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NTT DATA and DENSO Sign a Basic Agreement on Strategic Partnership for Software

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Establishing a global software development system with 3,000 engineers for the era of SDVs

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On June 12, 2024, NTT DATA Japan Corporation (“NTT DATA”) and DENSO CORPORATION (“DENSO”) have signed a memorandum of understanding to form a strategic partnership for software development.

Through the agreement, the companies will deepen their collaboration on strategy, talent management, and technology as they jointly contribute to the advancement of Japan’s automotive industry and help address social issues. The partnership between DENSO, which has strengths in vehicle (in-car) technologies including in-vehicle software, and NTT DATA, which has strengths in outside-car technologies including cloud computing, aims to quickly and efficiently develop and offer in-vehicle software, which is becoming more prevalent and sophisticated in new vehicles.

The two companies will also hire more advanced software engineers and upskill current engineers at both companies to create a globally deployable software-oriented mobility service platform, which will help support a mobility-centered society in the era of software-defined vehicles (“SDVs”).

As the first initiative, the two companies will jointly establish a software development system, as well as training engineers and increase the number of engineers to 3,000 engineers by 2030.

Background
Recently, in response to automated driving, electrification, and artificial intelligence, including the rise of ever-connected cars, there is a need to enhance the ability to develop large-scale, advanced in-vehicle software and drastically increase development efficiency. Meanwhile, the concept of SDVs, in which software dramatically raises the value of vehicles and services, has become widely desirable, making software development increasingly important and necessitating closer linkage between vehicles and infrastructure. Accordingly, initiatives using cloud technology have become essential. With various social issues emerging in society, such as challenges relating to public transportation, population growth and driver shortages in the logistics industry, mobility services are needed to help solve these issues and an underlying platform needs to be built by connecting vehicles with the cloud via software and ensuring data linkage.

NTT DATA and DENSO have been collaborating with each other for many years. In 2016, DENSO took a stake in NTT DATA MSE, a software development company. In 2022, NTT DATA and DENSO launched an initiative to build an industry-wide ecosystem for electric vehicle batteries. The two companies have strengthened their ties by working on software initiatives together to transform the automotive industry.

Details of the partnership
Against this backdrop, the two companies have reached a basic agreement on a strategic partnership for software with the aim of accelerating conventional activities, developing the automotive industry and solving social issues. The synergies of the two companies will be maximized in terms of strategy, human resources, and technology by leveraging the cloud technology strengths of NTT DATA, which has worked in various industries, and the in-vehicle software strengths of DENSO, which has mainly focused on the automotive industry.
This partnership will tackle the following initiatives.

(1) Expansion of global software resources

Software will be the key to automotive development in the future, as exemplified by automated driving, electrification, and SDVs, necessitating substantial software resources. NTT DATA and DENSO will establish a global development system with 3,000 engineers by 2030 to maximize the synergies of software resources at their group companies in Japan and overseas, in order to develop increasingly large-scale and sophisticated in-vehicle software.

(2) Cultivating advanced software engineers

NTT DATA and DENSO will establish a program in the software domain to train human resources who can generate business value. The two companies aim to update the definition of software engineers whom the two companies have cultivated, reinforce and standardize the program, and deploy and utilize the program throughout the automotive industry.

(3) Enhance the platform to support software development

It is crucial to increase the speed and efficiency of developing in-vehicle software, which is becoming larger in scale and more sophisticated, for the era of SDVs. It is indispensable to build a common platform to support the software development, which underpins the development of various other functions, including AI-based evaluation tools. NTT DATA and DENSO aim to jointly develop and deploy an optimal platform to support the development based on combinations of solutions by harnessing the advanced IT that they have refined.

(4) Joint initiative to tackle social issues

NTT Data has been providing services that contribute to the growth of businesses and the resolution of social issues, using IT, extending beyond the boundaries of various companies and industries to social infrastructure. DENSO aims to reduce its environmental burden and realize a society with zero traffic accidents. DENSO has been expanding the technology it has cultivated in the automotive field to various other areas, continuing to provide new value to society.

