For biomedical scientist Dr Nedeljka Rosic, the production challenge is ultimately about what greater access to omega-3 could mean for women and babies.

“As a biomedical scientist, my purpose is to find ways to use science to improve people’s health,” Dr Rosic said.

“This project is important because it aims to improve the health of pregnant women and children and reduce preterm births through simple dietary improvements.”

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/can-we-produce-low-cost-omega-3s-without-relying-on-fish-302893631.html

SOURCE Southern Cross University

Continue Reading

Trending