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As AI Strains the Grid, R-Zero Cuts Building HVAC Energy 20 to 40 Percent

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R-Zero’s Physical AI platform uses real-time occupancy to reduce ventilation energy in existing buildings, with no capital investment and savings verified against utility bills.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As AI compute demand strains power grids and drives operating costs higher across every sector, data centers accounted for approximately 1.5% of global electricity in 2024, according to analysis from the Brookings Institution, with demand growing significantly faster than overall electricity consumption. Fortune 500 technology companies, major telecommunications providers, Ivy League institutions, and nationally ranked healthcare systems are turning to R-Zero. The Physical AI platform for buildings is cutting HVAC energy use by 20 to 40 percent without retrofits, capital investment, or operational disruption.

Most commercial buildings still run HVAC on fixed schedules or indirect signals like CO2, with ventilation sized for a peak occupancy that rarely occurs. Average peak occupancy across commercial buildings is roughly 50 percent, and HVAC accounts for about 40 percent of a building’s total energy use. The result is systematic over-conditioning of empty and under-occupied space, hour after hour.

R-Zero closes that gap by putting intelligence in the building’s control loop, without any new HVAC equipment or rewiring. The platform senses live occupancy across every floor, zone, and air handler, interprets how each space is actually being used, and continuously determines how much ventilation it needs minute to minute, communicating directly with the building’s existing control system. When a zone empties, the system automatically dials back airflow to a certified low-energy mode, also known as ASHRAE-compliant Occupied Standby, then ramps back up the moment people return. The same intelligence runs across an entire portfolio, learning each building’s patterns, constantly adjusting to how the building is actually being used, holding comfort inside defined guardrails, and catching inefficiencies before they show up on the energy bill.

“Buildings are one of the largest sources of controllable energy waste, and most still run as if every room is full,” said Jennifer Nuckles, CEO of R-Zero. “We turn real-time occupancy into control decisions inside the existing building system, so the savings show up in the financial reporting, not just on a dashboard. That is what physical AI looks like when it operates infrastructure instead of describing it.”

Verified Results

At a nationally ranked children’s hospital system, R-Zero deployed its platform across a 521,000-square-foot facility where ventilation had previously operated at fixed levels regardless of occupancy. The following results were measured against a pre-project baseline using IPMVP methodology:

30 percent reduction in HVAC energy use23,000 kWh saved9.72 metric tons of CO2 avoided72 percent reduction in excess airflow during low-occupancy periods66 percent of operating hours in a certified low-energy ventilation mode or ASHRAE-compliant Occupied Standby modeZero impact on occupant comfort: 100% of occupants reported temperature satisfaction

Adoption and Recognition

Most building operators know they are over-conditioning space. The barrier has never been awareness; it has been the capital commitment, operational complexity, and risk of replacing working infrastructure to fix it. R-Zero removes all three.

Commercial buildings account for approximately 30% of U.S. energy consumption, and HVAC is often the single largest controllable operating expense. As utilities and regulators look for ways to reduce grid strain without building new generation capacity, optimizing existing building infrastructure has become an increasingly attractive source of demand reduction.

The platform is gaining traction across building types where HVAC spend is high and occupancy is variable: non-clinical healthcare facilities, higher education campuses, corporate offices, and large commercial real estate portfolios. R-Zero is offered through a shared-savings model with no upfront cost, and fees are tied directly to verified savings measured against actual utility bills, removing the capital-approval barrier that stops most building intelligence projects from moving forward.

R-Zero’s approach earned ASHRAE Technology Awards at both the Golden Gate Chapter and Region X levels in the Healthcare/EBCx Building category, evaluated on measured field performance against a pre-project baseline rather than vendor claims.

To learn more about R-Zero’s Physical AI, visit rzero.com/audit.

About R-Zero

R-Zero is the Physical AI platform for buildings. The platform uses real-time occupancy intelligence to operate existing building systems, reducing HVAC energy by 20 to 40 percent, lowering OpEx, and supporting NOI without capital investment, operational disruption, or added burden on facilities teams. R-Zero integrates with existing BMS infrastructure over BACnet and delivers verified savings measured against actual energy bills using IPMVP methodology. R-Zero has raised a total of $170 million to date, with backing from La Caisse, Mayo Clinic Ventures, World Innovation Lab, John Doerr, and DBL Partners. Learn more at rzero.com.

