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DFRobot Invited to Attend the International Forum of UNESCO Chairs and Partners in Addis Ababa

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SHANGHAI, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The International Forum of UNESCO Chairs and Partners, organized by the African Union Commission in collaboration with UNESCO, took place successfully in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 30 to October 2, 2024. The forum’s theme, “Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future,” underscored the crucial role of education in achieving sustainable development across the continent.

DFRobot’s CMO, Qian Zhang, participated in the forum and engaged in a round table discussion on October 2, focused on “Transforming Future African Education through Responsible and Human-Centered AIED.” This sub-forum brought together regional and global participants from the UNESCO Chairs network to address pressing challenges and opportunities in AI education.

Educators and policymakers recognized the potential of information and communication technology (ICT) to improve educational outcomes and foster growth in Africa. They highlighted challenges like inadequate infrastructure, socio-economic disparities, and data privacy concerns. The forum aimed to create a collaborative platform to address these issues and promote innovation.

During the round table discussion, Qian Zhang shared her insights from four perspectives: Enhancing Education Quality and Inclusivity, Challenges and Strategies for AI Adoption, Cross-Country Collaboration, and Priorities for the Community of Practice (CoP). She said, “We propose the introduction of foundational AI courses focusing on visual and voice recognition, which can be taught with minimal equipment. To support this, DFRobot has launched an affordable single-board computer, Unihiker, aimed at allowing students to experience AI firsthand, code simple programs, and see robots respond to their commands through Python programming.” She further noted, “In many provinces across China, AI has not only been integrated into the curriculum but also actively implemented in classrooms, allowing students to practice and engage with AI technology firsthand.” She elaborated on specific practices in this area in China.

Ms. Zhang emphasized DFRobot’s commitment to educational equity and mentioned their no-programming-required learning kit, Boson. This kit is designed to empower students in areas with limited internet access to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, regardless of teachers’ proficiency levels. “By leveraging AI, we can tailor learning experiences to meet individual needs, ensuring that every child—regardless of their location or background—has the opportunity to explore the world of AI,” she stated.

Additionally, she addressed pressing challenges, including data privacy, ethical considerations and etc. “Collaboration across countries is essential for the successful and safe adoption of AI in education. It’s not just about sharing ideas; it’s about sharing solutions. DFRobot is eager to partner with educational institutions, governments, and NGOs to create a global network of support and innovation” she added.

The International Forum of UNESCO Chairs and Partners was a success, focusing on the impact of diverse future scenarios on Africa’s research and innovation ecosystems. It aimed to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and global partners, discuss policies for knowledge-based economies, improve accessibility for marginalized communities, and emphasize education’s role in developing a skilled workforce. The forum also fostered discussions on the transformative power of AI education in Africa.

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SOURCE DFRobot

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Government of Canada appoints new Chair of the Canada Foundation for Innovation Board of Directors

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Nancy Déziel will further strengthen Canada’s leadership in science and research

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 3, 2024 /CNW/ – Canada’s science and research sector pushes the boundaries of innovation thanks to cutting-edge facilities, laboratories and equipment. Working alongside universities, research institutions and businesses, the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) provides essential funding for modern, high-quality research facilities and infrastructure. By equipping Canadian researchers with the tools they need, the CFI fosters solutions to today’s global challenges, drives innovation and advances knowledge that enhances the well-being of Canadians.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced the appointment Nancy Déziel as Chair of the CFI Board of Directors for a three-year term, effective September 20, 2024.

Ms. Déziel has a wealth of experience in the science and research sectors, having held various senior leadership positions throughout her career. She has been working actively with the College Centres for the Transfer of Technologies for 30 years and was previously a member of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Council.

Ms. Déziel began her career as a laboratory technician and advanced to roles such as quality lead, project lead, business development officer and ultimately, Director General at the National Center in Environmental technology and Electrochemistry. She helped establish laboratories at the Industrial Waste Technology Centre, and she served as a technology advisor with Réseau Trans-Tech, enhancing her expertise in agriculture, food, and biotechnology. She also chaired the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Shawinigan from 2011 to 2013 and served as the Vice-President of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies board of directors from 2011 to 2019. Ms. Déziel is actively involved in numerous organizations, including serving as Administrator of the Réseau des CCTT Synchronex and President of the ADRIQ board of directors.

In addition to welcoming Ms. Déziel to her new role, Minister Champagne thanks former board chair Dr. Ingrid Pickering, who served in the position for six years.

The CFI is an independent organization created through federal legislation in 1997 to support advanced research infrastructure in Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions. The CFI provides funding for state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that increase Canada’s capability to carry out high-quality research.

Quotes

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nancy Déziel on her new leadership role. Her guidance will be pivotal as CFI continues to enhance Canada’s research ecosystem, not only in supporting groundbreaking projects but also in fostering collaboration among institutions.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“The Canada Foundation for Innovation contributes to the advancement of research and development and the pursuit of excellence, which are the drivers of Canada’s innovation. I am proud to be undertaking this major role in supporting the ecosystem dedicated to an increasingly efficient innovation continuum: universities, colleges and industries for a better future for the citizens of Canada. I want to thank Minister François-Philippe Champagne for his trust, along with all those who contribute to this wonderful ecosystem through their work.”
– Nancy Déziel, Chair, Canada Foundation for Innovation Board of Directors

Quick facts

The CFI Board of Directors is made up of 13 people, six of whom—including the Chair—are appointed by the Governor-in-Council on the recommendation of the Minister. The Board makes final decisions on projects to be funded and approves the CFI’s annual plans and objectives, reviewing the outcomes of these objectives every year. By providing strategic direction and oversight, the Board of Directors supports the CFI in its mandate to increase Canada’s capability to carry out important world-class scientific research and technology development, leading to economic growth and job creation through innovation.This appointment follows an open, transparent and merit-based selection process.Since 2016, the federal government has invested over $22 billion in science and research initiatives, including infrastructure, emerging talent and other science and technology support measures.Budget 2024 provided investments of $734 million in modern, high-quality research facilities and infrastructure to help solve real-world problems, create economic opportunities, and attract and train the next generation of scientific talent.

Associated links

Canada Foundation for Innovation

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Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website.

Follow Canadian Science on social media.
Facebook: Canadian Science | Instagram: @cdnscience

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X (Twitter): @ISED_CA | LinkedIn: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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Bicoastal, Award-Winning Marketing and PR Firm Marketing Maven Ranks #19 Among Local Fastest-Growing Companies By The Pacific Coast Business Times

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Top-Ranking Companies to be Feted November 7, 2024 at the LinkedIn Campus in Carpinteria, California

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Bicoastal, award-winning marketing and public relations firm Marketing Maven announced today that it has placed #19 among local fastest-growing companies by the Pacific Coast Business Times.

We are thrilled that the Pacific Coast Business Times has validated Marketing Maven’s impressive growth during the last two years. It’s an honor to be named along such large and well-respected organizations that have been household names for decades

The Pacific Coast Business Times, a leading Ventura County/Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo business publication, created its list of the fastest-growing companies in the region by collecting the 2021, 2022 and 2023 revenue data from dozens of companies along the Central Coast of California. These companies include public companies, private companies and credit unions. The publication uses this data to determine the companies’ growth rates over two years, according to PCBT Special Reports Editor Amber Hair.

“We are thrilled that the Pacific Coast Business Times has validated Marketing Maven’s impressive growth during the last two years. It’s an honor to be named along such large and well-respected organizations that have been household names for decades,” said Lindsey Carnett, Founder, CEO and President of Marketing Maven. “With the first 15 years of growth under our belt, we look forward to continued success by helping other businesses achieve their growth objectives via our unique suite of market research, PR, marketing and advertising services.”

The top-ranking companies will be feted in a special ceremony to be held on November 7, 2024 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the LinkedIn Campus in Carpinteria.

The Pacific Coast Business Times’ fastest-growing companies in the Central Coast region based on 2021, 2022 and 2023 revenue data included the top 20 below:

1. Santa Barbara Teachers FCU  312.8% Growth
2. Radar Promotions 267.5%
3. PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust 245.1%
4. LocalRoofs 209.7%
5. MannKind 163.7%
6. Glass House Brands 131.6%
7. Velocity Financial 104.9%
8. Precision Construction Services 85.5%
9. Procore Technologies  84.5%
10. Pure Simple Foods 83.3%
11. AeroVironment 81.5%
12. AppFolio 72.6%
13. The Trade Desk 62.7%
14. Valeo Networks 57.0%
15. Staples Construction Co. 52.7%
16. McCarthy Companies 52.5%
17. CorpNet 49.1%
18. SESLOC CU 47.8%
19. Marketing Maven 47.6%
20. Mission Wealth 46.4%

Sponsors of this year’s Pacific Coast Business Times Fastest-Growing Companies list are gold sponsor Saalex and silver sponsors Citizens Business Bank and CSU Channel Islands.

Marketing Maven, founded in Camarillo, California by CEO and President Lindsey Carnett, specializes in market research, social media marketing, digital advertising, influencer marketing and Public Relations.

Carnett is a marketing and public relations professional who developed The Marketing Maven Method to simplify marketing by empowering leaders to make data-driven marketing decisions. A two-time honoree of Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Independently Owned Companies in America, as well as an Entrepreneur 360 Most Entrepreneurial Companies in America award recipient, Carnett has taken her business expertise global to enlighten marketing peers and business leaders about best practices in using PR to drive engagement, improve organic SEO, and grow a positive online reputation.

A graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and member of VISTAGE, Women Presidents’ Organization, Exceptional Women Alliance and W Source, Carnett also serves as Faculty for California Lutheran University’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership, a Director on the Board of the West Ventura County Business Alliance, the California Lutheran University Community Leaders Association, St. John’s Healthcare Foundation Board, a committee member on the E-Commerce Council for the Performance-Driven Marketing Institute (PDMI), Advisory Board Member to University of California, Santa Barbara Women in Leadership Program, Occupational Advisory Committee for Ventura Adult and Continuing Education (VACE), and serves as Advisory Board member for AI company Market Intent, national TV program America’s Real Deal and the Public Relations Student Society of America’s California Lutheran University chapter.

