Month: November 2023

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Matmerize secures DOD award to develop low-flammability polymer composite materials using advanced AI methods

ATLANTA, Nov. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matmerize, Inc., an industry leader in Polymer & Formulations Informatics proudly announces its selection by the US Department of Defense (DOD) for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract aimed at advancing AI methodologies for accelerating the design of novel low-flammability polymer composite materials. Matmerize is excited about the transformative potential of this project as it will not only enhance fire safety for Navy ships and submarines, but will also find applications in a wide range of industries, including construction, aerospace, automotive and consumer products. This award comes at the heels of another SBIR recently awarded to Matmerize by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop physics-informed and physics-enforced machine learning architectures to advance materials development.

The flammability of polymer composites is quantified by a set of quantitative parameters, typically measured using highly standardized instruments/tests defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and other agencies. Desirable polymeric materials that meet the specific values of ASTM and non-ASTM standardized tests require an optimal combination of base polymers, functional additives, flame retardants, and processing conditions. Matmerize will collaborate with DOD to develop a Polymer Informatics capability using suitable curated data and advanced AI/ML techniques, aimed at the accelerated design of low-flammability polymer matrix composites that meet other critical mechanical and thermal performance targets needed by the Navy.

Key highlights of the contract include:

(1)  creation of a composite materials database with flammability and other relevant properties such as maximum heat release rate, time to ignition, and smoke density,
(2)   development of AI models trained on the database to predict the relevant properties for new composite formulations, and
(3)  recommend a pool of promising polymer composites, i.e., the combinations of base polymers, functional additives, flame retardants, and processing conditions, for experimentally synthesis and testing.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link:

AI Custom Models for Low Flammability Polymer Composites: Creating AI Custom Models for Low Flammability Polymer Composites using Customer's Proprietary Data

Huan Tran, Director of Research Innovation for Matmerize stated, “This collaboration signifies a major achievement in the pursuit of safer, lower-flammability polymer composites. We take great pride in spearheading the development of cutting-edge AI-driven solutions for low-flammability composite materials that not only meet rigorous ASTM testing standards but also address the vital safety requirements mandated for our Navy ships.“

At the heart of Matmerize’s innovation lies PolymRize™, their flagship product – a cloud-based Polymer Informatics software platform meticulously crafted to expedite the advancement of polymers, composites, and formulations. The DOD SBIR aligns perfectly with Matmerize’s core mission to unlock the immense potential of AI in advanced materials engineering to address critical challenges and improve functionality, fire safety and sustainability. Both the DOD and the NSF SBIRs come at an opportune time and will jointly propel and advance the AI-based PolymRize™ technology in a synergistic manner.

Chiho Kim, CTO at Matmerize expressed his enthusiasm by stating “The two concurrent SBIR awards granted by DOD and NSF, represent a resounding endorsement of Matmerize’s pioneering Polymer Informatics platform PolymRize™. These contracts will provide us the resources and support needed to further advance our AI based PolymRize™ platform.”

For more information on the innovative PolymRize™ platform please visit: https://www.matmerize.com/polymrize

About Matmerize:
Matmerize, Inc. is a recent spin-out from the Georgia Institute of Technology and was founded by Dr. Rampi Ramprasad and Dr. Chiho Kim. Matmerize is a leading innovator at the intersection of advanced materials engineering and artificial intelligence. With a mission to revolutionize fire safety and sustainability through AI technology, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Our dedicated team of experts strives to create solutions that positively impact new material development while minimizing the environmental footprint.

For further information, inquiries, or media contact, please reach out to:

Matmerize, Inc.
https://www.matmerize.com
E: [email protected]
Y: Watch Matmerize Videos on YouTube
L: Follow our LinkedIn Page

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8974273

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Matmerize secures DOD award to develop low-flammability polymer composite materials using advanced AI methods

ATLANTA, Nov. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matmerize, Inc., an industry leader in Polymer & Formulations Informatics proudly announces its selection by the US Department of Defense (DOD) for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract aimed at advancing AI methodologies for accelerating the design of novel low-flammability polymer composite materials. Matmerize is excited about the transformative potential of this project as it will not only enhance fire safety for Navy ships and submarines, but will also find applications in a wide range of industries, including construction, aerospace, automotive and consumer products. This award comes at the heels of another SBIR recently awarded to Matmerize by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop physics-informed and physics-enforced machine learning architectures to advance materials development.

