Taylor & Francis Pre-Lets Entire 30,000 Sq ft Cantay House in Central Oxford
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 10:45 EDT
Elwood Fund Management secures leading academic publishing occupier for the whole building during early stages of construction works Elwood Fund Management , in partnership with Landid has pre-let the entirety of their central Oxford office development, Cantay House, to Taylor & Francis, a leading international academic publisher. Taylor & Francis, which employs around 2,400 people across 15 countries, will occupy all of the approximately 30,000 sq ft building on completion, transforming it into its main office. The project which started on site in June is due to complete in Q2 2027, with Spratley & Partners as architect and Kingerlee the lead contractor. Originally designed in 1901 by Oxford architect H.J. Tollit, Cantay House is a red-brick period building in the city's West End, close to Oxford railway station and the city centre. The redevelopment and refurbishment will create a highly sustainable building, whilst retaining as much of its original character as possible. Russell Black, Head of Asset Management at Elwood Fund Management , said: " Securing Taylor & Francis for the whole of Cantay House soon after committing to the main construction contract is a strong endorsement of both the building and our approach to its repositioning. The successful pre-letting further supports our belief in the strength of those markets which are strong in the knowledge economy and innovation. Our objective is to retain the character that makes Cantay House distinctive while substantially improving its environmental performance, services and amenity. This agreement gives us the opportunity to deliver that vision for a major long-term occupier." James Silver, Managing Director at Landid , added: "Cantay House presents an unusual opportunity to create modern office space within a building with genuine architectural character in the centre of Oxford. The design has been led by the existing building rather than working against it, retaining its period qualities while making significant interventions to its services, circulation and shared spaces. "Having this commitment from Taylor & Francis so early in the project will enable us to move forward with a clear understanding of how the completed building will be occupied to best fit their needs." Once completed the building will target BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. There will be a reconfigured core and circulation areas, alongside a new reception, communal ground floor courtyard and second-floor terrace. Cantay House will also provide 40 cycle spaces and seven parking spaces. Stuart Blackley, Executive Vice President of Operations at Taylor & Francis , said: "Taylor & Francis is excited for our move to Cantay House, placing the main office of our global publishing business right in the centre of Oxford. Cantay House represents an incredible opportunity to create a modern office environment for our colleagues and also to provide accessible spaces where local and international researchers, and members of the public, can engage with academic and professional knowledge in ways that will benefit our authors, partners, and the local economy." Savills advised Elwood Fund Management. JLL acted on behalf of Taylor & Francis. - ENDS -
DRUID AI EXPANDS ENTERPRISE AGENTIC AI PLATFORM WITH VOICE ENHANCEMENTS, AGENT INTEROPERABILITY AND GOVERNANCE CAPABILITIES
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 10:38 EDT
- As AI shifts from answering questions to completing work, new releases help enterprises move agents from pilot to production with governance and auditability built in - Druid AI today announced new voice, agent interoperability, governance and evaluation capabilities that help enterprises move AI agents from experimentation into governed, production workflows. The updates will be showcased at Symbiosis 5: Agentic Enterprise , Druid's annual customer and partner event in London on October 20, where customers will share how they're putting AI Agents to work in production. Highlighting these updated capabilities, Joe Kim , CEO of Druid AI , said, "The market has spent the last two years talking about models; enterprises care about something different. They want to know whether an agent completed the task, followed the rules and delivered a result the business can trust: appointments booked, hours saved, revenue generated. That's why we built governance, orchestration and auditability into the platform itself." This is supported in McKinsey's latest State of AI report, in which only 37% of respondents said that AI has contributed positively to EBIT, essentially unchanged from 2025. Just 6% qualified as McKinsey's AI "high performers", meaning they attribute at least 5% of EBIT to AI and report significant value from it. Extracting value from AI is about changing how work gets done and changing how value is determined, from activity to completed work, which is why Druid measures success by completed business outcomes, not call deflection or activity volume. "Our AI agent, IRIS, was built to support the patient journey and now completes 75% of our NHS cataract pre-operative assessments and manages 45% of first outpatient bookings, all with 95% patient satisfaction," said Viraaj Sharma , AI & Transformation Leader at Optegra Eye Health Care . "For us, that's the real value of responsible AI in healthcare: better access for patients, and human intervention where it matters most. When a patient raises a clinical concern or falls outside the automated pathway, IRIS routes them straight back to our teams." Druid's voice, agent interoperability, governance and evaluation capabilities include: Purpose-tuned voice models that incorporate industry-specific terminology and regulatory language, where agents connect natively to contact center platforms and core industry systems, including electronic health records, core banking, policy administration and student information systems. Druid MCP connects external agents to line-of-business applications while keeping orchestration, governance and business logic within Druid. Enterprises can also orchestrate agents built with Microsoft Copilot Studio, Claude SDK, OpenAI SDK, LangChain and more, alongside Druid-native agents, and a new Claude skill extends Druid Authoring while keeping the platform model-agnostic. Prebuilt, industry-specific agents for healthcare, banking, insurance, higher education and retail are orchestrated by the Druid Conductor. Teams can extend these or build from scratch with Druid AI Authoring Agents, which create and refine agents in natural language with human review before deployment. Druid's AI agent reference model defines 26 inspectable, measurable components covering an agent's mandate, capabilities, skills, tools, tasks and outputs, so organizations can measure effectiveness and see how agents are configured, behave and perform in production. The approach draws on Druid's AI Benchmark Report , which examined channel preferences, peak demand patterns, and operational outcomes across deployments. Highlights will be shared live at Symbiosis 5, along with customers including Haier, Axa, SpaMedica, Sellwerk, Advanced Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Clinics, Banca Transilvania, Optegra, American College of Antigua, Incline P&C, and more, alongside partners including Microsoft, Org, Accenture, RSM, and Genpact. Registration and agenda are available at druidai.com/symbiosis5 . ENDS Druid AI - https://www.druidai.com/ Druid AI delivers AI that works. Proven, industry-ready AI Agents for Higher Education, Healthcare, Retail, Banking, and Insurance, built on a best-in-class Conversational AI Platform. Druid helps organizations deploy always-on, policy-accurate agents across chat, SMS, voice, and email that automate end-to-end customer and employee journeys while integrating seamlessly with existing enterprise systems. With reusable workflows, content packs and embedded multilingual capability, Druid enables secure, governed automation at enterprise scale. Founded in 2018, Druid AI supports 350+ clients globally and an ecosystem of 250+ partners.