MEDIA CONTACT BAM for R-Zero rzero@bambybig.agency

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SOURCE R-Zero

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CHIME and ScaleHealth Announce Joint Venture to Expand Healthcare’s Innovation Ecosystem

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ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME, creates new pathways connecting healthcare leaders, innovators, technology partners, and investors to accelerate the future of digital health.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) today announced a strategic joint venture with ScaleHealth, Inc. to create ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME, LLC, a new innovation ecosystem designed to connect healthcare’s most pressing challenges with the innovators, leaders, organizations, and partners capable of solving them. By combining CHIME’s trusted digital health community with ScaleHealth’s expansive innovation ecosystem, the venture creates a unique environment where healthcare organizations, entrepreneurs, established technology companies, and investors can discover, connect, validate, and advance the ideas shaping the future of healthcare.

For 35 years, CHIME has evolved alongside the digital health leaders it serves. What began as a community centered on healthcare CIOs has grown into a global network of digital health leaders supported through education, events, research, policy initiatives, media platforms, executive collaboration, and professional communities. The creation of ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME represents the next chapter in that evolution, expanding CHIME’s ecosystem to include the innovators, entrepreneurs, and emerging technology companies helping define what comes next in healthcare.

As healthcare organizations face increasing pressure to improve outcomes, strengthen operations, address workforce challenges, improve cybersecurity, and realize the promise of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, the need for stronger connections across the innovation ecosystem has never been greater. ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME was created to help build those connections.

“CHIME has spent 35 years bringing together the leaders responsible for solving healthcare’s most important technology and transformation challenges,” said Russ Branzell, President and CEO of CHIME. “As the pace of innovation continues to accelerate, we have an opportunity to expand that trusted community even further. ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME, extends our ecosystem to include entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and emerging technology companies so that healthcare leaders can engage earlier, collaborate more effectively, and help shape the innovations that will define the future of healthcare.”

The opportunity emerged through CHIME’s growing innovation programming, particularly its Innovation Summit series, where healthcare leaders and technology companies increasingly expressed a desire to engage more directly with innovators and entrepreneurial organizations. At the same time, startups and growth-stage companies were seeking trusted pathways into healthcare and stronger connections to leaders who understand the industry’s real-world operational challenges.

“Healthcare has no shortage of innovation. The challenge is creating trusted pathways that connect innovators with the healthcare leaders who understand the industry’s most urgent problems,” said Taylor McPartland, CEO of ScaleHealth and leader of the new venture. “By combining ScaleHealth’s innovation ecosystem with CHIME’s trusted community of digital health leaders, we’re creating an environment where meaningful connections can lead to validation, partnership, and real-world impact. This is about bringing together everyone who has a role to play in the future of healthcare innovation and helping them move great ideas forward.”

Unlike traditional accelerators, startup showcases, or innovation marketplaces, ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME is designed as a trusted innovation ecosystem. Healthcare organizations bring forward meaningful challenges. Innovators and startups contribute cutting-edge ideas and technologies. Established technology organizations bring expertise, infrastructure, and scale. Investors provide capital and growth pathways. Together, these stakeholders create an environment where innovation can move from discovery and connection to validation, partnership, and measurable impact.

“Throughout its history, CHIME has grown by bringing the right people together around the challenges that matter most,” said Tressa Springmann, Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer at LifeBridge Health and Chair of the CHIME Foundation Board of Directors. “Today, innovation is essential to every aspect of healthcare transformation. ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME extends that trusted community into a broader innovation ecosystem, creating new opportunities for healthcare leaders, entrepreneurs, technology partners, and investors to collaborate, learn from one another, and accelerate meaningful progress across healthcare.”

The venture reflects CHIME’s belief that the next era of digital health will be co-created by healthcare leaders, technology partners, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators working together to solve the challenges that matter most. By creating a trusted environment for discovery, collaboration, validation, and advancement, ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME aims to become the connective layer between healthcare’s needs and the innovation being built to address them.

Read the full release here.

About CHIME
The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is the leading professional organization for digital health executives and leaders. CHIME provides a trusted, collaborative environment where members and partners connect, share best practices, advance professional development, and advocate for the effective use of information and technology to improve health and care in the communities they serve. For more information, please visit chimecentral.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Contact

Calli Dretke
Executive Vice President & Chief Digital and Marketing Officer
CHIME                                                                                                           
734.412.6255
cdretke@dhinsights.org

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SOURCE College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME)

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In HelloNation, Prenatal Imaging Expert Erika Lambright Explains Ultrasound Differences Between 2D, 3D, And 4D Imaging

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The article outlines how each type of pregnancy ultrasound supports fetal development and family understanding.