The flammability of polymer composites is quantified by a set of quantitative parameters, typically measured using highly standardized instruments/tests defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and other agencies. Desirable polymeric materials that meet the specific values of ASTM and non-ASTM standardized tests require an optimal combination of base polymers, functional additives, flame retardants, and processing conditions. Matmerize will collaborate with DOD to develop a Polymer Informatics capability using suitable curated data and advanced AI/ML techniques, aimed at the accelerated design of low-flammability polymer matrix composites that meet other critical mechanical and thermal performance targets needed by the Navy.

Key highlights of the contract include:

(1)  creation of a composite materials database with flammability and other relevant properties such as maximum heat release rate, time to ignition, and smoke density,
(2)   development of AI models trained on the database to predict the relevant properties for new composite formulations, and
(3)  recommend a pool of promising polymer composites, i.e., the combinations of base polymers, functional additives, flame retardants, and processing conditions, for experimentally synthesis and testing.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link:

AI Custom Models for Low Flammability Polymer Composites: Creating AI Custom Models for Low Flammability Polymer Composites using Customer's Proprietary Data

Huan Tran, Director of Research Innovation for Matmerize stated, “This collaboration signifies a major achievement in the pursuit of safer, lower-flammability polymer composites. We take great pride in spearheading the development of cutting-edge AI-driven solutions for low-flammability composite materials that not only meet rigorous ASTM testing standards but also address the vital safety requirements mandated for our Navy ships.“

At the heart of Matmerize’s innovation lies PolymRize™, their flagship product – a cloud-based Polymer Informatics software platform meticulously crafted to expedite the advancement of polymers, composites, and formulations. The DOD SBIR aligns perfectly with Matmerize’s core mission to unlock the immense potential of AI in advanced materials engineering to address critical challenges and improve functionality, fire safety and sustainability. Both the DOD and the NSF SBIRs come at an opportune time and will jointly propel and advance the AI-based PolymRize™ technology in a synergistic manner.

Chiho Kim, CTO at Matmerize expressed his enthusiasm by stating “The two concurrent SBIR awards granted by DOD and NSF, represent a resounding endorsement of Matmerize’s pioneering Polymer Informatics platform PolymRize™. These contracts will provide us the resources and support needed to further advance our AI based PolymRize™ platform.”

For more information on the innovative PolymRize™ platform please visit: https://www.matmerize.com/polymrize

About Matmerize:
Matmerize, Inc. is a recent spin-out from the Georgia Institute of Technology and was founded by Dr. Rampi Ramprasad and Dr. Chiho Kim. Matmerize is a leading innovator at the intersection of advanced materials engineering and artificial intelligence. With a mission to revolutionize fire safety and sustainability through AI technology, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Our dedicated team of experts strives to create solutions that positively impact new material development while minimizing the environmental footprint.

For further information, inquiries, or media contact, please reach out to:

Matmerize, Inc.
https://www.matmerize.com
E: [email protected]
Y: Watch Matmerize Videos on YouTube
L: Follow our LinkedIn Page

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8974273

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Quantexa Launches New Asia Pacific Headquarters in Singapore to Capture Next Wave of Growth

  • Quantexa’s growing presence in Singapore represents significant investment in delivering AI-enabled Decision Intelligence (DI) solutions to Enterprises and Government Agencies across Asia Pacific
  • Quantexa has seen double-digit growth and tripled employee base in Asia Pacific region since Series D announcement in 2022
  • The new location in Singapore reinforces Quantexa’s global network and brings the company closer to its clients and partners in the region

SINGAPORE, Nov. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quantexa, the global leader in Decision Intelligence (DI) solutions for the public and private sectors, today announced the opening of its new Asia Pacific Headquarters based in Tower 1 of Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) in Singapore. The opening is part of a broader regional expansion plan and follows the July 2023 launch of Quantexa’s Japan operations in Tokyo and long-standing presence in Melbourne, Sydney and Malaysia. Further expansion into Hong Kong is expected in 2024.