Taylor & Francis pre-lets entire 30,000 sq ft Cantay House in central Oxford
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 10:34 EDT
Taylor & Francis pre-lets entire 30,000 sq ft Cantay House in central Oxford Elwood Fund Management secures leading academic publishing occupier for the whole building during early stages of construction works Oxford, 14 th October 2026: Elwood Fund Management , in partnership with Landid has pre-let the entirety of their central Oxford office development, Cantay House, to Taylor & Francis, a leading international academic publisher. Taylor & Francis, which employs around 2,400 people across 15 countries, will occupy all of the approximately 30,000 sq ft building on completion, transforming it into its main office. The project which started on site in June is due to complete in Q2 2027, with Spratley & Partners as architect and Kingerlee the lead contractor. Originally designed in 1901 by Oxford architect H.J. Tollit, Cantay House is a red-brick period building in the city's West End, close to Oxford railway station and the city centre. The redevelopment and refurbishment will create a highly sustainable building, whilst retaining as much of its original character as possible. Russell Black, Head of Asset Management at Elwood Fund Management , said: " Securing Taylor & Francis for the whole of Cantay House soon after committing to the main construction contract is a strong endorsement of both the building and our approach to its repositioning. The successful pre-letting further supports our belief in the strength of those markets which are strong in the knowledge economy and innovation. Our objective is to retain the character that makes Cantay House distinctive while substantially improving its environmental performance, services and amenity. This agreement gives us the opportunity to deliver that vision for a major long-term occupier." James Silver, Managing Director at Landid , added: "Cantay House presents an unusual opportunity to create modern office space within a building with genuine architectural character in the centre of Oxford. The design has been led by the existing building rather than working against it, retaining its period qualities while making significant interventions to its services, circulation and shared spaces. "Having this commitment from Taylor & Francis so early in the project will enable us to move forward with a clear understanding of how the completed building will be occupied to best fit their needs." Once completed the building will target BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. There will be a reconfigured core and circulation areas, alongside a new reception, communal ground floor courtyard and second-floor terrace. Cantay House will also provide 40 cycle spaces and seven parking spaces. Stuart Blackley, Executive Vice President of Operations at Taylor & Francis , said: "Taylor & Francis is excited for our move to Cantay House, placing the main office of our global publishing business right in the centre of Oxford. Cantay House represents an incredible opportunity to create a modern office environment for our colleagues and also to provide accessible spaces where local and international researchers, and members of the public, can engage with academic and professional knowledge in ways that will benefit our authors, partners, and the local economy." Savills advised Elwood Fund Management. JLL acted on behalf of Taylor & Francis. - ENDS -
Niagara Parks to Partner with EMM Williams Productions to Host World Premiere of AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 10:30 EDT
Brand-new multi-sensory experience AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa inspired by James Cameron's Avatar franchise transports audiences into the breathtaking world of Pandora Licensed by Disney Theatrical Group, the immersive walkthrough experience promises a seamless blend of live performance art, captivating narrative and state-of-the-art immersive technology Produced by Montreal-based entertainment company EMM Williams Productions, experienced collaborator with global brands Design and Creative production by Moment Factory, a Montreal-based global entertainment studio pioneering new forms of collective experiences since 2001 World premiere slated for May 2027, to be hosted by Niagara Parks in Niagara Falls, Canada Niagara Parks is pleased to announce that it will be partnering with EMM Williams Productions to host the world premiere of a brand-new, immersive theatrical production, AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa , a Magic Walk™ experience inspired by James Cameron's Avatar franchise. AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa is the latest innovation in live entertainment -an original immersive storytelling experience developed by IMMEX and produced by EMM Williams Productions, designed by Moment Factory, under license from Disney Theatrical Group and Lightstorm Entertainment Inc. This ambitious project developed by a visionary international creative team will bring Pandora's vibrant world to audiences across the globe. AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa is an immersive Pandoran saga that unfolds through multi-sensory environments, inviting guests to journey deeper into a beautiful and mysterious world through story, discovery and connection. The journey culminates in a live acrobatic show celebrating the power of connection and the spirit of life itself. The new production was developed by EMM Williams Productions, a Montreal-based global entertainment company specializing in live shows, immersive experiences and international touring productions, with Moment Factory, a global leader in immersive and location-based experiences, leading the design and creative production. The project is supported by significant private investment, as well as funding from the Government of Canada's Creative Export Canada program (Export Ready stream), underscoring the strength of Canadian creative innovation and its export potential in premium live entertainment. The world premiere of AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa will take place in Niagara Falls, Canada, commencing a multi-show engagement in the destination before continuing on to other venues around the world. The opening date for AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa is May 17, 2027. Niagara Parks will host the production at a performance site at Table Rock Centre with shows running through to early September 2027. Additional details, including ticket release dates, will be announced in the coming months. Audiences can stay informed by signing up for the waitlist through Fever, the production's official ticketing provider, at https://feverup.com/m/788048 . Digital assets including concept renderings* are available here . *Visuals are preliminary concept renderings and may evolve as the project progresses. Quotes "Niagara Falls has inspired awe for generations, and this groundbreaking new production will match that sense of wonder on an entirely new stage. We are proud to welcome a world-class experience that will redefine entertainment in our destination, attract visitors from around the world and showcase Niagara Falls as a place where iconic natural beauty and extraordinary experiences come together." - Graham Coveney, Niagara Parks Chair " AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa is a defining moment for our company and for the future of immersive live entertainment. We are incredibly proud to bring this world premiere to life in Niagara Falls alongside Disney Theatrical Group, Lightstorm Entertainment, IMMEX, Moment Factory and Niagara Parks. This production showcases the creativity, innovation and world-class talent that Canada has to offer, and marks the beginning of an exciting global journey for Magic Walk™. We look forward to welcoming audiences into the breathtaking world of Pandora through an experience unlike anything they have seen before." - Tony Haswani, President of EMM Williams Productions "We are thrilled to help bring this one-of-a-kind experience to life, combining beautiful multimedia environments with live acrobatics. Our team, for the design and the creative production, had the privilege of diving deep into the world of AVATAR to help craft an authentic experience for Niagara Falls visitors. A sincere thank you to EMM Williams Productions for inviting us to collaborate, and to Disney Theatrical Group and Lightstorm Entertainment for trusting us with their iconic story world." - Jonathan St-Onge, Executive Director, Moment Factory, Originals "Ontario's tourism landscape continues to grow, with new attractions and experiences giving visitors from near and far more reasons to explore our province. Bringing AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa to Niagara Falls for its world premiere builds on our Destination Niagara strategy by adding an exciting new attraction to the region and strengthening Niagara and Ontario's place as a world-class destination." - Zee Hamid, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming About AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa is an immersive walkthrough experience that transports guests into the world of Pandora. It is the first experience of its kind to combine large-scale multimedia environments with live acrobatics in one continuous journey. Guests begin by freely exploring the Rainforest and Coastal Reef environments, where state-of-the-art interactive installations allow them to engage with captivating Pandoran flora and fauna. They are then immersed in a narrative acrobatics show that traces the Na'vi cycle of life through spectacular acts, dynamic choreography, and rich cinematics. Visitors will emerge from Pandora with a greater sense of community and connectivity with each other and the world around them. About Magic Walk™ and Its Creators Developed in Québec, Magic Walk™ is a next-generation immersive entertainment format that blends large-scale narrative design, advanced multimedia technologies, environmental storytelling, robotics, and live artistic performance into a fully integrated audience journey. Structured as a multi-chapter experience culminating in a shared live theatrical finale, the format is designed for global deployment across a wide range of venues while maintaining a unified creative vision. Magic Walk™ is owned by IMMEX and produced by Montréal-based EMM Williams Productions, a global entertainment company founded in 2003 specializing in live shows, immersive experiences, and international touring productions. About EMM Williams Productions Founded in 2003, EMM Williams Productions is a Montréal-based global entertainment company specializing in live shows, immersive experiences, and international touring productions. With decades of expertise spanning acrobatic performance, large-scale multimedia environments, and live event creation, EMM has collaborated with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including Moment Factory, Fever, Notre Dame de Paris, Fuerza Bruta, and leading creative studios worldwide. EMM has also produced major cultural and sporting events such as the equestrian show Cavalero, the Opening Ceremony of the Dakar Rally, and promotional concerts for artists including Céline Dion, Shakira and Scorpions. About IMMEX IMMEX is the owner of Magic Walk™, a next-generation immersive entertainment format designed to combine narrative, technology, robotics, and live performance into a fully integrated audience experience. Conceived as a flexible, traveling format, Magic Walk™ is designed for global deployment across a wide range of venues while maintaining a unified creative vision. About Moment Factory Moment Factory is a global entertainment studio pioneering new forms of collective experiences. For 25 years, its multidisciplinary team has worked at the forefront of creativity and technology to inspire wonder and real-world connection. Combining expertise in immersive storytelling, interactive and game design, multimedia scenography, music, lighting, and special effects, the studio has delivered over 600 projects worldwide, including its Lumina Night Walk and AURA series. Headquartered in Montreal, with offices in Paris, Tokyo, New York, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, Moment Factory is actively shaping the destinations of tomorrow. Its work includes collaborations with clients such as Disney, Billie Eilish, Universal Studios, Miral, FIFA, Real Madrid C.F. and Meow Wolf. momentfactory.com About Disney Theatrical Group DISNEY THEATRICAL GROUP (DTG), a division of The Walt Disney Studios led by Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, brings the stories you love to life through stage productions, arena shows, and immersive experiences. Each year, DTG reaches nearly 40 million guests across 300 cities on five continents, with hundreds of millions entertained around the globe since the company's inception in 1994. DTG oversees a growing global portfolio including arena spectaculars such as Disney On Ice; family touring productions including Disney Junior Live On Tour: Let's Play! ; immersive and experiential attractions such as Mundo Pixar Experience ; Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail; Avatar: Guardians of Eywa ; The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Sphere and Secret Cinema's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure . Alongside this work, Disney Theatrical Group has become one of the most successful theatre producers in the world. Its New York productions include The Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen, Newsies , Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida, TARZAN® , Mary Poppins (co-produced with Cameron Mackintosh), The Little Mermaid and Peter and the Starcatcher . Additional stage ventures include the current North American tour of Beauty and the Beast , the Olivier Award-nominated Shakespeare in Love, Hercules , stage productions of Disney's High School Musical, Der Glöckner von Notre Dame in Berlin and King David in concert on Broadway. About Niagara Parks Since its establishment in 1885, Niagara Parks has remained a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, entrusted to preserve and protect the land surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. Today, Niagara Parks boasts gardens, a horticulture school, recreation, golf courses, restaurants, heritage and historic sites, gift shops and, of course, Niagara Falls. In short, natural landscapes, history, family fun, hiking, culinary delights, attractions and adventure. Stay Connected: Facebook: @NiagaraParks Instagram: @niagaraparks Twitter/X: @NiagaraParks #NiagaraParks For more information, please visit niagaraparks.com or contact:
