Connect with us

Technology

RUTGERS AND RWJBARNABAS HEALTH TO LAUNCH INNOVATION HUB, POWERED BY AMAZON WEB SERVICES

Published

on

The collaboration establishes one of the nation’s first technology innovation hubs that brings together a medical school, academic health system and cloud technology leader to advance patient care and medical education

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rutgers University and RWJBarnabas Health today announced the launch of the Rutgers/RWJBarnabas Health Innovation Hub, powered by Amazon Web Services.

This collaboration will provide opportunities for students studying medicine, engineering, computer science, business and other fields to work at the forefront of technology-driven discovery. By bringing together students, clinicians, researchers and technology experts, the hub will accelerate advancements in medical education, clinical innovation and patient care throughout New Jersey.

The hub combines Rutgers’ academic and research abilities, RWJBarnabas Health’s clinical expertise and patient reach as New Jersey’s largest academic health system, and AWS cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to tackle real-world health care challenges from the classroom to the hospital bedside. It also mirrors the state’s efforts to ensure New Jersey maintains its legacy as a leader in innovation and invention.

“As we build the future Rutgers School of Medicine, we have an unprecedented opportunity to embed innovation into the foundation of how we educate and deliver care,” said Amy Murtha, founding dean of the future Rutgers School of Medicine. “This collaboration with RWJBarnabas Health and AWS means our students won’t just learn about the future of health care – they’ll build solutions that can reach real patients in real communities across New Jersey.”

“As New Jersey continues to lead in being a home for innovation, RWJBarnabas Health will lead by bringing to New Jersey a new model for integrating technologies that can change the way we deliver care, educate tomorrow’s clinicians, and save lives,” said Mark E. Manigan, president and chief executive officer of RWJBarnabas Health. “Along with our partners at Rutgers, this hub will allow us to take new technologies from ideation to implementation. We are ready to carry on our state’s legacy of healthcare innovation leadership that Robert Wood Johnson began more than a century ago.”

The long-term goal is a self-sustaining innovation model in which successful projects advance into Rutgers’ academic enterprise and RWJBarnabas Health’s clinical innovation efforts, attracting new collaborators, research support and industry partnerships that create opportunities for future student teams.

“What Rutgers and RWJBarnabas Health are building together is exactly the kind of bold, mission-driven collaboration we champion at AWS, bringing world-class cloud and AI technology to bear on challenges that truly matter,” said Kim Majerus, vice president of global education and local government at Amazon Web Services. “They’re creating an engine that will deliver real solutions for the people of New Jersey while preparing the next generation of health care professionals to lead with AI. When institutions come together like this – shoulder to shoulder, across disciplines – that’s when we see the kind of transformation that changes lives.”

Students throughout Rutgers, from undergraduates to doctoral students, will have the chance to participate in four- to 10-week rapid prototyping projects, which are short and intensive collaborations that design and test ideas.

The inaugural cohort is expected to include up to five interdisciplinary teams working on needs identified by Rutgers faculty and RWJBarnabas Health clinicians. Potential areas of focus may include technology tools that support clinical decision-making, medical and interprofessional education, student health and wellness, streamlined hospital operations and efforts to advance health equity.

Rutgers faculty and RWJBarnabas Health clinicians will mentor the teams and evaluate their projects as they develop and test their ideas. Students will have access to AWS technology, cloud computing credits, operational support, technical mentorship from AWS engineers and the broader AWS Cloud Innovation Centers network.

Housed in the Health and Life Science Exchange (HELIX) in New Brunswick, N.J., the hub will provide a dedicated home for interdisciplinary collaboration, where teams will develop solutions to pressing issues in health care education and delivery. The goal is to help move promising student ideas from prototypes toward real-world applications in research, medical education and patient care, including technologies that streamline hospital operations, strengthen care coordination and improve patient experience.

The HELIX also will be home to the New Brunswick campus of the future Rutgers School of Medicine, which will unite Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Medical School. Pending accreditation in 2027 from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the accrediting body for medical education programs, the first class of the unified school is expected to enroll in 2028 at what would become one of the nation’s largest public medical schools based on enrollment.

Rutgers has seen the potential of interdisciplinary health care innovation through the Rutgers Health Hack, where students, faculty and industry partners including RWJBarnabas Health and AWS collaborate to address health care priorities during a 48-hour “hackathon.”

