Technology

The Hashgraph Group and Merck Introduce EU Digital Product Passport on Hedera for Regulated Supply Chains

Published

6 days ago

June 9, 2026

Proof of authentication combines quality assurance with end-to-end traceability aiming to comply with incoming EU regulations

ZURICH, June 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hashgraph Group (THG) today announced a strategic collaboration with science and technology company Merck, that extends its TrackTraceDigital Product Passport (DPP) platform. Built on Hedera and designed to support compliance requirements for the global supply chain industry, the collaboration aims to meet the EU’s incoming product transparency regulations, ensuring product trust, quality, and improved sustainability. This integration of digital and physical authentication technologies is an initiative enabled through Merck’s participation in the Enterprise Accelerator Program of The Hashgraph Association (THA), the Swiss-based non-profit advancing digital enablement, innovation, and education across the Hedera ecosystem.

The technical integration brings together THG’s Hedera-powered digital traceability infrastructure with Merck’s M-Trust™ physical authentication technology system, offering the global supply chain ecosystem of physical goods a single trust system for proof of quality, proof of traceability, proof of authenticity, and proof of value transfer, all supported digitally by product passport, with Hedera as single source of truth.

Where TrackTrace creates tamper-proof digital records of a product’s origin and lifecycle, Merck’s M-Trust™ technology adds something digital systems alone cannot deliver: verification that the consumer product in your mouth is the real thing, not a counterfeit.

The integrated solution – already demonstrated in a first working supply chain pilot to be announced soon – is designed to help businesses across any sector prepare for the EU Digital Product Passport and deforestation traceability requirements now taking effect.

Regulation is raising the bar

New EU regulations are tightening up what companies must prove about the products they sell. The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will require Digital Product Passports via QR code detailing a product’s origin, composition, sustainability credentials and lifecycle from 2026 onwards, whereas the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires importers of commodities including cocoa, coffee, and timber to provide verified, farm-level traceability data. The collaboration between THG and Merck is designed to support the entire supply value chain in meeting applicable regulatory compliance requirements, with traceability and authentication built into the trust system.

Reliable product traceability also underpins sustainability commitments, ethical sourcing, carbon reporting, and consumer trust. Companies making public promises about where their products come from increasingly need the infrastructure to back those claims with verifiable proof. The consequences of weak traceability are already visible. In 2026, cocoa and food fraud risks have been rising due to high prices and strict new regulations, leading to increased adulteration and fake sourcing documentation. Key frauds include blending low-quality cocoa with fillers like husks, and falsifying deforestation-free certificates to meet the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

How it works

Merck embeds invisible security markers directly into a product and packaging using patented pigment technology. When scanned with an M-Trust™ handheld device, the product’s physical authenticity is confirmed, cryptographically signed, and recorded within TrackTrace on the Hedera network – becoming a permanent, verifiable part of its Digital Product Passport. The result: a chain of proof connecting the actual product to every claim made about it.

TrackTrace complements M-Trust™ by providing real-time tracking of origin, ethical sourcing, and carbon emissions data. TrackTrace also supports quality assurance (QA) data, enabling the capture and integration of product quality metrics directly into the Digital Product Passport. Each instance of tracked process is issued with its own decentralized identifier, acting as an immutable and verifiable record that aggregates all data, credentials, and validations, which allows any authorized third party to independently audit a product, business process, or claim without relying on a central authority, while supporting the automation of reporting processes through integrated Agentic AI.

The combined architecture is built to work across any sector where product authenticity, provenance, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable – from foods to pharmaceuticals and luxury goods to electronics and industrial components.

“Digital records alone are not sufficient for high-stakes supply chains,” said Stefan Deiss, CEO and Co-Founder of The Hashgraph Group. “Enterprises need to prove the physical product is genuine, not just the paperwork. This unique integration with M-Trust covers all layers from the first mile to the last mile – physical authentication through Merck’s technology and digital verification through TrackTrace – creating the foundation for trusted Digital Product Passports across any industry.”