SGS Reports on US CPSC Proposal to Classify Certain Window Coverings as Substantial Product Hazards
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 10:05 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 135.26 on a proposal by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to designate certain corded window coverings as substantial product hazards (SPHs). On September 24, 2026, the CPSC published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend its Substantial Product Hazard List for window covering cords. The proposal would expand the list of hazardous cord configurations deemed to present a substantial product hazard under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). The proposal aims to reduce the risk of strangulation for children eight years of age and younger associated with accessible window covering cords. It builds on the CPSC's 2022 SPH rule and reflects revisions incorporated into ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022. Under the proposal, certain stock and custom window coverings that do not comply with specified ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 requirements relating to cord safety, product design and labeling would be deemed substantial product hazards. The proposed rule is open for public comment until November 23, 2026. If finalized, manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of window coverings may need to review product designs, labeling and compliance programs to ensure conformity with the proposed requirements. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 135.26 provides additional information on the proposal, affected products and potential implications for industry. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 135.26 for more information. SGS Furniture Services SGS helps you deliver well-designed, functional, durable and safe products to your customers. We have the furniture industry, regulatory and technical expertise to check your products' compliance against relevant standards and/or your own specifications. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's Furniture Services: SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full US CPSC Issues NPRM to Designate Certain Window Coverings a Substantial Product Hazard SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information contact: Dennis Lancion Consumer and Retail, Technical Manager, Hardlines Tel: +1 (905) 364-3757 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
SGS Reports on Health Canada's Button and Coin Battery Safety Update
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 09:55 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 134.26 on Health Canada's addition of button and coin battery products and their packaging to Table 3 under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) general prohibitions approach. On September 18, 2026, Health Canada updated Table 3 to include products containing button or coin batteries, together with button and coin battery packaging. The update identifies safety performance criteria that affected products and packaging must meet, or an equivalent level of safety. Button and coin batteries present a significant ingestion hazard, particularly for young children. When swallowed, they can become lodged in the esophagus and cause severe internal burns, long-term injury or death. To address these risks, Health Canada determined that additional safety measures are required. The requirements apply to products containing button or coin batteries, as well as battery packaging, and reference recognized safety standards covering product design, packaging and labeling. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and brand owners must ensure affected products comply with the applicable performance criteria before being placed on the Canadian market. The Table 3 update became effective on September 18, 2026. While the update does not create new regulations, products and packaging that fail to meet the identified safety criteria may be considered a danger to human health or safety under the CCPSA and could be subject to compliance or enforcement action. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 134.26 provides additional information on the requirements, applicable standards and implications for affected supply chain participants. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 134.26 for more information. SGS battery testing services SGS offers a comprehensive range of battery testing and compliance services to help manufacturers and suppliers demonstrate product safety and conformity with applicable regulatory requirements. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS battery testing services. Learn more about SGS's Battery Testing Services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Health Canada Adds Button and Coin Battery Products and Packaging to CCPSA General Prohibition Table 3 SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact: Dennis Lancion Technical Manager - Hardlines +1 905 364 3757 Website: www.sgs.com/connectivity LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
SGS SafeGuardS Highlights UK Proposal to Update Toy Safety Standards
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 09:49 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 133.26 on a UK proposal to update designated toy safety standards that provide presumption of conformity with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 in Great Britain. On September 23, 2026, the UK's Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) issued a proposal to amend the list of designated toy safety standards for Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). The proposal would replace EN 71-4:2020 with EN 71-4:2020+A1:2025 for experimental chemistry sets and introduce two new standards covering formamide in foam toy materials and certain chlorinated phosphorus flame retardants in toy materials. If adopted, the changes would take effect on October 22, 2026, unless the proposal is withdrawn or revised before that date. The proposal may impact manufacturers, importers, retailers and other stakeholders across the toy supply chain in Great Britain. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 133.26 provides additional information on the proposed changes and their implications for the toy industry. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 133.26 for more information. SGS toy and juvenile product services SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children's equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought onto the market. After all, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's toy and juvenile product services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full UK Proposes Updates to Toy Safety Standards for Great Britain SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information contact: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
Shared Responsibility, Divided Priorities: New Research Exposes Enterprise Workforce Disconnect
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 09:34 EDT
- With no single department taking the lead, enterprise organizations risk losing control of workforce costs, compliance and visibility as responsibilities become increasingly fragmented - One in four enterprise organisations lack full alignment between HR and Procurement when making contingent workforce decisions, raising concerns that fragmented responsibilities could undermine efforts to build more agile, cost-effective workforces, according to new global research from People2.0 . The study of 700 senior HR and Procurement decision-makers across the US, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Australia and India found that over a quarter (25%) of organisations describe the relationship between the two functions as only somewhat aligned or worse, while over a third (39%) identify internal alignment as a major challenge in managing their contingent workforce. The findings show that responsibility for managing contingent workers is increasingly spread across different departments, but teams are not always working together effectively. Workforce Procurement, Talent Acquisition and HR now have the greatest influence over contingent workforce decisions, with between 55% and 58% of respondents rating each function as having a high or primary role in decision-making . However, there is no clear consensus over who should take the lead, with just 17% identifying Workforce Procurement as the primary decision-maker, with the same proportion citing Talent Acquisition, while 16% point to HR. Finance and Legal also play a role, adding further complexity to how contingent workforce programmes are managed. Matt Fryer , Regional Director EMEA at People2.0 , commented on the findings, "Organizations are still working out who in the business is ultimately responsible for managing contingent labor, and it frequently falls in the gap between HR and Procurement. Many organizations simply do not have a centralized view of their contingent workforce, which means they lack the data needed to manage it effectively. A growing trend is a specialized management function that blends procurement, HR, recruitment and compliance into one centralized team." Bringing more departments into workforce decisions should encourage collaboration, but different priorities can make that difficult. HR and Talent Acquisition tend to focus on people, skills and workforce experience, while Procurement is more concerned with costs, contracts and supplier relationships. Unless responsibilities are clearly defined, teams can end up working towards different goals. This can create problems well beyond the departments involved. Inconsistent onboarding, gaps in worker classification and compliance, and limited visibility over workforce costs and performance can all result from a lack of coordination. And as contingent workers make up a larger share of the workforce, these issues become increasingly difficult to manage. Three-quarters (75%) of respondents say contractors, freelancers and temporary workers account for at least 11% of their workforce, while 43% report that contingent workers represent more than 20%. Christie Heintz, Senior Program Director, Shared Services at People2.0 , explained why managing an increasingly complex contingent workforce requires clearer ownership, "Managing a contingent workforce program used to look a lot simpler. A hiring manager knew who they wanted, picked up the phone, and had someone starting Monday. Today, organizations have had to get serious about how these programs actually run. Procurement manages cost and contracts, HR manages classification and onboarding, legal manages risk and technology platforms manage the data. The most successful enterprise programs have a dedicated internal team that owns the contingent labour function." The research also reveals differences in workforce governance across international markets. Organisations in India report the highest levels of collaboration between HR, Procurement and Talent Acquisition, alongside the strongest alignment between HR and Procurement among the six countries surveyed. While approaches vary between countries, the challenge for enterprises is much the same: making sure everyone involved in workforce decisions is working towards the same goals. "As reliance on contingent talent grows, closer coordination between HR, Procurement and Talent Acquisition will be critical to avoiding fragmented processes, improving visibility and ensuring workforce strategies deliver the flexibility businesses need," concluded Heintz . The State of Contingent Workforce Management Report, Enterprise Edition is available to download via the People 2.0 website . ENDS About the research This research comprised a quantitative online survey of 700 senior business decision-makers working within enterprise organisations (500+ employees and annual revenues of $100M+) across six key markets: the USA, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Australia and India. The study focused exclusively on senior business decision-makers in HR and Procurement professionals, as these functions played a central role in contingent workforce strategy and management. Respondents were also screened using additional qualification questions to ensure they had direct responsibility for, or influence over, contingent workforce decisions. The sample was weighted towards North America (USA: 200 respondents; Canada: 100 respondents), with 100 respondents surveyed in each of the remaining markets, providing a total sample of 700. At a 95% confidence level, this delivered an overall margin of error of approximately ±3.7%, making the findings robust for identifying global market trends and comparing the perspectives of HR and Procurement professionals. The research explored the challenges enterprise organisations faced in managing contingent workforces, identified which functions held the greatest influence over workforce decisions, and examined the key factors shaping contingent workforce strategies across large organisations. The analysis focused primarily on the overall findings, with comparative insights between HR and Procurement respondents where statistically appropriate Media contacts: Anthony Monks ITPR people2.0@itpr.co.uk +44(0) 207 183 8200 +44(0) 7842 386 809 About People 2.0: https://www.people20.com/ People2.0 is a global provider of workforce compliance and payroll services for enterprises and talent suppliers, including staffing firms, search and recruiting firms, mass talent entities, and professional services firms. People2.0 helps these businesses navigate employment, labour, and tax regulations across the world. Specializing in worker classification and compliance, People2.0's employer of record (EOR) and agent of record (AOR) services streamline talent placement operations, correctly classify workers, and facilitate international placements. Whether hiring locally or globally, People2.0 empowers enterprises and talent suppliers of all sizes to engage the contingent workforce, keeping businesses compliant with local and international regulations. Using its global network of in-country experts, People2.0 enables its partners to hire any worker, anywhere, in any arrangement. These services help businesses in 130+ countries grow faster, operate more profitably, and expand globally.