To realize a mobility-centered society in the future, NTT DATA and DENSO will jointly study the possibility of developing solutions to solve social issues by leveraging their strengths. The two companies aim to accelerate the initiative, including field tests on social implementation, and deploy the initiative globally in the future.

Future outlook
Through this partnership, NTT DATA and DENSO will quickly create and jointly deploy a platform for new mobility services. The two companies will deepen the alliance while coordinating their respective strengths in the in-car and outside-car domains. They will help make vehicles more attractive through software for the era of SDVs.

About DENSO CORPORATION
Headquartered globally in Kariya, Japan, DENSO is a leading mobility supplier with $47.2 billion in sales and develops advanced technologies and components for nearly every vehicle on the market today. DENSO is also expanding its range of value offerings to include factory automation, food, and agriculture, with automotive technology at its core. For more information about DENSO’s operations worldwide, visit https://www.denso.com/global.

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Roadrunner Announces General Rate Increase

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Top-tier LTL trucker implements first across-the-board rate action since 2021

CHICAGO, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Roadrunner, the greatest comeback story in transportation’s history and now a leading provider of direct metro-to-metro, Less-than-Truckload (LTL) long-haul transportation services across the United States and Canada, today announced a general rate increase (GRI) of 6.9%, effective January 15, 2025. This increase applies to rates set up under the existing RDFS 501 tariff, which was implemented on November 29, 2021.

“After three years without an across-the-board rate adjustment, this increase is a necessary step to ensure we can continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers while delivering the highest levels of service and operational excellence,” said Thu Vu, Director of Pricing. “As part of Roadrunner’s commitment to long-term, sustainable growth, this adjustment will enable us to enhance our capabilities, maintain industry-leading service levels, and continue investing in our award-winning network.”

The general rate increase will be applied across select lanes, adjusted in line with operational requirements. The GRI will affect each customer differently, depending on their specific shipping lanes and total distance traveled. In addition to the rate increase, several accessorial charges in the Roadrunner 100 Rules Tariff will also be implemented. These adjustments reflect rising operational costs and will support enhancements to the company’s comprehensive service offerings.

Commitment to Service Excellence and Innovation

Since 2020, Roadrunner has prioritized on-time delivery and superior service quality. The company is proud to have built one of the industry’s most reliable networks, consistently achieving on-time performance and expedited service that exceeds customer expectations. In 2024, Roadrunner achieved the highest jump in Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Value Index score of any company as ranked by Mastio, the industry’s most recognizable operational audit and reputation survey. The rate increase will help support their prominent level of service as they continue to expand and improve their infrastructure.

In the coming year, Roadrunner will further strengthen its industry-leading direct metro-to-metro network, ensuring faster and more reliable connections between major metropolitan areas across North America. The company is also investing heavily in innovative technologies and automation, driving efficiency and enhancing the customer experience. Their commitment to innovation will continue to set them apart as they build a best-in-class transportation network, designed to meet the growing demands of the modern supply chain.

“Our investments in technology, automation, and infrastructure are aimed at creating a seamless, more efficient experience for our customers,” added Vu. “By focusing on innovation and expanding our capabilities, we are positioning Roadrunner for future growth and reinforcing our commitment to providing unparalleled value and service.”

Next Steps

For more details on how the general rate increase and accessorial charge adjustments may impact your shipments, please visit Roadrunner or contact your Roadrunner account representative.

About Roadrunner
Roadrunner offers more direct long-haul metro-to-metro shipping than any other nationwide LTL carrier in the United States. With nationwide presence and terminals across 40+ metro markets, the company’s Smart Network™ is the preferred choice for shippers looking to move freight quickly and reliably. With Driver Teams executing Over-the-Road (OTR) moves and no freight moving on rail, their customers enjoy industry-leading transit times. The award-winning operations platform is fueled by AI and ML technology assuring integrity of custodial controls of freight and real-time tracking and visibility. Direct routing eliminates the need for rehandles and freight handovers and hence reduces the risk of loss or damage.   

