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AI and Cities: UN-Habitat and Mila launch a collaborative White Paper on the use and potential challenges of AI to support the development of people-centered sustainable cities and settlements

TORONTO, Oct. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — UN-Habitat, the United Nations organization working for sustainable urbanization in over 90 countries, and Mila, the world’s largest academic deep learning research centre, announce the launch of their collaborative White Paper offering insights and recommendations on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems could be harnessed to support the development of socially and environmentally sustainable cities and human settlements.

Mila & UN-Habitat logo

Aimed at supporting both urban managers and practitioners, the White Paper, part of UN-Habitat’s strategy to promote a people-centered approach to digital transformation, outlines the current value add and challenges of AI in cities and provides a set of practical recommendations to improve the way in which AI is used and promotes sustainable cities and inclusive inclusive communities.

The document covers urban applications of AI across a wide range of sectors (Energy, Mobility, Public Safety, Healthcare, etc.), and covers important themes including the trad-offs and risks of AI, the specific approaches and applications of urban AI in urban governance.

The paper will be unveiled during a panel discussion at the 2022 Urban Economy Forum (UEF) in Toronto.

“AI, like any other technology, can be a force that widens or reduces social gaps depending on how it is applied. We have a collective responsibility to appropriately use and integrate AI solutions and ensure that there are no unintended consequences.” says Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director at UN-Habitat.

The goal of the White Paper is to provide local authorities with the necessary guidance they need to weigh up the pros and cons of AI in fostering sustainable local communities. Local authorities regularly make decisions about AI that impact people’s lives, and need the tools to assess where and for whom AI brings added value and whether it is appropriate in a given context. The paper serves as a knowledge resource to help guide decision making with respect to the positive engagement with and use of AI  for smart and people centered sustainable cities and human settlements.

“Like any other transformative opportunity, integrating AI into urban environments comes with challenges and risks that must be taken and tackled seriously for AI to benefit societies,” says Valérie Pisano, President and CEO of Mila. “This White Paper could be a very useful tool for local authorities who, like UN-Habitat and Mila, are committed to the responsible development of AI.”

Visit https://unhabitat.org/ to access the full White Paper.

White Paper main authors: 

  • Jean-Louis Denis, Full Professor (UdeM)
  • Golnoosh Farnadi, Assistant Professor (HEC Montréal), Core Academic Member (Mila), Canada CIFAR AI Chair
  • Shaz Jameson, PhD student (Tilburg Institute of Law and Technology, UdeM, Mila)
  • Shin Koseki, Assistant Professor (UdeM), Director (UNESCO Chair in Urban Landscape)
  • Catherine Régis, Full Professor (UdeM), Associate Academic Member (Mila)
  • Davild Rolnick, Assistant Professor (McGill University), Core Academic Member (Mila), Canada CIFAR AI Chair

More details on the Launch event: 

  • Event: Panel on the launch of the “AI and Cities: Risks Applications and Governance” Report by UN-Habitat and Mila at the 4th Urban Economy Forum (UEF4) on Sustainable Urban Finance. UEF4 will start with the opening session on Monday October 3 at 9:00 a.m. (EDT).
  • Location: Toronto, Canada World Urban Pavilion (WUP) at Regent Park Powered by Daniels  and virtually. Free registration link : https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/uef4-tickets-344374632797?discount=COMPLIMENTARY100
  • Time of the Launch: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 4:45 p.m. (EDT)
  • Speakers:
    • Anna Jahn (moderator), Director of Public Policy and Learning, AI for Humanity (Mila)
    • Golnoosh Farnadi, Assistant Professor (HEC Montréal), Core Academic Member (Mila), Canada CIFAR AI Chair
    • Shaz Jameson, PhD student (Tilburg Institute of Law and Technology, UdeM, Mila)
    • Davild Rolnick, Assistant Professor (McGill University), Core Academic Member (Mila), Canada CIFAR AI Chair
  • More information about UEF4: https://www.ueforum.org/uef4
About UN-Habitat 

UN-Habitat is the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future. Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate housing for all. It works in over 90 countries to promote transformative change in cities and human settlements through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance and collaborative action. It works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities while promoting urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. For more information, visit UN-Habitat – A Better Urban Future | UN-Habitat (unhabitat.org)