The Winter Beauty Staple That Comes from the Sea, Not the Lab
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 07:48 EDT
Central heating, biting wind and the first proper frost: skin notices all three long before the rest of us do. Lower temperatures, indoor heating and changed in humidity can leave it dry and uncomfortable, and plenty of people start rethinking their winter routine as a result. For The Moss Way , the answer to that tight, worn-out feeling starts on the west coast of Ireland, in cold Atlantic water. That's where Irish sea moss grows. It is harvested seasonally by small-scale harvesters, and The Moss Way sends its harvest for laboratory testing. The results show iodine, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, vitamins A and C, B vitamins and a spread of trace minerals, all occurring naturally. There are soluble fibre and mucilage too, which is what turns prepared sea moss into a gel. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and helps protect cells from oxidative stress, while zinc and vitamin A both help maintain normal skin. Sea moss delivers them together, as part of a wholefood source - with no lab involved! Prepared as a gel, sea moss can also go directly onto the skin, as well as being taken as a food product. That gives people two ways to use the same ingredient, which suits anyone who would rather keep their beauty shelf close to nature. "Every winter, people start noticing what the cold is doing to their skin," said Harry Morgan, founder of The Moss Way. "A lot of the focus is on complicated routines, but plenty of people just want something simple and natural. "You can have sea moss as part of a balanced diet or use it on your skin, so there's more than one way to make it part of your routine, and you can pick whichever suits you." For The Moss Way, where sea moss comes from matters as much as what's in it. It grows naturally in pristine Atlantic waters and is gathered season by season by small harvesters along Ireland's west coast. Nothing about it is manufactured: it's all natural, an ingredient people recognise and can trace back to source. Sea moss offers a way to bring naturally occurring nutrients into a daily beauty and wellbeing routine - and a good reason to look at what the Atlantic has to offer. For more information, visit www.themossway.co.uk .
Resonant Clinical Solutions and Haier Biomedical Introduce an Innovative Benchtop Centrifuge with a Natural Refrigerant
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 05:59 EDT
Resonant Clinical Solutions - a global clinical solutions partner serving life sciences organizations across the clinical supply chain and sample lifecycle - and Haier Biomedical - a trusted leader in reliable and sustainable laboratory equipment - have launched an innovative benchtop centrifuge using a natural refrigerant. The hydrocarbon-cooled LX-60T100R is specifically designed for clinical trials use, with new features that reduce its environmental impact and overcome constraints that have previously limited equipment in this category. The reengineered centrifuge is the result of an ongoing partnership between the two companies. The strategic collaboration combined Haier Biomedical's engineering expertise with Resonant's clinical trials knowledge to create a modern, user-centric instrument. Importantly, the centrifuge complies with upcoming legislation further restricting the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) - historically used as refrigerants in laboratory instruments - due to their significant global warming potential (GWP). The jointly developed centrifuge directly addresses this challenge, and is available more than two years ahead of critical industry deadlines in Europe and the U.S.
UK Sickness Absence Hits 15-year High, With Musculoskeletal Issues Among the Biggest Causes
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 04:59 EDT
New research from the CIPD shows UK workplace absences have climbed to an average of 9.4 days per employee per year - the highest level in more than fifteen years. Musculoskeletal issues remain among the most cited health conditions affecting staff. Pallet Trucks UK says the figures are a useful prompt for e-commerce and fulfilment businesses to revisit their manual handling risk assessments, rather than treating them as a box ticked once and forgotten. For fast-growing online retailers in particular, risk assessments completed when an operation was smaller or slower often don't reflect how the business runs now. Order volumes rise, picking rates increase, and the physical demands placed on staff moving stock around a fulfilment space can change considerably without anyone formally reassessing whether the equipment - such as pallet trucks , stackers and lift tables - and processes in place still match the risk. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, "Absence figures like this may be read as purely HR statistics, but for anyone running a warehouse or fulfilment operation, there's a much more practical question underneath it. If musculoskeletal issues are genuinely one of the biggest drivers of time off work nationally, it's worth asking whether your own manual handling risk assessment still reflects what's happening on your floor today. "We talk to a lot of growing e-commerce businesses where the risk assessment was done early on, when order volumes were a fraction of what they are now. Nobody goes back and checks whether the equipment that was fine for twenty orders a day is still appropriate for two hundred. "It doesn't need to be a huge exercise. Looking honestly at whether staff are handling more stock, more often, or for longer stretches than when the assessment was last written is a reasonable starting point, and it often points fairly quickly to where equipment, not just process, needs to catch up." With absence at its highest level in over fifteen years, this feels like exactly the moment to make sure handling equipment isn't contributing to a problem that's already costing businesses nationally. For more information, please visit: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk .
SGS Focuses on Worker Health in the Textile Industry
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 04:21 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a Consumer Compact article highlighting the dangers of hazardous substances in the textile and apparel industry. With regulatory focus on the environmental impact of carbon emissions, water use and waste management in the softlines sector intensifying, worker health can sometimes receive less attention. The article highlights the importance of controlling hazardous chemicals used in dyeing, finishing and coating processes to help prevent long-term occupational health risks. Identifying the risks The article explores common issues identified in textile facilities, including inadequate ventilation, unsafe chemical handling and storage practices, insufficient training and a lack of structured occupational health programs and exposure monitoring. Exploring the S.T.O.P principle A key tool in risk mitigation is the S.T.O.P. principle: substitution, technical controls, organizational measures and personal protective equipment (PPE). The article explains how robust management systems applied effectively can help facilities identify, control and reduce workplace risks more effectively, and also examines the benefits of a systems-based approach to occupational health and safety management. bluesign solution The bluesign System helps facilities identify, manage and reduce occupational health risks through a comprehensive approach to chemical management and facility performance. By evaluating worker safety alongside environmental performance, resource productivity, emergency preparedness and social responsibility, bluesign, an SGS company, provides a structured framework for assessing how chemical risks are managed in practice. The article also highlights the bluesign CMR Solvent Phaseout Program, which supports manufacturers in reducing reliance on higher-risk substances while promoting safer workplaces and more responsible chemical management practices. Read the full article, ' Why Textile Sustainability Must Include Worker Health '. For further information, contact: Barbara Oswald Chief Commercial Officer Tel: +41 (71) 272 29 90 Website: www.bluesign.com LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
SGS Demystifies CPSC eFiling
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 04:14 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a Consumer Compact article on eFiling requirements for the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Product Registry. Understanding trade party management, certification versioning and upload controls are essential for organizations preparing for CPSC eFiling requirements. Effective data and system management can help reduce errors, improve efficiency and support compliance with CPSC expectations. The article includes key questions on mail shipments, trade party management, certificate versioning and preserving accurate certificate histories, while also providing guidance on controls for reliable uploads. From October 22, 2026, international mail shipments requiring certificates of compliance must support CPSC eFiling through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and organizations must establish accurate and reusable trade party records while maintaining documented change-control procedures and robust data management processes. The article outlines best practices to avoid errors and ensure data quality. SGS solutions With practical operational controls and strategies such as certificate data review, testing and certification support, workflow assessment, data field mapping and upload-readiness checks, SGS helps businesses meet CPSC eFiling requirements. The SGS SMART digital platform supports compliance, data management and supply chain transparency, enabling efficient compliance processes tailored to the client's products, certification model and system environment. Read the full article, '11 Questions to Improve eFiling Data Management for the US CPSC Product Registry '. For further information, contact: Kelly Peng Technical Manager, Hardlines Tel: +86 (0)755 2532 8242 Dr. Min Zhu Senior Director, Technical Services and Operations, Softlines, US and Canada Tel: +1 (97) 346-11230 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
CARE Project and LympheDIVAS Donate Nearly $100,000 in Compression Garments to Breast Cancer Survivors
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 22:10 EDT
Since 2017, the partnership has supplied stylish, medical-grade sleeves, gauntlets and gloves to survivors from the Inland Empire to Australia During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The CARE Project, Inc. is drawing attention to an often-overlooked challenge of survivorship: lymphedema, a lifelong condition that many people continue to manage long after breast cancer treatment ends. Since 2017, LympheDIVAS has donated more than $98,812 in compression sleeves, gauntlets and gloves to the Inland Empire nonprofit. The CARE Project has distributed the garments to patients across the United States and has shipped them as far as Australia. Lymphedema can develop when surgery or radiation damages or removes lymph vessels and nodes in the armpit, breast or chest. With fewer pathways available, lymph fluid may accumulate and cause swelling, often in the arm. Compression garments help manage that swelling and are an essential part of daily care for many survivors. "People hear the word 'survivor' and assume the hard part is over," said Carrie Madrid, President and Founder of The CARE Project, Inc. "But for so many of us, lymphedema is a daily reminder that never goes away. I had 28 lymph nodes removed from my left arm, so I know firsthand what it means to live with the swelling, discomfort and constant management. No survivor should have to go without the compression garments they need." Although the garments are medically necessary, insurance coverage can be limited. Some policies do not cover them, while others cover only one garment per year. Standard options can also be scratchy, hot and available only in plain beige, making them uncomfortable for daily use and a visible reminder of illness. LympheDIVAS offers a different experience. Its garments provide medical-grade compression while being comfortable, stylish and suitable for people of any gender. "When someone opens a package from us and sees a sleeve that is truly beautiful, you can watch their shoulders drop," Madrid said. "It may sound small, but wearing something that helps you feel like yourself again, rather than like a patient. It can change how you face each day. That is what LympheDIVAS has made possible for our survivors, and we are deeply grateful for the partnership." The collaboration is one of several partnerships The CARE Project has developed to support people diagnosed with breast cancer. It also demonstrates how a small, community-based organization can extend its impact far beyond the region it serves. "We may be a small nonprofit, but we have never thought small," Madrid said. "Partnerships like this allow us to meet survivors where they are, whether they live down the street or on the other side of the world." Survivors living with lymphedema who need compression garments-as well as individuals and organizations interested in supporting the program-are encouraged to contact The CARE Project, Inc. About LympheDIVAS LympheDIVAS was founded by two young breast cancer survivors who developed lymphedema after treatment and found the available compression sleeves rough, heavy and unattractive. Working with a fashion designer, they created breathable, elegant garments designed for everyday life. Today, the women-owned company continues its work by producing medical-grade compression sleeves, gauntlets, gloves and socks that are seamless, moisture-wicking and made in the United States. Learn more at www.lymphedivas.com .