The organization’s decision to set up its regional headquarters in Singapore was solidified by the country’s commitment to attracting investment, talent, and technology. Establishing Quantexa’s new office locally complements the government’s Smart Nation initiative which outlines its plan to invest up to SGD500 million in Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and development.

Economic forecasts for Southeast Asia predict that it will remain one of the fastest growing regions for years to come. Additionally, over the past 12 months, Quantexa has seen significant demand in the region as local banks and government agencies put an increased emphasis on detecting and preventing financial crime as the number of large-scale money laundering operations in region have risen, costing victims abroad billions of dollars[1]. Recently, Singapore authorities have taken measures to ensure that financial institutions scrutinise monetary flows with city state managed assets valued at USD4 trillion[2].

Quantexa’s regional headquarters will provide sales, marketing, product management, and professional services capabilities to support customer implementations of its Decision Intelligence Platform in the banking, insurance and telecommunications industries, as well as the public sector. The opening comes after Quantexa recently completed its Series E Funding Round led by GIC Singapore, valuing the company north of $1.8 billion, and announcing a $155 million investment to fuel global artificial intelligence advancements.

Today, Quantexa will host an event to showcase local technology innovation and partnerships at The National Museum of Singapore. Quantexa CEO Vishal Marria will be joined by esteemed industry leaders from GIC, Singapore’s Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), and Standard Chartered Bank for a panel discussion on “Charting New Pathways for AI Innovation.”

Vishal Marria, CEO and Founder, Quantexa, said: “Quantexa has seen 90% revenue growth and we have nearly tripled our team size in the Asia Pacific region since our Series D announcement. With today’s announcement of our new regional headquarters in Singapore, we continue to accelerate our growth plans and get closer to our clients and partners as we serve the region.”

Choo Yong Cheen, Chief Investment Officer of Private Equity, GIC, said: “We are pleased to see Quantexa establish their new regional headquarters in Singapore as part of their expansion efforts in Asia. As Quantexa continues to benefit from increasing regulatory emphasis on compliance and demand for AI capabilities in data management, we remain confident in the company’s growth potential.”

Jinghua Guo, Chief Digitization Officer, The Digital and Intelligence Service, added: “The Digital and Intelligence Service views AI as a mission-critical capability for the Singapore Armed Forces to safeguard the sovereignty and security of Singapore. We have always worked closely with other technology partners in government to build cutting-edge AI capabilities for defence. But beyond this, we need to harness the rapid innovations from commercial companies as part of our AI portfolio to address our operational needs more effectively. Therefore, we are interested to further explore how cutting-edge solutions from technology leaders like Quantexa can help us succeed in our mission.”

Sean Coppinger, CIO, Standard Chartered Bank, said: “We are thrilled that Quantexa is expanding its presence here. Since 2018, we have worked closely with Quantexa to use AI-enabled data matching capabilities to get a complete view of our customers and their transaction networks. This has helped us raise the bar on how the industry detects fraud and fights financial crime.”

The Singapore Headquarters joins a growing portfolio of Quantexa hubs including London, Dublin, Brussels, Malaga, UAE, New York, Boston, Toronto, Sydney, Melbourne, and Tokyo.

Quantexa’s Asia Pacific team is expanding and is actively recruiting several open positions. To find out more about current vacancies, visit this page.

Note to Editors:

For more information on Quantexa, please visit the website here.

Media Inquiries:

C: Alina Boey, Senior Consultant, Milk & Honey PR

T: +65 96565580

E: [email protected]

About Quantexa   

Quantexa is a global data and analytics software company pioneering Decision Intelligence that empowers organizations to make trusted operational decisions by making data meaningful. Using the latest advancements in big data and AI, Quantexa’s Decision Intelligence platform uncovers hidden risk and new opportunities by providing a contextual, connected view of internal and external data in a single place. It solves major challenges across data management, KYC, customer intelligence, financial crime, risk, fraud, and security, throughout the customer lifecycle.