About Mila

Founded by Professor Yoshua Bengio of the University of Montreal, Mila is an artificial intelligence research institute that brings together over 1,000 researchers specializing in machine learning. Based in Montreal, Mila’s mission is to be a global hub for scientific advances that inspire innovation and development of AI for the benefit of all. Mila is a non-profit organization recognized worldwide for its significant contributions to the field of deep learning, particularly in language modeling, machine translation, object recognition, and generative models. For more information, visit mila.quebec

Media contacts: Katerina Bezgachina (UN-Habitat), ekaterina.bezgachina@un.org; Eric Aach (NATIONAL Public Relations for Mila), eaach@national.ca

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1913491/Mila___Quebec_AI_Institute_AI_and_Cities__UN_Habitat_and_Mila_la.jpg

 

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Global Health and Gavi Veteran Anuradha Gupta to Lead Global Immunization at Sabin

Former Gavi deputy CEO Anuradha Gupta joins Sabin Vaccine Institute

Global health veteran Anuradha Gupta is Sabin Vaccine Institute’s new Global Immunization President

WASHINGTON, Oct. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Veteran public health leader Anuradha Gupta, who has spearheaded a host of successful global initiatives to improve the health of women and children and boost vaccine access and uptake, has joined Sabin Vaccine Institute as President of Global Immunization. Gupta’s record of crafting and implementing creative solutions to seemingly intractable health challenges is particularly significant now with life-saving childhood immunizations sustaining their largest backslide in decades, fueled largely by the pandemic.

Gupta comes to Sabin after eight years with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, where she served as Deputy CEO and led efforts to center policies, programs and partnerships around vaccine equity, gender and communities. She also pioneered the concept of zero-dose children – those who have not received a single dose of the most basic vaccines – and drove efforts to create a new model of country-level partnerships.

“Anuradha Gupta is a stellar addition to Sabin’s executive management team at a time when vaccine access and equity, as well as misinformation, remain enormous challenges worldwide,” said Sabin CEO Amy Finan. “Anuradha’s visionary approach, expertise, and deep commitment to those we serve will help move the needle for global vaccination rates.”

Gupta said she’s excited for her role and will use her extensive experience to advance innovative approaches to improve vaccine access and uptake. “This is a watershed moment for immunization, and we must ensure that vaccines remain front and center on the global public health agenda,” said Gupta. “There’s still so much to be done to introduce, scale up and universalize the full range of vaccines, and Sabin will be a powerful catalyst for this critically important work.”

A recent United Nations report noted that in 2021, 25 million babies missed out on one or more doses of routine vaccinations for diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Nearly 18 million of those children, many in low-income countries, were zero-dose, making them more vulnerable to deadly and debilitating infectious diseases, and also, spurring fears of diseases such as polio and measles reemerging in non-endemic countries.

“Fighting and finishing polio in India with an oral vaccine developed by Dr. Sabin is an unforgettable part of my public health journey,” Gupta recalls. “So, I am delighted to join an institution that is dedicated to advancing Dr. Sabin’s legacy by harnessing the full power of vaccines to save lives.”

Under Gupta’s leadership, Gavi won many accolades and rolled out a new framework for partner engagement that has helped bolster country ownership of Gavi-supported programs and improved accountability for results. Those achievements contributed to Gavi receiving the prestigious Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award in 2019 for providing sustained access to childhood vaccines in the world’s poorest countries.

“Her willingness to expand the tent to include global players from various sectors is laudable and has measurably improved outcomes in many of these countries,” said Dr. Regina Rabinovich, MD, MPH, chair of the Sabin Board of Trustees. “Anuradha’s work exemplifies Sabin’s commitment to champion evidence-based solutions for immunization in low and middle-income countries and to build partnerships delivering lasting impact in these places.”

Gupta’s most recent initiative to focus on children who have not received a single shot is audacious for its ambition and scope. She was the guiding force behind Gavi’s $500 million Equity Accelerator Fund which includes an innovative program aimed at reaching zero-dose children in conflict zones and drought-afflicted areas in the Sahel region and the Horn of Africa.

Gupta pointed out that children who had been deprived of a single shot accounted for half of vaccine-preventable deaths and that targeting this population could be a game changer for reducing disease outbreaks and improving overall health security.

“These children live in communities that often face multiple deprivations so we must find a way to connect them to their first shot otherwise they miss their shot at a healthy future,” she said. “The Zero Dose Immunization concept goes beyond routine vaccines to connect families to other critical health care and humanitarian services, in consultation with communities, governments and other key groups.”

