Research and development project will advance AirMatrix’s ability to transform increasing volumes of fragmented sensor data into faster, clearer decision support for defence, public safety and critical infrastructure operators

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 9, 2026 /CNW/ — AirMatrix Inc. is pleased to announce that it is receiving advisory services and funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to support a research and development project advancing AI-powered multi-sensor intelligence for low-altitude airspace security.This represents AirMatrix’s largest NRC IRAP-supported project to date.

The project, which is supported through NRC IRAP’s Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist) initiative, will accelerate AirMatrix’s work addressing one of the most significant challenges facing modern airspace security: transforming large volumes of disconnected sensor data into a clear and actionable operational picture. 

From More Sensors to Better Decisions

Defence, public safety and critical infrastructure operators increasingly rely on radar, radio-frequency detection, cameras and other technologies to monitor low-altitude airspace. While these systems can produce valuable information, they often operate independently, requiring operators to move between different interfaces and manually determine whether multiple detections relate to the same object.

In time-sensitive environments, detecting an object is not enough. Operators must understand what it is, determine whether it presents a concern and know where their attention is required.

AirMatrix’s research and development project will accelerate ongoing work using artificial intelligence to enable different sensor systems to operate together more intelligently and efficiently. This includes automatically cueing imaging systems toward detected objects, correlating information across multiple sensor sources and using AI-assisted visual analysis to support object confirmation while maintaining human oversight.

“The next generation of airspace security will not be defined by whoever deploys the most sensors. It will be defined by who can make those systems work together — turning data into intelligence, and intelligence into action,” said Bashir Khan, Co-Founder and CEO of AirMatrix. “Our goal is to give operators a clearer understanding of what is happening in their airspace so they can focus their attention and make informed decisions with greater speed and confidence.”

Building the Intelligence Layer for Low-Altitude Airspace

The research forms part of AirMatrix’s continuing development of Libra, its hardware-agnostic command and control platform for low-altitude airspace awareness and security.

Libra is designed to connect information from different sensor technologies within a common operational environment. Rather than requiring organizations to replace their existing systems or depend on a single hardware provider, Libra provides an intelligence layer that can bring those systems together into a unified operational picture.

Through this project, AirMatrix will advance research and development in multi-sensor correlation, automated sensor cueing, AI-assisted visual confirmation and detection-to-confirmation workflows. The objective is to reduce the burden of manually interpreting fragmented information and help operators move more efficiently from initial detection to a better-informed operational decision.

“No single sensor can provide the complete picture,” Khan added. “The real opportunity is to combine their strengths and help the human operator understand what matters. That is the basis of the airspace intelligence layer we are building and deploying.”

The project builds on AirMatrix’s work supporting government, public safety and commercial airspace applications and advances the company’s broader vision of providing the digital intelligence infrastructure needed to manage and secure increasingly complex low-altitude environments.

About AirMatrix

AirMatrix is a dual-use AI company providing government and critical infrastructure customers with a world-class command and control platform for sensor fusion and persistent airspace awareness.

AirMatrix technology has been deployed across government, public safety and commercial airspace applications.

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SOURCE AirMatrix Inc

The Creative Activity Kit Helps Preschoolers Build Scissor Skills While Cutting, Folding, and Crafting with their Favorite Bluey Characters

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Skillmatics, the global education brand creating innovative ways for children to learn through play, today announced that Skillmatics Snip, Snip! Bluey has been named a winner in the PARENTS 2026 Best Toy Awards. Designed for children ages 3-7, the hands-on activity kit combines scissor skills, crafting, and beloved Bluey characters to help young learners build confidence while creating colorful projects of their own.

With 25 step-by-step activities, Snip, Snip! Bluey turns foundational scissor skill development into a creative adventure with Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad. Children progress from cutting straight lines to curves, zigzags, and shapes, then cut, fold, and paste their way through colorful paper crafts featuring their favorite characters.

“With Skillmatics’ products we are always looking for ways to make learning fun,” said Dhvanil Sheth, founder and CEO of Skillmatics. “There’s a real moment of pride when a child makes that first cut successfully, and then realizes they can do something they couldn’t do yesterday. With Snip, Snip! Bluey, they’re not thinking about practicing a developmental skill—they’re thinking about making something with Bluey. That’s where the magic happens: the learning is happening, but it’s also just imaginative, creative play to the child.”

The kit includes two child-safe scissors, an activity booklet with 25 cutting activities, and a glue stick, giving kids everything they need for hands-on, screen-free play. Along the way, cutting, folding, and pasting help strengthen fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, focus, spatial reasoning, and dexterity, while creative projects encourage imagination and artistic expression.

