Recursion-Exscientia Merger Creates Advanced AI-driven Drug Discovery

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Recursion has completed its merger with Exscientia, making Exscientia a wholly owned subsidiary of Recursion, forming a vertically-integrated and technology-enabled drug discovery platform.

As part of the merger, Exscientia American Depositary Shares (ADSs) will cease trading and be delisted from Nasdaq, according to a statement.

Recursion Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chris Gibson expressed confidence that the combination of the two companies' teams and platforms will position them as the leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled drug discovery and development space.

Meanwhile, Exscientia Interim CEO and former Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), who will now serve as CSO at Recursion, David Hallett said their combined strength of real-world proprietary data and the models created are redefining the space by shrinking timelines and costs, identifying and optimising lead candidates faster than traditional methods.

The combined entity's pipeline includes more than 10 clinical and preclinical programmes, approximately 10 advanced discovery programmes in development, and over 10 partnered programmes in areas such as oncology and immunology.

To date, the combined company has received approximately US$450 million in upfront and milestone payments from partnerships, with the potential for over US$20 billion in additional milestone payments before royalties. (US$1=RM4.70)

With the integration of Exscientia’s chemical design and synthesis methods and over 60 petabytes of proprietary data generated in house or licensed from partners like Helix and Tempus, the combined entity will strengthen the Recursion Operating System (OS) to be a first-in-class and best-in-class drug discovery and development platform.

The merged company will have approximately 800 employees with the headquarters remaining in Salt Lake City, and primary offices in Toronto, Montreal, Milpitas, New York, the Oxford area, and London.

-- BERNAMA

CLOUDERA UNVEILS NEW AI ASSISTANT TO HELP SUPERCHARGE EFFICIENCY FOR DATA PRACTITIONERS

Cloudera Copilot for Cloudera AI accelerates productivity, enhances collaboration, and supports continuous learning to improve project outcomes for data scientists, engineers, and developers


SANTA CLARA, Calif. and PARIS, Nov 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cloudera, the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI, today announced at EVOLVE24 Paris, Cloudera Copilot for Cloudera AI, introducing secure and intelligent assistant capabilities that help to supercharge productivity and streamline data workflows. Built to meet the needs of data scientists, engineers, and developers, Cloudera Copilot improves reproducibility across projects, ultimately helping to enable enterprises to get trusted data, analytics, and AI applications into production faster than ever.

At the forefront of digital transformation and AI journeys, data practitioners face an increasingly complex web of productivity, collaboration, and duplication challenges. AI assistants overcome these challenges by enhancing the user experience for data practitioners, while providing IT leaders seeking secure AI-enhanced tools for peace of mind. By embedding an AI-powered assistant directly into Cloudera, Cloudera Copilot helps users write high-quality, consistent code and focus on innovation more effectively and securely.

Cloudera is one of the first data and analytics platform vendors to deliver an AI assistant specifically tailored for data practitioners, offering deep integration within data workflows in a secure, enterprise-grade platform that prioritizes compliance and governance. Cloudera Copilot operates within an AI ecosystem, delivering robust, AI-driven coding assistance while also providing on-demand support, reinforcing Cloudera’s position as a trusted data partner and the leader in secure, hybrid AI solutions.

Specifically, Cloudera Copilot:

· Automates code generation, data transformation, and troubleshooting, enabling data practitioners to focus on high-impact tasks and innovation.
· Provides consistent coding assistance, empowering teams to work more effectively across diverse languages, libraries, and workflows.
· Includes on-demand guidance, optimal solutions, and insights for users to maintain high coding standards, ultimately reducing errors and improving project outcomes.

“Data practitioners are the lifeblood of an enterprise and giving them AI-powered tools specifically designed to enhance their job performance offers benefits to a business as a whole,” said industry analyst, Sanjeev Mohan. “AI assistants like Cloudera Copilot expand the scope of employees who can access AI tools so an entire organization can capitalize fully on the benefits of AI. This unlocks greater visibility, efficiency, and productivity.”

“Cloudera is continuously modernizing our AI solutions to give our customers deeper access to data-driven insights at scale,” said Dipto Chakravarty, Chief Product Officer at Cloudera. “Today, Cloudera provides one of the fastest routes to achieving trusted AI initiatives, and Cloudera Copilot further accelerates enterprise’s ability to derive business value from their data via actionable insight.”