Small Nonprofit, Big Partnership: The CARE Project and LympheDIVAS Provide Nearly $100,000 in Compression Garments to Breast Cancer Survivors
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 19:05 EDT
Since 2017, the partnership has supplied stylish, medical-grade sleeves, gauntlets and gloves to survivors from the Inland Empire to Australia RIVERSIDE, CALIF. - During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The CARE Project, Inc. is drawing attention to an often-overlooked challenge of survivorship: lymphedema, a lifelong condition that many people continue to manage long after breast cancer treatment ends. Since 2017, LympheDIVAS has donated more than $98,812 in compression sleeves, gauntlets and gloves to the Inland Empire nonprofit. The CARE Project has distributed the garments to patients across the United States and has shipped them as far as Australia. Lymphedema can develop when surgery or radiation damages or removes lymph vessels and nodes in the armpit, breast or chest. With fewer pathways available, lymph fluid may accumulate and cause swelling, often in the arm. Compression garments help manage that swelling and are an essential part of daily care for many survivors. "People hear the word 'survivor' and assume the hard part is over," said Carrie Madrid, President and Founder of The CARE Project, Inc. "But for so many of us, lymphedema is a daily reminder that never goes away. I had 28 lymph nodes removed from my left arm, so I know firsthand what it means to live with the swelling, discomfort and constant management. No survivor should have to go without the compression garments they need." Although the garments are medically necessary, insurance coverage can be limited. Some policies do not cover them, while others cover only one garment per year. Standard options can also be scratchy, hot and available only in plain beige, making them uncomfortable for daily use and a visible reminder of illness. LympheDIVAS offers a different experience. Its garments provide medical-grade compression while being comfortable, stylish and suitable for people of any gender. "When someone opens a package from us and sees a sleeve that is truly beautiful, you can watch their shoulders drop," Madrid said. "It may sound small, but wearing something that helps you feel like yourself again, rather than like a patient. It can change how you face each day. That is what LympheDIVAS has made possible for our survivors, and we are deeply grateful for the partnership." The collaboration is one of several partnerships The CARE Project has developed to support people diagnosed with breast cancer. It also demonstrates how a small, community-based organization can extend its impact far beyond the region it serves. "We may be a small nonprofit, but we have never thought small," Madrid said. "Partnerships like this allow us to meet survivors where they are, whether they live down the street or on the other side of the world." Survivors living with lymphedema who need compression garments-as well as individuals and organizations interested in supporting the program-are encouraged to contact The CARE Project, Inc. About LympheDIVAS LympheDIVAS was founded by two young breast cancer survivors who developed lymphedema after treatment and found the available compression sleeves rough, heavy and unattractive. Working with a fashion designer, they created breathable, elegant garments designed for everyday life. Today, the women-owned company continues its work by producing medical-grade compression sleeves, gauntlets, gloves and socks that are seamless, moisture-wicking and made in the United States. Learn more at www.lymphedivas.com . About The CARE Project, Inc. Founded in 2013 by Stage III breast cancer survivor Carrie Madrid, The CARE Project, Inc. provides financial and emotional support to male and female breast cancer patients, guided by its motto, "Never Stop Caring." To request support, contact Madrid at Support@TheCareProjectInc.org or (951) 742-7405, or visit TheCareProjectInc.org .
48% of South African Career Changers Anxious About AI Which Jobs Are Safe?
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 12:26 EDT
New research from The TEFL Academy reveals which careers are most resilient to AI, as 48% of South African respondents report anxiety about its impact on their future careers. Key Findings: 48% are anxious about the impact AI could have on their future career opportunities. 57% have questioned whether their career or qualification will still be valuable because of AI. 84% say AI has already changed how they think about their future career, including 36% who say it has changed their thinking significantly. 20% say long-term career resilience is now the most important factor when choosing a career, followed by work-life balance at 19% and job security at 16% . 69% say AI resilience is very or extremely important when choosing a career or degree. 60% believe human skills will become more valuable than technical skills as AI becomes more common in the workplace. 80% believe AI literacy will become as essential as computer literacy. 87% say they would be likely to participate in AI training or upskilling. 54% believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates in South Africa over the next decade. Teacher/Educator scores 95 out of 100 in The TEFL Academy's AI Resilience Index. CAPE TOWN, September 2026 - New research from The TEFL Academy 's South African Career Resilience Report 2026 reveals that 57% of South African respondents have questioned whether their chosen career or qualification will still be valuable because of artificial intelligence, while 84% say AI has already changed how they think about their future career. The findings form part of South African Career Resilience Report 2026 , which examines how artificial intelligence is influencing career anxiety, skills and perceptions of long-term career value among South African career changers. The research combines an original survey of 230 South African respondents from The TEFL Academy's TEFL community with third-party labour market, occupational, education and AI research from Statistics South Africa , the Department of Higher Education and Training , the Labour Market Intelligence Partnership and the World Economic Forum , among others. For career changers entering a labour market already facing significant employment and skills challenges, AI is adding another consideration to career planning: not simply finding a job, but choosing a career that can remain valuable as technology changes. How AI Is Influencing Career Choices 84% of respondents said AI has changed how they think about their future career , with 48% saying it had changed their thinking somewhat and 36% saying it had changed their thinking significantly . At the same time, 57% said they had questioned whether their chosen career or qualification would still be valuable because of AI. AI resilience is also becoming a factor in career decision-making. 69% of respondents said AI resilience is very or extremely important when considering their career or degree. This concern is emerging alongside a wider global shift in the skills employers expect to need. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimates that 39% of workers' core skills will change by 2030 , while 170 million jobs could be created and 92 million displaced globally over the same period. The World Economic Forum identifies analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, agility and leadership among the skills expected to remain important as work changes. The concern extends beyond individual career choices. 54% of respondents believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates in South Africa over the next decade , highlighting wider uncertainty about how automation will reshape the country's labour market. For career changers deciding what to study, which qualifications to pursue and where to build their careers, the question is increasingly not just "Can I find a job?" but "Will the career I choose continue to give me opportunities?" South Africans are willing to adapt to an AI-shaped workplace Despite concerns about AI's impact on employment, the research suggests that South African career changers are not simply waiting for the labour market to change around them. 87% say they would be likely to participate in AI training or upskilling if it were offered by their employer, university or training provider. 80% also believe AI literacy will become as essential as computer literacy for most jobs in the future , suggesting that AI skills are increasingly being viewed as a baseline workplace capability rather than a specialist skill. The findings point to a workforce that is concerned about how AI could reshape employment, but also willing to develop the skills needed to work alongside it. Career changers are prioritising resilience alongside quality of life When asked what matters most when choosing a career, long-term career resilience was the leading priority, selected by 20% of respondents , followed by work-life balance at 19% and job security at 16% . The findings suggest that career changers are weighing more than salary when considering their next move, with long-term relevance, stability and quality of life all influencing career decisions. The Careers Built Around Human Skills The survey also highlights the skills South African respondents believe will matter as AI becomes more capable of handling technical and routine tasks. Adaptability was the most commonly selected skill, chosen by 50% of respondents , followed by critical thinking at 49%, AI literacy at 43%, communication at 39% and emotional intelligence at 38% . Additionally, 60% of respondents said human skills are more valuable than technical skills, while 48% were unsure. The emphasis on both human and technological capabilities is also reflected in attitudes towards AI literacy as 80% believe AI literacy will become as essential as computer literacy for most jobs in the future. The findings align with research from the OECD , which says AI adoption is increasing demand for highly skilled workers and that generative AI is making skills such as data analysis and interpretation increasingly important. The OECD also reports that around 40% of employers in manufacturing and finance identify skills shortages as a major barrier to AI adoption. This suggests that