To learn more about Marketing Maven, visit http://www.marketingmaven.com.

About the Pacific Coast Business Times
Pacific Coast Business Times is the weekly business journal of record serving Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties.
Now in its 21st year of publication, the Business Times has won numerous awards, including a national Society of Professional Journalists’ Sigma Delta Chi award for breaking news, “Best in Business” awards from the Society of Business Editors and Writers, and several Los Angeles Press Club awards. Our web site has twice been recognized in Editor & Publisher magazine’s “Ten that do it Right” competition.
The Business Times has the largest team devoted full-time to business and financial news on the Central Coast. Our multimedia platform includes weekly print editions delivered each Friday, email newsletters and alerts, events and a combined print-digital subscription that provides full access our website.
Included with each subscription are 24 special reports, including Dealmakers of the Year, Professional Careers & Higher Education, Giving Guide, our Year-end Tax & Financial Planning Guide and a number of Who’s Who sections that profile the major players in key industries. Subscriptions also include a copy of our Book of Lists, the region’s most comprehensive business-to-business directory.
Pacific Coast Business Times produces numerous awards events each year, including Spirit of Small Business, Top 50 Women in Business, Central Coast Best Places to Work, Business Hall of Fame, Latino Business Awards, Fastest Growing Companies, 40 Under 40 and Central Coast Innovation Awards. These events offer unique sponsorship and networking opportunities as well as a chance to get to know the region’s top companies. More information is available on our events page, here.

About Marketing Maven
Marketing Maven is a full-service, bicoastal marketing and communications agency. With origins in direct response public relations, Marketing Maven has developed into a premier voice in brand strategy, social media, media relations, market research, digital advertising, website development and search engine optimization. Marketing Maven leads the industry in utilizing advanced metrics to measure their clients’ marketing reach and providing competitive analysis unparalleled in the industry. For additional information about Marketing Maven, visit http://www.MarketingMaven.com.

Press Contact:
Name: Frank Tortorici
Email: frank@marketingmaven.com 

Media Contact

Frank Tortorici, Marketing Maven Public Relations, Inc., 9088758908, frank@marketingmaven.com, www.marketingmaven.com

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SOURCE Marketing Maven Public Relations, Inc.

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Voice4Equity Hosts Tech, Power and Equity Conference 2025 for Women Education Leaders in Phoenix, Arizona

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AI and Technology in Education Summit Empowers Women Superintendents and School Leaders Nationally

PHOENIX, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Voice4Equity, under the leadership of CEO Dr. Christina Kishimoto, announces the inaugural Tech, Power and Equity Conference, a transformative event for women in public education leadership. Scheduled for January 23-25, 2025, at the Hyatt Place Phoenix Downtown, this workshop-focused conference bridges the gap between educational technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and equity in public education.

Dr. Kishimoto, former superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools in the Phoenix east valley area, states, “Our Tech, Power and Equity Conference is designed to equip women education leaders with the knowledge and tools to leverage AI and technology for improved learning outcomes and educational equity.”

Joining Dr. Kishimoto is Eshe Pickett, engineer and designer from Intel, and Dr. Lisa Herring, Senior Advisor to U.S. Secretary Cardona who will deliver a one-two punch message around women innovators, vision-setters, and change makers boldly leading forward.

The Tech, Power and Equity summit will engage attendees in a wide range of topics especially relevant for innovative superintendents and school board members who are looking to grow their technology expertise in the fast evolving AI-era.

Key Conference Highlights:

AI in Teaching and Learning: Exploring artificial intelligence applications in classroom settings and teacher preparationEdTech Innovation Forum: Assessing, evaluating, and selecting cutting-edge educational technology for school districtsEducation Policy and AI Workshops: Discussing the impact of AI on education policy and operations and best practices for districtsDigital Equity Evaluation: Ensuring equitable technology access for all students, teachers and families

Dr. Lupita Hightower, Superintendent of Tolleson Elementary School District, emphasizes the conference’s importance: “The technology field is changing, and women leaders have a critical role to play to ensure that all children have the same opportunities and access. Dr. Tahira Dupree-Chase, co-emcee for the conference and Superintendent of Westbury Union Free School District in New York, adds, “Now is the time to come together and build our collective capacity to engage with tech designers and become builders of new approaches ourselves. Women thought-leaders must be at the design table!”

The three-day national event features:

Keynote speeches from leading women in EdTechInteractive AI in education workshopsSchool technology innovation panelsNetworking opportunities with EdTech industry leaders

This conference represents an intentional step towards advancing leadership of women in educational technology and ensuring equitable access to AI and tech innovations in Arizona schools and across the country.

For conference registration and more information on AI in education, visit www.voice4equity.com/tpe.

About Voice4Equity

Voice4Equity is committed to promoting equity and increasing the representation of women and women of color in school superintendencies and at the policy table. The company focuses on policy leadership development, professional networking, data, and research, utilizing a by-women-for-women learning design.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/voice4equity-hosts-tech-power-and-equity-conference-2025-for-women-education-leaders-in-phoenix-arizona-302267164.html

SOURCE Voice4Equity

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