mnl168
mnl168
BELLINGHAM, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 3, 2024-- Seven early-stage startup companies have been selected to compete for a top prize of $10,000 at the 15th annual SPIE Startup Challenge at Photonics West on 28 January. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203549499/en/ Jenoptik’s Ralf Kuschnereit, TRAQC's Benjamin Dringoli, and 2024 SPIE President Jennifer Barton at the 2024 SPIE Startup Challenge. (Photo: Business Wire) The SPIE Startup Challenge is a competitive entrepreneurial platform for new businesses that utilize optics and photonics for innovative products or applications. Participating teams are competing for sponsored prizes, in addition to gaining increased visibility with potential investors and exposure to potential collaborators or partners. Cash prizes of $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500, provided by Startup Challenge Founding Partner Jenoptik, will be awarded to the top three finalists. The SPIE Startup Challenge is also supported by Lead Sponsor Hamamatsu and Supporting Sponsor Luminate. “This is a completely focused crowd that we wouldn't have access to anywhere else,” said 2024 SPIE Challenge Startup winner TRAQC Co-Founder and COO Benjamin Dringoli during that event. “The opportunity to pitch in front of these industry leaders and get their feedback live, the mentorship session prior to the finals, and having people coming up to me and say, ‘Hey, if you need help, let me know.’ This is great!” Competition judges include venture capitalists and business-development experts from the photonics industry who will vet applicants for their business case, financial case, and competitive advantages. Teams competing in the Startup Challenge will get feedback on their business and pitch from business-development experts and investors. This year's products encompass innovations in medical applications, photovoltaic technology, and manufacturing. The seven 2025 SPIE Startup Challenge finalists and their technologies are: More information about the SPIE Startup Challenge can be found here . Light-based technologies enable developments in a proliferating number of areas, from healthcare and high-speed communications to quantum computing, AR/VR/MR, and self-driving vehicles. The annual SPIE Startup Challenge provides a distinctive and vibrant platform for optics and photonics startups that are creating novel products, applications, and technologies. Startup Challenge winners that have gone on to wider commercial success include Cellino Biotech , Double Helix Optics , PhotoniCare , C. Light Technologies , Circle Optics , and In A Blink . For more information and to register for SPIE Photonics West, please visit: https://spie.org/pw About SPIE SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, brings engineers, scientists, students, and business professionals together to advance light-based science and technology. The Society, founded in 1955, connects and engages with our global constituency through industry-leading conferences and exhibitions; publications of conference proceedings, books, and journals in the SPIE Digital Library; and career-building opportunities. Over the past five years, we have invested more than $25 million in the international optics community through our advocacy and support, including scholarships, educational resources, travel grants, endowed gifts, and public-policy development. www.spie.org . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203549499/en/ CONTACT: Daneet Steffens Public Relations Manager daneets@spie.org +1 360 685 5478 @SPIEtweets KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA WASHINGTON INDUSTRY KEYWORD: START-UP TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OTHER SCIENCE OTHER TECHNOLOGY PHOTOGRAPHY SOFTWARE ENGINEERING SCIENCE HARDWARE SOURCE: SPIE Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/03/2024 03:17 PM/DISC: 12/03/2024 03:17 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203549499/en
Car industry suffers another breakdown: Vauxhall-owner Stellantis shares plunge as boss quits By CALUM MUIRHEAD Updated: 22:00, 2 December 2024 e-mail View comments The global car industry suffered another convulsion yesterday as shares in Vauxhall’s owner plunged following the surprise exit of its chief executive. Stellantis’s stock, which is listed in Paris and Milan, tumbled 6.3 per cent to its lowest level in more than two years as Carlos Tavares, one of the most respected figures in the industry, dramatically resigned on Sunday ahead of his expected retirement in early 2026. Tavares’s departure came after his reputation took a hit in September when the company issued a major profit warning amid intense competition from Chinese rivals and weak US demand. ‘This sets an unprecedented challenge for investors looking to invest in a firm with such volatility in the management team,’ said analysts at investment bank JP Morgan. Analysts at broker Jefferies added that his exit, thought to have been the result of a row over corporate strategy between the chief executive, the board and major investors, would ‘cast doubts’ about the effectiveness of Stellantis’s model of multiple car brands being owned by a single conglomerate. The departure of Tavares, 66, came days after Stellantis – which also owns brands including Jeep, Fiat and Peugeot – announced plans to close its Vauxhall factory in Luton, putting more than 1,100 jobs at risk. Stock shock: Stellantis's stock, tumbled 6.3% to its lowest level in more than two years after boss Carlos Tavares (pictured), dramatically resigned on Sunday The problems highlight the misery facing global car makers, who find themselves caught in a perfect storm of falling demand, rising competition and increasing pressure from governments to adapt their production to hit net-zero targets. Volkswagen (VW) is embroiled in a dispute with workers over plans to close at least three of its German factories and lay off thousands of staff alongside a 10 per cent pay cut for those remaining. Meanwhile, Japanese group Nissan is facing a make-or-break year. Last month, it unveiled plans to axe 9,000 jobs as it tries to keep itself afloat amid plunging profits and an exodus of senior executives that has left it on the brink of collapse. Boss Makoto Uchida has presided over the company’s worst share price performance in 50 years. The company’s fate has big implications for the UK, where Nissan employs 7,000 staff, mostly in Sunderland. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Neglect imperils Royal Mail: Government should have learned... Political turmoil in France sends euro tumbling and... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account Ford, the long-dominant US motoring group, is also struggling to adapt. Last week, UK boss Lisa Brankin called on the Government to introduce incentives to encourage drivers to buy electric vehicles after the firm announced 4,000 job cuts in Europe over the next three years, including 800 in Britain, due to low demand and competition pressures. Industry watchers say all the major car brands are suffering from a poisonous cocktail of sluggish demand for electric cars and rising competition from China. Chinese car makers, on the back of substantial subsidies from Beijing, have begun to dominate their domestic market and are now looking to break into other countries, adding more competition to the sector. America has already slapped a 100 per cent tariff on imports of Chinese electric cars. In October, the EU approved plans for tariffs of up to 45 per cent on electric cars from China. But the Government seems unlikely to follow the examples set in Washington and Brussels, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer having recently met with Chinese president Xi Jinping in a bid to thaw relations between the two countries. Andy Palmer, the former boss of Aston Martin, said the situation reminded him of when Japanese car makers first began to challenge their Western counterparts in the 1970s and 1980s. He told the Mail: ‘At that time, it did seem like the Japanese were eating everybody’s breakfast and right now it feels like the Chinese are eating everybody’s breakfast.’ Shutting up shop: The departure of Tavares, 66, came days after Stellantis announced plans to close its Vauxhall factory in Luton, putting more than 1,100 jobs at risk He added that the crisis-hit automakers were now paying the price for adapting too slowly as rivals surged ahead. ‘Nissan, Ford and Stellantis were particularly slow to react to a changing world,’ he said. Factory closures in Britain are also intensifying a row between the industry and ministers over targets intended to boost the number of electric cars on the roads. Electric cars must make up at least 22 per cent of sales for car makers this year, a figure that will rise to 80 per cent by 2030. Firms that fall short face hefty fines. Labour has also pledged to reintroduce a ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 after the Conservative government previously pushed back the deadline to 2035. But car makers have urged the Government to rethink the targets, warning that falling demand for electric vehicles from consumers means they are being forced to close factories and cut jobs instead. The Government’s stance appeared to soften last week when Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds admitted to MPs that the electric vehicle mandate was ‘not working as anyone intended’. David Bailey, a car industry expert at the University of Birmingham, said the Government needs to find ways to stimulate demand for electric cars and that ‘simply telling car firms to supply electric vehicles isn’t going to cut it’. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS AJ Bell AJ Bell Easy investing and ready-made portfolios Learn More Learn More Hargreaves Lansdown Hargreaves Lansdown Free fund dealing and investment ideas Learn More Learn More interactive investor interactive investor Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month Learn More Learn More Saxo Saxo Get £200 back in trading fees Learn More Learn More Trading 212 Trading 212 Free dealing and no account fee Learn More Learn More Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Compare the best investing account for you Share or comment on this article: Car industry suffers another breakdown: Vauxhall-owner Stellantis shares plunge as boss quits e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence. More top storiesIt’s the most wonderful time of the year, and these festive neighborhoods will prove it. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, or Kwanzaa, there is joy in strolling a nearby block or hopping in the car where you can blast holiday tunes. You can even explore holiday lights in some of these neighborhoods via a boat. We compiled a list of 10 Southern California destinations known for their lit holiday hoods! It wouldn’t be Southern California without some beachside holiday cheer and displays. Visitors can start their stroll at the marine or Mothers’ Beach for the best expedition. The neighborhoods surrounding Naples Island take the holidays to heart with some breathtaking Christmas light decorations that will guide Santa Claus in the dark night skies. Long Beach also puts on a beautiful Christmas tree lighting display and offers holiday light tours on a double-decker Big Red Bus that rides passengers around the best decorated private homes, the famous floating Christmas trees in Alamitos Bay, and near a Ferris Wheel. If you’re planning a more romantic festive date, Gondola Getaway Inc. provides gondola rides paired with a cup of hot chocolate for you and your sweetie. Where: Holiday Light Tours pick up is at Marni’s OC 620 Pacific Coast Hwy, Seal Beach. When: The Holiday Light tours are scheduled at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday through Dec. 19, with the final night on Dec. 23. For tickets and reservations, call 562-852-9888 or email events@bigredbus.com. To book a Gondola ride, visit gondolagetawayinc.com . We’d be remiss, not to mention the other beautiful neighborhood nestled just steps away from Venice Beach. There is something so charming about shimmering lights over the neighborhood’s wooden framed bridges. Inspired by Venice, Italy, these man-made canals are a cozy display of Christmas lights where residents light up their homes and even some small boats that transform the area into a holiday paradise. It’s perfect for a nice winter stroll by the water. Don’t miss the Venice Canals Christmas Boat Parade on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4:30 p.m. The annual tradition since the ’80s is a community celebration that showcases some of the city’s best-decorated boats. Where: Right off 25th St., Venice Beach. When: Now through Dec. 29. While caroling may not be as prominent as it once was, there are still ways to enjoy those holiday jingles alongside some Christmas lights. This Orange County neighborhood allows visitors to drive-thru and tune into 89.1 FM for Christmas music. Keep up with the Lights on Symphony St Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. Where: 1816 N Symphony St., Anaheim. When: 5-10 p.m. now through Jan 1. Organized by the Upper Hastings Ranch Association (UHRA) for more than 70 years, the neighborhood often drizzles its lawns with faux snow and decked-out decorations with no shortage of Christmas lights, attracting families from near and far to experience the festivities. The organizers’ Facebook page includes videos of live bands and community shows that have occurred in past celebrations. Where: Hastings Ranch Drive and Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena. When: 6-11 p.m. Dec. 6 through Dec. 31. The annual holiday tradition features over 125,000 lights, holiday figurines and decorations that bring people to the Inland Empire neighborhood every year. The city of Rancho Cucamonga restricts pedestrian access at this event to ensure safety and crowd control and passed a resolution to make it drive-thru only. Where: Thoroughbred, Sapphire and Jennett Streets, Rancho Cucamonga. When: 5-11 p.m. Dec. 6 through Dec. 24. Curated by Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski, Lights on Display returns with an impressive showcase of holiday magic. This display features a combination of computer-controlled lighting, DMX-driven intelligent lights, and synchronized animatronic characters—all set to a festive playlist. Perfect for all ages, this free experience delights visitors Wednesday through Sunday, weather permitting, from November 29 to New Year’s Day. Where : 3901 Longview Valley Rd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 When : Wednesdays-Sundays, beginning Nov. 29 through Jan. 1. Hosted at the picturesque King Gillette Ranch, the fifth annual Holiday Road transforms Calabasas into a holiday wonderland. Featuring over 1 million Christmas lights, a mile-long walking trail with over 20 immersive scenes, live Santa, carolers, and festive bars, it’s a must-see event for holiday enthusiasts. New highlights this year include cutting-edge projection mapping, innovative light technology, and exclusive Maker’s Mark and Minus One Nine Six Vodka Seltzer activations. Where : 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302 When : 5-10 p.m., Nov. 29 through Dec. 28. Celebrate the season in a vibrant display of lights at Sparkle DTLA, where 18 million hues illuminate the night in sync with festive music. Located at The Bloc, this event features one of the city’s largest multi-colored interactive holiday displays, making it a unique experience for all ages. The nightly light show starts at 5 p.m. and runs through December 31. Where : 700 W 7th St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 When : 5-10 p.m., nightly through Dec. 31. Bring the holiday spirit to life at 123 Farm Christmas Nights, where twinkling lights meet festive fun in a charming Christmas Village setting. Stroll the farm while savoring seasonal foods and drinks, surrounded by holiday displays perfect for a family outing. Where : 10600 Highland Springs Ave., Beaumont, CA 92223 When : 5-10 p.m., Tuesdays-Sundays through Dec. 23. Experience a mile of magic on Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, where towering cedar trees are adorned with twinkling lights and festive music fills the air. Beginning December 7 at 6 p.m., this annual tradition transforms Santa Rosa Avenue into a glowing wonderland, perfect for a stroll or a drive. Where : Santa Rosa Ave., between Altadena Dr. & Woodbury Rd., Altadena, CA 91003 When : Nightly starting Dec. 7. Related ArticlesWASHINGTON — Former Rep. Matt Gaetz said Friday that he will not be returning to Congress after withdrawing his name from consideration to be attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump amid growing allegations of sexual misconduct. “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adding that he has “some other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue with my wife and my family.” The announcement comes a day after Gaetz, a Florida Republican, stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Gaetz’s nomination as attorney general had stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department but reflected Trump’s desire to place a loyalist in a department he has marked for retribution following the criminal cases against him. Hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who would come to the job with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty. It’s unclear what’s next for Gaetz, who is no longer a member of the House. He surprised colleagues by resigning from Congress the same day that Trump nominated him for attorney general. Some speculated he could still be sworn into office for another two-year term on Jan. 3, given that he had just won reelection earlier this month. But Gaetz, who has been in state and national politics for 14 years, said he’s done with Congress. “I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress,” he said.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert does not practice because of left ankle injury
The Best Aldis Hodge Movies And TV Shows, And How To Watch Them
Chargers QB Justin Herbert does not practice because of left ankle injury
MSU to host UT Martin in second round of FCS playoffsKASHIMA (AP) – The signs at Nippon Steel read: “The world through steel”, underlining why Japan’s top steelmaker is pursuing its USD15 billion bid to acquire United States (US) Steel. “We can’t expect demand in Japan to grow as the population is declining. We need to invest in production that leads to growth,” a company official Masato Suzuki said on Friday while giving reporters a look at a Nippon Steel plant in Ibaraki prefecture, north of Tokyo. Nippon Steel Corp has its eyes on India, Southeast Asia and the US, Suzuki said. About 70 per cent of the plant’s output is exported. The Tokyo-based company remains optimistic, although the deal is opposed by President elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and American steelworkers. During the tour, slabs of steel, glowing hot-orange at more than 1,000 degrees Celsius, rolled through the cavernous plant to become giant spools of super-thin steel. Nippon Steel officials didn’t disclose details of the fine technology they said the planned acquisition would offer US Steel. A hot rolling mill at Nippon Steel’s Kashima Plant in Kashima, Japan. PHOTO: AP The United States Steel Mon Valley Works Clairton Plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania. PHOTO: AP Under the proposed deal, first announced in 2023, US Steel would keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, becoming a subsidiary of Nippon Steel. Nippon Steel already has manufacturing operations in the US and Mexico, China and Southeast Asia. It supplies the world’s top automakers, including Toyota Motor Corp, and makes steel for railways, pipes, appliances and skyscrapers. The American steel industry has waned as Chinese steelmakers have grown to dominate the market. Japan wants to leverage the decades-old US-Japan security and political alliance to seal the acquisition, but the outlook is uncertain. In September, an arbitration board jointly chosen by US Steel and United Steelworkers decided the proposed acquisition could proceed. But United Steelworkers union, which has 1.2 million members, have objected, citing worries about job losses and contract terms. The union has questioned Nippon Steel’s plans to transfer production locations and concerns about national security and domestic supply chains. When asked for comment, it referred to a recent letter to its members. “As a union, our primary concern is the future of our jobs and the communities we live and work in – not just this year, but also for the foreseeable future. We’ve seen job losses in the past, and we must do everything we can to avoid it in the future,” said the letter, co-signed by Mike Millsap, chairman of the negotiating committee, and its international president, David McCall. “While Japan is a political ally, it is also an economic competitor, one that has proven time and again that it is willing to promote its steel industry at our expense,” the union said. Nippon Steel is promising to “preserve the legacy” of US Steel and protect jobs, pensions and benefits, pledging that there will be no layoffs or plant closures. The deal is expected to produce an economic boost for the region equivalent to nearly USD1 billion in the first two years, create up to 5,000 construction jobs and generate almost USD40 million in state and local taxes, according to Nippon Steel. Professor of international relations and political science at Boston University William W Grimes said Nippon Steel’s commitment to keeping the US Steel factories running would help preserve US-based production of specialty steels. Nippon Steel also has also promised investments to make the factories more competitive. There is no militarily sensitive technology Nippon Steel would be able to take from the US, and the US relies on steel produced in allied countries, including Japan, Grimes said. “If Japanese companies do draw a lesson, it should be to engage unions and local politicians early in the process,” he said.
- Previous:
- Next: #mnl168