Prior to Gavi, Gupta served as Mission Director of the National Health Mission of India where she played a leading role in India’s efforts to eradicate polio, reduce maternal and child mortality, bring down fertility rates and revitalize primary health care. She served as a member of the Steering Committee for Child Survival Call to Action, co-chaired the Stakeholder Group for the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning and was a member of the Family Planning 2020 Reference Group.

Gupta holds an MBA from the University of Wollongong in Australia and received executive education from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Stanford Graduate School of Business and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. In 2015, she was named one of “300 Women Leaders in Global Health” by the Global Health Centre of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. She was profiled among the ten most influential women IAS officers in a recently released book – the Indian Administrative Services or IAS as it’s commonly called is India’s preeminent civil service.

In 2021, Gupta received the University of Wollongong’s Alumni Award for Social Impact. She was also conferred the highest civilian award for public service by the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Cross of Labour by the President of Laos for contributions to the health of the people in that country. In September 2022, she was awarded the Advance Global Australian Award, in recognition of the global impact of her many accomplishments.

About the Sabin Vaccine Institute

The Sabin Vaccine Institute is a leading advocate for expanding vaccine access and uptake globally, advancing vaccine research and development, and amplifying vaccine knowledge and innovation. Unlocking the potential of vaccines through partnership, Sabin has built a robust ecosystem of funders, innovators, implementers, practitioners, policy makers and public stakeholders to advance its vision of a future free from preventable diseases. As a non-profit with more than two decades of experience, Sabin is committed to finding solutions that last and extending the full benefits of vaccines to all people, regardless of who they are or where they live. At Sabin, we believe in the power of vaccines to change the world.

For more information, visit http://www.sabin.org and follow us on Twitter @SabinVaccine.

Media contact:

Rajee Suri
rajee.suri@sabin.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a2bfd118-42e2-4ff5-b2c1-92fd13e316cf

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EMGA completes EUR 9.4M capital raise for Kashf Foundation with financing from BIO

LONDON, Oct. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The EURO 9.4 million funding facility for Kashf Foundation was originated, structured, and negotiated by Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA), the emerging market investment bank.

Speaking on the transaction, Mr Shahzad Iqbal, CFO of Kashf Foundation said, “Kashf Foundation is registered as a Non-Banking Micro Finance Company regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. Set up in 1996 as the first specialized microfinance institution of Pakistan it began its operations as a Grameen replicator and since then, Kashf has successfully carved out a distinct and unique niche for itself in the microfinance sector in Pakistan by offering a suite of innovative and transformative products and services to low-income households especially for women. It has a current outreach of over 600,00+ female borrowers across its 360+ branches with a GLP of USD 90+ million.”

“Just to share that it has always been a pleasure working with EMGA on new transactions to expand our network and outreach. This is the first ever transaction that we are doing with BIO and that too, in Euros. I believe BIO and Kashf will work together and build a strong relationship to increase the financial inclusion in Pakistan and particularly for women. This transaction will help Kashf Foundation to expand its outreach not only in its existing operational areas but also in the new geographical regions across Pakistan.”

Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA)’s Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking Sajeev Chakkalakal said, “It has been a pleasure to continue our long-term partnership with Kashf Foundation and deliver this new financing solution despite the volatile economic environment both within Pakistan as well as globally.” Also commentating on the transaction, Emerging Markets Global Advisory Limited (EMGA)’s Managing Director Jeremy Dobson said, “It was a real pleasure to work with Kashf Foundation again on this latest transaction and help support their female micro-entrepreneur client base.”

Frédéric Vereecke, Investment Officer from the Belgian Investment Company for Developing countries (BIO) commented, “We welcome the opportunity to support Kashf Foundation in empowering women and their families by providing quality financial services to low-income households in Pakistan.”

Kashf Foundation is registered as a Non-Banking Micro Finance Company regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. Set up in 1996 as the first specialized microfinance institution of Pakistan it began its operations as a Grameen replicator and since then, Kashf has successfully carved out a distinct and unique niche for itself in the microfinance sector in Pakistan by offering a suite of innovative and transformative products and services to low-income households especially women.

Belgian Investment Company for Developing countries (BIO) supports a strong private sector in developing and emerging countries, to enable them to gain access to growth and sustainable development within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. They achieve this by investing in small and medium-sized enterprises, financial institutions, and infrastructure projects, contributing to socio-economic growth in developing countries.

Emerging Markets Global Advisory Limited (EMGA), with offices in New York and London helps financial institutions and corporates that seek new debt or equity capital. EMGA provides its services, to clients within many of the worlds rapidly developing economies, including Pakistan. With a proven track record in capital formation and strategic advisory throughout diverse economic cycles, EMGA continues to expand its geographic reach and service offering, as they solidify their place in the market as one of the industries preeminent emerging markets focused investment banks.

Contact details
info@emergingmarketsglobaladvisory.com

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Madison Newbond Hotel Lending Platform Originates $20 Million Loan for the Balfour Hotel in Miami Beach

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Madison Newbond, the institutional lending platform of Madison Realty Capital and Newbond Holdings that provides first mortgages, mezzanine loans and preferred equity to hotel owners and developers nationwide, today announced that it has provided a $20 million loan to FullG Capital’s equity sponsorship group for the acquisition of the Balfour Hotel Miami Beach (the “Balfour”), an independent boutique hotel located at 350 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Florida.

Located within Miami’s famed South Beach Art Deco District and situated less than one block from the beach, the Balfour contains 82 guestrooms across two towers, as well as an upscale restaurant and bar, an outdoor plunge pool, complimentary beach services, and approximately 1,300 square feet of rooftop terrace space. The hotel is managed by Driftwood Hospitality Management under a third-party hotel management agreement.

Josh Zegen, Managing Principal and Co-Founder of Madison Realty Capital, said, “Miami is no longer just a top destination for domestic and international leisure travel, but has rapidly become a growing hub for corporations and financial firms seeking to relocate their headquarters. We are pleased to provide a flexible financing solution to facilitate the acquisition of a superbly well-located hotel in one of the most liquid and dynamic hospitality markets in the country.”

Drew Coles, President of FullG Capital said, “Madison Realty Capital is a highly experienced lender in the Miami hospitality market with a reputation for certainty of execution. We are thrilled to leverage Madison Newbond’s attractive financing capabilities to complete the acquisition of the Balfour.”

Neil Luthra, Founding Partner at Newbond, added, “Madison and Newbond’s extensive operating experience enables us to efficiently underwrite hospitality lending opportunities and provide borrowers with a reliable financing partner in today’s choppy credit environment.  The Balfour perfectly exemplifies this, and we are excited to work with the FullG Capital team to bring their business plan to life.”

Madison Realty Capital has significant experience investing in hotel and luxury condominium developments in Miami and across South Florida. Notable transactions include an $85 million loan to The Related Group, BH Group, Teddy Sagi’s Globe Invest, and Wanxiang Group Corporation for the acquisition and pre-development of a luxury condominium project on Fisher Island in Miami Beach, a $76 million loan to The Related Group for the development of District 225, a 343-unit luxury condominium project in Miami, a $210 million loan to Fort Partners for the construction of the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Fort Lauderdale, and a $105 million loan to Fort Partners for the acquisition and modernization of the Four Seasons Hotel Miami.

Madison Newbond launched in November 2021 with approximately $500 million of initial lending capacity and has plans to add scale in line with existing opportunities.

 

About Madison Realty Capital 

Madison Realty Capital is a vertically integrated real estate private equity firm that, as of August 31, 2022, manages approximately $9.5 billion in total assets on behalf of a global institutional investor base. Since 2004, Madison Realty Capital has completed approximately $21 billion in transactions providing borrowers with flexible and highly customized financing solutions, strong underwriting capabilities, and certainty of execution. Headquartered in New York City, with an office in Los Angeles, the firm has approximately 70 employees across all real estate investment, development, and property management disciplines. Madison Realty Capital has been named to Commercial Observer’s prestigious “Power 100” list of New York City real estate players. To learn more, follow us on LinkedIn and visit www.madisonrealtycapital.com.

About Newbond Holdings

Newbond Holdings, founded by Neil Luthra and Vann Avedisian in 2021, is a real estate investment and operating platform focused on debt and equity investments across multiple real estate product types with a hospitality focus as well as investments in related operating businesses and technology platforms. The partners at Newbond have completed over $15 billion of debt and equity transactions. As a vertically integrated operating and investment platform, Newbond is uniquely positioned to create significant value beyond the typical investment process through creative structuring, operations and the development of single and multiple asset brands.

Nathaniel Garnick/Grace Cartwright
Gasthalter & Co.
(212) 257-4170
madisonrealty@gasthalter.com
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Accuray Announces First CyberKnife® Systems in Africa, Providing a New Option and Hope for Potentially Life-Saving Radiation Treatments for More Cancer Patients

World’s Only Robotic Radiation Therapy Device Delivers Extremely Precise Treatments in Just 1 to 5 Out-Patient Sessions

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Accuray Incorporated (NASDAQ: ARAY) announced today the company is expanding its global footprint with the introduction of its CyberKnife® platform in Africa, making it possible for more patients to obtain access to the extremely precise stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatments the system delivers. The Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357 (Hospital 57357) medical care team is the first in Egypt and Africa to treat patients using the system, while the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH) is the second in Africa and first in Kenya to acquire the system.