DENISON, Texas, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What is the difference between 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasound imaging during pregnancy? HelloNation has published an article that clearly explains the differences between ultrasound and other prenatal imaging modalities and how each supports fetal development.

The HelloNation article explains that a 2d ultrasound is the most common form of prenatal imaging used during routine pregnancy ultrasound appointments. It produces flat, black-and-white images that allow medical providers to assess fetal development, monitor growth, and evaluate vital structures. The article notes that 2D ultrasound plays a central role in identifying potential concerns early and remains the foundation of prenatal diagnostic imaging.

According to the article, a 3d ultrasound builds on the same technology but creates a more detailed still image with depth. This form of prenatal imaging allows families to see clearer views of the baby’s face, hands, and feet. While 3d ultrasound can support certain medical evaluations, the article describes its primary value as helping parents better visualize fetal development in a more lifelike way.

The article further describes how a 4D ultrasound adds motion to the 3d ultrasound image. This allows families to view real-time video of the baby moving, stretching, or making facial expressions. The article explains that this type of pregnancy ultrasound creates a more engaging experience and helps strengthen the emotional connection, while still using the same safe, noninvasive prenatal imaging technology.

The HelloNation article emphasizes that understanding ultrasound differences helps families set clear expectations before imaging sessions. Each type of pregnancy ultrasound serves a distinct purpose. 2D ultrasound focuses on medical accuracy and fetal development monitoring, while 3D and 4D ultrasound provide enhanced visualization and connection. The article highlights that medical professionals typically rely on 2D ultrasound for diagnostic purposes, while 3D and 4D ultrasound are often optional.

The article also notes that several factors can affect the quality of prenatal imaging results. Baby position, gestational age, and fluid levels all play a role in how clearly images appear, especially during 3D and 4D ultrasound sessions. The article explains that providers often guide families on the best timing for ultrasound visits during pregnancy to improve image clarity and achieve better results.

Prenatal Imaging Experts emphasize through the article that learning about ultrasound differences can reduce uncertainty and help families feel more prepared. By understanding how each type of prenatal imaging contributes to monitoring fetal development, expectant parents can approach each pregnancy ultrasound appointment with clearer expectations.

The article concludes that while 2D ultrasound remains essential for medical care, the added perspectives of 3D and 4D ultrasound offer families a broader, more personal understanding of fetal development. Together, these forms of prenatal imaging provide both clinical insight and meaningful connection throughout pregnancy.

What Is the Difference Between 2D, 3D, and 4D Ultrasounds Explained Simply features insights from Erika Lambright, Prenatal Imaging Experts of Denison, Texas, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. HelloNation maintains partnerships with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the United States First Responders Association.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-prenatal-imaging-expert-erika-lambright-explains-ultrasound-differences-between-2d-3d-and-4d-imaging-302792440.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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Grünenthal presents Phase III results for Qutenza® in post-surgical neuropathic pain at IASP 2026 World Congress on Pain

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Late-breaking data from the Phase III RISE trial further strengthen the well-established efficacy and safety profile of Qutenza®. Post-surgical neuropathic pain is a debilitating complication of surgery affecting millions of patients every year.1 

AACHEN, Germany, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Grünenthal, a global leader in pain management and research, today announced new data from the Phase III RISE trial (NCT04967664), evaluating Qutenza® versus control in people with post-surgical neuropathic pain. These data were shared today as late-breaking poster presentations at the 2026 International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) World Congress on Pain in Bangkok, Thailand.

The trial (n=409) showed that Qutenza® achieved a statistically significantly greater reduction in average pain intensity (API) than the control treatment over weeks 2-12, meeting one of its pre-specified primary endpoints. When evaluating API at week 12 specifically, at the point when patients would typically return for retreatment, the numerical difference favoured Qutenza® but did not reach statistical significance. In the extension phase of the trial, in which up to 4 retreatments were allowed, Qutenza® achieved a statistically significantly greater reduction in API than the control treatment over weeks 2-42. Safety findings were consistent with previous Qutenza® trials and no new safety signals were observed. These data support the well-established efficacy and safety profile of Qutenza®.2,3

“Post-surgical neuropathic pain can be difficult to manage with current treatment options, and there is an urgent need for patient-centred, effective solutions. The RISE trial provides encouraging evidence that Qutenza® can deliver clinically meaningful and sustained pain reduction for up to 42 weeks, having shown a greater reduction in average pain intensity than the control,” said Prof. Patrice Forget, MD, PhD, FFPMRCA, Clinical Chair (full professor) in Anaesthesia, University of Aberdeen, and Honorary Consultant, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK. “As IASP shines a global spotlight on neuropathic pain at this year’s congress, findings such as these are important to help improve outcomes for patients and reduce the burden of pain on families and healthcare systems.”