More than 1,000 drivers leverage the Roadrunner Smart Network™ to empower their businesses and are fiscally motivated to deliver freight on time, intact, and damage free. Roadrunner was recognized by Newsweek™ as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies in 2022. (PINK: RRTS) 

To learn more about shipping with Roadrunner: https://www.roadrunnerLTL.com   

Explore careers in sales, operations, and technology at Roadrunner: https://www.shiproadrunnerfreight.com/careers/work-with-us/   
  
To drive for Roadrunner as Owner Operators and Teams: https://run4roadrunner.com/  

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SOURCE Roadrunner

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Illumina and NVIDIA collaborate to decode biology and propel precision health

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Collaboration combines Illumina’s sequencing technologies and Illumina Connected Software with NVIDIA tools to develop biological foundation models

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN), a global leader in genomic sequencing and analysis, today announced it is collaborating with NVIDIA to advance technology platforms for the analysis and interpretation of multiomic data, accelerating progress in clinical research, genomics AI development, and drug discovery.

To optimize analysis of the vast amounts of data involved in multiomic research, Illumina and NVIDIA will combine advancements in AI with multiomic data at scale. Leveraging Illumina’s leading sequencing technology and informatics tools alongside NVIDIA’s leading AI technology, the partnership aims to accelerate drug discovery and clinical development, delivering powerful tools to help pharmaceutical companies identify new and better drug targets.

Illumina’s leading sequencing technology—as well as its menu of DRAGEN-powered multiomics offerings, genomics AI tools, and Illumina Connected Analytics platform—has streamlined genomic data generation and analysis. Illumina has invested in AI for genomic interpretation, developing the leading SpliceAI, PrimateAI-3D, and Emedgene xAI algorithms.

Now, in addition to its own efforts, Illumina will look to expand its customer offerings with models developed by the NVIDIA Biology Foundation Model Research Team and partners. Customers will also be able to leverage these models with their own proprietary datasets to improve the performance for biologically relevant tasks of interest, such as cell state or gene transcription prediction.

With this new partnership, the global R&D community can tap into rich genomic data by integrating NVIDIA RAPIDS™ accelerated data science software with the NVIDIA BioNeMo™ platform’s generative AI models and fine-tuning capabilities for proprietary datasets, as well as MONAI for spatial cell imaging workflows. Illumina and NVIDIA will work to make these tools accessible on the Illumina Connected Analytics platform.

“Over the past 20 years, Illumina has democratized sequencing, and with the progress in AI and multiomic analysis, we are enabling customers to derive novel insights for their applications,” said Rami Mehio, head of global software and informatics at Illumina. “This collaboration with NVIDIA moves us closer to that vision. This is also part of our commitment to continue to enrich our analysis and interpretation tools that will enable deeper biological insights, delivering total workflow solutions for our customers.”

“AI and data science will find their most profound application in genomics,” said Rory Kelleher, senior director, global head of Business Development, Healthcare and Life Sciences at NVIDIA. “Combining Illumina’s world-leading sequencing and analytics platforms with NVIDIA’s accelerated computing and AI, we will drive the next generation of genomics interpretation and democratize genomics for drug discovery through AI-powered insights.”

In the first phase of the collaboration, Illumina and NVIDIA will work toward enabling DRAGEN algorithms on NVIDIA GPUs. Bringing Illumina DRAGEN to NVIDIA accelerated computing will expand the accessibility of Illumina multiomics analysis. The two companies will also work to incorporate NVIDIA’s image processing and single-cell tertiary analysis tools onto the Illumina Connected Software multiomics module.

Use of forward-looking statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors to which our business is subject that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are: (i) challenges inherent in developing and launching new products and services, including modifying and scaling manufacturing operations, and reliance on third-party suppliers for critical components; (ii) our ability to manufacture robust instrumentation and consumables; and (iii) the acceptance by customers of our newly launched products, which may or may not meet our and their expectations, together with other factors detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. We undertake no obligation, and do not intend, to update these forward-looking statements, to review or confirm analysts’ expectations, or to provide interim reports or updates on the progress of the current quarter.

About Illumina

Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit illumina.com and connect with us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Contacts 

Investors:
Salli Schwartz
858-291-6421
IR@illumina.com

Media:
Christine Douglass
PR@illumina.com

 

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SOURCE Illumina, Inc.

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Mathnasium Launches New 3-Month Courses: Numerical Fluency & SAT® and ACT® Test Prep

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Leader in math-focused education introduces courses to build foundational skills for young learners and prepare high schoolers for college exams

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mathnasium Learning Centers, an internationally known franchise with over 1,100 math learning centers worldwide, is proud to announce two new opportunities for students to take advantage of Mathnasium’s proven curriculum and receive essential math skills in a hyper-focused 3-month course.

Our new 3-month numerical fluency course offers young students personalized support in a fun and engaging environment

3-Month Numerical Fluency Course
This course focuses on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division for elementary school students. When they can easily recall these math facts, they have achieved Numerical Fluency, which is critical for a strong math foundation. Through personalized instruction students learn:

Critical thinking skills that take them beyond strict memorization of factsTo rely on their knowledge rather than inefficient techniques such as finger countingNew skills that give them confidence to tackle what comes next in higher grades

3-Month SAT and ACT Test Prep Course
This course is tailored for high school students, with the goal of enhancing their college entrance exam scores. Utilizing proven test-prep materials developed by math experts through years of research, the program equips students with the specific math skills needed for success on the SAT and ACT. Highlights include:

Practice tests that mirror actual exam questions, helping students navigate various problem types and contentExpert instructors focused on developing essential problem-solving abilitiesRepeated practice opportunities to reduce test anxiety and build confidence

“At Mathnasium, we recognize that establishing a solid math foundation early is essential for future success. Our new 3-month numerical fluency course offers young students personalized support in a fun and engaging environment, helping them develop their math skills and confidence,” said Tyler Sgro, CEO of Mathnasium. “Additionally, we’re excited to offer our proven test-prep curriculum in a focused 3-month program for high school students, preparing them effectively for the SAT and ACT. These initiatives are part of our ongoing effort to support students on their path to long-term achievement in math.”

Mathnasium Learning Centers specializes in math-only tutoring and is committed to providing the world’s best instruction. The goal: teach children math in a way that makes sense to them. For decades, the Mathnasium Method™ has transformed the way kids learn math — building students’ understanding of math concepts through personalized instruction and customized learning plans — all while producing tremendous results and helping students achieve their full potential — ­­in math and in life.

“Our programs are crafted to empower students at every level through personalized instruction that builds confidence and mastery in essential math concepts,” said John Bianchette, Vice President of Education and Training. “We focus on nurturing a strong sense of self-assurance and reducing test anxiety, helping students develop a deep understanding of fundamental skills that set them up for future success.”

Mathnasium has seen a notable rise in student enrollments, spurred by the increased need for supplemental education amid falling math scores since the pandemic. Recent data from the  Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) indicates that academic progress has slowed to below pre-pandemic levels, with achievement gaps expanding and, in some cases, reaching new lows.

To learn more about Mathnasium’s 3-month courses for elementary students, please visit: https://www.mathnasium.com/elementary-school.

For information on Mathnasium’s 3-month SAT/ACT test prep course, please visit: https://www.mathnasium.com/math-test-preparation.

About Mathnasium
Mathnasium Learning Centers is North America’s leading math-only supplemental education franchise. Since 2002, the Mathnasium Method™ — the result of decades of hands-on instruction and development — has been transforming the lives of children in grades K-12 by offering comprehensive assessments, fully individualized learning plans, and teaching true math comprehension. With more than 1,100 learning centers worldwide in 11 countries, Mathnasium has been named on Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 list 4 years in a row. The franchise has also been ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s list of top 500 franchises 18 times since 2004. For more information about Mathnasium franchise opportunities, visit https://mathnasiumfranchise.com/.

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SOURCE Mathnasium Learning Centers

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