Visit our Cloudera blog to learn more about Cloudera Copilot for Cloudera AI.

About Cloudera
Cloudera is the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI. With 100x more data under management than other cloud-only vendors, Cloudera empowers global enterprises to transform data of all types, on any public or private cloud, into valuable, trusted insights. Our open data lakehouse delivers scalable and secure data management with portable cloud-native analytics, enabling customers to bring GenAI models to their data while maintaining privacy and ensuring responsible, reliable AI deployments. The world’s largest brands in financial services, insurance, media, manufacturing, and government rely on Cloudera to use their data to solve what was impossible—today and in the future.

To learn more, visit Cloudera.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X. Cloudera and associated marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cloudera, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact
Jess Hohn-Cabana
cloudera@v2comms.com

SOURCE: Cloudera, Inc.

--BERNAMA

VRAD UNVEILS TWO VIRTUAL REALITY-BASED MEDICAL SIMULATORS FOR GLOBAL MARKETS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- VRAD Co Ltd has announced its entry into international markets by launching two widely recognised Korean-developed virtual reality (VR)-based simulators, NS_Core, a nursing skills education simulator, and IP_Trauma, a trauma patient care simulator.

According to VRAD in a statement, these products support a broad range of languages, including Korean, English, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, Kazakh, and German, with Spanish and French language support anticipated by the end of the year.

NS_Core is an immersive clinical simulation solution designed for nursing skill training using Meta's virtual reality headset, allowing users to perform a variety of clinical exercises in a VR environment with simulated patients.

This solution offers an innovative approach to addressing the challenges of hands-on medical training within nursing school curricula by providing a metaverse-based virtual training space.

Developed through a collaboration between general hospitals and university nursing departments, NS_Core enables intensive, repetitive practice on 20 essential nursing skills, significantly enhancing clinical performance among nursing students.

Meanwhile, IP_Trauma offers a comprehensive VR training environment for medical personnel to acquire and refine essential trauma care skills, areas traditionally challenging to practice effectively.

Developed in partnership with several prominent Korean universities and hospitals, it is an immersive clinical simulation platform featuring reactive scenario simulations, where outcomes vary based on the user’s choices and actions. It also adheres to the globally recognised Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol standards.

Within the IP_Trauma simulator, multiple users can communicate in real time, practicing critical decision-making and trauma care techniques in a virtual environment. The simulation covers over 40 procedural steps, from pre-hospital preparation to patient transfer to the operating room.

Currently recognised as a leading VR medical technology provider in Korea, VRAD’s products are actively used in over 90 medical and educational institutions, both domestically and internationally.

-- BERNAMA

ATRC'S VENTUREONE LAUNCHES QUANTUMGATE TO SECURE DATA FOR THE QUANTUM ERA AT CYBERQ

ATRC’s VentureOne Launches QuantumGate to Secure Data for the Quantum Era at CyberQ (Photo: AETOSWire)

· New venture unveils an advanced suite of data security products to protect data assets against increasing cyber threats
· Its proprietary technology was developed by experts at Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Nov 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Advanced Technology Research Council’s commercialization arm, VentureOne, has launched QuantumGate, a new venture that offers a suite of advanced data security products to protect organizations’ data assets in the quantum era, at CyberQ in Abu Dhabi today.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241112430830/en/

H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, the Secretary General of ATRC, said, “The quantum era isn’t a distant threat—it is here. The launch of QuantumGate is a pivotal step in safeguarding invaluable data assets against ever-increasing cybersecurity threats. QuantumGate’s sovereign solutions will ensure our country’s and our organizations’ sensitive information stays safe.”

“Cryptographic algorithms are used by virtually all organizations to encrypt and protect data,” said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, the CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute. “But advancements in quantum computing will render many of them obsolete in as little as five to 10 years. Even with current security measures, bad actors can collect and store organizational data to decrypt it later, when quantum computers are more widely available. This means the risk is imminent—organizational data is already at risk.”

QuantumGate’s data security products are based on proprietary technology from the Technology Innovation Institute that will allow organizations to protect their data assets against current and emerging threats while also ensuring compliance with upcoming cryptographic regulations. The product suite includes the following:

· QSphere, which consists of a post-quantum VPN and a post-quantum email, file folder, and text encryption and decryption application.
· Salina, an identity and access management tool designed to simplify the authentication processes by eliminating the need to use passwords.

"With recent advancements in quantum computing, it is obvious to all security professionals that today's crypto solutions will be soon seriously challenged,” said Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne, QuantumGate’s parent company. “To prevent catastrophic losses, it’s critical for sensitive businesses to transition now to post-quantum security systems. Our mission is to make this process as seamless as possible through resilient, agile, state-of-the-art solutions.”

In addition to offering data security products, QuantumGate will offer advisory services to support organizations in their transition from classic to post-quantum cryptography, while ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

QuantumGate is the third venture launched by VentureOne. SteerAI, which develops autonomous mobility technology, launched in October 2024. AI71, which creates business solutions using the Falcon generative AI models, launched in 2023.

LinkedIn

Source: AETOSWire

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241112430830/en/

Contact

Menna Massoud
Menna.massoud@edelman.com

Source : QuantumGate

--BERNAMA
 

HCLTECH INTEGRATES AI FORCE WITH GITHUB COPILOT TO ENHANCE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LIFECYCLE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- HCLTech, a global technology company, has launched its AI Force extension for GitHub Copilot on the Visual Studio Marketplace, the world’s most widely adopted artificial intelligence (AI) developer tool.

“With the AI Force extension, our clients will achieve benefits beyond enhanced coding experiences such as improved efficiencies, greater productivity and time-to-market acceleration.

“This integration helps them reduce technical debt and develop better quality software that is easier to maintain,” said HCLTech Senior Vice President and Global Lead, GenAI Practice, Apoorv Iyer in a statement.

This integration aims to streamline software development workflows, enhance developer flexibility and optimise code performance, positioning HCLTech among the first India-headquartered technology service providers to collaborate with Microsoft for creating a GitHub Copilot Extension.

Through its AI Force, the company aims to help clients automate tasks and incorporate intelligence throughout every phase of the engineering lifecycle.

Integrated with GitHub Copilot Chat, the HCLTech AI Force extension enhances extensibility and covers a broad range of use cases, including legacy modernisation, migration, development, development operations (DevOps), automation, support, operations, continuous feedback, and end-to-end benefits measurement.

-- BERNAMA

ATNI LAUNCHES 5TH GLOBAL ACCESS TO NUTRITION INDEX AS INDUSTRY AND POLICY MAKERS GRAPPLE WITH FOOD POLYCRISIS

UTRECHT, The Netherlands, Nov 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, ATNi launches the 5^th edition of the Global Access to Nutrition Index, the largest yet, assessing the world’s 30 largest food and beverage manufacturers and over 52,000 products, representing 23% global market share.

One in five deaths globally is associated with a poor diet. One out of eight adults are affected by obesity, 150 million children are too short for their age because of poor nutrition, and close to a third of women of reproductive age, and half of children, consume inadequate micronutrients.

The Index reveals some important progress. More companies are setting targets to improve their portfolio healthiness, now using internationally recognized Nutrient Profiling Models (NPMs) to classify products as ‘healthier’.

However, overall, there have been only marginal improvements in key metrics such as healthiness of product portfolios. Concurrently, the estimated sales values of company’s healthier products have increased, showing consumers are increasingly purchasing healthier products. Worryingly, product portfolio healthiness was found to be lowest in low-income countries, highlighting disparities in product offerings across different markets and income groups.

Global Index 2024 – key findings

Product Healthiness

Among the 52,414 products analyzed from 30 companies using the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, 31%—a total of 16,467 products—met the healthier threshold (3.5 stars and above out of 5), representing an estimated 34% of the companies' combined sales in 2022. ATNi challenges companies to derive at least half their sales from healthy products by 2030. Today only 30% of companies are meeting this target.

Differences by market and income

Overall food product healthiness in low- and lower middle-income countries scored much lower (mean HSR 1.8) than in high-income countries (mean HSR 2.3). At the aggregate level, the share of ‘less healthy’ products which the 30 assessed companies are marketing is higher in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. 

Reporting and disclosures

30% of companies assessed, now use an internationally recognized Nutrient Profiling Model to report on portfolio healthiness, with 20% doing so to report on overall percentages of global sales. While the quality, coverage, and transparency of this reporting varies significantly, this shift reflects the growing appetite for reporting against (inter-)national standards.

Marketing

No company has a policy to fully prohibit marketing unhealthy foods to children under 18 across all marketing channels and techniques, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Four companies have taken positive steps, raising their age thresholds to 16 years while only two are marketing ‘healthier’ products defined by a government-endorsed model.   

ATNi calls on

Companies: voluntarily stop marketing to under 18s, improve product portfolio healthiness and fully disclose sales from healthy and unhealthy products using an internationally recognised Nutrient Profiling Model.

Governments: regulate and build an enabling environment that helps companies protect public health. Well-designed fiscal policies to make healthier foods more affordable and less healthy foods more expensive are also needed. 

Responsible investors: help hold the companies to account by investing in those acting responsibly, considering the financial costs of long-term ill health caused by current food environment and products.

“'Health is wealth.' We know this is true, but most food companies have not yet placed nutrition as core to their business. There is progress, but our findings show overall subpar performance and weaknesses in the market.”

Greg S. Garrett, Executive Director, ATNi

“Only 31% of the 52,000+ food products assessed by ATNi meet the health criteria. This is not good enough. Companies need to start doing better demonstrating that they care about the public health of their consumer base.”

Jessica Fanzo, Professor of Climate and Director of the Food for Humanity Initiative, Columbia University 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=49719

HCLTECH AI/CLOUD NATIVE LAB IN SINGAPORE SET TO OPEN NEXT YEAR

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Global technology company, HCLTech announced the creation of a new Singapore-based artificial intelligence (AI)/Cloud Native Lab, its fifth lab in its global network, which is expected to open in 2025.

HCLTech Chairperson, Roshni Nadar Malhotra made the announcement at an event with attendance of Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information, and the country’s Economic Development Board (EDB), along with senior academic members from Nanyang Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic.

“Our Labs are a conducive starting point for enterprises that want to embark on a collaborative journey to develop blueprints for AI and Gen AI-led efficiencies, new business capabilities, skilling roadmaps and overall organisational competitive advantage with a pragmatic approach.

“We are very excited to add Singapore to our network, which will go a long way in further strengthening Singapore’s position as a regional hub for AI innovation,” said HCLTech Chief Technology Officer and Head of Ecosystems, Vijay Guntur in a statement.

The Lab, joining others in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and India, will be supported by the EDB and assist enterprises in the region in accelerating their AI initiatives via HCLTech’s comprehensive suite of integrated AI and Gen AI offerings, including AI Force and AI Foundry.

The Lab in Singapore will also partner with Nanyang Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic to collaborate on transferring knowledge and nurturing young talent and mid-career individuals in AI.

Singapore has made significant strides in helping companies adopt and innovate with AI across sectors including financial services, manufacturing and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

In 2023, the Singapore government launched the Singapore National AI Strategy 2.0, highlighting its commitment to leading global AI innovation, which aims to build a trusted and responsible AI ecosystem.

HCLTech has been operating in Singapore for over four decades, building a strong technology presence and working with many notable clients. The republic is the hub for HCLTech's Southeast Asia operations and has led technological advancements, including Asia's first Wi-Fi-based patient tracking system and various projects for the Singapore government.

-- BERNAMA

Toshiba Latest Gate Driver IC Provides Minimised Functions For Diverse Automotive Applications

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba) has started to provide engineering samples of a gate driver IC, "TB9084FTG”, for three-phase brushless DC motors that drive essential on-board functions, including automotive body system applications, electric pumps, and motor generators.

Many formerly mechanically controlled parts of road vehicles are now electrified, and vehicles incorporate a large number of electric motors, including those used in automotive body system applications.

In a statement, Toshiba said this transition has also advanced the replacement of brushed DC motors with quieter and longer-lasting brushless DC motors.

Designed to reinforce this shift, TB9084FTG offers the minimum required gate driver IC functions for automotive applications and supports a wide range of automotive motor applications in combination with external devices, such as MOSFETs, power supply ICs, microcontrollers, and communication physical.

Any change in customer system requirements can be supported by replacing corresponding external devices, significantly contributing to flexibility in system design.

Minimising functions allows utilisation of one of the industry’s smallest packages and contributes to equipment miniaturisation. The package also has a wettable flank structure, facilitating easy visual inspection to confirm the reliability of soldered joints.

Toshiba will continue to expand its lineup of gate driver ICs by assessing market needs and optimising product functions, in addition to introducing new products that extend the electrification and improve the safety of automotive equipment.

-- BERNAMA