“Post-surgical neuropathic pain has been relatively understudied and continues to go under-recognised in clinical practice,” said Uli Brödl, Chief Scientific Officer, Grünenthal. “These results build on the robust body of evidence for Qutenza® and reinforce its potential to provide meaningful, long-lasting pain relief for people living with pain.”

Post-surgical neuropathic pain is a poorly recognised potential complication of surgery that can result in devastating outcomes. It affects millions of patients every year, with pain lasting for months or years post-procedure.1 It can also have a significant mental health impact, with patients reporting feeling extremely depressed or anxious, and having problems with daily activities.4

Qutenza® is already approved in Europe for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults, either alone or in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of pain.5 It is also approved in the US for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia and for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in adults.6

About the RISE trial2,3
The RISE (AV-001) trial is a Phase III multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of Qutenza 179mg cutaneous patch versus a low-dose capsaicin control patch in people with moderate to severe post-surgical neuropathic pain.

It included eligible adults with a 24-hour average pain intensity (API) score of 4 or more, a pain duration of 6 to 60 months after index surgery and a DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique 4) Interview score of 3 or more.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either a 60-minute Qutenza patch (8%) or a low-dose capsaicin control patch (0.04%).

The trial had two primary endpoints:

Change in 24-hour API from baseline to the average score of the entire period between Week 2 and Week 12.Change in 24-hour API from baseline to the average score at Week 12.

The primary sponsor of the trial is Averitas Pharma, Inc., Grünenthal’s U.S. subsidiary.

About post-surgical neuropathic pain
Post-surgical neuropathic pain (PSNP) is defined as chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics that develops or increases after surgery and persists beyond the normal healing process. It is thought to arise, at least in part, from nerve injury and pain sensitisation associated with surgery.7

The signs and symptoms of peri- and post-surgical pain can vary based on the person and the severity of the injury caused in surgery. Reported symptoms include pain caused by stimuli that are normally painless (allodynia), abnormally increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia), tingling, numbness, phantom pain and scar pain.8,9,10 

About Qutenza®
In Europe, Qutenza® (capsaicin) is indicated for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults, either alone or in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of pain.5

Qutenza® (capsaicin) 8% topical system is approved in the US for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia and for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in adults. Important US safety information is available at www.qutenza.com.6

Qutenza® is a topical TRPV1 agonist, designed to provide neuropathic pain relief for up to three months through defunctionalisation of nociceptors and nerve fibre regeneration.

About Grünenthal
Grünenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases. As a science-based, fully integrated pharmaceutical company, we have a long track record of bringing innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to patients worldwide. Our purpose is to change lives for the better – and innovation is our passion. We focus all our activities and efforts on working towards our vision of a World Free of Pain.

Grünenthal is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, and has affiliates in 28 countries across Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. Our products are available in approx. 100 countries. In 2025, Grünenthal employed around 4,100 people and achieved revenues of €1.8 billion.

More information: www.grunenthal.com

Follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram

For further information, please contact:

Matt Crabb, Head of Global Communications (Interim) at Grünenthal

matt.crabb@grunenthal.com 

References

1 Gregory P & Settles K. Pract Pain Manag. 2013;13(9):1–6.
2 Wallace M et al. Efficacy of high-concentration capsaicin patch in post-surgical neuropathic pain (RISE). Presented at the International Association for the Study of Pain World Congress 2026.
3 Wallace M et al. Safety and tolerability of high-concentration capsaicin patch in post-surgical neuropathic pain (RISE). Presented at the International Association for the Study of Pain World Congress 2026.
4 Santos MP, Lemos F, Gomes J, Romao JM, Veiga D. Br J Pain 2024;18(1):42–56.
5 European Medicines Agency. Qutenza 179 mg cutaneous patch SmPC. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/573/smpc
6 US Food and Drug Administration. Qutenza® Prescribing Information. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022395s019lbl.pdf
7 Correl D. F1000Res. 2017;6:1054.
8 Werner MU & Kongsgaard UE. Br J Anaesth. 2014;113(1):1–4.
9 Macrae WA. Br J Anaesth. 2008;101:77–86.
10 Searle RD & Simpson KH. Contin Educ Anaesth Crit Care Pain. 2010;10:12–14.

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SOURCE Grünenthal Group

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