One recent project involves developing an intelligent coaching system that uses students’ academic progress to provide personalized AI-generated feedback and guidance alongside one-on-one coaching. The technology is being developed to support students at both Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Medical School as the schools integrate.

The Rutgers/RWJBarnabas Health Innovation Hub, powered by AWS, extends that model year-round, providing a structured pathway for promising projects to evolve from identified clinical needs to tested solutions.

Operations are expected to begin in the fall.

ABOUT RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the state of New Jersey’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. Established in 1766, the university is the eighth-oldest higher education institution in the United States. More than 71,000 students and 27,000 faculty and staff learn, work, and serve the public at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers University-Newark, Rutgers University-Camden and Rutgers Health. 

ABOUT RWJBARNABAS HEALTH
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.

RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable. 

RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.

ABOUT AMAZON WEB SERVICES
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is guided by customer obsession, pace of innovation, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. By democratizing technology for nearly two decades and making cloud computing and generative AI accessible to organizations of every size and industry, AWS has built one of the fastest-growing enterprise technology businesses in history. Millions of customers trust AWS to accelerate innovation, transform their businesses, and shape the future. With the most comprehensive AI capabilities and global infrastructure footprint, AWS empowers builders to turn big ideas into reality. Learn more at aws.amazon.com and follow @AWSNewsroom.

CONTACTS:

Carrie Cristello

Carrie.cristello@rwjbh.org

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rutgers-and-rwjbarnabas-health-to-launch-innovation-hub-powered-by-amazon-web-services-302879695.html

SOURCE RWJBarnabas Health

Continue Reading

Technology

OUTDOOR BUSINESS SIGNS EXPLAINED: CHANNEL LETTERS VS. MONUMENT SIGNS VS. PYLON SIGNS

Published

on

By

FASTSIGNS breaks down the most common types of exterior signage and the factors business owners should weigh before choosing one

CARROLLTON, Texas, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — “What kind of sign should I get for my business is often the first question a new owner has, but with so many formats available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why FASTSIGNS®, the global leader in custom signs and visual solutions helps business owners evaluate their options and select exterior signage that fits their goals, their property, and their community.

“Exterior signage is one of the most important investments a business can make because it works around the clock to attract customers and reinforce brand identity,” said FASTSIGNS Vice President of Marketing Theron Andrews. “The right choice depends on so much more than aesthetics; it hinges on visibility, brand identity, the location, the consumer, budget, property type and local regulations. At FASTSIGNS, our job is to guide business owners through those decisions, so their signage works as hard as they do.”

Key Takeaways

Exterior signage comes in many formats, including channel letters, monument signs, pylon signs, window graphics, and wayfinding signage, each suited to different property types, visibility needs, and ADA compliance requirements.The optimal signage strategy carefully balances traffic patterns and property setbacks with brand visibility goals, budget, and local zoning laws.Understanding these variables is key to finding the perfect fit—whether that means utilizing channel letters for direct storefront visibility or deploying monument signs to capture traffic for properties set back from the road.FASTSIGNS operates as a full-service visual solutions consultant, solving unique visibility challenges by evaluating a business’s goals, property, and audience to deliver a comprehensive graphics and signage strategy.

Why It Matters

Exterior signage is often a customer’s first interaction with a brand, whether they’re driving by at 45 miles per hour or walking up to a storefront. Choosing the wrong format can mean reduced visibility, missed foot traffic or a sign that doesn’t comply with local regulations. Selecting the right exterior signage helps businesses maximize visibility, reinforce brand identity and ensure a strong first impression that drives customers through the door.

76% of consumers say they have entered a business they’ve never visited before based simply on its signs.68% of consumers believe a businesses” signage reflets the quality of it’s product and services.60% of consumers say the absence of clear signage deters them from entering a business at all.

Channel Letters: Built for Storefront Visibility

Channel letters are individually fabricated, three-dimensional letters mounted directly to a building facade, often illuminated from within. They are a popular choice for retail stores and restaurants because they create a bold, branded presence directly on the building itself.

Channel letters work especially well for businesses located in strip malls, shopping centers or standalone buildings with strong street-facing visibility, since the illumination and dimensional design make a storefront easy to spot day or night.

