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NAVER D2SF Invests in 23i, a Virtual Entertainment Startup

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23i brings strong content planning and production capabilities built around multi-persona virtual artists
Internalized virtual content production technologies including real-time motion capture and toon shaders, enabling high-quality, high-frequency content that builds narratives together with fandomsNAVER D2SF continues to invest across the full spectrum of virtual technologies, exploring potential collaboration opportunities as the global virtual entertainment market grows

SEONGNAM-SI, South Korea, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NAVER D2SF, the corporate venture capital arm of NAVER, has made a new investment in 23i (CEO, Hyungmin Kim), a virtual entertainment startup. As the global virtual entertainment market continues to grow rapidly, particularly in Korea and Japan, NAVER D2SF decided to invest in the team based on its ability to create expanded entertainment IP through strong content production capabilities and an in-house technology pipeline designed to maximize the strengths of virtual artists.

For virtual artists to build lasting fandoms, they need to deliver high-quality content at a high frequency, vividly expressing their talent and personality while offering fresh fan experiences enabled by technology. To address this, 23i has developed its own virtual UX technologies, including real-time motion capture, toon shaders, quadrupedal and flying motion control systems. The company has also built an efficient production workflow that enables a small team to rapidly plan and produce new content.

Based on a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and fandom culture, 23i is developing differentiated content and narratives. Its virtual boy group WE GO-6, unveiled last year, is built around the original concept of a “multi-persona idol,” where each member expresses a distinct persona. Through this approach, the company is expanding the storytelling potential of virtual artists while deepening communication with fans.

“With this investment, we plan to strengthen our content production infrastructure and deliver content with an even higher level of quality,” said Hyungmin Kim, CEO of 23i. “By building our own technology, we aim to create fan-participatory content that has not been possible in the traditional entertainment industry.”

“Virtual entertainment is a market with strong growth potential, going beyond technical implementation to enable artists and fandoms to communicate in entirely new ways,” said Sanghwan Yang, Head of NAVER D2SF. “23i is a team boldly challenging the scalability of the virtual industry, backed by groundbreaking content planning and an excellent production workflow.” He added, “As NAVER D2SF has continued to invest across the full spectrum of virtual technologies, we will also explore potential collaboration opportunities with NAVER’s entertainment businesses and related teams such as Motion Stage.”

NAVER D2SF has consistently invested across the virtual content technology stack, including 3D engines and data, motion capture, and the creation and operation of virtual character IP. Going forward, NAVER D2SF plans to continue discovering and supporting technology startups creating new possibilities in the virtual content market.

About NAVER D2SF

NAVER D2SF is NAVER’s in-house corporate venture arm, supporting sustainable growth by collaborating with startups. Founded in 1999, NAVER has maintained its position as Korea’s leading search engine for over 20 years and operates across commerce, content, fintech, and cloud services. Under the technological vision of D2SF, NAVER is actively developing new technologies and global partnerships to grow as a leading tech company.

To learn more, visit https://d2sf.naver.com

 

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ITWA@Vietnam 2026 Brings Global Smart Electronics Manufacturing, Advanced Materials and Automation Technologies to Hanoi

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HANOI, Vietnam, July 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ITWA@Vietnam will run August 5–7, 2026 at VEC Hanoi. This leading manufacturing trade show offers free entry for industry professionals, combining product displays, expert forums, tech showcases and business matching to address automation upgrades, supply chain optimization and digital transformation for electronics, high-functional films, die-cutting and advanced materials sectors.

Targeted Industry Forums

Co-hosted with Vietnam’s most authoritative industry associations— VEIA, VAA, VASI and VAMI, the high-caliber industrial forums will address supply chain restructuring, AI smart factories and green manufacturing to ease local labor and component shortages. Two exclusive sessions are lined up: the Die-Cutting Industry Leaders Roundtable Forum will share Vietnam factory investment guidance and local sourcing demands, while the sustainable packaging forum will introduce eco-friendly materials compliant with regional environmental rules.

Skill Training & Tech Demonstrations

Partnered with GEA (formerly IPC), he 2026 Northern Vietnam Hand Soldering Contest will standardize local operational skills. Die-cutting practical courses will fix common processing flaws and issue official completion certificates. Visitors will also view live demos of embodied intelligent robots on site.

Full-Chain Exhibits

Global electronics brands Panasonic, REHM and GKG will exhibit components, SMT machinery and automated production lines. For films and tapes, exhibitors include China’s Shuangxing Plastic, Fujian Youyi, plus local Vietnamese manufacturers Vietnam Hangda Technology and Pantai Daxi (Vietnam). Their product range covers PI films, thermal conductive films, high-temperature tapes and waste gas treatment equipment, and local suppliers provide warehousing and fast delivery to reduce cross-border procurement risks. Pre-registered buyers include VinFast, Samsung and Foxconn.

Business Networking

Daily one-on-one buyer-seller matching and casual Happy Hour networking will foster stable supply chain partnerships. As Southeast Asia’s core smart manufacturing platform, it gathers factory managers, multinational executives and industry experts.

Mark your calendar for August 5–7 at VEC Hanoi. ITWA @ VIETNAM warmly invites every Vietnamese manufacturing enterprise leader and technician to register now! Step onto the global stage of electronics innovation, connect directly with world-class equipment and material providers, and seize game-changing opportunities to advance your factory and Vietnam’s whole electronics industry!