Skillmatics has a licensing agreement with BBC Studios for products inspired by Bluey. The animated series follows Bluey a loveable, inexhaustible, blue heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighborhood into her world of fun.

The award-winning Skillmatics Snip, Snip! Bluey is designed for children ages 3-7 and retails for $29.97 on Amazon.

About Skillmatics

Skillmatics is a leading global education brand led by a team of educators, game and product designers who are dedicated to creating innovative and holistic ways for children to learn through play. They are deeply committed to their mission of developing educational products that bring joy to children and help them reach their full potential. With top-selling games and activities such as Guess in 10, Foil Fun, Poke-in-Art, and many more, Skillmatics is a rapidly growing consumer brand in the US and globally, with 20M happy families worldwide. Skillmatics is carried in thousands of retail locations and is trusted by hundreds of educational institutions. Retailers include: Walmart, Target, Office Depot, Barnes & Noble, Meijer, Kohl’s, Amazon and TikTok Shop.

For more information, please visit Skillmatics on Amazon, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.

About Bluey

Bluey follows a loveable, inexhaustible blue heeler dog who lives with her Mum, Dad and little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighbourhood into her world of fun. Celebrated for its humour, warmth and relatable portrayal of everyday family life, Bluey has earned a devoted global audience through stories grounded in play, emotional truth and authentic moments that resonate across generations. A true phenomenon, Bluey is one of the most loved and watched family entertainment brands, captivating adults and children alike.

Bluey is the creation of writer and director Joe Brumm and is produced by multiple Emmy® Award-winning Ludo Studio. Commissioned by BBC Studios Kids & Family and ABC Children’s, BBC Studios brings Bluey to audiences internationally through distribution and licensing. The first-ever feature film, The Bluey Movie, lands in cinemas on August 6, 2027. Written and directed by Joe Brumm and produced by Ludo Studio in collaboration with BBC Studios, the CG-animated feature marks the big screen debut for Bluey and her family. BBC Studios is financing and licensing the picture with theatrical distribution through Walt Disney Studios.

Bluey | Website |YouTubeFacebook | Instagram | TikTok |

About Ludo Studio

Ludo Studio is a BAFTA, multi-Emmy®, Logie and Peabody award-winning Australian studio and one of TIME’s Most Influential Companies of 2024, that creates and produces original scripted drama, animation and digital stories that are authored by incredible local talent, distributed globally and loved by audiences everywhere. ludostudio.com.au

About BBC Studios Brands & Licensing

The BBC Studios Brands & Licensing division is the driving force in extending BBC Studios IP through innovative brand extensions, fostering deep fan engagement worldwide. Partnering our iconic brands – including Doctor Who and Bluey – with the world’s biggest brands, promoters, and publishers, ignites the imagination of fans and creates memorable brand-fame moments. Our diverse portfolio spans consumer products, live entertainment, gaming, and publishing, while BBC Studios Digital drives over 1 billion views per month, offering advertising and branded content opportunities. Supported by award-winning teams, we focus on finding visionary opportunities to enhance global brand impact and digital growth.

BBC Studios | Website | Press Office | X | LinkedIn | Instagram

Media Contact

Nicole Daley, Skillmatics, 1 4154088664, Nicole@daleypr.com, https://skillmaticsworld.com

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SOURCE Skillmatics

BNSF, First Command, WISE Advise and USAA have been named winners of the ninth annual Patriots in Business Award, presented by Chief Executive magazine and Thayer Leadership. The award recognizes companies for outstanding support of veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses through their business practices and community commitments. Fiserv, RecruitMilitary and Military Brands received honorable mentions. Selected by a national panel of military and business leaders, the honorees exemplify the U.S. Military Academy values of Duty, Honor and Country. Winners will be recognized November 5, 2026, at Chief Executive’s annual Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

WEST POINT, N.Y., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — BNSF, First Command, WISE Advise and USAA were honored as winners of the 9th annual Patriots in Business Award for their leadership in helping America’s veterans, active-duty military and military spouses. The award, presented each year by Chief Executive magazine and Thayer Leadership, is part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness among corporate leaders of best practices in helping these important communities.

In addition, Fiserv, RecruitMilitary and Military Brands were awarded honorable mentions by our panel of judges. An award ceremony will take place on Nov. 5 at Chief Executive’s annual Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas. (For more info: https://chiefexecutive.net/leadershipconference/)

The Patriots in Business Award—presented this year in the categories of large, medium and small organizations, as well as a special category for military-service companies—recognizes outstanding businesses that lead our nation in supporting active-duty military members, veterans and their families and exemplify the U.S. Military Academy values of Duty, Honor and Country through their business practices and throughout their community and industry.