preparing for an AI-shaped labour market will involve both technological literacy and the ability to communicate, adapt, solve complex problems and exercise judgement. Teaching Ranks Among the Most Resilient Careers The TEFL Academy's AI Resilience Index identifies careers where human interaction, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, creativity, communication and complex decision-making remain central to the work. Teacher/Educator scores 95 out of 100 in the South African AI Resilience Index, placing teaching sixth among the 100 occupations assessed. The wider top 10 includes Surgeons, Nurse Practitioners, Therapists and Psychologists, Physicians and Doctors, Skilled Tradespeople, Teachers and Educators, Emergency Medical Technicians, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists. Teaching's resilience comes from the parts of the job that require a person to understand context, respond to individual needs and make decisions in real time. The wider evidence also shows that AI is already being incorporated into teaching rather than simply replacing teaching tasks. According to the OECD's TALIS 2024 data for South Africa, 48% of teachers reported using AI in their work , most commonly to learn about or summarise topics, generate lesson plans or activities, and generate text for feedback or communication. This supports the report's central argument that AI resilience does not necessarily mean avoiding AI. It can mean developing a career where AI can assist with some tasks while human judgement, communication and relationships remain central. The careers most resilient to AI The TEFL Academy's AI Resilience Index ranks 100 occupations according to factors including human interaction, emotional intelligence, creativity, critical thinking, automation risk, labour market demand, skills shortages and future job growth. The top 10 careers in the South African AI Resilience Index are: Surgeon - 98 Nurse Practitioner - 97 Therapist / Psychologist - 97 Physician / Doctor - 96 Skilled Tradesperson - 96 Teacher / Educator - 95 Emergency Medical Technician - 95 Social Worker - 95 Occupational Therapist - 94 Physical Therapist - 94 The highest-scoring careers are concentrated in healthcare, education, skilled trades and emergency services, with roles that rely heavily on human interaction, physical presence, specialist expertise, complex judgement and responsibility tending to rank highest. The index is not intended to suggest that lower-scoring occupations will disappear. Instead, it highlights careers where the nature of work may face greater pressure to change as AI develops. The South African Labour Market Is Shifting AI is arriving alongside existing employment and skills challenges in South Africa's labour market. The World Economic Forum expects 39% of workers' core skills globally to change by 2030 , while its research identifies resilience, flexibility, agility and leadership among the skills expected to increase in importance. The OECD similarly identifies skills shortages as a significant barrier to AI adoption, with employers reporting growing demand for highly skilled workers alongside technological change. For South African career changers, these global shifts intersect with the country's own employment environment. The TEFL Academy's research therefore considers not only AI exposure, but also labour demand, skills shortages and future job growth when assessing career resilience. The report's AI Resilience Index gives 10% of its score to current labour market demand, 5% to skills shortages and 5% to projected future job growth , alongside human interaction, emotional intelligence, creativity, critical thinking and automation risk. What Does an AI-Resilient Career Look Like? The report's findings point towards a labour market in which human skills and AI literacy increasingly need to work together . Rather than treating AI as a binary choice between jobs that survive and jobs that disappear, the research suggests that South African career changers may benefit from understanding how technology will change the tasks within their profession while building capabilities that remain valuable when situations require judgement, communication, creativity, adaptability or human connection. For career changers, the implication is that career planning may increasingly involve asking which parts of a career depend on skills that technology can complement, rather than simply asking which jobs AI can perform. For the full report, visit: South African Career Resilience Report 2026 . About The TEFL Academy The TEFL Academy is a leading global provider of accredited TEFL, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, training. With a global community of more than 200,000 graduates, the Academy provides recognised qualifications, career support and access to opportunities to teach English online and around the world. Notes to Editors The South African Career Resilience Report 2026 combines original survey research examining how AI is influencing career confidence and career decision-making, third-party labour market and education data, AI and future-of-work research, and The TEFL Academy's original AI Resilience Index.
London Unites Global Business Leaders at the 6th Global Business Excellence Gala
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 12:01 EDT
The 6th Global Business Excellence Gala brought together distinguished guests, business leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and institutional representatives at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London , for an evening of meaningful connections, ethical leadership and international collaboration. The gathering provided a platform for exchanging ideas and exploring how the values of the Islamic economy can translate into practical partnerships and lasting benefits for communities. In his welcoming address, H.E. Mr. Yousef Hassan Khalawi, Secretary General of AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy , thanked the distinguished guests for joining the evening and highlighted the significance of bringing like-minded people together, before welcoming the contributions of the keynote speakers. During his keynote address, Dr. Yahya Hendi, Director for Muslim Life at Georgetown University , called for stronger cooperation and economic coordination, encouraging leaders to connect global perspectives with local action. Drawing on ta'arafu , getting to know one another; ta'awanu , cooperating in good; and tanafasu , competing in good, he outlined an approach to business rooted in mutual understanding and shared purpose. He urged entrepreneurs to "compete with one another, not against each other" in doing good and to build networks that enable businesses and communities to prosper together. Dr. Nabil Qaddoumi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Taawon Association, Palestine , highlighted the moral and ethical responsibility of business leaders to improve lives through collective action. He described Taawon's experience of translating a shared vision among business leaders into long-term community development. He noted that Taawon has invested USD 1 billion in people , through programmes spanning education, healthcare, youth development and support for vulnerable communities. He also highlighted its endowment and generations fund as foundations for long-term sustainability, concluding: "Turn ideas into action to deliver hope to humanity." Addressing the gathering, H.E. Mr. Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul , paid tribute to the late Sheikh Saleh Kamel's contribution to Islamic finance and outlined a vision for applying halal and tayyib principles across production, trade and investment. He emphasised that these values extend beyond products to encompass how income is earned, how workers are treated and how business decisions uphold human dignity. "We must show the same care for the legitimacy of the income that puts food on our tables as we show for the Halal status of the food itself," he said. H.E. Mr. Erdoğan stressed that Islamic finance instruments should be understood as ways of doing business, rather than merely accessing finance. He also highlighted the role of waqf , or charitable endowments, in supporting communities, and called for partnerships among entrepreneurs, financial institutions and development partners to turn ideas into productive projects, supported by innovation and responsible use of resources. Adding to the prominence of the evening, the Gala was honoured by the attendance of HRH Prince AbdulAziz bin Abdul Majeed Al Saud ; Hon. Shakeel Mohamed , Minister of Housing and Lands, Mauritius; H.E. Ambassador O. Koray Ertaş , Turkish Ambassador to the United Kingdom; and H.E. Dato' Indera Dr. Azfar Mohamad Mustafar . The gathering also welcomed prominent leaders from the investment and banking communities, including Mr. Salim Arda Ermut , Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Türkiye Wealth Fund; Mr. Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu , President of the Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye; and Mr. Malek Khodr Temsah , CEO of Albaraka Türk Participation Bank, Mr. Muhammad Nassir Salim , President and Chief Executive Officer of HBL. Also in attendance were Dr. Bilal Sucubaşı , Chief Executive Officer of Halk Katılım, Mr. Haytham Kamhiyah , Chief Executive Officer of Arab Bank Europe and Dr. Akram ElDeeb , Board Member of Libya Africa Investment Portfolio. The evening further brought together representatives of , Bank Negara Malaysia , Al Rayan Bank, Libyan Foreign Bank, BACB, Arab National Bank, Maybank Investment Bank, The Bank of Punjab, Gatehouse Bank, and TAJBank . The gathering also welcomed executives from fintech and investment companies and other business sectors, reflecting the breadth of participation and the opportunities for closer cooperation across banking, investment, technology and the wider Islamic economy. The event was proudly supported by Albaraka Türk Participation Bank as the Official Gala Partner , Anadolu Agency as the Global Communication Partner , and Arab Bank Europe and Libya Africa Investment Portfolio as Premium Sponsors . Their support contributed to an evening dedicated to strengthening international business connections, translating shared values into action and advancing collaboration across the global Islamic economy.