Accuray Incorporated (PRNewsFoto/Accuray Incorporated) (PRNewsFoto/Accuray Incorporated)

The number of new cancer cases diagnosed annually in Egypt and Kenya is anticipated to increase by approximately 75% and 126%, respectively, between 2020 and 20401. Innovative treatment options – such as the CyberKnife platform – can effectively treat certain neurologic conditions and a wide range of tumor types throughout the body, and at various stages of disease, while minimizing the impact of the treatment on a patient’s life.

“Our partnerships with the Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357 and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital teams directly aligns with our vision, and their goal, to expand all patient access to the most advanced radiation therapy treatments and to improve healthcare equity in areas where historically these treatments have not been an option,” said Suzanne Winter, president and CEO of Accuray. “We are proud that such esteemed organizations have selected the CyberKnife System to enhance the quality of care they provide their patients. The system will provide them with the tools they need to offer more patients extremely precise, powerful treatments that enable them to get back to living their lives, faster.”

The entire CyberKnife procedure is typically completed in just 1 to 5 out-patient sessions, providing a shorter overall course of treatment compared to conventional radiation therapy which typically takes 30-40 sessions. The condensed treatment schedule causes less disruption of patients’ daily lives and enables those people who are unable to travel a month or more for care to receive radiation therapy treatments delivered with sub-millimeter precision and accuracy.

Improving Patient Outcomes in Egypt
Hospital 57357 continues its legacy of innovation with the installation and treatment of the first patients in Egypt and Africa using the CyberKnife System. The radiation treatment delivered with the system is a non-invasive, non-surgical, typically pain-free outpatient procedure that does not require incisions or general anesthesia. Most patients will not require hospitalization or experience a long recovery period following the treatment procedure.

“At Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357, patients and their families are at the center of everything we do. We are proud to be the first hospital in Egypt and Africa to offer our patients treatment with the CyberKnife System, an innovative radiation therapy delivery technology we believe will enable us to improve patients’ outcomes and increase overall survival rates,” said Mohamed Saad Zaghloul, M.D., head of the radiation oncology department, Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357. “The system is designed to treat tumors throughout the body and provides us with an alternative to surgery for patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumours, expanding the number of patients we can help.”

Dr. Zaghloul continued, “Importantly, we can decrease the number of radiation sessions needed to between 1 and 5, without sacrificing the precision of the treatment we deliver. This is a significant benefit for our patients who want to be able to get back to spending time with their families and participating in the daily activities that other children their age enjoy.”

Expanding Access to Advanced Cancer Care in Kenya
KUTRRH is a leading Public National Referral Hospital dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of Kenyans and global citizens through provision of patient-centered and evidence-based healthcare. The CyberKnife® System will provide their team with the tools they need to provide optimal treatments for people diagnosed with cancer, benign tumors or certain neurologic disorders. The system was designed to provide clinicians with the speed required for workflow efficiency and the ability to deliver treatments more quickly – in as little as 15 minutes – while maintaining the precision and accuracy required for SRS and SBRT.

“In Kenya, cancer is a public health concern and too few people who would benefit from radiation therapy treatments are receiving care. For our region and our country, we believe the CyberKnife System will revolutionize cancer care,” said Prof. Olive Mugenda Ph.D., MGH Chairperson, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital.

Continued Prof. Mugenda, “The Cyberknife System has been one of the reason Kenyans have been travelling abroad for treatment. Having this system in Kenya, will not only improve the quality of life but also reverse outbound medical tourism.”

Jos. Hansen (East Africa) Ltd. is a leading distributor of trusted and reliable healthcare equipment and is the exclusive partner for the Accuray CyberKnife and TomoTherapy® platforms, including the next-generation Radixact® System, in Kenya. Jos. Hansen has a long-term relationship with the KUTRRH team and consulted with them as they evaluated radiation therapy devices and selected the CyberKnife S7™ System.

Important Safety Information
For Important Safety Information please refer to https://www.accuray.com/safety-statement.

