Technology

IMMERSIVE XR EXPERIENCE EXPANDS THE REACH OF HOLOCAUST EDUCATION

Published

3 months ago

June 3, 2026

The Claims Conference Releases A Cutting-Edge Mixed-Reality Experience Detailing The Heartbreaking And Inspiring Story Of Benno Kern, From Anschluss To Auschwitz To Liberation In Buchenwald.

NEW YORK, June 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) announced the launch of “Benno’s Light,” the heartbreaking and inspiring story of 98-year-old Holocaust survivor Benno Kern brought to life through cutting-edge, mixed-reality technology which allows people to walk through his story while using VR headsets or simply on their computers. Benno’s Light is the latest effort to expand access to Holocaust knowledge, meeting future generations in compelling and engaging ways.

Gideon Taylor, President of the Claims Conference, said, “Mixed reality is the technology of now and of the future. And it is precisely why it is so crucial that we tap into advanced technology to help future generations understand the Holocaust. We cannot let stories like Benno’s fade into the darkness.”

In partnership with the Austrian government, the Claims Conference collaborated with immersive technology company makemepulse to create a sensitive and evocative mixed-reality experience animating Kern’s words into a powerful testimony and educational experience for generations to come.

Christian Stocker, Austrian Federal Chancellor, said, “Holocaust remembrance is not only an obligation to the past, it is our mandate for the future. A vibrant and forward-looking culture of remembrance requires us to meet current and future generations where they are. Projects like Benno’s Light demonstrate how cutting-edge technology can preserve the voices of survivors in ways that are deeply personal, accessible and meaningful for young audiences today and tomorrow. Austria recognizes its historical responsibility to ensure that the truth of the Shoah remains alive through innovative educational tools that strengthen awareness, deepen understanding and sharpen our vigilance against antisemitism, hatred and intolerance in all forms.”

Benno Kern, born in 1927 in Vienna, Austria, recounts his life in the city he remembers for both its music and intellect, but also for the pogroms that scarred the hearts of those who remember. Kern explains to viewers how his joyful and innocent childhood turned to darkness as his relatives – and eventually his own immediate family – ran from the Nazis and were eventually captured by them. The XR project follows him as his family fled Vienna to Czechoslovakia, Belgium and Paris where the Nazis captured Benno and his parents, sending them to Auschwitz.

Benno Kern, Holocaust survivor and featured storyteller, said, “I’ll never forget my mother’s words: ‘You have the opportunity to stay alive. The decision is yours.’ I was the only member of my family to survive the Holocaust. This project has special meaning to me as I carried my family’s story for more than 80 years with uncertainty as to whether it would be remembered. I ask future generations to hear my words and carry them forward in your hearts. Let them light your way. And let them remind you what it means to carry compassion, even in the darkest of times.”

Benno’s Light builds on “Inside Kristallnacht,” the groundbreaking XR project the Claims Conference released in 2024. The inaugural XR project followed Dr. Charlotte Knobloch through the streets of Munich, Germany as she recounts the November Pogrom the night of November 9, 1938, when as a six-year-old she and her father hid from the Nazis terrorizing their Jewish community. Kristallnacht was the historic moment when a growing hatred peaked, catalyzing into acts of violence and rage, when citizens turned on their longtime neighbors, roaming the streets in mobs, breaking the glass of Jewish homes and shops. More than 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and deported to concentration camps during the days of Kristallnacht.

Alexander Pröll, State Secretary for the Austrian Federal Chancellery, said, “Holocaust education must continue to evolve to remain meaningful for future generations. Innovative projects, such as Benno’s Light, show how technology can strengthen remembrance by bringing survivor testimony into new educational and cultural spaces around the world. Remembering the Shoah demands that we actively counter antisemitism and hatred wherever they surface, reinforcing our shared responsibility to defend human dignity, historical truth, and democratic values.”

The launch of Benno’s Light at University of Vienna carries profound historical significance. Following the destruction of Vienna’s medieval synagogue and the murder and expulsion of Jews in 1421, stones from the synagogue were used in the construction of the earliest buildings of what would later become part of the University of Vienna. More than 500 years later, the university now serves as a place to confront that history openly and honestly, transforming a site once connected to the erasure of Jewish life into a space dedicated to remembrance, education and the preservation of survivor testimony for future generations.

