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Plug and Play Launches Accelerator Program in Albania to Empower Entrepreneurs

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TIRANA, Albania, Oct. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Plug and Play, a leading global innovation platform with over 60 locations worldwide, announces today the launch of a new program in Tirana, Albania. With the support of the Albanian-American Development Foundation, in collaboration with Municipality of Tirana, Pyramid of Tirana, and sponsored by IDEMIA Smart Identity (ISI), this initiative is set to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across Albania. As part of the program, Plug and Play will host an annual, early-stage, industry-agnostic accelerator program in Albania, as well as a Global Overseas Acceleration & Learning (GOAL) program in Silicon Valley, providing opportunities for local startups.

The new accelerator program empowers young entrepreneurs in Albania to achieve their entrepreneurial goals, significantly advancing the country’s startup ecosystem and enhancing the broader entrepreneurial landscape across the Balkans.

“The launch of this accelerator program is a testament to Albania’s growing role in the global entrepreneurial landscape,” said Michael D. Granoff, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF). “At AADF, we have always believed in the potential of Albanian talent to innovate and drive impactful change. By partnering with Plug and Play, we are ensuring that Albanian startups not only gain access to local resources but also a global network that will help them scale and thrive in the international market. This is an important moment for Albania’s startup ecosystem, and we are proud to support initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and innovation in this country.”

The accelerator program offers entrepreneurs the chance to work closely with expert mentors, gain access to corporate partners, and participate in specialized industry events and workshops. With Plug and Play’s global network, startups will benefit from international exposure and vital connections. Throughout the program in Albania, participants will receive comprehensive guidance on crucial elements of startup success, including pitch development, business growth strategies, networking, and building relationships with investors and corporate relations.

In addition to the local accelerator, the top 10 most promising startups from each batch will have the opportunity to join the GOAL program in Silicon Valley. This 10-week immersive experience at Plug and Play’s headquarters will allow them to scale their products on a global stage, accessing Silicon Valley’s renowned ecosystem of technology partners, corporate collaborators, and investors.

“This is a momentous occasion for Albania and for Plug and Play,” said Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play. “We are committed to bringing the best of our global network to Tirana, providing Albanian startups with the resources, mentorship, and connections they need to thrive on the world stage. Albania has incredible talent and potential, and we’re here to help unlock that.”

The program has also gained strong support from the Albanian government, which recognizes the importance of accelerator programs in driving economic growth and fostering innovation.

“This accelerator program marks a new chapter in Albania’s journey towards becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Balkans,” said Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Albania. “We are excited to partner with Plug and Play and AADF to offer Albanian startups the opportunity to connect with global mentors, investors, and industry leaders. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering economic growth through innovation, and we believe it will serve as a catalyst for both local and regional development, empowering young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful businesses.”

This partnership represents a significant step forward for Albania’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By leveraging the combined resources and expertise of Plug and Play, AADF, and the Albanian government, the program will offer startups the support needed to scale effectively and position Albania as a key player in the regional business and technology landscape.

To learn more about the initiative, contact us today: press@pnptc.com.

About Plug and Play:
Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we’re present in 60+ locations across 5 continents. We offer corporate innovation programs and help our corporate partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. We also organize startup acceleration programs and have built an in-house VC to drive innovation across multiple industries where we’ve invested in hundreds of successful companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal, and Rappi. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/

About AADF
The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) is committed to supporting Albania’s sustainable development. Established in 2009 with the support of USAID and the U.S. government, AADF operates as a non-profit organization focused on driving impactful change.

Through strategic investments in education, leadership, technology, entrepreneurship, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism, AADF creates opportunities that empower communities across Albania. From revitalizing historic landmarks to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, AADF is dedicated to advancing Albania’s social and economic progress and empowering its future leaders.

Media Contact

press@pnptc.com

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SOURCE Plug and Play

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Thinkpal learning tablet from Think Academy wins TechRadar Pro Picks and Trusted Reviews Best in Show awards at CES 2025

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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Think Academy debuted its Thinkpal tablet at CES 2025 and has won a TechRadar Pro Picks and Trusted Reviews Best in Show awards for this innovative new product.

Both awards are given to innovative products and solutions at CES that stand out from a packed crowd. Think Academy President, Alex Peng, was presented the awards at CES, noting the awards were given to Thinkpal because it is both a wholly unique product in the education technology market and also provides such value to parents and educators.

Designed to transform the way kids learn, explore, and thrive in an ever-evolving world, the Thinkpal is powered by cutting-edge AI that serves as a guide and tutor for young learners. With significant learning loss experienced in recent years, families and educators have faced unprecedented challenges as test scores in reading and math have seen steady declines. Parents have expressed their struggles in reigniting their children’s passion for learning, while educators grapple with the complexities of bridging diverse learning gaps.

To meet these challenges, the Thinkpal tablet offers a tailored, AI-powered solution that provides step-by-step writing guidance and real-time math support, making learning more intuitive and enjoyable.

Alex Peng introduced several key features of the Thinkpal during a press event. He showed the audience how Thinkpal’s “GeniusTutor,” an AI-powered system that transforms learning into an interactive and engaging experience, is the heart of this product’s features. Built on the Microsoft Azure OpenAI GPT-4o model, GeniusTutor provides real-time guidance and feedback, empowering students to:

Conquer complex math problems through logic-driven, step-by-step explanationsMaster writing with interactive prompts and instant feedback that build confidence and creativityEnhance vocabulary and reading skills with innovative tools like “Point-and-Discover,” where children can point to words in a physical book, and the tablet’s camera instantly provides explanations, along with guided reading exercises

Adding a touch of fun and companionship, “Thinkie,” an advanced AI-powered learning companion, engages children through voice-based natural language interactions. Thinkie chats, answers questions, and fosters curiosity, making the learning process enjoyable and dynamic.

With an extensive library of ebooks, gamified coursework, and compatibility with popular applications like Google Classroom, the Thinkpal Tablet is a versatile tool for modern families. The 11-inch TÜV Rheinland-certified eye-care screen also safeguards children’s vision during extended use, while the optional keyboard transforms the tablet into a Chromebook-like device, enhancing productivity and usability.

“Our mission is to provide every child with a personalized, world-class tutor that inspires confidence and a lifelong love for learning”, noted Alex Peng during a media interview Q&A. “We’re honored that TechRadar and Trusted Reviews recognize the potential of the Thinkpal to improve learning through advanced and accessible technology.”

The Thinkpal Tablet will be available for $249 ($339 including keyboard) at shop.thethinkacademy.com. Pre-orders open today.

About Think Academy

Think Academy, a subsidiary of TAL Education Group (NYSE: TAL), has been at the forefront of education innovation for over two decades. Serving more than 5 million K-12 students across 10+ countries, Think Academy is dedicated to creating fair and comprehensive educational opportunities. By integrating advanced technology with expert curriculum design, Think Academy is shaping the future of learning to be more accessible, engaging, and impactful.

For media inquiries, contact:
Cecilia Qian
cecilia@impact5r.com

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SOURCE Think Academy

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MLVision M5 Unveiled at CES 2025: Pioneering Innovation in Wearable Technology with the World’s Lightest AI-Powered AR Glasses

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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At CES 2025, MLVision has officially launched its groundbreaking MLVision M5, setting a new global standard for wearable technology. Weighing a mere 25.8 grams, the MLVision M5 is the world’s lightest AI-powered AR glasses. The device combines cutting-edge artificial intelligence, precision engineering, and a commitment to privacy and accessibility.

“MLVision M5 is more than just a wearable device; it represents a significant breakthrough in both weight and product design,” said CEO Zhaoen Dai. “Our goal is to create smart AR glasses that feel effortless to wear, leveraging cutting-edge AR display technology and advanced AI models to genuinely help users work and live more efficiently and conveniently.”

Crafted with aviation-grade titanium and ultra-lightweight floating plastic, this device achieves an unprecedented balance between durability and comfort. Weighing only 25.8g, 40% less than traditional AR glasses, it ensures an effortless, all-day wearing experience that feels almost weightless. The ergonomic design caters to users’ needs, making it a perfect companion for both work and leisure.