About Accuray
Accuray is committed to expanding the powerful potential of radiation therapy to improve as many lives as possible. We invent unique, market-changing solutions that are designed to deliver radiation treatments for even the most complex cases—while making commonly treatable cases even easier—to meet the full spectrum of patient needs. We are dedicated to continuous innovation in radiation therapy for oncology, neuro-radiosurgery, and beyond, as we partner with clinicians and administrators, empowering them to help patients get back to their lives, faster. Accuray is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with facilities worldwide. To learn more, visit www.accuray.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Safe Harbor Statement
Statements made in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements and are subject to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate, but are not limited, to clinical applications, clinical results, patient experiences and patient outcomes. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of the company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the company’s ability to achieve widespread market acceptance of its products, including new product innovations and releases; the company’s ability to develop new products or improve existing products to meet customers’ needs; the company’s ability to anticipate or keep pace with changes in the marketplace and the direction of technological innovation and customer demands; and such other risks identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 17, 2022, and as updated periodically with the company’s other filings with the SEC.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made and are based on information available to the company at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events. The company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual performance or results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. Accordingly, investors should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

Media Contact:
Beth Kaplan                                                      
Public Relations Director, Accuray                       
+1 (408) 789-4426
bkaplan@accuray.com

1 https://gco.iarc.fr/tomorrow/en/dataviz/tables?populations=404_818&years=2040 

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[INVNT GROUP]™ Expands Global BrandStory Project Launches Hypnogram™ – The Creative Multimedia Studio

New York, NY, Sept. 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — [INVNT GROUP] THE GLOBAL BRANDSTORY PROJECT™, expands experiential storytelling capabilities launching Hypnogram™, a creative global boutique and studio focused on multimedia experiences that span the physical and digital world.

Hypnogram supports brands and organizations by translating ideas and messages into unimagined experiential multi-sensory moments through motion design, tech/art installations, augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality, across public and private spaces, including live shows and product launches, conferences and B2B events, festivals, public spaces, performance arts, hospitality, and the metaverse.

[INVNT GROUP] represents a growing portfolio of complementary disciplines designed to help forward thinking brands everywhere, impact the audiences that matter anywhere. The GROUP consists of modern brand strategy firm, Folk Hero; creative-led culture consultancy, Meaning; production studio & creative agency, HEVĒ; events for colleges and universities, INVNT Higher Ed; digital innovation division, INVNT.ATOM; the original live brand storytelling agency, INVNT; and now, Hypnogram, the creative multimedia studio.

“Innovative storytelling is in our DNA. This multimedia studio led by CEO Pavel Popov, the visionary ex-managing partner at Radugadesign USA and Radugadesign China, deepens our global expansion strategy, augments our core capabilities, and offers clients end-to-end creative solutions that drive audience engagement through immersive, next-generation multimedia experiences and events,” said INVNT CEO and [INVNT GROUP] COO, Kristina McCoobery.

“We live in an amazing time when digital and physical world are blending. Multimedia designers across the globe are pushing the boundaries of visual art, transforming events and installations into unforgettable experiences and cultural landmarks. Our mission is to become an industry-leading agency in multimedia design. When we combine what hypnogram brings to the table with the incredible, diverse capabilities of [INVNT GROUP], we are able to create added value for our partners around the world”, said Pavel Popov, CEO of Hypnogram.

Hypnogram is based in the U.S., operates globally, and is actively developing the China market, recently launching two 3D billboard projects commissioned by Vivo, a multinational technology company, and of the one of the leading smartphone manufacturers in China.

Rooted at the nexus of experiential marketing, art/design and technological innovation, [INVNT GROUP]’s addition of Hypnogram enhances the group’s ability to imagine and fulfill creative, immersive, multimedia spectacles that change the relationship between brands and those who come into contact with them.

Paul Blurton, Chief Creative Officer of [INVNT GROUP], who leads [INVNT GROUP] creative teams globally and across disciplines, will guide Hypnogram’s growth, through a combination of new clients and projects, and integration with other businesses within The GROUP.

Paul adds, “Multimedia content, design and application is an essential component of the work we do for our clients; it has been a part of our world for years, and continues to play an ever-increasing role, as brands seek those unforgettable, visually stunning “wow moments” that communicate their story in previously unimagined ways. In Pavel, we have brought a trusted partner into the business, who brings with him an unrivalled global network of creators, artists, designers, animators, programmers and technicians that enable us to bring to life almost anything we can dream up. It’s a natural and additive extension of our commitment to being the best brand storytellers in the world.”

For more information on Hypnogram visit: http://hypnogram.com/

Attachment

Jhonathan Mendez de Leon

[INVNT GROUP]