Register Now for Free Ticket

For more information, please visit: https://vietnam.itwa-asia.com/vn.html

Contact Us
For visit enquiry, please contact Mr. Sam Jia
Email: Sam.jia@rxglobal.com
WeChat/WhatsApp/Zalo: +8613601261540

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Smardt Names Sandeep Nair Chief Executive Officer; Albert Yam Transitions to Board

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DORVAL, QC, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Smardt, a pioneer and global leader in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology, today announced the appointment of Sandeep Nair as Chief Executive Officer. Sandeep takes the helm as Smardt extends its oil-free heritage into a broader portfolio of thermal management solutions and deepens its position in fast-growing markets led by AI-driven data centers. He succeeds Albert Yam, who transitions to Executive Director on Smardt’s Board.

Sandeep is a seasoned global executive with more than two decades of president-level leadership at Emerson Electric across the HVAC, data center, telecom and industrial sectors. He has managed businesses ranging from $100 million to over $1 billion in revenue, with responsibility for operations across North America, Europe and Asia.

He previously served as President, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa at Copeland (formerly Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions), where he delivered record profitability and cash flow, accelerated growth and successfully led portfolio transformation. Across his career, he has built a reputation for value creation by driving growth, operational excellence and business transformation, with deep expertise in lean methodologies, manufacturing consolidation, product platform development, and strategic portfolio actions including acquisitions and divestitures.

“On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to welcome Sandeep as Chief Executive Officer,” said Albert Yam, Executive Director of Smardt’s Board. “His track record of scaling global businesses and his depth in our core markets make him the right leader for Smardt’s next chapter, and I look forward to supporting him in this role.”

Smardt enters this transition from a position of strength, with an installed base of over 12,000 oil-free chillers operating worldwide and manufacturing across five countries. Building on its leadership in oil-free centrifugal technology, the company has expanded into heat pumps and air-side systems through its Smardt AIR division, broadening its role in the buildings and infrastructure its customers depend on.

Sandeep’s mandate centers on this next phase of growth: strengthening Smardt’s position in critical infrastructure for AI-driven data centers, where he brings direct experience having led the creation of a new business platform for turnkey data centers, while extending the company’s reach into adjacent markets including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, new energy, green building projects, and infrastructure.

“I am honored to lead Smardt at such a pivotal stage in its journey,” said Sandeep Nair, Chief Executive Officer of Smardt. “Smardt’s leadership in oil-free technology and the strength of its global teams provide an exceptional foundation, and I look forward to working with our talented teams worldwide to accelerate growth, build on the strong legacy of innovation and deliver greater value across our business, for our customers, employees, and partners alike.”

As CEO, Sandeep will work closely with the Board to strengthen Smardt’s management infrastructure, advance its digital transformation, and reinforce corporate governance.

About Smardt
As a global leader in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal management solutions, Smardt is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency and energy-saving systems for industries, real estate developments, health care and educational centers worldwide. We operate manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, China, and Australia, with a team of over 1,000 employees. With a focus on reliability, performance, and environmental stewardship, Smardt continues to redefine industry standards through advanced engineering and a commitment to a more sustainable future.

Media Contact:
cam.whitelaw@smardt.com

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RTX’s Collins Aerospace opens UK Engineering Center of Excellence to advance next-generation aircraft systems

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Modular and scalable test facility drives innovation for electric thrust reverser actuation systems

WOLVERHAMPTON, England, July 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, announced today its Engineering Center of Excellence in Wolverhampton, U.K. is fully operational, advancing next-generation electric thrust reverser actuation systems (elecTRAS™). The CoE is home to a new state-of-the-art, modular and scalable test facility designed to facilitate innovation in aircraft actuation system design, testing and certification.

With a more streamlined solution, elecTRAS supports the elimination of actuation hydraulic interfaces and fluids and facilitates a 15-20% reduction of the nacelle actuation weight at the integrated aircraft system level. Wolverhampton’s advanced testing capabilities simulate real-world conditions for aircraft components, actuators, subsystems, and full systems. By integrating early-stage test results into system analysis, potential issues are resolved quickly, reducing delays and enhancing distinctive design scalability for future applications.

“Our Engineering Center of Excellence reflects RTX’s commitment to delivering innovative, efficient and cost-effective solutions for the aerospace industry,” said Ajay Mahajan, president of Advanced Structures at Collins Aerospace. “This unique modular approach supports the industry’s transition to more-electric systems, aligning with original equipment manufacturers’ forward-looking goals while improving fuel efficiency, operational performance, and ease of maintenance.” The Wolverhampton test capability spans from modules to integrated systems. This allows for scalability and interchangeability, reducing development time and cost while enabling the facility to support multiple programs and system variants.

Co-located elecTRAS systems and nacelle actuation design expertise streamlines development and fosters efficient collaboration. Highly skilled engineers at the facility are driving innovation in electric systems, smart algorithms, and motor control architecture, while continuing to support current fleets. Already in use on the Airbus A350 family, Collins’ elecTRAS technology has logged more than 15 million flight hours and 2.2 million flight cycles on more than 700 aircraft as of 2025.

About Collins Aerospace

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, provides advanced aerospace and defense solutions across avionics, aircraft interiors, aerostructures and engine components, mission systems, and power and control systems. Our global employees are dedicated to delivering innovative technologies to enhance aircraft performance, passenger comfort, operational safety and reliability.

About RTX

With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-collins-aerospace-opens-uk-engineering-center-of-excellence-to-advance-next-generation-aircraft-systems-302816925.html

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