The Quantexa Decision Intelligence Platform enhances operational performance with over 90% more accuracy and 60 times faster analytical model resolution than traditional approaches. Founded in 2016, Quantexa now has more than 675 employees and thousands of users working with billions of transactions and data points across the world. The company has offices in London, Dublin, Brussels, Malaga, UAE, New York, Boston, Toronto, Sydney, Melbourne, and Tokyo.

About GIC

GIC is a leading global investment firm established in 1981 to secure Singapore’s financial future. As the manager of Singapore’s foreign reserves, GIC takes a long-term, disciplined approach to investing and is uniquely positioned across a wide range of asset classes and active strategies globally. These include equities, fixed income, real estate, private equity, venture capital, and infrastructure. Its long- term approach, multi-asset capabilities, and global connectivity enable it to be an investor of choice. GIC seeks to add meaningful value to its investments. Headquartered in Singapore, GIC has a global talent force of over 2,100 people in 11 key financial cities and has investments in over 40 countries. For more information, please visit www.gic.com.sg or follow on LinkedIn.

[1] Source: Nikkei Asia article – Singapore stands out as a global tech hub amid U.S.-China tensions

[2] Source: South China Morning Post article – Singapore readies roll out of anti-money-laundering platform to prevent a 1MDB repeat

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000898055

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NATE President hopeful of technology’s place in Nigeria’s growth

The National President of Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), Mr Dominic Udoatan, says he is hopeful technology can play a big role in the country’s growth.

Udoatan stated this when he led a group of technologists from 36 states of the federation on a courtesy visit to the management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was part of the association’s activities to mark the 2023 Conference of Technologists (CONTECH) and Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Udoatan advocated for the establishment of a National Polytechnics Commission (NPC) to address the age-long disparity between university and polytechnic graduates in the country.

He noted that policy-makers have placed high premium on university education to the detriment of other levels of educational institutions, blaming the development on the nation’s reward system.

The NATE president likened the present situation to training young graduates without a secure future.

”The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) should be left with the management of Technical Colleges, while the proposed NPC should concentrate on formulating policies for Polytechnic education.

“The disparity between the university and polytechnic graduates is taking its toll on the enrollment of students as many parents prefer to have their children registered in the former.

“Students enrollment at polytechnics nationwide is now dwindling on yearly basis due to the premium placed on university education,” Udoatan said.

He however berated the management of polytechnics for not doing enough as they have in place the same practice in terms of recruitment and promotion of staff in their various institutions.

“The economy of the country is supposed to be technologically-driven, but with the dichotomy, it will be hard for the country to meet up with other developing nations.

“To correct the imbalance, there is need for the setting up of a National Polytechnics Commission, like that of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“I am also imploring Rectors of the polytechnics across the country to use their offices to champion the cause,” Udoatan added.

Welcoming the team to his office, the Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Prof. Kareem Adebiyi, assured the association of his support in achieving the set goals.

“I am a product of both university and polytechnic education and I can tell you that polytechnic graduates have a lot to offer the country.”

He commended the leadership of the association for doing a great work, saying “wevare satisfied with the level of work that you are doing.

“From workshops, we have seen different designs and various machines that are available here for the small and medium scale industries. It is left for the business people to take advantage of the machines.”

The Rector appreciated the association for choosing the institution as part of the places to visit to mark their 2023 CONTECH and AGM.

“We are indeed honoured. Our institution is largely a composition of engineers, technicians and technologists who are contributing their quota in no small way to ensuring that the mandate of the institution is optimally achieved,” he stated.

NAN reports that the theme of the 2023 CONTECH Ibadan is: “Sustenance of Technological Code of Ethics and Engineering Standards, A key for National Development.”

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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FG committed to fair, transparent electoral system – Akume

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, says the Federal Government is committed to fair, transparent and accountable electoral system as foundation of democracy in the country.

