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Canadian-made video game designed to help maintain abilities and quality of life for children with rare, degenerative neuromuscular disease

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Free, web-based game, Cloud Bazaar, promotes physical exercise in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare and degenerative neuromuscular disease.Game targets need for increased therapeutic exercise adherence in pediatric SMA patients by gamifying physical activities and making them more fun.Uses motion capture technology to track players’ movements and responds with exercises that progressively challenge them according to their level of ability.

CALGARY, AB and TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2022 /CNW/ – Raft Digital Therapeutics (Raft) and Biogen Canada are excited to announce the launch of the demo version of Cloud Bazaar, an interactive therapeutic video game. Developed in Canada, Cloud Bazaar promotes physical activity in young players with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare and degenerative neuromuscular disease. The game aims to help players maintain physical abilities and improve health outcomes, while promoting a higher quality of life by making at-home therapeutic exercise fun and engaging.

Equipped with motion capture technology, the game tracks and responds to movements through the built-in camera on players’ computers as they navigate increasingly difficult levels. It engages young players by placing them on a “mission” in which they fly an airship that protects the fictional city of the Cloud Bazaar. To do so, they are challenged to complete a set of guided movements that were developed in consultation with, and based on, feedback from neuromuscular disease experts and youth in the SMA community.

“The most important aspect of developing the Cloud Bazaar to us was getting active participation and feedback from young people living with SMA,” said Raft CEO and physiatrist, Dr. Geoff Frost. “Our intention is to build a gaming experience that’s not only physically beneficial and enriching for players, but that’s fun and engaging so they’re keen to keep integrating therapeutic exercise into their everyday lives. Their involvement was central to making this happen.”

“Regular therapeutic exercise is crucial for maintaining physical abilities in young SMA patients, and we are proud to introduce Cloud Bazaar as a unique online game that makes physical activity fun while also promoting social inclusivity through its diverse community of users,” said Eric Tse, General Manager of Biogen Canada. “Biogen is devoted to addressing areas of unmet patient need, and our drive to innovate led us to partner with Raft to create a made-in-Canada technology that supports this rare disease community.”

The demo version of Cloud Bazaar was also recently recognized for its interactive content and rich media in the Web-Based Digital Health category at the 2022 Digital Health Awards®. Available in English and French, Cloud Bazaar is free, web-based and doesn’t require a console, making the game highly accessible for patients and families who live with SMA and may face additional financial pressures due to the disease. It also promotes inclusivity by enabling players to invite and challenge others to play and compete, either within or outside the SMA community, regardless of their level of ability.

Raft co-developed Cloud Bazaar with founding partner, Biogen Canada.

The demo is available for download on Windows at https://cloudbazaar.io/.

About Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

SMA is a rare, debilitating neurodegenerative condition that is characterized by loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and lower brain stem, resulting in severe and progressive muscular atrophy and weakness.  

Due to a deletion of, or mutation in, the SMN1 gene, people with SMA do not produce enough survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, which is critical for the maintenance of motor neurons. The severity of SMA correlates with the amount of SMN protein an individual has. Ultimately, individuals with SMA can become paralyzed and have difficulty performing the basic functions of life, like breathing and swallowing.

People with Type I (infantile-onset) SMA, the form that requires the most intensive and supportive care, produce very little SMN protein and do not achieve the ability to sit without support and typically do not live beyond two years without respiratory support. People with Type II and Type III SMA produce greater amounts of SMN protein and have less severe, but still life-altering forms of SMA.

About Raft Digital Therapeutics (Raft)

Raft is developing a platform designed to make at-home therapeutic exercise fun, engaging, and immersive to improve adherence and quality of life for patients. Founded by physiatrist Dr. Geoff Frost and other key members of the rare disease community, Raft is dedicated to bettering the lives of patients living with neuromuscular diseases through informed and intelligent game design, making programs that suit all users, no matter their level of motor function. For more about Raft, visit https://raftdt.com/.

About Biogen

As pioneers in neuroscience, Biogen discovers, develops, and delivers worldwide innovative therapies for people living with serious neurological diseases as well as related therapeutic adjacencies. One of the world’s first global biotechnology companies, Biogen was founded in 1978 by Charles Weissmann, Heinz Schaller, Sir Kenneth Murray, and Nobel Prize winners Walter Gilbert and Phillip Sharp. Today, Biogen has the leading portfolio of medicines to treat multiple sclerosis, has introduced the first approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, and developed the first and only approved treatment to address a defining pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Biogen is also commercializing biosimilars and focusing on advancing one of the industry’s most diversified pipelines in neuroscience that will transform the standard of care for patients in several areas of high unmet need.

Since 1998, Biogen Canada has been delivering life-changing medicines and services that support unmet treatment needs and the lives of Canadians affected by neurological conditions. As a company that founds its culture on principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, Biogen Canada is proud to have been named a Best Workplace™ for Inclusion, Giving Back and Hybrid Work. To learn more, please visit www.biogen.ca.

SOURCE Biogen Canada

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Anju to Highlight Newly Launched MA Knowledge at DIA MICC 2024 in London

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CHICAGO, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Anju, a leading provider of adaptive life sciences software solutions, is pleased to announce its participation as an exhibitor at the upcoming DIA Medical Information & Communications Conference scheduled to take place in London on September 24-25th. DIA MICC brings together medical information professionals for discussions, learning, and practical sessions around improving customer experiences across the industry.

Anju is proud to present MA Knowledge, a state-of-the-art application that offers access to verified and carefully curated medical information content, tailored to meet the unique needs of each field representative. With efficient content filtering and search features, MA Knowledge consistently delivers medical information that matches user profiles and their areas of interest.

“Anju’s commitment to innovation was the driving force behind the development of MA Knowledge,” said Reed McLaughlin, General Manager of Anju’s Medical Affairs Division. “We recognized an opportunity to vastly improve the field representatives’ customer experience by providing quick access to trustworthy, curated information.”

Attendees at DIA MICC 2024 are encouraged to visit Anju at booth 8 to explore their adaptable solutions and discuss how Anju’s best-in-class technology can help to streamline your medical information and scientific communications process. Anju’s team of experts will be on hand to answer questions and discuss how Anju’s solutions can meet the unique needs of your organization.

About Anju:
Anju Software is a customer-first organization providing adaptable life science solutions for clinical research, medical affairs, and data science. TrialMaster, IRMS MAX, and TA Scan, the company’s flagship products, lead the way in reducing complexities in the drug and device discovery and commercialization process. Anju is a portfolio company of Abry Partners serving the worldwide pharmaceutical, biotech and contract research Life Sciences markets.

For media inquiries, please contact:
John F. Kouten
JFK Communications, Inc.
+1 609.241.7352
jfkouten@jfkhealth.com

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SOURCE Anju Software

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Nauticus Robotics Announces Notification of NASDAQ Listing Extension

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HOUSTON, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Nauticus Robotics Inc. (NASDAQ: KITT) a leading innovator in autonomous subsea robotics and software, today announced receipt of a letter from the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) approving an extension of time to regain compliance with all listing standards.

The letter received from Nasdaq grants Nauticus an exception until December 31, 2024 to demonstrate compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market listing rules. Nauticus management presented its detailed plan to gain compliance during the Nasdaq Hearings Panel meeting held on September 5, 2024.

Nauticus will continue to work through its plan with intent to resolve all compliance issues before the deadline of December 31, 2024.

With the granting of this Nasdaq exception, Nauticus remains listed on the Nasdaq capital market. Once the compliance plan is fully executed, Nauticus will make further disclosures describing the actions taken by the Company to achieve compliance. 

About Nauticus Robotics

Nauticus Robotics, Inc. develops autonomous robots for the ocean industries. Autonomy requires the extensive use of sensors, artificial intelligence, and effective algorithms for perception and decision allowing the robot to adapt to changing environments. The company’s business model includes using robotic systems for service, selling vehicles and components, and licensing of related software to both the commercial and defense business sectors. Nauticus has designed and is currently testing and certifying a new generation of vehicles to reduce operational cost and gather data to maintain and operate a wide variety of subsea infrastructure. Besides a standalone service offering and forward-facing products, Nauticus’ approach to ocean robotics has also resulted in the development of a range of technology products for retrofit/upgrading traditional ROV operations and other third-party vehicle platforms. Nauticus’ services provide customers with the necessary data collection, analytics, and subsea manipulation capabilities to support and maintain assets while reducing their operational footprint, operating cost, and greenhouse gas emissions, to improve offshore health, safety, and environmental exposure.

Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”), and are intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Act as well as protections afforded by other federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: the expected timing of compliance with Nasdaq continued listing rules and the company’s capacity to regain the compliance. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events, or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by, or include the words “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “plans,” “scheduled,” “anticipates,” “intends,” or “continue” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results, or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Nauticus’ management’s current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. There can be no assurance that the events, results, or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Nauticus is not under any obligation and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports which Nauticus has filed or will file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for a more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and that could cause actual outcomes to be materially different from those indicated in the forward-looking statements made by the Company, in particular the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in documents filed from time to time with the SEC, including Nauticus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 10, 2024. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties, or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated, or expected. The documents filed by Nauticus with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

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SOURCE Nauticus Robotics, Inc.

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Keyboard Market to Grow by USD 1.23 Billion (2024-2028) Driven by E-Sports Boom, AI Enhanced Market Report- Technavio

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NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Report on how AI is driving market transformation- The global keyboard market  size is estimated to grow by USD 1.23 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.79%  during the forecast period.  Rising popularity of e-sports is driving market growth, with a trend towards increase in product innovations. However, availability of counterfeit products  poses a challenge. Key market players include A4TECH, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., Cooler Master Technology Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., EPOMAKER, Fujitsu Ltd., GN Store Nord AS, HP Inc., Keetronics India Pvt. Ltd., Kinesis Corp., Lenovo Group Ltd., Logitech International SA, Metadot Corp., Microsoft Corp., Panasonic Holdings Corp., Rapoo Europe BV, Razer Inc., Shenzhen Riitek Technology Co. Ltd., Targus Asia Pacific Ltd., and Xiaomi Communications Co. Ltd..

AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View your snapshot now

Forecast period

2024-2028

Base Year

2023

Historic Data

2018 – 2022

Segment Covered

Technology (Wired keyboard and Wireless keyboard), Application (Corporate, Personal, and Gaming), and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa)

Region Covered

North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa

Key companies profiled

A4TECH, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., Cooler Master Technology Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., EPOMAKER, Fujitsu Ltd., GN Store Nord AS, HP Inc., Keetronics India Pvt. Ltd., Kinesis Corp., Lenovo Group Ltd., Logitech International SA, Metadot Corp., Microsoft Corp., Panasonic Holdings Corp., Rapoo Europe BV, Razer Inc., Shenzhen Riitek Technology Co. Ltd., Targus Asia Pacific Ltd., and Xiaomi Communications Co. Ltd.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The global keyboard market has seen significant advancements in technology and product innovation. Initially, keyboards were primarily used with personal computers. However, the gaming industry’s technological progression has led to an increased demand for high-quality peripherals, such as keyboards. Gaming keyboards offer features like backlighting options, including mono color and full RGB. Keyboards come in two main types: membrane and mechanical. Mechanical keyboards, which use switches to send typing signals, offer longer durability due to the absence of a membrane. Gaming keyboards cater to various budgets. Membrane keyboards are the most affordable, while mechanical keyboards with monocolored backlighting and a full range of keys fall within the mid-price range. High-end gaming keyboards, featuring full RGB backlighting and numerous macro keys, are preferred by professional gamers and are more expensive. Innovations in keyboard technology continue to enhance the gaming experience, contributing to the market’s growth. 

Keyboards have seen significant improvements in technology, catering to various industries and user needs. Conventional membrane keyboards have given way to mechanical keyboards with clicky switches, offering better response time and tactile feedback. Mechanical keyboard technology includes linear and tactile switches, with Cherry Stream being a popular choice. Bluetooth and RF connectivity enable multiple platform compatibility. Artificial neural networks and cognitive computing are integrated into keyboards for pattern recognition and language modeling. Ergonomic keyboards and medical keyboards prioritize user comfort, while gamers prefer mechanical keyboards with RGB illumination and low response time. The gaming industry’s growth fuels the demand for mechanical keyboards and RGB illumination. Commercial enterprises and corporate offices also invest in digitalization, adopting ergonomic and efficient input devices like mechanical keyboards. Optical keyboards and speech-to-text converters further enhance productivity. Infrared and RFID technology add stability and security to keyboards. Keycaps with customizable designs cater to personal preferences. ML (Machine Learning) and statistical analysis enable customized user experiences. Plastic tools and improvements in key switch technology ensure durability and longevity. 