This device introduces an industry-first modular design, setting a new benchmark for adaptability in AR glasses. This innovation allows users to seamlessly transition between an all-in-one configuration and a clip-on style, accommodating diverse preferences and use cases. For nearsighted users, the M5 eliminates the need for custom prescription lenses—a common limitation in traditional AR glasses. Instead, it can be conveniently clipped onto existing prescription glasses, offering unmatched practicality and cost savings. This thoughtful modularity not only enhances accessibility but also positions the MLVision M5 as a versatile solution for a broad spectrum of users.

One of MLVision M5’s standout features is its immersive visual projection system, which offers an 86-inch private virtual screen. Powered by MLVision’s proprietary Hummingbird Micro-LED light engine and advanced nano-scale diffraction waveguide technology, the glasses create a secure and private viewing experience, ideal for reading confidential documents or browsing personal files. To prioritize eye health, the device utilizes soft green light with a projection distance of 4 meters, reducing strain during extended use.

The MLVision M5 is also equipped with the AIOS platform, delivering unparalleled AI-driven capabilities to enhance user productivity and accessibility. With intelligent tools like document summarization, real-time translation in seven languages, and interactive AI chat for setting reminders and brainstorming ideas, the device seamlessly integrates into the modern workflow. Additionally, its innovative Care Mode provides real-time audio transcription, enabling a more inclusive experience for users with hearing impairments.

The MLVision M5 excels as a navigation powerhouse, offering intuitive, real-time directions to guide users seamlessly through various environments. Whether exploring a new city, finding the fastest route to your destination, or navigating while riding a bike, the M5 ensures you always stay on the right path with ease and confidence.

The MLVision M5 will launch in China at the end of January 2025. Pricing and pre-order details will be announced in the coming weeks.

MLVision, a global innovator in wearable technology, continues to push the boundaries of what is possible by merging innovation, style, and functionality. With the launch of MLVision M5, the company reinforces its commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and creating cutting-edge solutions that redefine how technology is integrated into everyday life.

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SOURCE MLVision

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Brandivio Launches Advanced Retail Allocation Platform for Inventory Excellence

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Brandivio’s inventory optimization solutions empower footwear and apparel brands and retailers to buy smarter, allocate & replenish faster, and meet demand with precision.

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Brandivio, a new generation inventory excellence platform for apparel and footwear retailers, announces its expansion into North America, in conjunction with the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Big Show in New York City.

The Brandivio platform addresses the unique needs of the retail allocation market, ensuring apparel and footwear retailers have innovative tools to grow and thrive,” said Keith Whaley, SVP of Retail Solutions at Brandivio.

Brandivio, already supporting top-tier brands in EMEA, is built by seasoned retail experts to solve critical inventory challenges in fashion and footwear.

Leveraging machine learning, real-time demand signals, and automation, the Brandivio platform optimizes the distribution of products across a retailer’s stores and e-commerce channels ensuring the right products are in the right places at the right times, ultimately improving sales and margin performance, customer satisfaction, and inventory efficiency.

Key Features of Brandivio –

Advanced Demand Sensing: Predict future demand for short lifecycle products using machine learning native algorithms incorporating hyper-local external datasets to map powerful demand drivers.Dynamic Inventory Allocation: Adjust inventory in real time at the SKU/location level based on in-season trends to reduce stockouts and overstock situations.Real-Time Analytics: Drive test and learn strategies, optimize assortment in-season and connect functional teams across the organization with actionable insights for rapid response to market trends.Automation: Reduce up to 80% of existing manual planning efforts and redirect planner focus towards even greater efficiencies.Ease of Use: Intuitive workflows ensure rapid adoption without extensive training.

“Retailers can no longer rely on outdated tools or seasonal strategies,” said James Townsend, CEO of Brandivio.

“Brandivio democratizes retail data science, enabling brands to level the playing field, compete effectively, and maximize profits in today’s fast-paced market.”

This launch underscores Brandivio’s mission to support U.S. retailers facing tighter margins and increasing competition. “Our platform addresses the unique needs of this market, ensuring retailers have the tools to grow and thrive,” added Keith Whaley, SVP of Retail Solutions.

Contact us for a demo at info@brandivio.com or visit Brandivio.com for more.

Media Contact

Keith Whaley, Brandivio, Inc., 1 9494453183, keith.whaley@brandivio.com, https://brandivio.com

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SOURCE Brandivio, Inc.

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