Monument Signs: A Strong First Impression from the Road

Monument signs are low, freestanding structures typically placed near a property’s entrance or along a roadway. They’re a common choice for office parks, medical centers, apartment communities and multi-tenant retail properties where a business is set back from the street or shares frontage with other tenants.

Because monument signs are visible from a distance and often illuminated, they help drivers identify a property before they arrive, making them especially valuable for businesses relying on vehicle traffic.

Pylon Signs: Maximum Visibility for High-Traffic Corridors

Pylon signs are tall, elevated signs mounted on one or more poles, designed to be seen from a distance along highways and major thoroughfares. They’re commonly used by gas stations, hotels and restaurants located near interstates or busy commercial corridors where visibility from a distance is critical to capturing drive-by traffic.

Window Graphics, Blade Signs and Wayfinding: Supporting the Full Exterior Experience

Beyond primary signage, businesses often rely on complementary exterior graphics to complete their brand presence:

Window graphics transform empty storefront glass into dynamic branding opportunities, communicating key information or promotions directly at eye level.Blade signs project perpendicularly from a building, making them ideal for pedestrian-heavy areas like downtown districts or shopping promenades.Wayfinding signage helps direct customers to entrances, parking and specific suites within larger properties, such as office parks, education or medical campuses.

How Businesses Should Choose the Right Exterior Signage

Selecting the best exterior signage format comes down to a few key considerations:

Traffic type and speed. Businesses that rely on vehicle traffic need larger, more visible signage from what pedestrian foot traffic downtown requires.Property setback and layout. Buildings close to the road may benefit from channel letters, while properties set back from the street often need a monument or pylon sign for visibility.Zoning and local regulations. Sign height, illumination, color and placement rules vary by municipality and can significantly influence which sign types are permitted.Brand identity goals. Some formats, like channel letters, offer more dimensional branding, while monument signs provide a clean, consistent look for multi-tenant properties.Budget and long-term maintenance. Illuminated and larger-format signs typically involve a higher upfront investment but can offer better visibility and a greater return over time.

How FASTSIGNS Helps

FASTSIGNS works with business owners from concept to installation, evaluating property layout, traffic patterns, brand goals and local sign regulations to recommend the most effective exterior signage solution. Local experts handle everything from design and fabrication to permitting and installation, ensuring the final sign is not only visually effective but fully compliant with municipal codes. To learn more, visit fastsigns.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a channel letter sign and a monument sign?
Channel letters are dimensional letters, sometimes illuminated, mounted directly to a building facade, best suited for storefront visibility. Monument signs are freestanding structures placed near a property entrance, ideal for businesses set back from the road or sharing frontage with other tenants.

How do I know which type of exterior sign is right for my business?
The right choice depends on factors like traffic type, property setback, local zoning rules, budget, and brand visibility goals. FASTSIGNS evaluates these factors to recommend the most effective sign format for a specific property.

Are monument signs better than pylon signs?
Neither is inherently better; they serve different purposes. Monument signs work well for properties with moderate visibility needs close to the road, while pylon signs are designed for maximum visibility from highways and major traffic corridors.

Can exterior signage be customized for multi-tenant properties?
Yes. Monument signs are commonly used for multi-tenant properties because they can list several businesses in one branded structure while providing consistent visibility for each tenant.

Do different exterior sign types require different permits?
Yes. Sign type, size, illumination and placement all affect permitting requirements, which vary by municipality. Businesses should confirm local regulations before selecting a sign format. A local FASTSIGNS location can also help provide guidance on local permitting requirements and regulations.

How does FASTSIGNS help businesses choose the right exterior signage?
FASTSIGNS assesses a property’s layout, traffic patterns, business and brand goals and local regulations, then recommends, designs and produces the visual solution best suited to those needs, managing design, fabrication and installation from start to finish.

Where can a business start exploring exterior signage options?
Businesses can connect with a local FASTSIGNS center to evaluate their property and signage needs. Find a location at fastsigns.com/locations.