56% of British Career Changers Anxious About AI Which Jobs Are Safe
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 11:05 EDT
New research from The TEFL Academy reveals which careers are most resilient to AI, as 62% of UK respondents report anxiety about its impact on their future careers. Key Findings: 56% are anxious about AI's impact on their future career opportunities. 62% have questioned whether their career or qualification will still be valuable because of AI. 75% say AI has already changed how they think about their future career. 27% say work-life balance is the most important factor when choosing a career, ahead of job security and long-term career resilience. 63% say AI resilience would be important or extremely important when choosing a career today. 59% believe human skills will become more valuable than technical skills as AI becomes more common. 77% say they would be likely to participate in AI training or upskilling. 68% believe employers expect workers to have at least a basic understanding of AI tools. 55% do not believe the UK education system is preparing people with the skills needed for an AI-driven economy. 74% believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates. Teacher/Educator scores 95 on The TEFL Academy's AI Resilience Index. New research from The TEFL Academy's United Kingdom AI-Proof Careers Report 2026 reveals that 63% of completed UK respondents have questioned whether their chosen career or qualification will still be valuable because of artificial intelligence , while 75% say AI has already changed how they think about their future career . For career changers entering a labour market being reshaped by artificial intelligence, the question is increasingly not just "What career do I want?" but "Will this career continue to offer opportunities as technology changes?" The research comes as the wider UK workforce faces a growing need to adapt. The World Economic Forum estimates that 39% of workers' existing skill sets will be transformed or become outdated by 2030 , while 170 million jobs could be created globally and 92 million displaced . The findings form part of The AI-Proof Careers Report 2026 , which examines how artificial intelligence is influencing career confidence, skills and perceptions of long-term career value. The UK research combines original survey responses from UK-based students, graduates, professionals and career changers with third-party labour market, education, skills and AI research. The analysis draws on sources including the Office for National Statistics, Department for Education, Skills England, the OECD, World Economic Forum and O*NET , alongside The TEFL Academy's original AI Resilience Index . AI Is Changing How Career Changers Think About Their Career Options 75% of completed respondents said AI has changed how they think about their future career , including 27% who said it had changed their thinking significantly and 48% who said it had changed their thinking somewhat. At the same time, 63% said they had questioned whether their chosen career or qualification would still be valuable because of AI . The research also suggests that concerns extend beyond individual career choices. 74% of respondents believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates , highlighting the scale of uncertainty surrounding the future labour market. AI resilience is also becoming part of the career decision itself. 69% said AI resilience would be very or extremely important when choosing a degree or career today , suggesting that the ability of a career to adapt to technological change is becoming a consideration alongside more traditional priorities. However, respondents are less confident that the education system is keeping pace. 55% do not believe the UK education system is preparing people with the skills needed for an AI-driven economy , while a further 38% are unsure. The finding points to a growing gap between the skills people expect to need in an AI-shaped labour market and their confidence that the current education system is preparing them for it. The perceived skills gap also extends into the workplace. 68% believe employers now expect workers to have at least a basic understanding of AI tools , suggesting that AI literacy is increasingly being viewed as a baseline workplace skill rather than a specialist capability. That concern reflects wider changes in the labour market. The World Economic Forum says employers expect 39% of workers' core skills to change by 2030 , with analytical thinking remaining the most sought-after core skill, followed by resilience, flexibility and agility, leadership and social influence. For career changers, this means choosing a career may increasingly be only the beginning of future-proofing. The ability to continually develop and adapt skills could be just as important. "The biggest concern isn't necessarily that AI will take my job tomorrow. It's that you could spend years studying or building experience for a career and then discover the world of work has changed faster than you expected," said one UK respondent. Rhyan O'Sullivan, Managing Director at The TEFL Academy , said: "AI is creating a new kind of career calculation. People are no longer simply asking which jobs are available today. They're asking whether the career or qualification they invest in now will still be valuable in ten years' time. "What's particularly interesting is that our findings don't suggest people are simply afraid of AI. They're thinking more carefully about what makes a career resilient and which skills will help them adapt as the world of work changes." Career changers are Prioritising Careers That Can Stand the Test of Time When asked what matters most when choosing a career, work-life balance was the leading priority, selected by 27% of respondents , followed by job security at 14% , long-term career resilience at 13% and flexible working at 12% . Combined, the findings suggest that people are looking beyond salary and immediate job prospects when assessing what makes a career worthwhile, with lifestyle, security and long-term relevance increasingly influencing career decisions. The findings suggest that career decisions are being shaped by a combination of lifestyle, security and long-term relevance. That is particularly significant as the UK workforce prepares for wider AI adoption. In January 2026, the UK Government expanded its AI Skills Boost programme with an ambition to help 10 million UK workers develop AI skills by 2030 . The programme reflects a wider recognition that workers will need to adapt as AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday work. Skills England has also identified three broad categories of AI capability for the UK workforce: technical skills, non-technical skills, and responsible and ethical skills . Its framework emphasises transferable capabilities such as understanding AI outputs, checking information for accuracy and applying human judgement. For Career changers, this points towards a future where career resilience is not necessarily about avoiding AI, but about developing skills that allow people to work effectively alongside it. Human Skills Could Become Career Changers' Career Advantage The survey findings reinforce the importance of skills that allow people to work effectively alongside AI. When asked which skills will be most valuable in the UK's workforce over the next decade, adaptability was the most commonly selected skill at 51% , followed by critical thinking at 47%, communication at 37%, AI literacy at 36% and emotional intelligence at 30% . 59% also said they believe human skills will become more valuable than technical skills as AI becomes more common in the workplace. This aligns with wider labour-market research. The World Economic Forum identifies human capabilities including analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, agility, leadership and social influence among the skills employers expect to remain important as technology changes work. The OECD similarly finds that AI is increasing the importance of skills involved in using, analysing and interpreting data, while highlighting the importance of developing the wider skills needed to make effective use of AI. The organisation also reports that 40% of employers in manufacturing and finance who have not adopted AI cite skills shortages as a main barrier . The implication is that AI literacy and human skills are not necessarily competing priorities. For workers entering an AI-shaped labour market, they can increasingly complement one another. People are willing to adapt Despite concerns about the impact of AI, the research suggests UK respondents are not simply waiting for the labour market to change around them. 77% say they would be likely to participate in AI training or upskilling , highlighting a willingness to develop new skills as technology changes the workplace. This suggests that AI anxiety is increasingly being accompanied by a willingness to adapt, with workers recognising that developing new skills could be an important part of staying competitive in an AI-shaped labour market. Which Careers Are Most Resilient to AI? To explore which career paths may offer greater long-term resilience, The TEFL Academy developed its original AI Resilience Index , scoring occupations according to factors including human interaction, emotional intelligence, creativity, critical thinking, decision-making complexity, automation exposure and future labour demand. The Top 10 careers in the AI Resilience Index are: Surgeon: 98 Nurse Practitioner: 97 Therapist / Psychologist: 97 Physician / Doctor: 96 Skilled Tradesperson: 96 Teacher / Educator: 95 Emergency Medical Technician: 95 Social Worker: 95 Occupational Therapist: 94 Physical Therapist: 94 The pattern is consistent across the highest-scoring occupations. They involve combinations of human interaction, physical presence, specialist expertise, judgement and responsibility . Technology-focused careers also perform strongly in the index, including AI Ethics Specialist, Cybersecurity Specialist, Renewable Energy Engineer, Software Engineer working alongside AI, Data Scientist, Robotics Engineer and AI Engineer. At the other end of the index, careers involving highly routine and repeatable tasks score lower, including Telemarketer, Data Entry Specialist, Basic Content Writer, routine Customer Service Representative and Administrative Assistant performing routine tasks. The report does not suggest these occupations will disappear. Instead, the index identifies where a larger proportion of existing tasks may be exposed to AI and automation.