“Product authentication has always required bridging the physical and digital worlds,” said Dr. Thomas Endress, Executive Director, Head of M-Trust in Group Science & Technology Office of Merck. “Integrating M-Trust’s verification with TrackTrace’s digital traceability creates exactly the kind of end-to-end trust infrastructure that enterprises and regulators are asking for. This is what product authentication looks like when it is built for the scale and complexity of modern supply chains.”

Building momentum

The Merck and THG collaboration is the latest in a rapid sequence of milestones for The Hashgraph Group. Since launching its IDTrust self-sovereign identity platform in August 2025, followed by its EcoGuard carbon credit platform in December 2025 – now deployed with government institutions in both India and the Philippines and more recently the launch of its BrandBoost product in May 2026, THG has moved to establish and position Hedera-based infrastructure as a serious option for enterprises and governments navigating complex regulatory environments. With EU Digital Product Passport deadlines approaching and global demand for verifiable supply chain and sustainability data intensifying, THG is positioning its enterprise Web3 suite of products for further integrations and sector-specific deployments throughout 2026, and beyond.

About The Hashgraph Group

The Hashgraph Group (THG) is a Swiss-based Web3 and AI technology engineering company operating within the Hedera ecosystem. Specialized in the design, development, and deployment of enterprise-grade solutions on Hedera, THG is focused on building business without barriers by converging agentic intelligence and workflow automation with decentralization and trusted data infrastructure, enabling sustainable competitive advantage for its clients in the digital economy. For more information about THG, visit www.hashgraph-group.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-hashgraph-group-and-merck-introduce-eu-digital-product-passport-on-hedera-for-regulated-supply-chains-302795017.html

Technology

Agoda Spotlights Six Scenic Road Trip Destinations in Asia

Published

22 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

SINGAPORE, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest recommendations highlight destinations where travelers can embark on scenic getaways where the journey itself becomes an integral part of the adventure. With a curated list of unique road trip destinations across Asia, Agoda’s guide offers travelers the flexibility to explore by car, cycling, or motorbike, turning every mile into a memorable experience.

Road trips captivate travelers with the allure of breathtaking views and the opportunity to savor quality time with companions or embrace the solitude of solo travel. The journey transforms into an experience in itself, offering the freedom to pause and explore hidden gems along the way. With the flexibility to start their trips whenever they choose, travelers can infuse spontaneity and adventure into their travels, making each road trip a unique story waiting to unfold.

Below are Agoda’s curated recommendations for travelers seeking a unique road trip destination in Asia.

Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam
Often explored by motorbike, travelers can expect dramatic mountain landscapes with terraced rice fields cascading down hillsides and local villages dotting the scenery. The Ha Giang Loop offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, making it a captivating road trip destination. The winding roads and breathtaking vistas provide an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure.

Taroko Gorge, Taiwan
This road trip features breathtaking marble cliffs, deep gorges, and lush forests, making it one of Asia’s most spectacular drives. Travelers can marvel at the natural beauty of Taroko Gorge, where the landscape offers a stunning backdrop for exploration. The route provides numerous opportunities to stop and appreciate the serene environment, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Shimanami Kaido, Japan
The Shimanami Kaido is a cyclist’s paradise, offering a stunning island-hopping route across the Seto Inland Sea. This journey connects six islands with a series of bridges, each providing panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. Travelers can enjoy the unique experience of cycling over the sea, with opportunities to explore charming coastal towns, savor local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of Japan’s inland sea.

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India
Known for its surreal, otherworldly terrain, Spiti Valley offers rugged landscapes, pristine lakes, and ancient monasteries at high altitudes. The road trip through this region promises a journey through time, with the chance to explore remote villages and experience the unique culture of the area. The dramatic scenery and sense of isolation make it a truly unique destination.

Flores Island, Indonesia
With diverse volcanic landscapes, lush rice paddies, and access to Komodo National Park’s unique scenery, Flores Island offers a road trip filled with natural wonders. Travelers can explore the island’s rich biodiversity and enjoy the vibrant landscapes that change with every turn. The journey promises an adventure through one of Indonesia’s most captivating regions.

Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju Island’s volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, and lava tubes create diverse natural beauty. The road trip around the island offers a chance to explore its unique geological features and enjoy the serene environment. Travelers can immerse themselves in the island’s charm and discover hidden gems along the way.

Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand
This route offers stunning mountain scenery winding through hill tribe country with hot springs and misty peaks. The Mae Hong Son Loop provides a journey through Thailand’s cultural heartland, with opportunities to engage with local communities and enjoy the natural beauty. The road trip promises a blend of adventure and relaxation in a picturesque setting.

Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President at Agoda, shared, “Road trips are a fantastic way to experience both the journey and the destination. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline along the Ha Giang Loop, or enjoying the captivating vistas of Taroko Gorge, Agoda empowers travelers to explore the world with ease and affordability, offering a seamless blend of accommodations and activities that enrich every road trip experience.“

Travelers seeking an unforgettable road trip can browse over 300,000 activities, along with more than 6 million holiday properties and over 130,000 flight routes, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more.

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SOURCE Agoda

Technology

fileAI Expands into Japan with Strategic Partnership with JRE VENTURES

Published

22 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

Partnership marks fileAI’s entry into Japan, bringing enterprise-grade agentic AI to one of Japan’s most forward-thinking infrastructure organizations

SINGAPORE, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — fileAI, the AI-native intelligence platform, announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with JRE VENTURES PTE. LTD., the corporate venture capital arm supporting innovation and startup collaboration opportunities across the JR East Group. The collaboration marks fileAI’s formal expansion into Japan and signals the company’s commitment to building a dedicated local team in Japan – a critical milestone as the organization scales its global footprint.

The partnership will see fileAI and JRE VENTURES explore opportunities to deploy its governed AI platform for data preparation and automation within JR East Group companies, beginning with initiatives related to the digitisation and restructuring of legacy contractual and operational documents. As part of the partnership, JRE VENTURES will also make a strategic investment in fileAI, underscoring its confidence in the company’s vision and technology roadmap.

Turning Legacy Documents into a Living Intelligence Layer

At the heart of the partnership is a mission to modernise how JR East Group companies may manage vast archives of historical contracts and documentation in the future. Using fileAI’s proprietary AI agents, the parties aim to transform static, paper-based and legacy digital records into searchable and structured knowledge assets helping organizations unlock value that has long been locked in siloed files and systems. The program delivers four foundational capabilities:

Digitization of historical contracts and documents — converting physical and legacy files into high-fidelity digital assetsAI-powered extraction — automatically identifying key terms, clauses, obligations, and metadata from unstructured textCentralized intelligent repository — enabling future retrieval, search, and reuse of contractual knowledge within and potentially across organizationsContract intelligence and analytics — unlocking future reporting, risk insights, and renewal forecasting capabilities at enterprise scale

The long-term vision is to create a living contract intelligence layer – one that could reduce manual document hunting, improve knowledge accessibility, and support more intelligent operational decision-making across organizations.

Leadership Perspectives

“Japan is a pivotal market for fileAI, and JRE is exactly the kind of partner we envisioned building with here. Their appetite for innovation, combined with the scale of their operations, makes this the perfect proving ground for what AI agents can do for enterprises. We are proud to be planting our flag in Japan alongside a truly visionary organization.”

— Christian Schneider, CEO, fileAI

“At JRE VENTURES, we are continuously exploring how emerging technologies can enhance the efficiency and resilience of JR East Group operations. fileAI’s approach to AI-driven file processing represents a meaningful advancement in how enterprise data can be structured and utilised. Through this partnership, we aim to validate practical use cases and contribute to the broader adoption of enterprise AI in Japan and across Asia Pacific.”

— Junichi Eto, Managing Director, JRE VENTURES

Building for Japan: A Long-Term Commitment

The partnership with JRE VENTURES is the cornerstone of fileAI’s broader Japan strategy. The company is actively building a local team in Tokyo, with plans to hire across sales, engineering, and customer success functions over the coming months. fileAI is committed to developing deep local expertise and nurturing relationships that are grounded in an understanding of Japan’s unique enterprise landscape.

Japan represents one of the world’s largest concentrations of complex, file-heavy enterprise operations, spanning rail, finance, manufacturing, and government. fileAI sees an extraordinary opportunity to partner with Japan’s most innovative institutions as they navigate the AI transition, and is dedicated to being a trusted, long-term presence in the market.

About fileAI

fileAI is the enterprise intelligence company behind fileForge, the leading platform for complex business process automation. By turning complex files into structured, validated data with full decision traceability, fileForge gives AI agents the reasoning and confidence to act inside real enterprise operations.

Trusted by global enterprises including MS&AD, Toshiba, PwC, KPMG, Nippon Paint, and Keppel, fileAI has processed over 1 billion files across finance, insurance, supply chain, healthcare, and operations, delivering governed automation and contextual reuse for the world’s most complex workflows.

For more information, visit www.file.ai.

About JRE VENTURES PTE. LTD.

JRE VENTURES PTE. LTD. is the corporate venture capital arm established to support startup collaboration and innovation initiatives related to the JR East Group. Based in Singapore, the company works with startups across Southeast Asia and other global markets, supporting business development opportunities in areas such as retail, advertising, logistics, real estate, AI, travel, and digital transformation.

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SOURCE fileAI

Technology

Technology Leads Insurance Education: Big Jump SEO Partners with Three Major Insurance Platforms to Enhance VHIS Information Quality with Latest Gemini AI Technology

Published

22 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

HONG KONG, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Leading digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) expert Big Jump SEO Solutions today announced a strategic partnership with three renowned local insurance education platforms: VHIS101, HKVHIS and MoneyHK101. This collaboration will fully integrate Google’s latest Gemini AI technology to optimize and elevate the quality of knowledge-sharing for the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) and various insurance products, providing Hong Kong citizens with more precise, accessible, and timely insurance information.

With continuous updates to VHIS policies and rapid changes in the healthcare market, public demand for clear, objective insurance information has become increasingly urgent. Leveraging its deep foundation in digital technology, Big Jump SEO Solutions will deeply integrate Gemini AI’s powerful natural language processing and big data analytics capabilities into the content creation and optimization workflows of the partner platforms. Utilizing Gemini AI technology, the platforms can quickly untangle complex insurance terms and claims procedures while ensuring regulatory compliance and accuracy. This information will be transformed into easy-to-understand educational articles, infographic cheat sheets, and intelligent interactive Q&As, significantly lowering the barrier for the public to understand insurance products.

The three participating platforms each bring unique strengths to the partnership: VHIS101 and HKVHIS have long focused on VHIS policies, product comparisons, and enrollment strategies, while MoneyHK101 comprehensively covers personal finance and general insurance knowledge.

A spokesperson for Big Jump SEO Solutions stated: “The core of insurance education lies in ‘trust’ and ‘clarity’. We are thrilled to partner with these three outstanding platforms. By introducing the latest Gemini AI technology, we can not only enhance content production efficiency but also conduct deep optimization for search engines. This ensures that citizens in need can access the most authoritative and valuable insurance knowledge immediately when searching online, truly achieving technology-empowered inclusive finance.”

Looking ahead, Big Jump SEO Solutions and the three insurance education platforms will continue to deepen the application of AI technology in the InsurTech (insurance technology) sector. Both sides will collaborate closely to launch a wider variety of intelligent tools, driving the digital transformation of the Hong Kong insurance market and reshaping the public’s perception of personal health protection and wealth management.

About Big Jump SEO Solutions

Big Jump SEO Solutions is a comprehensive digital marketing company that focuses on providing customized Search Engine Optimization (SEO), content marketing, and online advertising solutions for its clients. With in-depth industry experience and innovative strategies, Big Jump is committed to helping brands enhance their online visibility and stand out in the online market.

Website: bigjumpseo.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/technology-leads-insurance-education-big-jump-seo-partners-with-three-major-insurance-platforms-to-enhance-vhis-information-quality-with-latest-gemini-ai-technology-302799716.html

SOURCE Big Jump SEO Solutions