BrainBox AI’s Revolutionary Virtual Building Engineer, ARIA, Named One of TIME’s 2024 Best Inventions

ARIA is Recognized for its Positive Impact on Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction

MONTREAL, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BrainBox AI, a pioneer in autonomous and generative AI building technology, is thrilled to announce that its latest innovation, ARIA, has been recognized by TIME as one of the 2024 Best Inventions, in the Sustainability category. This honor acknowledges ARIA’s groundbreaking contribution to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings worldwide.

TIME’s annual list highlights the 200 most innovative products and services that make the world better, smarter, and more sustainable. ARIA was selected for its transformative first-of-its-kind approach leveraging generative AI technology to enhance building efficiency. By using a building’s data and offering a 360-degreee view of the facility, including its systems, components, and sources of energy, ARIA assists building operators to make holistically informed decisions when optimizing the operations and overall efficiency of their building(s). BrainBox AI’s AI Building Optimization solution was also recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2020.

“The validation that our technology first received in 2020 as part of this esteemed list, stood as a global endorsement of our mission to continue pushing boundaries with our forward-thinking approach of using novel AI technology in buildings to fight against climate change” said Jean-Simon Venne, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at BrainBox AI. “With this incredible achievement, ARIA marks a bold new chapter in our mission to revolutionize smart building solutions. Being recognized once again by TIME fuels our commitment to driving sustainability in the built environment, and we are both humbled and proud to lead this journey”.

To compile this year’s list, TIME solicited nominations from TIME editors and correspondents around the world, and through an online application process, paying special attention to growing fields such as health care, AI, and green energy. TIME then evaluated each contender on a number of key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.

Of the new list, TIME’s editors write: “The result is a list of 200 groundbreaking inventions (and 50 special mention inventions)—including the world’s largest computer chip, a humanoid robot joining the workforce, and a bioluminescent houseplant—that are changing how we live, work, play, and think about what’s possible.”

ARIA, the world’s first virtual building engineer, is the next evolution of BrainBox AI’s technology for commercial real estate. Launched in March 2024, it is powered by the latest generative AI technology available through Amazon Bedrock. Much like the legendary partnership between Iron Man and Jarvis, ARIA introduces groundbreaking technology and innovation, positioning itself as an indispensable ally for facility managers. ARIA works seamlessly with existing building systems to optimize energy use in real-time, learning from occupant behavior and external environmental conditions.

Together with BrainBox AI’s core AI Building Optimization technology, ARIA has a momentous impact on building operations management, reducing HVAC energy costs by up to 25% and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%. This innovation not only addresses the industry’s growing demand for energy-efficient solutions but also aligns with global sustainability goals for the built environment. In fact, according to the IEA, commercial buildings account for approximately 38% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually, underscoring the need for BrainBox AI’s suite of decarbonization solutions, which directly addresses this challenge and supports building owners in their journey toward net zero and carbon neutrality.

As part of the TIME Best Inventions list, ARIA will be featured alongside other world-changing innovations. The recognition highlights the importance of sustainability in today’s global landscape and underlines BrainBox AI’s role as a leader in this field.

BrainBox AI is dedicated to continuing the advancement of AI-driven solutions that have a meaningful impact on energy efficiency and climate change. BrainBox AI invites you to discover and experience ARIA firsthand through these engaging short videos.

The full 2024 TIME Best Inventions list is available here.

About BrainBox AI

Founded in 2017, BrainBox AI was created to address the dilemma currently facing the built environment: its energy consumption and significant contribution to climate change. As innovators of the global energy transition, BrainBox AI’s game-changing HVAC technology leverages autonomous AI to make buildings smarter, greener and more efficient. Working together with our trusted global partners, BrainBox AI supports real estate clients in various sectors, including office buildings, hotels, commercial retail, grocery stores, airports and more.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, a global AI hub, our workforce of over 190 employees, bring with them talent from all sectors with the common thread of being in business to heal our planet. BrainBox AI works in collaboration with research partners including MILA – Quebec AI Institute, the Institute for Data Valorization (IVADO) as well as educational institutions including McGill University and The University of Montreal. For more information visit: brainboxai.com.

Contact

Liz Culley-Sullo
Director, Public Relations
l.culley-sullo@brainboxai.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9266135

Hong Kong: Connecting the Middle East along the New Silk Road

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 November 2024 – Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, wrapped up his Middle East visit (October 31) by meeting top officials in Saudi Arabia, witnessing the signing of various bilateral memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and delivering a keynote speech at the “Future Investment Initiative” (FII).

Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, speaks at the Future Investment Initiative Plenary Session.

In his speech at the session titled “Where is the New Silk Road?”, Mr Chan said Hong Kong has actively participated in and benefited from the Belt and Road Initiative, also known as the New Silk Road.

“Over the past decade, Hong Kong has played a vital role in its growth too. For instance, our external trade with Belt and Road economies has increased by around 60 per cent,” Mr Chan said, adding that Hong Kong’s strategic vision to become an international green tech and green finance centre can contribute to the achievement of this common aspiration in many ways.

“First, we can address the funding gap. Hong Kong, as one of the top three international financial centres, along with New York and London, and Asia’s green finance leader, is well positioned to mobilise capital to support the green transition by matching quality projects with funding.

“Second, we can address the technology gap. Hong Kong is home to many green tech start-ups, all sharing the mission to develop technological solutions that combat climate change, which may well fit in the relevant strategies of economies in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region.

“Third, we can address the knowledge gap. That means linking up people, projects and knowledge. Hong Kong is a compact city, yet has solid experience in city planning and operations, and managing large-scale infrastructure projects.”

A number of Hong Kong organisations and enterprises sign co-operation agreements with their Saudi counterparts during the Future Investment Initiative.

While attending the FII, Mr Chan witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between a number of Hong Kong organisations and enterprises with their counterparts in Saudi Arabia. These included an MoU between the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) to jointly establish a new investment fund of up to US$1 billion. This fund will invest in sectors such as manufacturing, renewables, fintech, and healthcare, promoting the development of enterprises from Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in Saudi Arabia, while strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre.

Mr Chan also attended the listing ceremony of the SAB Invest Hang Seng Hong Kong Exchange Traded Fund at the Saudi Exchange. Developed in collaboration with Saudi Awwal Bank’s subsidiary, SAB Invest, this product provides Middle East investors with opportunities to invest in Hong Kong’s capital markets.

“The vision of a Green Silk Road presents a unique opportunity for us to collaborate on fostering sustainable, resilient, and inclusive development for future generations,” Mr Chan said.

Bitget’s Survey Reveals Some Users Prefer Influencer Videos Over Whitepapers to Make Trading Choices

Bitget’s Survey Reveals Some Users Prefer Influencer Videos Over Whitepapers to Make Trading Choices
Bitget's Survey Reveals Some Users Prefer Influencer Videos Over Whitepapers to Make Trading Choices

Bitget’s Survey Reveals Some Users Prefer Influencer Videos Over Whitepapers to Make Trading Choices

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has launched a campaign to celebrate Bitcoin’s 16th Whitepaper Day, with a scintillating theme “Who’s Still Reading Whitepapers?”. This initiative seeks to ignite conversations within the crypto community about the current role of whitepapers in blockchain projects and investment decisions. The event is campaigned around the release of Satoshi Nakamoto’s foundational document and offers an opportunity to reconsider how whitepapers are perceived and whether they remain as influential as they once were in guiding investment strategies and project evaluations.

Survey data gathered by Bitget provides insights into the crypto community’s current views on whitepapers. Of the 5,923 participants surveyed, an overwhelming 92.28% stated that they always read a project’s whitepaper before trading its token, indicating that technical documentation remains crucial for most users. Furthermore, 99.43% of respondents still consider whitepapers necessary, emphasizing their ongoing relevance in establishing a project’s credibility and outlining its foundational principles.

However, the survey also revealed that key opinion leaders (KOLs) play a dominant role in influencing trading decisions. Among participants who do not always read whitepapers, 86.51% rely on KOL recommendations, while only a small percentage turn to research institutions or personal networks. This highlights a growing trend where influencer-driven insights are beginning to compete with whitepaper-based evaluations, reflecting broader shifts in how information is consumed and trusted in the crypto space.

Over the years, whitepapers have been regarded as crucial documents for understanding the technical and strategic intentions of blockchain projects. However, with fast-paced developments in the crypto space, there is growing debate over whether these documents are still a vital tool for investors or if alternative methods of evaluation are taking precedence.
Bitget’s research, supported by surveys and consultations with industry insiders, reveals a range of opinions. Some participants continue to view whitepapers as essential for understanding a project’s foundation and long-term goals. Others argue that the rise of new evaluation metrics, such as market trends, project performance, and development teams, has reduced the reliance on whitepapers, with real-world applications and use cases taking center stage.

Insights gathered from these discussions indicate a shift in how the crypto community approaches project evaluation. By creating a platform for this discourse, Bitget encourages users and professionals alike to rethink the tools and resources used in assessing blockchain projects today. With Bitcoin Whitepaper Day as the theme, this campaign shows the ongoing changes in the industry, inviting the community to look ahead and consider new approaches to evaluating the industry’s most promising innovations.

To learn more about Bitcoin Whitepaper Day, check our tweet here.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin priceEthereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd91260c-97bd-4437-902e-4c75550e371e

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001010844

The Global Observance of World Cities Day 2024 opens in Egypt

Shanghai Coordination Center of World Cities Day

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Observance of World Cities Day 2024 opened in Egypt’s Alexandria on Thursday, which unveiled the English version of the Shanghai Manual · 2024 Annual Report and the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award).

The Global Observance of World Cities Day 2024 opens in Egypt.

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

The Shanghai Award winners are Agadir, Morocco; Thiruvananthapuram, India; Doha, Qatar; Iztapalapa, Mexico and Melbourne, Australia.

Themed “Building a Sustainable Urban Future for All,” this year’s Shanghai Award highlights the development and construction of cities in fields like quality and secure housing for diversified needs, youth leading vibrant communities, innovative development for urban prosperity, and low-carbon and climate resilient urban development, according to Shanghai Coordination Center of World Cities Day.

This year’s Shanghai Award attracted participants from 28 countries and 55 cities. After a joint evaluation by the International Jury, the aforementioned five cities emerged as winners. Fuzhou City, the recipient of the first Shanghai Award, put forward a proposal to establish a global alliance for sustainable urban development at the awarding ceremony.

Shanghai Award, an international award initiated by UN-Habitat and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, serves as an important platform for Shanghai to participate in global governance and promote the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda.

The award aims to recognize cities from various countries that have provided comprehensive solutions and made significant progress in sustainable development, thus contributing to the implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The 12th World Urban Forum is set to take place in Cairo, Egypt from November 4 to 8. On the afternoon of November 5, a thematic side event on “Experiences and Practices of Global Urban Sustainable Development” will be held to focus on promoting the Shanghai Award and other public goods of World Cities Day.

Source: Shanghai Coordination Center of World Cities Day

Ms. Liu, Tel: 86-10-63074558

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9265832

Kaya Skin Clinic and Bien-Etre Ltd Announce Partnership to Develop Skin Personalisation Platform Using DNA Biomarkers and AI

LONDON, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kaya Skin Clinic, a prominent aesthetic clinic chain in the GCC, has partnered with London-based wellness company Bien-Etre Limited to launch a pioneering skin personalisation platform for the Middle Eastern skincare industry. The collaboration aims to harness advanced DNA biomarker technology and Lifestyle AI to offer individuals a deeper understanding of their unique skin profiles, empowering skincare professionals to provide custom treatments and products. This innovative platform is set to launch across the Middle East in 2025.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a major step forward in integrating science-based solutions within the wellness and beauty industry. This collaboration reflects both companies’ shared vision of enhancing skincare with the latest technological advancements and addressing the growing demand for personalized beauty solutions in the region.

Aly Rahimtoola, Founder of Bien-Etre Ltd, commented, “We are thrilled to bring our expertise in skincare technology to the forefront of the UAE’s beauty and wellness industry. Our future partnership with Kaya Skin Clinic will enable clients in the Middle East to make informed skincare decisions, enhancing outcomes by understanding the science behind their unique skin profiles. This initiative underscores our dedication to blending beauty and wellness with cutting-edge scientific innovation.”

For more information about the partnership and the upcoming skin personalisation platform, please contact Kaya Skin Clinic or Bien-Etre Limited.

About Bien-Etre

Bien Etre is an emerging consumer technology company that seeks to provide personalized beauty and wellness solutions that combines cutting-edge science with traditional consumer products. Bien Etre is committed to empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being and live healthier, happier lives.

About Kaya Skin Clinic

Kaya Skin Clinic is an international chain that specialises in dermatological solutions for women and men. They craft personalised experiences around a core of customised treatments that restore, preserve and enhance the essential vitality of skin, hair and body. From the acne of adolescence to the stretch marks of motherhood and the challenges of mature skin, Kaya aims to make you feel your beautiful best at every stage of life. In the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, Kaya Skin Clinic operate 20 clinics.


For more information please contact:
Kaya Skin Clinic
Samina Ghori
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
saminag@kayaclinicme.com

Bien-Etre
Aly Rahimtoola
Founder & Director
aly@bien-etre.ai

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001010766

Riyadh Will Be Ranked Among the World’s Top 10 Cities, SCEGA Chairman Says.

Riyadh: Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) Chairman of the board of directors Fahd bin Abdulmohsen Al-Rasheed has announced that Riyadh is on track to become one of the world’s top 10 cities. He highlighted that Saudi Arabia, a Group of Twenty (G20) economy, is witnessing rapid growth, particularly in its non-oil sectors, which have expanded by 7%.

According to Saudi Press Agency, speaking at the eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh, Al-Rasheed noted that Saudi Vision 2030 has steered the exhibitions and conferences sector into new directions. The Kingdom hosted over 17,000 events in 2023, and he stressed the goal of increasing this number to 40,000 by 2030.

The chairman also pointed to the significance of hosting Expo 2030 under the leadership of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The global event, he stated, will unify nations and exemplify a forward-thinking vision rooted in future aspirations.

Al-Rasheed stated that artificial-intelli
gence (AI) integration is essential as the world moves deeper into the digital age, highlighting the transformative impact of AI on city adaptation and the workforce. He added that events like the FII rely heavily on technical innovation, underscoring the importance of creative thinking and innovation in shaping the future.