About FASTSIGNS®:
FASTSIGNS® is the leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry. With over 40 years of experience, FASTSIGNS helps customers bring their vision to life and achieve more than they ever thought possible. As the largest service-oriented business within the Propelled Brands® family, FASTSIGNS spans over 790 independently owned and operated centers across the United States, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, Malta and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®). FASTSIGNS is frequently recognized for franchisee satisfaction and for awards that include being ranked No. 1 in its category on ENTREPRENEUR’s highly competitive Franchise 500® List in 2026 for the tenth consecutive year, and continuous recognition from Franchise Business Review in categories such as Top Franchises for Culture, Women, Veterans and more. For more information or to learn about opportunities, visit fastsigns.com or contact Mark Jameson at mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214-346-5679.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/outdoor-business-signs-explained-channel-letters-vs-monument-signs-vs-pylon-signs-302879687.html

SOURCE FASTSIGNS

Continue Reading

Technology

Roland DG Launches Dimense Surface Textured Wallcoverings and Print Provider Program, Further Expanding the Possibilities for Dimense Technology

Published

on

By

Premium interior wallcovering brand launches with exclusive designer Collaboration Series showcasing the creative potential of Dimense printing technology

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Roland DG, the world’s leading provider of digital printing solutions, today officially launches Dimense Surface, a premium interior wallcovering brand created to bring texture, depth, and dimension into modern interior spaces.

Powered by Roland DG’s innovative Dimense printing technology, the collection pushes the boundaries of contemporary wallcovering design by combining striking visual aesthetics with tactile embossed surfaces. Designed for architects, interior designers and specifiers, Dimense Surface transforms walls into immersive features that engage both the eye and sense of touch.

Making its debut at the ongoing London Design Festival 2026 the brand launches with the Dimense Surface Collaboration Series, a collection of exclusive wallcoverings created in partnership with four internationally renowned design studios: Nice Projects (London), KEIJI ASHIZAWA DESIGN (Tokyo), LOVEISENOUGH (New York) and JAM (London). Each studio has developed bespoke designs that demonstrate the creative possibilities made possible through Dimense technology.

Made possible by the revolutionary Dimense DA-640 textured printing solution from Roland DG, the collection introduces a new category of wallcoverings that combine visual impact with physical texture. Through a unique printing process, designs are enhanced with embossed surface effects that can be seen and felt, creating rich, multidimensional environments.

The technology utilizes newly developed printheads to deliver vivid, high-resolution output, while proprietary structural ink precisely determines where texture appears. As the specialized media passes through the printer, heat activates the surface, expanding it by up to 0.079 inches (2 mm) to bring contours, patterns and intricate details to life. In addition to the Collaboration Series, Dimense Surface includes a broader collection of in-house wallcovering designs suitable for residential, hospitality and commercial environments. Dimense Surface projects are fulfilled through Roland DG’s network of authorized Dimense print providers, creating new opportunities for businesses that have invested in the technology.

“Dimense Surface represents an exciting new chapter for Dimense technology and Dimense print providers,” said Andrew Oransky, Chief Strategy Officer at Roland DG. “For years, we’ve been helping businesses push the boundaries of what’s possible through digital print innovation. With Dimense Surface, we’re bringing together world-class designers and groundbreaking technology, while creating exciting opportunities for our Dimense printer users, and enabling interior designers, architects and space owners to transform walls from passive surfaces into immersive textured experiences.”

Alongside its creative credentials, Dimense Surface has been developed with a more sustainable approach to interior design in mind. The collection is produced using on-demand digital manufacturing, enabling short production runs that help reduce excess inventory, overproduction and material waste associated with traditional wallpaper manufacturing.

The solution combines water-based inks with PVC-free, odorless wallpaper material and allows designers to create bespoke solutions for individual projects without minimum order requirements. By pairing responsible materials with on-demand production, Dimense Surface delivers greater design flexibility while helping reduce environmental impact across the interior design supply chain.

The Dimense Surface collection is now available to order from authorized Dimense print providers, through the Dimense Surface website.

About Roland DG

Roland DG empowers creators and businesses worldwide to Make Your Mark with more than four decades of delivering reliable, innovative digital imaging technology. The company provides advanced solutions that combine hardware, software, supplies, and service to help customers build successful businesses and produce work they are proud to stand behind. Roland DG’s inkjet printers, integrated printer/cutters, milling machines and other digital fabrication technologies enable applications ranging from signage and interior décor to personalized products and industrial customization. Serving print professionals, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and makers across industries, the company enables high-mix, on-demand production and enhances performance through connected, cloud-based solutions. Through innovation, craftsmanship and partnership, Roland DG pioneers new ways for customers to be successful with digital technology.