53% of American Career Changers Anxious About AI Which Jobs Are
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 10:31 EDT
New research from The TEFL Academy reveals which careers are most resilient to AI, as 53% of US respondents report anxiety about its impact on their future careers. Key Findings: 53% are anxious about AI's impact on their future career opportunities. 61% have questioned whether their chosen career or degree will still be valuable because of AI. 83% say AI has already changed how they think about their future career, including 39% who say it has changed their thinking significantly. Work-life balance is the leading factor when choosing a career, selected by 29% of respondents, followed by job security at 18% and making a positive impact at 17% . 57% say AI resilience is very or extremely important when considering a career. 63% believe human skills will become more valuable as AI becomes more common in the workplace. 78% expect AI literacy to become as important as computer literacy. 81% say they would be likely to participate in AI training or upskilling. 58% believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates over the next decade. Teacher/Educator scores 95 out of 100 in The TEFL Academy's AI Resilience Index. NEW YORK, September 2026 -83% of American career changers say artificial intelligence has changed how they think about their future careers, while 61% have questioned whether their career or degree will still be valuable because of AI , according to new research from The TEFL Academy . The findings come as the World Economic Forum estimates that 39% of workers' core skills will change by 2030 , alongside a projected 170 million new jobs and 92 million displaced jobs globally. The findings form part of United States Career Resilience Report 2026 , which examines how artificial intelligence is influencing career anxiety, skills and perceptions of long-term career value among Americans considering their next career move. The research combines an original survey of US-based students, graduates, professionals and career changers with third-party labour market, occupational, education and AI research. The analysis draws on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics , O*NET OnLine , and World Economic Forum , among others. The research found that 83% say AI has changed how they think about their future career , including 39% who say it has changed their thinking significantly . At the same time, 61% have questioned whether their chosen career or degree will still be valuable because of AI . The survey research found that 54% are moderately, very or extremely anxious about AI, although 53% remain confident that their career or degree will provide good job opportunities over the next 10 years. At the same time, 77% expect AI literacy to become as important as computer literacy, while 60% say they would be very likely to take free AI training. AI is changing career decisions For career changers reassessing their options, AI is becoming another factor in deciding whether a qualification or profession will retain its value. The findings suggest that this is not simply a question of whether AI will eliminate jobs. Instead, career changers are having to consider how much of their work could be automated, which skills will remain valuable and how easily they can adapt as technology changes the way jobs are performed. That shift is reflected in the wider labour market. The World Economic Forum forecasts 170 million new jobs and 92 million displaced jobs by 2030, resulting in a net increase of 78 million jobs . Its research also identifies analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, agility, leadership and social influence among the skills employers expect to remain important. The OECD similarly finds that fewer than 1% of workers need advanced AI-specific skills , while digital skills, data interpretation, problem-solving, creativity and innovation are increasingly important. Around 40% of employers in manufacturing and finance that have not adopted AI cite a lack of skills as a major barrier. Despite concerns about the impact of AI, the research suggests that career changers are not simply waiting for the labour market to change around them. 81% say they would be likely to participate in AI training or upskilling , suggesting a strong willingness to develop new skills as technology changes the workplace. 78% also believe AI literacy will become as important as computer literacy , highlighting how quickly AI skills are becoming part of the wider career conversation. The careers built around human skills Against this backdrop, The TEFL Academy developed its AI-Proof Careers Index , scoring 100 occupations according to factors including human interaction, emotional intelligence, creativity, critical thinking, automation risk, labour-market demand, skills shortages and projected job growth. The survey findings reinforce the importance of skills that allow people to work effectively alongside AI. 63% believe human skills will become more valuable as AI becomes more common in the workplace , suggesting that capabilities such as judgement, communication, adaptability and emotional intelligence could become an increasingly important part of career resilience. The highest-scoring careers in the US index are concentrated in healthcare, skilled trades and emergency services, with roles requiring physical presence, complex judgement, responsibility and human interaction occupying much of the top of the rankings. The top 10 are: Surgeon: 98 Nurse Practitioner: 97 Therapist / Psychologist: 97 Physician / Doctor: 96 Skilled Tradesperson: 96 Teacher / Educator: 95 Emergency Medical Technician: 95 Social Worker: 95 Occupational Therapist: 94 Physical Therapist: 94 The pattern is consistent across the index. Careers that depend heavily on human interaction, physical presence, specialist expertise and high-stakes decision-making score towards the top, while occupations involving more structured and repeatable tasks appear towards the lower end. The report is not intended to suggest that lower-scoring occupations will disappear. Instead, it identifies where the nature of work may face greater pressure to change as AI develops. Teaching ranks among the most resilient careers Teacher / Educator ranks sixth overall, with an AI-Proof Score of 95 , placing teaching among the highest-scoring careers in the US index. The report attributes teaching's resilience to the combination of skills involved in the role, including communication, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, leadership, adaptability, critical thinking and problem-solving . The wider skills index reinforces this finding. Critical thinking and complex problem-solving both score 99 , followed by emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making at 98. Creativity, strategic thinking, leadership, communication and adaptability also feature among the highest-scoring capabilities. Teaching also provides an example of how AI can change a profession without removing the human role. AI can support lesson planning, content creation and personalized learning, while teachers remain responsible for understanding individual learners, responding to changing needs, building confidence and managing the classroom. The experience of teachers is already changing alongside technology. OECD TALIS data cited in the report shows that 37% of lower-secondary teachers used AI in their work in 2024 , while 57% said AI improves lesson planning . Tiffany Probasco-Francis, an American TEFL instructor and The TEFL Academy alumna , said: " I think more language teaching will be around appropriateness for contexts. Language is a living organism. It moves and changes with the times and instructors need to keep up with it and help students navigate it in order for students to feel confident in making the language their own. " More than half expect AI to eliminate more jobs than it creates Concerns about AI also extend beyond individual career choices. 58% of respondents believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates over the next decade , highlighting wider uncertainty about how automation will reshape the US labour market. For career changers, that uncertainty makes the question of where to move next increasingly important, particularly as some occupations become more exposed to automation while others continue to rely heavily on human judgement, interaction and physical expertise. The US labour market is also shifting The report's US analysis identifies healthcare, education and skilled trades among the areas projected to experience the fastest growth, based on US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This aligns with the World Economic Forum's global outlook, which identifies care roles, educators and other core-economy occupations alongside technology roles among areas expected to grow. For career changers, the implication is that future career resilience may depend less on finding a profession that AI cannot affect and more on developing a combination of technical literacy and skills that allow people to work effectively alongside increasingly capable technology. What does an AI-resilient career look like? The report's findings point towards a labour market in which human skills and AI literacy increasingly need to work together . Rather than treating AI as a binary choice between jobs that survive and jobs that disappear, the research suggests that career changers may benefit from understanding how technology will change the tasks within their profession while building capabilities that remain valuable when situations require judgement, communication, creativity, adaptability or human connection. Rhyan O'Sullivan, Managing Director at The TEFL Academy , said: " AI is creating a new kind of career calculation. People are no longer simply asking which jobs are available today. They're asking whether the career or qualification they invest in now will still be valuable in ten years' time." "What's particularly interesting is that our findings don't suggest people are simply afraid of AI. Instead, they are thinking more carefully about what makes a career resilient and which skills will help them adapt as the world of work changes. " Teaching English provides one example of this model. It combines communication and cultural awareness with emotional intelligence, adaptability, leadership and problem-solving, while offering an accessible route into an internationally oriented career. For the full report, visit United States Career Resilience Report 2026 -Ends- About The TEFL Academy The TEFL Academy is a leading global provider of accredited TEFL, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, training. With a global community of more than 200,000 graduates, the Academy provides recognised qualifications, career support and access to opportunities to teach English online and around the world. Notes to Editors The United States Career Resilience Report 2026 combines original survey research examining how AI is influencing career confidence and career decision-making, third-party labour market and education data, AI and future-of-work research, and The TEFL Academy's original AI Resilience Index.
New Orleans BioInnovation Center announces six finalists for 2026 BioChallenge
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 10:16 EDT
The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) has selected six finalists for its 2026 BioChallenge pitch competition, showcasing companies developing new approaches to neurological diseases, hearing challenges and early detection of infections that can affect brain health. The annual event will take place Thursday, Oct. 29, at NOBIC, bringing together biotechnology entrepreneurs, investors, economic developers, researchers and industry leaders. The 2026 BioChallenge is presented by Dr. Sid O'Bryant and the Institute for Translational Research at UNT Health Fort Worth, along with lead sponsors Cognito Therapeutics, BioDistrict New Orleans and Answer ALS. The six finalists are: Cenna Biosciences Inc. : Developing Nubytide, an investigational drug for Alzheimer's disease designed to reduce the production of beta-amyloid, a protein associated with the disease. The company has received FDA authorization to proceed with its first human clinical trial. Cleaved Diagnostics : Developing rapid, sensitive and affordable diagnostic tests using CRISPR technology. Its first product targets cytomegalovirus, an infection that can affect brain development and hearing in newborns. Moleculera Biosciences : Offering a blood-testing panel designed to help clinicians identify whether an immune response may contribute to psychiatric, behavioral, cognitive or movement symptoms. The company is also expanding its research into other conditions involving inflammation. Nervosave Therapeutics: Developing treatments for nerve disorders, beginning with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, an inherited condition that affects peripheral nerves. The France-based company is expanding into the United States. Parley Neurotech: Developing a noninvasive treatment for people who struggle to understand speech in noisy environments. The University of Colorado spinoff is evaluating its approach in a clinical trial. PathMaker Neurosystems: Developing MyoRegulator, a noninvasive device that delivers electrical stimulation through surface electrodes to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The device received FDA Breakthrough Device designation in December 2025 and is in its second clinical trial as a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. "We had a deep applicant pool this year and these six earned their spot," said Kris Khalil, executive director of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. "All are past the idea stage and in or near the clinic. Several already have a drug or device in human trials. Companies from California, Boston and France are flying in to pitch in New Orleans. They want to work with our clinical partners and get their technologies to the patients here who need them." Finalists will present their companies to a panel of judges and compete for $100,000 in total cash prizes. Previous BioChallenge winners have gone on to raise millions of dollars in private investment and federal grant funding. The competition highlights New Orleans' role in supporting biotechnology entrepreneurs and connecting emerging companies with resources to advance their work. "The Institute for Translational Research at UNT Health Fort Worth is pleased to continue our partnership with NOBIC in recognizing the groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of brain health," said Sid O'Bryant, Ph.D., executive director of the Institute. "The most important horizon in healthcare is brain health. As we look toward the future, our commitment remains focused on accelerating scientific discovery, advancing innovative solutions and improving brain health for all. The companies participating in the 2026 BioChallenge reflect the creativity, vision and transformative potential needed to turn promising discoveries into meaningful advances that can improve lives." The BioChallenge is open to the public to attend on Thursday, Oct. 29 at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center at 1441 Canal Street. To register for the event visit here . ### About New Orleans BioInnovation Center : The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is a nonprofit business incubator focused on advancing life science entrepreneurship and technology commercialization in Louisiana. The mission of NOBIC is to create a successful biotech ecosystem by providing emerging companies with customized commercialization services, premier facilities and a comprehensive support network. Through relationships with research institutions, economic development organizations and industry stakeholders, NOBIC helps its clients de-risk novel technologies, attract funding and improve global health outcomes.