Akume stated this while inaugurating the stakeholders’ Roundtable on Policy Oversight for Electoral Integrity in Nigeria, in collaboration with the African Electoral Integrity Initiative on Monday in Abuja.

The body comprises of representative of Independent National Electoral Commission and other election management bodies such as political parties, Civil Society Organisations, Law Enforcement Agencies, media, International Development Partners, is aimed with a common goal to hone, fortify Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, the gathering elucidates the convergence of the nation’s collective interest with a shared vision to uphold the sanctity of its electoral processes.

“It signifies a critical milestone in our collective pursuit of a free, fair, transparent, and equitable electoral system.

The SGF noted further that the primary objective of the forum would be to scrutinise the country’s existing electoral legislations, endeavour to identify best practices that would serve as guidelines for free, fair and transparent elections.

He assured that more efforts would be put in place to make Nigeria elections more effective and efficient by adopting technological tools in the electoral processes.

“I want to emphasise that the responsibility for safeguarding the integrity of our electoral processes rests not only with the government but on all of us.

“Let us work together to uphold the principles of free, fair and transparent electoral system, for the benefit of all Nigerians and the sustainability of our democracy.”

The SGF, however, expressed gratitude of the Federal Government to the Director of the African Electoral Integrity Initiative, Dr Daniel Omofoman, for his unwavering dedication to the cause of political integrity in Nigeria.

He, therefore, charged participants and all Nigerians to join hands in ensuring a brighter and more transparent electoral future for the country.

Speaking on behalf of the inaugurated stakeholders, Dr Daniel Omofoman, assured that the meeting would accord them the opportunity to explore workable solutions and suggestions that would strengthen and revolutionise the nation’s electoral processes, thereby deepening democracy.

Present at the event were the officials from the Office of the Attorney General Federation/ Federal Ministry of Justice, some members of the diplomatic communities, Civil Society Organisations like Yiaga Africa, Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER).

Others were; Flag Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development among other stakeholders.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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MAN, others explore innovation, technology to boost Africa’s manufacturing

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and other stakeholders are set to explore innovation, technology and sustainability strategies aimed at accelerating the entire Africa manufacturing industry.

Otunba Francis Meshioye, President, MAN, said this at a news conference on Monday in Lagos to announce the forthcoming Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that forthcoming eighth NME and ninth NIRAM is in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Meshioye noted that the event was in line with the plans to drive the manufacturing industry towards a prosperous and sustainable future.

He stated that with the ever evolving landscape of disruptive technologies and trends shaping the future, manufacturers must harness these innovations to foster self-sufficiency.

He said the event scheduled for Nov. 21 to 23, 2023 in Lagos would explore innovative strategies, cutting-edge technologies, and sustainable practices to contribute to Africa’s manufacturing ecosystem growth.

“The event theme: “Future Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialisation of Nigeria” highlights the importance of forward-thinking, environmentally responsible, and industry-supportive strategies in manufacturing.

“It is equally essential not to lose sight of the importance of harnessing locally sourced raw materials and availing oneself of critical support services such as financing and logistics.

“This event serves as a pivotal platform for embracing technology to produce our own goods, support sustainable development, and ensure we are not reliant on developed nations.

“We must also remain committed to utilising locally sourced raw materials and leveraging essential support services, including financing and logistics, to drive our manufacturing endeavours and propel us into a prosperous and sustainable future,” he said.

The Director-General, RMRDC, Prof Hussaini Ibrahim, expressed the council’s unwavering commitment to ensuring competitiveness in raw materials and products development.

Ibrahim, represented by Mr John Obekpa, Director, Business Innovation Center, RMRDC, noted that the RMRDC had worked assiduously over the years with stakeholders to increase manufacturers’ access to both basic and secondary raw materials.

He added that it had developed technologies that could produce caustic soda, soap noodles, calcium carbonate, lovastatin, chemicals among others which were hitherto with limited local inputs and heavily imported.

“These innovations and their products would be on display at the expo alongside other local raw materials and products with the hope that a detailed exposê of the nation’s raw materials and their potential to grow the manufacturing sector will be made,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria