RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute wrapped up Day 3 of its 8th annual gathering in Riyadh, with an “Investment Day” under the theme of “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow.” Leaders, investors, and innovators explored avenues to drive impactful investment in emerging markets, venture capital, and sustainable growth strategies, setting the stage for the future of global finance and economic development.

Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, commented on the day’s events: “Today’s discussions underscored the power of targeted investments to transcend traditional boundaries, creating opportunities in markets that promise to shape the next economic era. Our collective focus on deploying capital with long-term vision and sustainability will guide us as we navigate an ever-changing landscape.”

Standout Moments from FII8 Day 3:

1.         Opening Remarks by H.E. Faisal F. Alibrahim

H.E. Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy & Planning for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opening remarks set the tone for the day, emphasizing the role of investment in Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation under Vision 2030, highlighting non-oil growth as pivotal for future diversification.

2.         Panel on Alternative Asset Growth in Emerging Markets

Key insights were shared during a session featuring H.E. Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, Chairman, Capital Market Authority (CMA); Rishi Kapoor, Vice Chairman & CIO, Investcorp; Chip Kaye, Chairman, Warburg Pincus LLC which focused on new frontiers in alternative asset growth. This panel explored trends driving investments in emerging economies, spotlighting regions set to lead the next growth phase.

3.         Capital Allocators Roundtable

A high-level discussion gathered influential leaders to discuss 2024’s projected impact for alternative assets and the diversification trends shaping institutional portfolios. The roundtable featured a diverse array of experts, including institutional investors, and thought leaders, all sharing insights on how alternative investments are becoming crucial in navigating economic uncertainties.

4.         Venture Capital Hotspots: Catalysts for Disruption

In this session, the panel explored the evolving landscape of innovation funding, with a particular emphasis on developments in burgeoning markets like Saudi Arabia.

5.         Health Humanity Initiative

In a global effort to secure a healthier future for all, FII Institute launched the Healthy Humanity Initiative inviting over 100 corporations, 10 health insurance companies insurers and governments from the Global South and North to join the movement to impact lives by providing free preventive health checkups for citizens every two years, waive up to 50% in health bills and ensure tax-free benefits. So far, this initiative has garnered support from Saudi Health in All Policies (HIAP), Claure Group, Moderna, Merck GCC, ⁠Ausmed Global, ⁠Qi Ming Venture Partners, ⁠Burjeel Holdings, SCAI, CURA, Genrait and Cleveland Clinic.

6.         Health Longevity Compass

The FII Institute presented findings from the Healthy Longevity Compass, which surveyed 22,600 respondents across 21 countries in partnership with The McKinsey Health Institute. The study revealed that 70% of individuals aspire to adopt healthier living habits, yet 43% in developing countries are dissatisfied with access to nutritious food. Read the Full Report Here.

7.         Investment Day

FII8 Investment Day launched a dynamic new chapter for the entrepreneurial ecosystem, transforming bold visions into actionable solutions that drive progress. At the inaugural global program hosted by FII Institute, five start-up companies showcased their cutting-edge tech solutions tackling world’s most pressing global challenges in artificial intelligence and robotics, sustainability, health and education. Among the innovators were: Oxccu, Sakuu, Beyond-Aero, Archireef and Bytelearn.

In the finale, Sakuu emerged as the winner and was crowned FII8 Innovator 2024. Each participating company received 2025 FII Institute complimentary membership and access to the FII Venture Program – powered by General Atlantic and Lakestar. This comprehensive support system is designed to accelerate their growth, offering unparalleled opportunities for market expansion, knowledge sharing and global visibility. Additionally, the innovative start-ups are eligible for a market expansion package providing over $10 million in financing grants and startup support. They may also benefit from soft landing program through NTDP (Saudi Arabia) and Hong Kong Science and Technology Park.

8.         Closing Remarks by H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, KSA Minister of Foreign Affairs. H.H. Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of global citizenship in addressing today’s pressing issues. He highlighted that collaboration across nations is vital for tackling conflicts, climate change, health crises, and economic disparities.

9.          Announcements: During the four days of the FII8 conference, over 30 plus announcements worth 70 billion dollars were made that focused on promoting sustainable development and innovative solutions for humanity. Additionally, strategic partnerships were established highlighting collaboration across various sectors, including technology, quality of life, and innovation.

As FII8 wrapped up, the narrative of a united front for positive change was clear. The collective voices of leaders and innovators echoed the sentiment that the future is not just a vision; it’s a movement we are all part of Day 3 at FII8 demonstrated the Institute’s commitment to connecting capital with impactful initiatives, further strengthening the global investment landscape. The FII Institute continues its mission of fostering sustainable and forward-looking investments that empower change across diverse geographies.

For media inquiries, please contact: media@fii-institute.org

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global non-profit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2547387/FII8.jpg

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SOURCE Future Investment Initiative Institute

 LEXINGTON, Ky. , Nov. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF) is pleased to announce the selection of David Deamer, Ph.D., Research Professor of Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz as the next recipient of the ABRF Award, which recognizes Outstanding Contributions to Biomolecular Technologies.

Over his scientific career, Deamer has focused on biological and synthetic membranes. In 1989, Deamer proposed that it may be possible to sequence a DNA molecule by passing it through a nanoscopic pore embedded in a lipid bilayer membrane. Deamer, Daniel Branton, (Harvard University), and John Kasianowitz (NIST) demonstrated the feasibility of this concept in 1996. Collaborative work with Mark Akeson at UC Santa Cruz reported proof of principle in 1999 by showing that a nanopore could distinguish between sequences of adenine and cytosine in RNA molecules. Oxford Nanopore Technology, founded in the UK in 2005, has developed and distributed multiple devices that incorporate nanopore sequencing concepts. Deamer was elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2023. In the same year, Deamer, Branton, and Akeson were recipients of the Golden Goose Award at a ceremony in Washington DC. This award recognizes research that attracted much skepticism at first but later resulted in significant societal impact.

ABRF Past President and Award Committee Chair Rich Cole, with the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center, described Deamer’s impact:

“Core facilities are the backbone of modern research, providing access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise. They accelerate scientific discovery by fostering collaboration, enhancing reproducibility, and maximizing the efficient use of resources. Deamer uses two core facilities to support his research, both related to nanopore sequencing of DNA. One of these is a nanopore sequencing center established by Professor Karen Miga, a member of the Biomolecular Engineering faculty at the University of California, Santa Cruz. The center features a PromethION instrument capable of sequencing a human genome in five hours. The other core facility he uses is the Wasatch Biolab (WBL) in Heber, Utah. WBL also uses a PromethION to provide nanopore sequencing services to the research community.

The ABRF Award, the association’s highest scientific honor, has been presented to an extraordinary group of researchers and innovators since 1994, including several Nobel Prize recipients.

Dr. Deamer will accept the Award at the ABRF 2025 Annual Meeting, March 23-26, in Las Vegas.

For more information on ABRF, visit www.abrf.org.

Provided by Newswise, online resource for knowledge-based news at www.newswise.com

Media Contacts: Ken Schoppmann
Executive Director
ken.schoppmann@abrf.org
Phone: 8595149835

Contact: ABRF@ABRF.org

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SOURCE Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF)

NEW PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS AND TEASER BUILDS EXCITEMENT AS THE BATTLE FOR BLUE LOCKS SURVIVAL BEGINS

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, BLUE LOCK unveiled a new key visual ahead of the highly anticipated match between the BLUE LOCK Eleven and the U-20 Japan National Team kicking off on Season 2, Episode 6.  The newly released visual features central players from both teams, including Yoichi Isagi, Rin Itoshi, Seishiro Nagi, Ryusei Shidou, Sae Itoshi, and Oliver Aiku, all showing their fierce and ego-driven expressions.

Alongside the new key visual, two kickoff PVs are being released simultaneously on the EMOTION LABEL CHANNEL’s YouTube channel, each showcasing the starting roster for both sides of the historic and intense showdown that’ll determine BLUE LOCK’s future. For the U-20 Edition of the PV, it’ll be the first time fans of the series hear the voices for the U-20 Japan National Team members Kento Chou, Teru Kitsunezato, Itsuki Wakatsuki, Haru Hayate, Miroku Darai, Kazuma Niou, Teppei Neru, and Gen Fukaku. As a bonus for overseas fans, a special teaser has also been unveiled, sharing highlights from the current season thus far and ending with the BLUE LOCK Eleven taking the field against their opponents for the biggest match of their careers.

▼ Kickoff PV for the U-20 Japan National Team Match: BLUELOCK Edition –
https://youtu.be/LxLOs0nh3vg
▼ Kickoff PV for the U-20 Japan National Team Match: U-20 Edition –
https://youtu.be/zeLigBy7OQo
▼ BLUE LOCK VS. U-20 JAPAN TEASER –
https://youtu.be/-3QKQ6xGRHc

With the reveal of the full U-20 Japan National Team, new character profiles have been unveiled, along with the voice actors of some of the anime’s newest characters. For the U-20 Japan National Team, the voice actors are as follows: Kento Chou voiced by Jun Kasama, Teru Kitsunezato by Gakuto Kajiwara, Itsuki Wakatsuki by Taito Ban, Haru Hayate by Kensho Ono, Miroku Darai by Yusuke Shirai, Kazuma Niou by Takuya Sato, Teppei Neru by Shunichi Toki, and Gen Fukaku by Chikahiro Kobayashi. Additionally, the character profile for Ryusei Shidou has been updated, showing him in the U-20 Japan National Team uniform.

“BLUE LOCK vs. U-20 JAPAN” airs weekly on Saturdays on Crunchyroll. For more information about BLUE LOCK THE Movie – EPISODE Nagi -, and BLUE LOCK vs. U-20 JAPAN, please visit the official website at bluelock-anime-en.com & X (formerly Twitter) accounts at @BLUELOCK_PR and @Blue_Lock_En.