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Market Challenges

The keyboard market is currently facing a significant challenge from the prevalence of counterfeit keyboards in local markets. Many consumers, particularly price-sensitive ones and those unaware of branded products, are drawn to these imitations due to their affordability and resemblance to well-known brands. This trend is leading to price competition in the market, making it difficult for manufacturers to maintain their profit margins. Despite efforts to curb the sale of counterfeit keyboards, their accessibility through various distribution channels, both physical and online, persists. This situation is shrinking the potential market for genuine keyboards, posing a threat to the growth of the global keyboard market.The keyboard market is thriving in the IT sector, with advancements in technology significantly impacting input devices. Gaming industry professionals and individual users seek improved keyboards for enhanced performance. Keyboard technology includes mechanical, membrane, optical, and wireless options. Mechanical keyboards offer tactile switches, customizable keycaps, and RGB illumination. Gaming keyboards often feature low response time, multiple platform compatibility, and RGB illumination. Infrared and RFID technology enable wireless connectivity. Membrane keyboards provide stability for residential use. Improvements include key switches, keycap materials, and ergonomic designs. Professionals, including medical professionals, benefit from speech-to-text converters and voice recognition technology. Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) enhance pattern recognition and statistical analysis. Keyboards with linear switches cater to those preferring a quieter typing experience. Wired mechanical keyboards offer stability and reliability, while wireless mechanical keyboards and wireless peripherals provide freedom of movement. Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards and vertical keyboards cater to those with limited desk space. Optical and RF keyboards offer faster response times compared to traditional membrane keyboards. Overall, the keyboard market continues to evolve, catering to diverse user needs and preferences.

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Segment Overview 

This keyboard market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Technology 1.1 Wired keyboard1.2 Wireless keyboardApplication 2.1 Corporate2.2 Personal2.3 GamingGeography 3.1 North America3.2 APAC3.3 Europe3.4 South America3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Wired keyboard-  The keyboard market is a significant segment of the computer peripherals industry. Keyboards come in various types, including mechanical, membrane, and ergonomic. Businesses prioritize keyboards for their employees to ensure productivity and comfort. Dell, Logitech, and Microsoft are key players in this market, offering a range of options to cater to diverse user needs. Prices vary based on features such as backlighting, programmable keys, and durability. Companies invest in high-quality keyboards to enhance their employees’ work experience and efficiency.

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Research Analysis

Keyboards are essential peripherals for computers and other digital devices, catering to the needs of both professional individuals and corporations in the IT sector. Mechanical keyboards offer tactile feedback and durability, while membrane keyboards provide a quieter typing experience. Optical keyboards use light to detect keystrokes, and Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards save desk space by omitting the numeric keypad. Digitalization has led to the rise of wireless peripherals, including keyboards using Radio Frequency (RF), Infrared, and Bluetooth technologies. These keyboards offer freedom from cords, making them ideal for corporate/enterprise settings and the gaming industry. Multiple platform-compatible keyboards cater to users with devices running different operating systems. Key switches, made from plastic tools, determine the feel of the keystrokes, and keycaps can be customized for personal preferences. Keyboards continue to evolve, with advancements in technology like ML (Machine Learning) and gaming-specific features enhancing user experience. Conventional membrane keyboards remain popular for their affordability and ease of use.

Market Research Overview

Keyboards have evolved significantly over the years, with advancements in technology leading to innovations that cater to various user needs. Artificial neural networks and cognitive computing have been integrated into keyboards, enabling pattern recognition and language modeling for improved user experience. Bluetooth and RF technology have made wireless keyboards and peripherals a popular choice for both residential and commercial use, including the gaming industry and corporate/enterprises. Improvements in keyboards include ergonomic designs, mechanical keyboard technology with clicky, linear, and tactile switches, and RGB illumination. Optical and infrared keyboards offer faster response times compared to conventional membrane keyboards. Professional gamers and individuals prefer mechanical keyboards for their stability and improved accuracy, while medical professionals benefit from ergonomic and vertical keyboards for injury prevention. Multiple platform-compatible keyboards and speech-to-text converters cater to the digitalization trend in the IT sector. Wireless gaming keypads and wireless mechanical keyboards provide freedom of movement for professional gamers. Keycaps made of plastic tools and RGB illumination add to the aesthetic appeal of these input devices. RFID technology and voice recognition technology are also integrated into some keyboards for added functionality. Overall, the market for keyboards continues to grow as digitalization and the need for efficient input devices expand.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation

TechnologyWired KeyboardWireless KeyboardApplicationCorporatePersonalGamingGeographyNorth AmericaAPACEuropeSouth AmericaMiddle East And Africa

7 Customer Landscape
8 Geographic Landscape
9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
10 Company Landscape
11 Company Analysis
12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio’s report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio’s comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research
Jesse Maida
Media & Marketing Executive
US: +1 844 364 1100
UK: +44 203 893 3200
Email: media@technavio.com
Website: www.technavio.com/

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SOURCE Technavio

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