Technology

Canada Invests in Nova Scotia’s Local Mass Timber Industry

Published

1 week ago

March 20, 2025

EAST HANTS, NS, March 20, 2025 /CNW/ – Clean technologies play a large and growing role in Canada’s forest sector. By increasing the efficiency of forest sector technologies, we can grow Canada’s economy at a critical time — without growing emissions from the manufacturing sector. Developing and deploying new clean technologies and solutions helps to assert Canadian economic autonomy, while fighting climate change and creating good new jobs.

Today, the Honourable Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development, announced federal funding for MTC Mass Timber Company (MTC) to support its move to technology-driven manufacturing that will create high-value mass timber products in Nova Scotia.

Through an investment of $500,000, MTC will advance the detailed design of Canada’s first large-scale, clear-span mass timber manufacturing structure that would house a new industrial plant. Once constructed, MTC will be Canada’s first vertically integrated mass timber manufacturer in Atlantic Canada, allowing further growth of the region’s offsite building construction sector and improving access to housing for Nova Scotians.

MTC was also conditionally approved for $10 million in federal support, subject to the required due diligence measures, and the negotiation of a final agreement by both parties, to:

Work with local forest sector partners and First Nations to integrate their operations into a high-specification manufacturing business.Use technology-driven manufacturing to open a facility that can use eastern spruce — currently undervalued in the lumber industry — to create high-value products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and glue-laminated beams and columns.Diversify their product lines by maximizing the value of wood fibre products, which will contribute to the local economy by increasing income per unit and growing operations.

Ultimately, this project would add value to the lumber products produced by the company in Nova Scotia, using next-generation technology to strengthen the forest sector in the province. The project would also create 124 new local jobs while opening new economic avenues for the use of locally grown eastern spruce lumber in manufacturing.

The Government of Canada will always stand up for Canadians and Canadian industry, and that very much includes the forest sector. The project announced today will support leadership, innovation and sustainable practices in the forest sector while creating significant economic and environmental benefits for Nova Scotians and Canadians.

Quotes

“Through our Green Construction through Wood and Investment in Forest Industry Transformation programs, we are continuing to support Canada’s forest sector to implement innovative technologies that increase efficiency and capacity, lower emissions and create good, sustainable jobs. Today’s investments are excellent examples of how we can continue to reduce emissions while helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of the lumber industry in Nova Scotia.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“We’re blessed with some incredible natural resources here in Nova Scotia, and our forestry sector is certainly no exception. By investing in Canadian companies, like MTC Mass Timber Company, and helping to create more Canadian products, we’re setting our country — and our local economies in places like East Hants — up for success.”

The Honourable Kody Blois
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development, and Member of Parliament for King–Hants

“Establishing mass timber manufacturing in Nova Scotia will complete Canada’s nationwide mass timber supply chain. The Mass Timber Company (MTC) will be one of the world’s most advanced manufacturing facilities, producing cross-laminated timber and high-strength glue-laminated timber. By adding 2.5 million square feet of annual construction capacity, MTC will help meet the growing demand for low-carbon building solutions, from homes to healthcare facilities. At the same time, it will create a true circular economic solution — maximizing the value of our forests from tree to city.”

Patrick Crabbe
President and CEO, Mass Timber Company

Quick Facts

Canada’s forest sector provides sustainable jobs for nearly 200,000 Canadians, including over 11,000 Indigenous people.Canada’s forest sector produces many products essential to the lives of everyday people, such as lumber for housing and pulp for paper products. Moreover, the sector is constantly innovating to meet the demands of our ever-changing world. This includes:the adoption of new, low-carbon technologies;the production of non-traditional building materials for modular and affordable housing;biochemicals that can be used to produce pharmaceuticals, biodegradable plastics and personal care products.Funding for the initiatives announced today is provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) and Investment in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) programs.GCWood encourages the use of innovative wood-based building technologies in construction projects. This program helps advance Canada’s long-term priorities regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. Since its creation in 2017, the program has successfully funded 16 demonstration projects to de-risk and support the greater adoption and commercialization of wood-based products in the construction of tall and low-rise wood buildings and timber bridges. As of March 2023, the program has funded four tall wood building projects, 10 low-rise non-residential building projects and two timber bridge projects.IFIT aims to create a more-competitive, resilient and sustainable forest sector by facilitating the production of value-added products and the adoption of transformative technologies that contribute to improving productivity and the decarbonization of industrial processes. Since its creation in 2010, the IFIT program has invested over $378 million in 95 projects across Canada, which support Canada’s forest sector competitiveness and environmental performance.

Associated Links

Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) Program Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) Program Forest Innovation Program Canadian Wood Fibre Centre Sustainable Jobs Plan

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Technology

Charge Up, SEA! Anker Powers Iconic Landmarks Across Southeast Asia With Immersive AR Campaign

Published

8 hours ago

March 30, 2025

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Anker Innovations, a global leader in mobile charging and consumer electronics, is redefining the boundaries of innovation with its latest campaign, Charge Up, SEA!—an electrifying fusion of augmented reality (AR) and computer-generated imagery (CGI) set to energize Southeast Asia. These experiences allow users to interact with technology and explore the future of charging, reinforcing Anker’s leadership in global innovation.

“At Anker, our mission is to ignite possibilities through ultimate innovation,” said Leon Wu, General Manager of Southeast Asia at Anker Innovations. “We’ve not only created products that lead the industry in performance but also ones that fundamentally change the way people engage with power. This campaign reflects our vision of an interconnected world where innovation enhances the everyday lives of Southeast Asia consumers.”

Revolutionizing Charging with Anker

At the core of Charge Up, SEA! is Anker’s most advanced charging lineup to date, the Anker Prime Series. This revolutionary series redefines multi-device fast charging, offering a powerful, intelligent, and interactive solution that transforms what was once a passive task into an engaging experience. Designed with extensive user insights, the Anker Prime Series is engineered to be the ultimate power source for today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, empowering users with speed, efficiency, and innovation.

This innovation powers Charge Up, SEA!, an AR-driven journey that brings Anker’s cutting-edge technology to life by “charging” iconic landmarks across Southeast Asia. The visual narrative of the campaign showcases Anker Prime chargers energizing these landmarks, reflecting the brand’s commitment to efficient and intelligent charging solutions. Through advanced AR technology, Anker’s innovations seamlessly integrate into the cityscapes, reinforcing its position as the leader in next-generation charging while reshaping how users experience power in an increasingly connected world.

Lights Up the City’s landmark with Ultimate Innovation

Starting February 27, “Charge Up, SEA!” will light up five countries—Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam—through immersive digital storytelling and interactive experiences. In Singapore and Malaysia, users will have the exclusive opportunity to experience Anker’s AR world in person at key landmarks, while all five countries will engage with high-quality CGI videos that bring Anker Prime to life. These experiences allow users to interact with technology and explore the future of charging, reinforcing Anker’s leadership in global innovation.

For the Charge Up, SEA! campaign, Anker will launch a futuristic CGI video in Vietnam. The creative concept features the supertall Landmark 81 skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City as a physical backdrop, seamlessly integrating Anker’s innovative technology with local culture, resulting in a visually striking fusion of cutting-edge technology and heritage.

In this CGI video, Anker innovatively creates a stunning virtual space, with the Anker 30W Zolo Charger acting as the key to unlock this realm. The charger powers up the Landmark 81, and thanks to its outstanding temperature control, the space is immediately enveloped in polar ice and snow. This transformation sparks an innovative interaction between the landmark and the virtual world. To further energize the virtual space, the Anker 25,000mAh 165W Power Bank, the Anker 140W Charger, and the Anker Prime 250W GaN Desktop Charger deliver a continuous flow of high-speed power, keeping the experience alive.

Engaging with the dynamic world, consumers will witness how Anker’s advanced charging technology seamlessly integrates into this digital universe, providing a truly futuristic experience and a glimpse into the future of connected, intelligent charging.

Powering the Future with Limitless Possibilities

As a global pioneer in charging technologies, Anker consistently integrates user feedback and cutting-edge research to drive its innovation. With its innovations, Anker offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable, efficient power that is both portable and powerful—ideal for the modern, always-connected consumer.

As Anker expands its presence in Southeast Asia, the Charge Up, SEA! campaign reaffirms its commitment to pioneering innovation and user-centered design. By merging cutting-edge digital experiences with state-of-the-art charging technology, Anker is not just powering devices—it’s reshaping how consumers connect with the future.

Anker invites consumers across Southeast Asia to experience the next generation of charging—where every city, every device, and every moment is powered by limitless possibilities.

About Anker

Anker is the world’s #1 mobile charging brand and a developer of high-speed charging technologies for the home, car, and on the go. This includes wall plugs, wireless chargers, car chargers, power banks, cables, and more. Find out more about Anker at anker.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/charge-up-sea-anker-powers-iconic-landmarks-across-southeast-asia-with-immersive-ar-campaign-302408740.html

SOURCE Anker Innovations

Technology

Hisense Broadband Multimedia Technologies Co., Ltd. (HBMT) forms Ligent Inc. by Consolidating North American and Thailand Operations

Published

11 hours ago

March 29, 2025

Hisense Broadband Multimedia Technologies Co., Ltd. (HBMT) forms a new entity, Ligent Inc. by Consolidating North American and Thailand Operations to better serve its US and global customers.

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 29, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Hisense Broadband Multimedia Technologies Co., Ltd. (HBMT), a leading innovator of high-speed optical transceivers, active optical cables, ONTs and Terminal Devices, is pleased to announce the consolidation of its North American business operations to form a new entity, LIGENT Inc. officially registered in Delaware, USA. This strategic move aims to streamline our operations and help to better serve its broad range of customers in North America as well as in Europe.

“The formation of LIGENT enables us to better serve our customers, accelerate our growth and capitalize on major opportunities in this new era of AI and accelerated computing. The consolidation reflects our firm commitment to our customers and our continuous improvement for the future.”

The new independent entity combines the expertise resources of: Hisense Thailand (Manufacturing), Hisense Photonics (R&D and Manufacturing) and Hisense Broadband North America (S&M, R&D, and Quality Service Assurance); creating a focused team that will continue to drive innovation and deliver superior services and values to its customers.

The consolidation has already commenced in the background, with the initial phase successfully completed in April 2024. This strategic initiative is set to continue over the next few quarters, ensuring minimal disruption to its valued customers and partners. During this transition, HBMT remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering exceptional service and support to its customers while driving sustained growth.

“We are thrilled to embark on this important journey,” said Dr. Jin Hong, President & CEO of Ligent Inc., and Executive VP of HBMT & President of its Optical Transceiver Business. “The formation of LIGENT enables us to better serve our customers, accelerate our growth and capitalize on major opportunities in this new era of AI and accelerated computing. The consolidation reflects our firm commitment to our customers and our continuous improvement for the future.”

Media Contact

Media Relations, Ligent, 1 4083530623, mediarelations@ligent.com, www.ligent.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/hisense-broadband-multimedia-technologies-co-ltd-hbmt-forms-ligent-inc-by-consolidating-north-american-and-thailand-operations-302414783.html

SOURCE Ligent

Technology

Think you can do better than your team’s GM? Ultra GM gives you that chance.

Published

15 hours ago

March 29, 2025

MIAMI, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ultra GM, a new fantasy football platform, launches April 1, 2025. It offers an unmatched level of realism, allowing fans to live the fantasy of being the General Manager (GM) of their favorite football team.

Ultra GM caters to fans seeking a more sophisticated gaming experience. Those who think they can do a better job than their team’s GM. It enables them to demonstrate their football acumen and managerial skills while competing against family and friends, as well as the roster built by their favorite team’s GM. Visit ultragm.com to register today.

“Ultra GM offers football fans an unparalleled level of realism and engagement,” said Evan Goldenberg, Founder & CEO. “Users, which we call UGMs, manage their teams through the draft, free agency, trades and the practice squad, subject to the same contracts and salary cap as real GMs.”

UGMs select one of the 32 pro teams, acquire its roster, and manage all aspects of the franchise, from the college draft and free agency to player signings, cuts, and trades. The platform mirrors a GM’s responsibilities, offering a realistic experience for fans.

Realistic Gameplay: Ultra GM mimics pro football rules, the salary cap, free agency and the draft.Dual League Competition: UGMs compete in two leagues: a 32-team league mirroring pro-football and a 14-team league where they compete against UGMs of the same team to see who manages it the best.Unique Scoring System: Points are based on the players’ on-field play and are awarded for all positions. Scoring is designed to reflect the true value of each position and football action.Dynasty Format: UGMs can build their team over the course of multiple seasons.

Ready to prove your GM skills? The college draft and free agency are just around the corner, along with your chance to prove you are a better GM than your friends . . . and the guy running your favorite team. Sign up now at ultragm.com.

Facebook: @Ultra GM
Instagram: @ultragm_nfl
X: @UltraGM_NFL
YouTube: @UltraGM-NFL
TikTok: @ultragm_nfl

Media Contacts:
Evan Goldenberg: 786-642-0030
Rachel Domark: 305-299-3050

Ultra GM is a Miami-based company offering football fans the chance to be the GM of their favorite team. It provides fans a level of realism, sophistication and engagement never before offered in fantasy football.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/think-you-can-do-better-than-your-teams-gm-ultra-gm-gives-you-that-chance-302414512.html

SOURCE Ultra GM