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From Pitch to Pilot: Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition Opens Global Search for Deep Tech Urban Solutions and Sustainability focused Founders

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Finalists compete for over S$2.5 million (US$2 million) in prizes and gain a pathway to SMU’s Urban SustaInnovator accelerator and US$10 million USI Fund

SINGAPORE, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For many deep-tech start-ups tackling urban and sustainability challenges, the biggest hurdle is not developing breakthrough technologies, but finding the customers, partners and opportunities to deploy them at scale.

Addressing this challenge, the 13th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) today opened applications for university founders and recent graduates seeking to turn frontier ideas into real-world impact. Organised by Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE), LKYGBPC is one of Asia’s most globally representative deep-tech start-up competitions, spanning 12 focus areas including climate tech, energy, food and land use, urban mobility, longevity and healthtech, and sustainable materials and circularity.

Fifty finalists will be flown to Singapore 28 September to 1 October 2027 to compete for over S$2.5 million in prizes and take part in an Innovation Festival featuring investor engagement, mentorship, and connections with corporate and ecosystem partners.

Beyond the Competition: A Gateway to SMU’s Urban SustaInnovator (USI) accelerator

Selected LKYGBPC finalists can join SMU’s Urban SustaInnovator (USI) accelerator, launched in 2025, which supports start-ups through market access, pilot projects and strategic introductions across Asia. In May 2026, SMU IIE launched the USI Fund to back promising ventures as they pilot and scale.

“Founders of breakthrough technologies can create value only when they reach the people, industries, and communities they are designed to serve. SMU created LKYGBPC as a platform to help founders bring their innovative ideas to life by connecting them with the partners, markets and opportunities needed to turn innovation into real-world impact. Now, through the USI programme and USI Fund, we offer a post-competition pathway to pilot, scale, and raise capital throughout Asia,” said Rony Palathinkal, Head of the LKYGBPC and Urban SustaInnovator at SMU IIE.

One of the biggest challenges for sustainability start-ups is getting access to the right partners to validate and deploy new technologies.

SMU is uniquely positioned to help startups make these connections with its network of Overseas Centres in Bangkok, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and Shenzhen, and its International Advisory Councils in eight countries. “SMU’s expansive network of partners from industry, government and community across Asia enables us to forge connections that enable startups to cross borders and scale their innovative solutions,” says Professor Sun Sun Lim, SMU’s Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement, and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Communication & Technology.

Singapore-based Standard Physics (formerly Inviscid AI), founded by Qiu Ziming and Kabir Jain, was a finalist in the 12th LKYGBPC before joining Y Combinator’s Winter 2026 cohort and SMU’s inaugural Urban SustaInnovator (USI) accelerator. The startup uses physics-informed AI and IoT-powered digital twins to optimise energy efficiency in buildings and data centres. Through USI, it secured a pilot with The GEAR by Japanese construction giant Kajima and is discussing three more opportunities. It has also raised US$2.3 million in seed funding led by Square Peg Capital and is preparing to launch an AI-powered agentic engineering platform. Jain credits Y Combinator’s start-up expertise and USI’s regional network for supporting its growth.

“The accelerators were very complementary. YC was good at getting us from zero to one, and then USI has been very helpful in getting us from one to 10. The USI team can make the right introductions and help you grow,” said Jain. 

Singapore is strengthening its position as a global sustainability innovation hub, providing start-ups with opportunities to pilot, validate and scale technologies across Asia and beyond. This government-led ambition is backed by the S$37 billion RIE 2030 plan, including S$10.8 billion for mission-oriented research, and a S$40 million USS Translation Fund to support the development and commercialisation of urban and sustainability solutions.

Building a Global Pipeline of Innovation

Established by SMU in 2002, LKYGBPC is a biennial competition open to start-ups with at least one founder currently enrolled in a university programme or who graduated within the past five years. Its 12th edition in October 2025 attracted over 1,500 entries from founders representing 1,200 universities across 91 countries. Finalists from the 9th to 12th editions have collectively raised over S$1 billion. Finalists from the 9th to 12th editions have collectively raised over S$1 billion.  Finalists from the 9th to 12th editions have collectively raised over S$1 billion.

Said Shirley Wong, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at SMU IIE, Chairperson of the 13th LKYGBPC Advisory Committee, and Managing Partner of TNF Ventures: “As Asia continues to urbanise, the region presents both complex challenges and significant opportunities for innovation. LKYGBPC brings together founders worldwide and connects them with Singapore’s ecosystem of industry, investors and institutions to accelerate solutions with regional and global impact.”

Applications are open at https://iie.smu.edu.sg/lkygbpc and close on 31 March 2027.

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Tradier Brokerage Data Breach Investigation: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Probes Class Action Claims After a Vendor Attack Exposes Social Security Numbers

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National class action law firm offers free, confidential case evaluations to Tradier Brokerage customers and others whose personal information may have been exposed.

NEWTOWN, Pa., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from a data breach affecting Tradier Brokerage Inc., a Charlotte, North Carolina-based online broker-dealer. Anyone who received a breach notice or believes their information may have been exposed can request a free case evaluation.

What Happened

On August 28, 2026, a cyberattack targeted Etna Software Corporation, a third-party vendor that provides the order management system and pre-trade controls Tradier uses to operate its brokerage business. Tradier became aware of the incident on September 3, 2026. Tradier has said that its own internal network was not compromised and remained secure throughout the incident, and that the breach was limited to systems and data held by Etna.

Tradier began notifying affected customers by email and disclosed the incident to the California Attorney General. According to regulatory filings, the incident has affected 9,404 Texas residents and 1,580 Massachusetts residents so far. Tradier has said it is reviewing its third-party relationships and its data minimization program.

What Information Was Exposed

According to Tradier Brokerage, the personal information that may have been accessed includes:

Full namesAddressesPhone numbersSocial Security numbersGovernment-issued tax identification numbers

Because Social Security numbers and tax identification numbers are among the most sensitive categories of personal information, the exposure creates a heightened risk of identity theft and financial fraud for affected individuals.

Who May Be Affected

The investigation focuses on Tradier Brokerage customers whose personal information was held in the Etna systems used to operate Tradier’s brokerage business. Tradier has arranged with Cyberscout, a TransUnion company, to provide affected individuals up to two years of complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection; eligible individuals must enroll within 90 days of receiving their notification letter.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action on behalf of individuals whose data may have been compromised. A successful case could recover compensation for losses such as lost time, out-of-pocket costs, and loss of privacy, and could press Tradier Brokerage to strengthen its data protection. The firm evaluates claims at no cost.

Recommended Steps to Protect Yourself

Watch for the notice from Tradier Brokerage and keep the enclosed code for the free credit monitoring being offered, enrolling within 90 days.

Place a free fraud alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and obtain your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.Review your account statements for anything you do not recognize, and report suspected identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. Beyond data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, antitrust violations, ERISA benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud.

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Glance Releases Practical Guide for AI-to-Human Customer Service

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New guide shows CX leaders how to close the AI-to-human handoff gap, as 76% of consumers say they get frustrated by repeating themselves when switching channels

WAKEFIELD, Mass., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Glance, the leader in enterprise cobrowse and guided customer experience, today released The Human Edge in AI Customer Service, a new guide making the human-in-the-loop case for visual engagement in an AI-first support stack. The guide gives leaders in customer experience, customer support and digital product a practical framework for deciding where AI should handle the work, where human experts should step in, and how to connect the two without forcing customers to start over.

Industry leaders expect AI to touch virtually every customer interaction. Yet the moment a customer needs a person remains one of the weakest points in the journey. According to the Glance 2026 Customer Experience Trends Report, 44% of consumers say they almost always have to repeat themselves when switching channels, while only 7% say they rarely or never do. Survey respondents described being stuck in an “endless loop” with AI when they needed a human.

“AI is now the front door to customer service, and that’s a good thing for the normal routine things that we consumers need done,” said Adam Atwood, CMO at Glance. “But the interactions that matter most—a mortgage application stalled on one confusing question, applying for a small business loan, or Medicare enrollment—still need a human expert. The question isn’t AI or people. It’s whether the handoff between them preserves context that helps the customer achieve their goal. This guide shows CX leaders how to design for continuity instead of escalation.”

The guide covers:

Why AI elevates the human role rather than replacing it. As automation absorbs routine requests, the conversations reaching live agents grow more complex, making expert judgment more valuable.The broken handoff problem. A side-by-side look at weak versus strong AI handoffs, and why transferring context matters more than transferring the conversation.Measuring resolution, not deflection. Outcome-based questions CX leaders are using to evaluate AI: first-contact resolution, customer effort, and whether the AI-to-human transition felt seamless.

The guide also features customer snapshots from medium to large enterprises in Financial Services, SaaS and Healthcare.

Availability

The Human Edge in AI Customer Service is available now as a free download.

About Glance

Glance helps enterprises earn, keep, and grow customers at high-touch moments through instant cobrowse and screen share collaboration sessions in mobile apps, portals, and websites.

The world’s most recognizable brands trust Glance as the critical visual layer for customer interactions, ultimately building loyalty, increasing revenue, and boosting customer lifetime value.

Learn more at www.glance.cx.

Media Contact

Adam Atwood
CMO, Glance Networks

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SOURCE Glance Networks, Inc

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SMTC Recognized with Frost & Sullivan’s 2026 North America Company of the Year Recognition for Mid-tier Electronic Manufacturing Services

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SMTC is redefining the value of a mid-sized EMS partner by combining responsive customer engagement, Tier 1 capabilities, and a resilient North American operating network.

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As original equipment manufacturers (OEM) place greater emphasis on supply chain resilience, regionalized production, and faster response to changing market conditions, the role of electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers is evolving. Frost & Sullivan recognizes SMTC with the 2026 North America Company of the Year Recognition in the Mid-tier Electronic Manufacturing Services industry for its strong performance across strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. SMTC’s ability to work directly with customer decision-makers from the outset enables faster action, collaborative problem-solving, and closer alignment throughout engagements. This customer-centric approach, combined with a strategically positioned North American operating network and broad end-to-end manufacturing capabilities, strengthens the company’s ability to respond to complex customer requirements while supporting speed, flexibility, and supply chain continuity.

“SMTC differentiates itself from competitors by combining the flexibility and responsiveness of a smaller EMS company with many of the capabilities typically associated with a larger Tier 1 company. A key part of this advantage comes from its ability to work directly with customer decision-makers from the outset, which supports faster action, more collaborative problem-solving, and closer alignment throughout the engagement,” said Sujan Sami, Senior Research Director, Frost & Sullivan.

SMTC’s strategy is built around providing customers with comprehensive manufacturing support while maintaining the agility needed to respond to changing market conditions. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company provides a abroad manufacturing footprint across North America and supports customers in aerospace/defense/security, medical and life sciences, advanced computing, robotics, and power and smart infrastructure. Its end-to-end capabilities encompass new product introduction (NPI), printed circuit board assembly, systems integration, testing, supply chain management, and other higher-value manufacturing services.

Innovation and operational flexibility remain central to SMTC’s approach. The company supports customers through complex production requirements, including factory transfers, operational transitions, and tariff-related supply chain decisions. Its ability to combine high-touch customer engagement with manufacturing depth allows customers to access the personalized support of a mid-sized provider without sacrificing the capabilities required for complex programs.

“We are honored to receive this award for the third year in a row. Our team members work tirelessly to exceed our customer’s expectations with excellence every minute of every day. It is through teamwork and collaboration, built on our purpose to enhance people’s lives and our world every day, that drives us to deliver in partnership with our customer needs”, said Mike Buseman, CEO at SMTC.

SMTC’s North American operating network further strengthens its competitive position. The company’s footprint includes manufacturing facilities, procurement and logistics centers, return merchandise authorization (RMA), refurbish and repair centers, design and engineering centers, wire cable and harnesses, and a metal fabrication center across key regions. This integrated model helps reduce handoffs, support smoother production transfers, and create greater continuity from product introduction through fulfillment and repair. SMTC can also shift production between sites, adjust capacity as demand changes, and help customers move manufacturing closer to key end markets.

Beyond manufacturing execution, SMTC creates customer value through value engineering, supply chain expertise, and disciplined production processes. Its capabilities are designed to reduce lead times and material costs, improve assembly efficiency, strengthen test coverage, and minimize scrap, rework, and field failures. Structured NPI processes, project simulations, stage gates, and Customer Focus Teams provide customers with greater visibility and support throughout the transition from concept to production.

The company’s approach also contributes to strong customer relationships. SMTC emphasizes transparent communication, responsiveness, and partnership throughout the manufacturing lifecycle, with many customer relationships extending for more than 20  years. This longevity demonstrates the value customers place on SMTC’s ability to provide dependable support, address challenges with urgency, and adapt alongside evolving production requirements.

Frost & Sullivan commends SMTC for establishing a differentiated position within the mid-tier electronic manufacturing services industry. By combining customer intimacy and responsiveness with Tier 1 capabilities, a resilient North American footprint, and comprehensive manufacturing expertise, the company is well positioned to help OEMs navigate increasingly complex supply chain and production environments.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Company of the Year Award to a company that demonstrates outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in market share, customer satisfaction, and competitive positioning. The award recognizes forward-thinking organizations that are reshaping their industries through innovation and growth excellence.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.
Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:
Ashley Shreve
E: ashley.weinkauf@frost.com

About SMTC

SMTC Corporation was founded in 1985. SMTC is a mid-size provider of end-to-end electronics manufacturing services (EMS) including PCBA production, systems integration and comprehensive testing services, enclosure fabrication, as well as product design, sustaining engineering and supply chain management services. SMTC has facilities and offices in the United States, Mexico, Asia and Canada. Services extend over the entire electronic product life cycle from the development and introduction of new products through to the growth, maturity and end-of-life phases.

Contact: Scott Smith
E. Scott.Smith@smtc.com

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

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