Story:
BLUE LOCK follows the dreams of 300 high school students who aim to lead the Japanese Men’s National Team to the next World Cup championship as their ace striker! To become the best, they join the BLUE LOCK project, a high-risk training program where anyone eliminated is forever barred from joining the Japanese National Team. Pitting the best-rising players in Japan against each other, only the most confident and skilled will emerge from this program!

Thirty-five participants survived the grueling selection process and now they face their greatest challenge yet in this ego-driven frenzy, the U-20 Japan National Team! Can they meet this challenge and prove the value of the BLUE LOCK player improvement project?

The hottest battle in history is about to begin, where rising egoists will have the chance to leave their mark on the world of soccer!

STAFF:
Original story: Muneyuki Kaneshiro Manga: Yusuke Nomura (serialized in Kodansha’s “Weekly Shonen Magazine”)

General Director: Yuji Haibara
Director: Shintaro Inokawa
Series Composition/Screenplay: Taku Kishimoto
Story supervisor: Muneyuki Kaneshiro
Character Design / Chief Animation Director: Kenji Tanabe
Chief Animation Director: Tomoko Mori, Sorato Shimizu
Action Director: Tadami Okimura
Chief 3D Layout Artist: Mio Sakuma
Prop and costume design: Tomoko Mori, Kaho Iida
Animation Special Effects: Akane
Color Design: Sakura Komatsu
Art Setting: Mio Sakuma
Art Director: Masakazu Miyake
Background: Creative Freaks
Director of Photography: Yasuhiro Asagi
Photography: Chiptune
3DCG Director: Tomoki Yamashita, Yuji Haibara
3DCG Chief Animator: Norimitsu Hirosawa
3DCG: Aura Studio
Special Compositor and Graphic Work: Yuji Haibara
Special Effects Processing: Kanako Yamada
Edit: Mai Hasegawa
Sound Director: Fumiyuki Go
Sound Production: Bit Groove Promotion
Music: Jun Murayama
Producers: Ryoya Arisawa, Naoya Sato, Yusuke Kawakatsu, Hiroshi Yanai
Animation Producer: Hidenori Kosuge
Animation Production: Eight Bit
Production: “BLUE LOCK” Production Committee

Music:
Opening Theme Song: “Bojaku no Charisma” by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN
Ending Theme Song: “One” by Snow Man

Cast Information
Yoichi Isagi – Kazuki Ura
Rin Itoshi – Koki Uchiyama
Meguru Bachira – Tasuku Kaito
Seishiro Nagi – Nobunaga Shimazaki
Ryusei Shidou – Yuichi Nakamura
Tabito Karasu – Makoto Furukawa
Eita Otoya – Kengo Kawanishi
Kenyu Yukimiya – Takuya Eguchi
Yo Hiori – Eiji Mikami
Nijiro Nanase – Kakeru Hatano
Hyoma Chigiri – Soma Saito
Reo Mikage – Yuma Uchida
Shouei Barou – Junichi Suwabe
Ikki Niko – Natsuki Hanae
Junichi Wanima – Ryota Suzuki
Jyubei Aryu – Katsuyuki Konishi
Gin Gagamaru – Shugo Nakamura
Jingo Raichi – Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
Gurimu Igarashi – Aoi Ichikawa
Zantetsu Tsurugi – Kazuyuki Okitsu
Aoshi Tokimitsu – Shinnosuke Tachibana
Anri Teieri – Eri Yukimura
Jinpachi Ego – Hiroshi Kamiya
Sae Itoshi – Takahiro Sakurai
Oliver Aiku – Satoshi Hino
Shuto Sendou – Akihisa Wakayama

About BLUE LOCK:
BLUE LOCK is a TV animation series based on the popular manga of the same name, which is published in Kodansha’s “Weekly Shonen Magazine”. The BLUE LOCK manga has sold more than 40 million copies (as of August 2024) and won the 45th Kodansha Manga Award in the Juvenile Division. The first film version, “BLUE LOCK THE MOVIE -EPISODE NAGI-,” premiered in April 2024. In addition, the second season of the TV series will be broadcast from October 2024.

About Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.
We at Bandai Namco Filmworks develop and produce film video titles. We not only distribute them through various media such as television, movie theaters and Internet streaming but also bring them to fans throughout the world by licensing and managing their copyrights, developing and marketing film video-related merchandise and other services. As a comprehensive entertainment enterprise handling the A to Z of film & video business, we continue to create “Awesome works” and make them readily available to everyone.

For more information, visit:
Official website: https://bluelock-anime-en.com/
Official X (Twitter): @BLUELOCK_PR (https://twitter.com/BLUELOCK_PR) 

Official English Account

Instagram：@blue_lock_en（https://www.instagram.com/blue_lock_en/）X：@Blue_Lock_En（https://x.com/Blue_Lock_En）TikTok：@blue_lock_en（https://www.tiktok.com/@blue_lock_en)

Additional image assets are available to download: HERE

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SOURCE Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.