Greg Schneider, Executive Vice President of the Claims Conference, said, “New technology allows us to engage younger generations, which is critical to ensure the lessons of the Shoah are never forgotten. Benno was the same age as today’s students when he was torn from his home by the Nazis and forced onto a deportation train to Auschwitz. XR technology allows Benno to once again be a 15-year-old, showing today’s 15-year-olds the result of unchecked hatred.”

This virtual reality project integrates real-life footage, photographs, music and other audio from the Anschluss to Auschwitz, as well as meticulously researched historical context, into the hand-drawn world of Kern’s story with stunning artwork created by immersive technology company, makemepulse. The mixed-reality project will be displayed in museums and film festivals, and accompanying educational materials are currently under development.

Nicolas Rajabaly, Co-Founder, Chief Creative Officer, makemepulse, said, “Benno’s Light was never about using technology for spectacle. The challenge was finding a way to preserve the intimacy and humanity of Benno’s testimony while creating a format capable of reaching new generations. What moved us most during the process was realizing that Benno’s memories were shaped less by places and more by the people who helped him survive. That insight fundamentally changed the experience we designed. We shifted away from historical reconstruction alone and focused instead on emotional proximity, presence and human connection. Immersive technology gave us the opportunity to transform testimony into something audiences could feel around them rather than simply observe from a distance.”

The Benno’s Light experience can be accessed on the website by clicking here: https://bennos-light.org/

Benno’s Light was developed under the stewardship of the Claims Conference (Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany) and the Committee for Jewish Claims on Austria, with the support of the Austrian Federal Chancellery.

For more information, please visit: www.claimscon.org

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/immersive-xr-experience-expands-the-reach-of-holocaust-education-302788998.html

SOURCE Claims Conference

Technology

GRT Capital Management opens Dubai office in DIFC to expand into MEASA region

Published

39 minutes ago

September 2, 2026

DIFC office strengthens GRT’s regional presence and supports its long-term growth across the MEASA region.

DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GRT Capital Management Limited (“GRT”) today announced the launch of its office in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, marking a significant milestone in the global expansion of the asset management firm.

Regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the DIFC office will serve as the regional hub to support GRT’s engagement with professional investors, including ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families and institutional clients across the MEASA region.

Tim Haywood, Managing Director of GRT Capital Management Limited (DIFC Representative Office), said, “The MEASA region is home to significant private and public wealth, and regional investors have a growing appetite for alternative investments. With the United Arab Emirates serving as a key international financial hub, DIFC’s robust legal and regulatory framework makes it a strong platform for our regional expansion. We’re excited to take this significant step forward in our ability to serve clients in MEASA.”

GRT specializes in private market investments across real assets and asset-backed financing, and offers Shariah-compliant investment strategies.[1] The firm provides fund management, discretionary portfolio management and investment advisory services to clients. GRT’s investment platform includes strategies focused on real assets, including those identified in collaboration with Walton Global, an established land asset management group.

Jamie Lam, President of GRT said, “The establishment of our DIFC Office is a natural progression of GRT’s growth strategy. We see the MEASA region as one of our key growth markets, and this expansion enables us to strengthen our regional presence and deepen engagement with investors and strategic partners across the MEASA region.”

GRT is an established provider of alternative asset management services. The firm specializes in strategic land investments and asset-backed financing focused on income and growth strategies. GRT is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong to carry out Type 4 (Advising on Securities) and Type 9 (Asset Management) regulated activities.

[1] GRT’s Shariah-compliant investment strategy is reviewed and endorsed by Masryef Advisory, an Islamic finance advisory firm based in Malaysia.

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the world’s most advanced financial centre, shaping the global financial landscape and cementing Dubai’s reputation as a leading business destination across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA).

As the region’s only financial centre operating at scale across all sectors, DIFC is home to 10,018 active firms. These include 1,134 regulated firms, among them are 370 banks and capital markets firms, 71 brokerage entities, 165 insurance and (re)insurance companies and 592 Wealth and Asset Management firms (including over 100 hedge fund managers). Home to 1,933 AI, FinTech and innovation firms, DIFC sets the benchmark for financial innovation and is a top five ranked FinTech hub across the world.

Underpinned by a trusted, world-class legal and regulatory framework, including the region’s most utilised commercial courts, DIFC ensures efficient governance and reinforces Dubai’s leadership in the digital economy. Connecting 50,200 professionals, it offers the region’s deepest pool of financial talent, serving as the gateway to MEASA for all financial players.

Beyond business, DIFC provides the complete urban experience with world-class lifestyle amenities, establishing it as a highly sought-after destination. The 17.7mn sq. ft. DIFC Zabeel District expansion which provides capacity for over 42,000 companies and a workforce of more than 125,000, DIFC is solidifying Dubai’s position as a top four global financial centre. The new District will also include premium Grade A commercial office space, over 1mn sq.ft. allocated to future technologies including the world’s largest Innovation Hub and world’s first purpose-built AI Campus, an expanded academy, residential buildings, hotels, a conference centre, and a range of retail, dining, and cultural offerings, including the Museum of Digital Art, the region’s first museum dedicated to digital art and new technologies.

Anchored in integrity, DIFC is the platform for success, driving the future of finance.

For further information, please visit our website: difc.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X @DIFC.

Regulatory Information
GRT Capital Management Limited (DIFC Representative Office) is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) as a Representative Office. GRT Capital Management Limited is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong to carry out Type 4 (Advising on Securities) and Type 9 (Asset Management) regulated activities. All regulated activities are conducted in Hong Kong. The DIFC Representative Office does not conduct regulated activities.

Disclaimer
This announcement is issued by GRT Capital Management Limited (DIFC Representative Office) for information purposes only. It does not constitute, and should not be construed as, an offer, invitation, recommendation, solicitation or inducement to buy or sell any financial product or investment service, nor does it constitute investment, legal, tax or other professional advice. Any financial products or services referred to herein are offered by GRT Capital Management Limited and/or its relevant Group entities, as applicable, and are subject to applicable laws, regulatory requirements and offering documentation. The DIFC Representative Office does not conduct regulated activities. All regulated activities are carried out by GRT Capital Management Limited in Hong Kong under its SFC Type 4 and Type 9 licences, and such services are exclusively available to Professional Investors (as defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance) and are not available to the retail public in Hong Kong. Investment involves risks. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/grt-capital-management-opens-dubai-office-in-difc-to-expand-into-measa-region-302867524.html

Technology

CNN Academy expands to Japan to empower future multimedia storytellers

Published

39 minutes ago

September 2, 2026

HONG KONG, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNN has successfully concluded the inaugural edition of CNN Academy in Japan, delivering an intensive, skills-focused journalism training experience designed to empower the next generation of multimedia storytellers.

The program featured a hybrid curriculum centered on digital storytelling in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Participants first completed virtual coursework on CNN’s dedicated e-learning platform, covering storytelling ethics and AI integration in newsrooms, before gathering for an immersive, hands-on workshop week in Tokyo.

Hosted at Sophia University in Tokyo, the five-day in-person workshop was led by CNN award-winning international correspondent Hanako Montgomery, CNN award-winning producer Junko Ogura, leading mobile storytelling expert Glen Mulcahy, and seasoned media executive David Ford. Together, they guided and instructed participants on storytelling for the AI era, equipping them with the fundamentals to produce impactful and high-quality stories ethically and efficiently. The week concluded with participants executing polished multiplatform projects that put their new skills into practice.

The five-day training week was the core of the program, simulating a realistic digital-first news environment with interactive workshops and masterclasses on mobile journalism, script writing, and AI-enabled workflows. The week concluded with participants executing polished multiplatform projects that showcased their new skills in practice.

Since launching in 2020, CNN Academy has partnered with creative, educational and media partners to combine CNN’s renowned global journalism expertise with academic excellence. The program continues to expand worldwide, offering dynamic learning experiences through a wealth of resources, in-person exercises, digital courses and expert-led workshops.

Alireza Hajihosseini, Director of CNN Academy and Deputy Bureau Chief of CNN’s Abu Dhabi production hub, said, “CNN Academy Tokyo reflects CNN’s ongoing commitment to equipping and empowering tomorrow’s journalists. Through virtual training and an in-person workshop in Tokyo, the program tapped into our experienced storytellers to prepare the next generation for multi-platform reporting in the age of AI. The participants were exceptional throughout the week, demonstrating the essential skills needed to connect with audiences everywhere.”

Natsumi Sasaki, Senior Director of Content Sales and Strategic Partnerships in Japan, CNN International Commercial, added, “Beyond extending CNN’s mission to bring exceptional journalism to the world, CNN Academy offers an innovative way for collaborating with academic and creative partners. With the great support of Sophia University, bringing this initiative to Tokyo marks an exciting step forward in nurturing emerging talent and strengthening CNN’s legacy of global reporting in one of the world’s most dynamic media capitals.”

For more information, please see academy.cnn.com

– Ends –

About CNN International

CNN’s portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 379 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI’s non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

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SOURCE CNN International

Technology

Industry Leaders Outline the Future of Energy Independence for European Business in The Economist Panel Ahead of IFA 2026

Published

39 minutes ago

September 2, 2026

Featuring EcoFlow Chief Strategy Officer Nick Chen alongside leaders from CEER, Elia Group, and Equinix, The Economist Panel “Flexible by Design: Energy Resilience for Business” explores how energy flexibility and smart technologies drive European industrial competitiveness

BERLIN, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the explosive growth of AI data centers and electric vehicles pushes European power grids to their limit, energy resilience has rapidly shifted from a utility concern to a board-level imperative across the continent. Ahead of IFA Berlin 2026 (Sept. 4–8), The Economist Enterprise and EcoFlow today announced the broadcast release of the executive panel, “Flexible by design: energy resilience for business.”

The session brings together key leaders from energy regulation, grid operations, digital infrastructure, and manufacturing to tackle Europe’s most pressing commercial challenge: overcoming grid bottlenecks and unpredictable power costs.

Confronted with historic price volatility and years-long grid connection queues, EcoFlow is leveraging its footprint of over 10 million deployed devices and 5 million global users to power its expansion into the small business and enterprise sectors. By transferring its battle-tested consumer architecture—modular hardware, automated dynamic tariff optimization and AI software—EcoFlow is providing commercial operators with immediate, cost-effective energy independence.

“Small and medium businesses are facing the exact same energy volatility and high costs that residential consumers are dealing with,” said Nick Chen, Chief Strategy Officer for EcoFlow. “Through powering millions of homes worldwide, we learned that mass adoption of clean energy requires three things: extreme simplicity, modular scalability, and intelligent software automation. By taking our proven consumer technology foundation and software intelligence into the commercial market, we are giving businesses the tools they need to easily manage complex energy needs, lower operational expenses and ensure power resilience.”

Key Panel Insights

Energy Market Upheaval & Strategy: How fluctuating energy prices, grid bottlenecks, and periods of negative wholesale rates are reshaping corporate investment decisions and business growth across Europe.Building Cost-Effective Resilience: Practical approaches for enterprises to safeguard operations against power disruptions and price spikes without incurring excessive capital expenditure.Overcoming Grid Bottlenecks: How connection queues threaten industrial growth, and how flexible connection agreements and demand-response mechanisms offer immediate relief.Distributed Assets as Infrastructure: The role of small-scale distributed storage, solar, and energy-management software in working alongside transmission systems to balance supply and demand.The 2030 Outlook: How current regulatory adaptations and technological deployments will shape electricity market design and European competitiveness over the next decade.

Distinguished Panel Roster

Nick Chen – Chief of Strategy, EcoFlowBram Claeys – Secretary General, Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER)James Matthys-Donnadieu – Chief Customers, Markets & Systems Officer, Elia GroupEulalia Flo – Vice President, Growth & Emerging Markets, Europe, EquinixPhillip Cornell (Moderator) – Senior Advisor, Energy & Sustainability, Economist Enterprise

Watch On-Demand & Meet EcoFlow at IFA 2026

Watch the Session: Stream the complete panel discussion on-demand at The Economist Events Portal.Visit EcoFlow at IFA 2026: EcoFlow invites industry partners, media, and attendees to explore its latest residential and commercial energy ecosystems live at IFA Berlin 2026 from Sept. 4–8 at Messe Berlin (Hall 3.2).

About EcoFlow

Founded in 2017, EcoFlow is No. 1 in smart home energy storage solutions, empowering millions of users to take control of their energy at home and beyond. Our vision is to power a new world that is aspirational, technology-driven, and eco-friendly. Our mission from day one is to provide smart and ecofriendly energy solutions for individuals, families, and society at large. We are, were, and will continue to be a reliable and trusted energy companion for users around the world. For more information, visit https://www.ecoflow.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/industry-leaders-outline-the-future-of-energy-independence-for-european-business-in-the-economist-panel-ahead-of-ifa-2026-302867528.html