“Service is at the heart of both the military and the railroad industry,” said Katie Farmer, President and Chief Executive Officer, BNSF. “Veterans bring exceptional leadership, discipline, adaptability, and a commitment to mission that help make BNSF stronger every day. We are honored to be recognized with the Patriots in Business Award and grateful for the contributions of the veterans, service members, and military families who are part of the BNSF team.”

“We are deeply honored to be recognized once again with the 2026 Patriots in Business Award,” said Mark Steffe, President & CEO, First Command. “Serving those who serve is not simply a market we operate in. It is our purpose and the reason First Command exists. As the only company dedicated to serving military families through a nationwide network of Advisors providing one-on-one financial coaching, we are proud to stand alongside the men and women who sacrifice so much for our country.”

Said Diana Jaquith, CEO & Co-Founder, WISE Advise: “Being named a Patriots in Business honoree is an incredible honor because it validates something we have believed from the beginning. Military spouses are an extraordinary workforce. Their adaptability, resilience, and ability to execute are not limitations to work around; they are competitive advantages.”

Said Juan C. Andrade, President & CEO, USAA: “Receiving the 2026 Patriots in Business Award is a meaningful recognition for USAA. For more than a century, serving the military community has been the heart of who we are. We are proud to work alongside business leaders who share our commitment to creating lasting change for those who serve and their families.”

The companies rose to the top of a highly competitive, nationwide judging process in which a panel of veterans’ affairs experts and business leaders with military backgrounds, including many prior winners of the award, assessed each nominated company’s programs:

Bobbie Shamblin, VP, Talent Acquisition, ArcfieldMona Choi Dexter, VP, Military and Veteran Affairs, ComcastColby Barrett, Former Vice Chairman, GeoStabilization InternationalJoe Crandall, Executive Chairman, Greencastle ConsultingJerry Flanagan, Founder & CEO, JDog BrandsKelley Daviss, CHRO, Lendmark Financial ServicesFreddie Kim, Founder & CEO, MilSpec TalentJon Ferko, Division Senior Director and Head of Strategy, Marketing, Business Development, Northrop GrummanJJ Sutherland, CEO, Scrum, Inc.Bryan Sevener, CEO, Valor TechnologiesGreg Hamm, VP, Field & Government Recruiting, Werner Enterprises

“Nine years in, the bar keeps rising,” said Marshall Cooper, CEO, Chief Executive Group. “This year’s honorees aren’t just hiring veterans. They’re building careers for military spouses and proving that supporting this community is a competitive advantage, not a charity. That’s a lesson every CEO in America should take to heart.”

Said Dan Rice, Co-President of Thayer Leadership: “As we teach at Thayer, values-based leadership is demonstrated through knowledge and action. The companies honored this year with the Patriots in Business Award put that principle into practice by creating meaningful opportunities for veterans, service members, and military spouses. Their example challenges every business leader to consider how their organization can honor military service through a sustained commitment to those who serve and their families.”

About Chief Executive Group

Chief Executive Group is the leading community for business leaders worldwide. The Group runs some of the most extensive peer networking organizations in America, including The Chief Executive Network, the leading CEO membership organization arranged by industry, and The CFO Leadership Council, the largest networking group for financial professionals. It publishes Chief Executive magazine, ChiefExecutive.net, Corporate Board Member magazine, BoardMember.com, CFOLeadership.com, StrategicCHRO360, as well producing conferences and roundtables that enable business leaders to discuss key subjects and share their experiences with their peers. For more information, visit ChiefExecutiveGroup.com.

About Thayer Leadership

An innovative executive leader development institute, globally ranked a Top 20 Leadership Training Company by Training Industry, Thayer delivers transformative leader development experiences that inspire action and change based on their values of purpose-driven character, commitment to excellence, and innovative spirit. As a leading, global expert in values-based leader development, their proprietary and motivating multi-pronged learning approach delivers a holistic experience for participants at West Point, online, virtually, or any location around the world. Thayer has trained more than 140,000 executives and front-line leaders from over 775 global companies across multiple industries, including automotive, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and more. It is a private organization not endorsed or affiliated with the U.S. Government. Learn more at thayerleadership.com.

Media Contact

Dan Bigman, Chief Executive Group, 1 2038894980, dbigman@chiefexecutivegroup.com, chiefexecutive.net

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/bnsf-first-command-wise-advise-and-usaa-honored-with-2026-patriots-in-business-award-302902374.html

SOURCE Chief Executive Group