About Roland DG Americas

Roland DGA serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution, and service arm of Roland DG Corporation. Founded in 1981, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan empowers creators and businesses worldwide to “Make Your Mark” using innovative digital imaging solutions that turn ideas into positive impact. Combining hardware, software, services and supplies, Roland DG is a global leader in wide-format format inkjet printers for sign, textile, industrial, interior design, personalization, and vehicle graphics markets; engravers for awards, giftware and signage; photo impact printers for direct part marking; and milling machines for dental CAD/CAM, parts manufacturing and medical industries. Uniquely designed for high-mix, on-demand production, Roland DG solutions enable print professionals, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs in a variety of industries to elevate their level of craftsmanship, productivity, and profitability.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/roland-dg-launches-dimense-surface-textured-wallcoverings-and-print-provider-program-further-expanding-the-possibilities-for-dimense-technology-302879705.html

SOURCE Roland DGA

Continue Reading

Technology

Nuna Brings No-Cost Digital Chronic Care Coaching to Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries

Published

on

By

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nuna Health LLC (“Nuna”), a digital health company dedicated to transforming chronic care, announced that its digital health coach is now available at no cost to eligible people with Original Medicare (Parts A and B) in markets where Nuna operates. Nuna is among one of the first participants in the CMS Innovation Center ACCESS (Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions) Model, a payment model test that ties payments to the health outcomes participating organizations help patients achieve, rather than to specific services delivered. Participation is voluntary and enrollment is subject to eligibility criteria set by CMS.

Nuna’s AI-driven platform pairs a 24/7 conversational health coach with a personalized care plan, education and gamification to help patients build consistent, sustainable habits for managing their chronic conditions. Nuna keeps coaching patients toward their care plan, so they show up to their next visit with real progress to share, closing the gap between the clinic visit and everyday life at home.

“As a primary care physician, I’ve struggled at times to get patients to care about their blood pressure. Nuna changed that. It gives patients a simple tool to build healthy habits at home. I’ve seen it help patients stay engaged with their blood pressure between visits,” said David Ansell, MD, of Rush University System for Health and a Nuna development partner.

Nuna is also working with health systems, including Northwestern Medicine, to bring ACCESS-related support directly into existing care teams’ workflows.

“As we care for a growing population of Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions, Northwestern Medicine is focused on using innovative technology, such as Nuna, to extend care beyond the clinical setting,” said Amish Desai, MD, MSc, Chief Medical Officer of Population Health at Northwestern Medicine. “The ACCESS Model aligns with our shared commitment to proactive, integrated care that helps patients manage their health, reduce complications, and maintain their quality of life. By complementing the care of our physicians, we aim to make this support more accessible and help patients stay actively engaged in their health.”

“Health is built in the small, daily moments of everyday life, at home, at work, wherever people are,” said Jini Kim, Founder and CEO of Nuna, Inc. “Nuna Health is among the first participants in ACCESS and gives us the chance to bring that kind of support to Medicare beneficiaries at scale, and to help show what’s possible when payment rewards outcomes.”

Nuna is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Nuna is supporting beneficiaries enrolled in the Model’s Early Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic (eCKM) and Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) tracks, which cover conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Eligibility is determined by CMS based on a beneficiary’s specific conditions and other criteria.

The statements contained herein are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of CMS. The authors assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information contained herein.

About Nuna Health: Nuna is a digital health company dedicated to transforming chronic care by empowering patients and their clinicians. Its AI-driven platform provides personalized, continuous support to help people manage their health and chronic conditions in the moments that matter most. Nuna partners with health systems and health plans to improve patient outcomes, enhance care team efficiency, and reduce the overall cost of care. Nuna Health LLC is the entity participating in the CMS ACCESS Model. Learn more at www.nuna.com or contact press@nuna.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nuna-brings-no-cost-digital-chronic-care-coaching-to-eligible-medicare-beneficiaries-302879752.html

SOURCE Nuna, Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending