Digital payments now make up more than half of retail transactions in the Philippines, rising from 42% to 53% in just over a year, as more people across cities and rural areas move away from cash and traditional banking.Non-bank lenders, now responsible for most digital credit activity, are expected to lend over US$550 million, driven by younger borrowers turning to faster alternatives and tens of millions of new downloads logged in the first three quarters.This shift goes beyond how people move money—it is changing how they interact with digital systems that combine practical tasks with entertainment. With fewer people relying on physical outlets for financial services or leisure, more activity now takes place in blended spaces, where everything runs through a single screen.That overlap is also reshaping how casino-style games are delivered. Instead of using direct deposits or card payments, many of these experiences now run through regulated sites that allow real rewards while staying within legal guidelines and offering easier access.These platforms use two types of virtual currency. Gold Coins are used for casual gameplay with no cash value, while Sweeps Coins—earned through purchases, bonuses, or other offers—can be redeemed for prizes once a set number is reached. It removes the usual payment friction, keeps the experience fast and familiar, and fits well with the way mobile-first users already move through digital spaces.To understand how deep this change runs, look at the infrastructure behind it: the national QR Ph standard now covers more than 675,000 merchant outlets nationwide, from urban malls to suburban bistros and wet markets.That means scanning to pay is no longer confined to tech hubs—it's a daily habit in small-town sari‑sari stores and public transport stops. The push didn't come out of thin air: government and private sectors collaborated throughout the pandemic to fast-track QR Ph deployment; it's now central to the Bangko Sentral's goal of shifting 60–70% of retail transactions into digital channels.While QR Ph strengthens domestic convenience, there are signs it'll reshape regional behavior too. Through ASEAN initiatives like Project Nexus, the Philippines is aligning its fast‑payment systems for cross-border transactions—so someday a QR scanned in Manila could work in Bangkok or Jakarta, using local currencies .On the credit side, non-bank lenders aren't idling—they now hold over 55% of the digital lending market, translating to more than US$ 550 million in loans. Many of those are microloans under PHP 20,000, extended based on app behavior and repayment patterns rather than traditional bank scores.The result: more Filipinos—including freelancers, small entrepreneurs, and remote workers—are getting access to finance they might otherwise miss.Even pawnshops and money service businesses have leaned into this shift. Home to over 22,700 outlets as of late 2024, these channels act as both remittance touchpoints and fintech access nodes, particularly in Luzon's hinterlands.In places where people once relied on cash or informal credit, a digital payment or app-based microloan is now available.Behind all this stands robust policy support, with new e‑money licenses, an updated National Payment Systems Act, and a revamp of digital bank rules. Over 70 electronic money issuers now operate under BSP oversight, joined by emerging digital banks.The same regulator is also exploring a wholesale central bank digital currency, primarily for improving interbank settlement and cross‑border transfer efficiency.What's unfolding isn't a sudden break from the past but a steady recalibration, where tools built for speed and access are now shaping the pace of everyday life, often without ever needing to be noticed.
SK Hynix Inc. (or "the company", www.skHynix.com) announced today that it presented a new DRAM technology roadmap for the next 30 years and the direction for a sustainable innovation at the IEEE VLSI symposium 20251 held in Kyoto, Japan.1IEEE VLSI (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Very Large Scale Integration) symposium: One of the most prestigious academic events in the field of semiconductor circuit and process technology, presenting academic achievement in next-generation semiconductors, AI, memory chips, and packaging. The symposium is held in turn in the US and Japan annually.Cha Seon Yong, CTO (CTO) of SK Hynix, delivered on June 10th a plenary session on "Driving Innovation in DRAM Technology: Towards a Sustainable Future".In his speech, CTO Cha explained that it is increasingly difficult to improve performance and capacity with scaling through the current technology platform2. "In order to overcome such limitations, SK Hynix will apply the 4F² VG (Vertical Gate) platform and 3D DRAM technology to technologies of 10nm level or below with innovation in structure, material, and components," he said.2Tech Platform: A technological framework that can be applied to various generations of productsThe 4F²3 VG4 platform is a next-generation memory technology that minimizes the cell area of DRAM and enables high integration, high speed, and low power through a vertical gate structure.34F²: The area occupied by one cell, a unit to store data, is indicated as F2. F indicates the minimum feature size of a semiconductor. Therefore, 4F2 is an integration technology to put more cells in a chip in which one cell occupies an area of 2F by 2F.4VG (Vertical Gate): A structure in which a gate, which acts as a switch of a transistor, is vertically placed and surrounded by channels. Currently, it is a flat structure where a gate is laid horizontally on top of channels.Currently, 6F2 cells are common, but by applying 4F2 cell and wafer bonding technology that puts the circuit part below the cell area, cell efficiency and electrical characteristics can be improved.CTO Cha also introduced 3D DRAM as the main pillar for the future DRAM along with VG. CTO Cha said that although some in the industry warn of cost increase according to the number of layers stacked, it can be solved by constant technological innovation.Along with structural breakthroughs, the company will also strive to find a new growth engine by sophisticating technologies of critical materials and components of DRAM to lay the foundation for the next 30 years."Until around 2010, DRAM technology was expected to face limitations at 20nms, but with constant innovation, we have made it this far," said CTO Cha. "SK Hynix will continue to guide the future of long-term technological innovation to be a milestone for young engineers in the field of DRAM and maintain cooperation within the industry to bring the future of DRAM into reality."On the last day of the event, Joodong Park, vice president who leads the Next Gen DRAM TF, will present his findings from a recent research on how VG and wafer bonding technology affect the electrical characteristics of DRAM.
Global enterprise cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704) today announced that it's bringing powerful and simplified security capabilities to Nvidia Enterprise AI Factory validated design, helping organizations worldwide safely transform their business with next-gen AI infrastructure.Eva Chen, Co-Founder and CEO at Trend: "AI is being unleashed worldwide, changing the way we work and innovate. But it comes with new security challenges, and the infrastructure required is already highly complex. Trend is leading the industry in simplifying and securing this new environment, and we are doing so with customers at all stages of their AI journey."Justin Boitano, vice president of Enterprise AI Products at Nvidia: "As AI becomes integral to enterprise operations, organizations require security that matches the speed and complexity of AI factories. Together, Trend Micro and Nvidia are delivering an integrated platform that empowers organizations to confidently deploy AI while protecting data across on-premises and hybrid cloud environments." Trend Vision One is the leading platform in the industry that can seamlessly provide a single set of security rules across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud infrastructure. Trend is prepared to meet security needs in any environment worldwide. As a growing number of enterprises continue shifting towards proprietary AI infrastructure, a security solution that can support any stage of transformation is critical.According to recent Forrester Research, "Data centers are at the heart of sovereign AI ecosystems. Organizations training AI models with their data need to make sure that sensitive data and workloads remain in the country when digital sovereignty constraints demand it. Organizations, cloud vendors, hyperscalers, and service providers constitute an ecosystem that requires a combination of sovereign data centers, sovereign AI solutions, and sovereign workforces."*Trend Micro and Nvidia have collaborated to deliver an agentic AI-powered security solution as part of the Nvidia Enterprise AI Factory validated design, addressing the needs of security-conscious enterprises in government, healthcare, financial sectors, and more. The collaboration brings together Trend Vision One™ for Sovereign Private Cloud (SPC), Nvidia NIM microservices, Nvidia NeMo, and Nvidia Morpheus cybersecurity AI framework to create a pre-validated solution for organizations requiring complete data jurisdiction. This integrated offering ensures sensitive data remains on sovereign soil while enabling powerful AI capabilities.Key benefits include:100% data sovereignty with on-premises deployment options for air-gapped environments Pre-integrated hardware, software, support, and deployment services Threat detection intelligence built with Nvidia AI software and accelerated computing for real-time security analysis Comprehensive protection across email, cloud, network, endpoint, data, and identity Simplified procurement and deployment, accelerating time-to-valueFor enterprises building their own GenAI implementations, this solution delivers the security, performance, and compliance needed to confidently deploy AI while maintaining complete control over sensitive data. The collaboration eliminates "DIY security" challenges, providing a clear starting point that remains fully customizable to each organization's unique requirements.Trend remains committed to leading the charge for proactive security across the globe. With unmatched intelligence-gathering capabilities and the largest vendor-agnostic bug bounty program in the world, Trend continues to discover, understand, and inform the industry about the evolving digital landscape. Trend is staying ahead through events like Pwn2Own Berlin, which highlight the growing importance of understanding and securing AI.*Forrester, Top 10 Emerging Innovations In The Data Center, 2025 | March 17, 2025About Trend MicroTrend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro's AI-powered cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, Trend's platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 70 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.TrendMicro.com.PR ContactElite Public Relations, Betty / 0917-525-819 / betty@epr.com.twElite Public Relations, Selina / 0963-830-501 / selina@epr.com.twTrend Micro, Angela / 0955-335-686 / angela_chiang@trendmicro.comTrend Micro, Ivy¡þ0912-050-313¡þivy_chang_chien@trendmicro.com
SK Hynix Inc. (or "the company") announced today that it has developed a UFS 4.1 solution product adopting the world's highest 321-layer 1Tb triple-level cell 4D NAND flash for mobile applications.The development comes amid increasing requirements for high performance and low power of a NAND solution product to ensure a stable operation of on-device AI. The company expects the UFS 4.1 product, optimized for AI workload, to help enhance its memory leadership in the flagship smartphone markets.With an increase in demand for on-device AI leading to greater importance of the balance between computation capabilities and battery efficiency of a device, the mobile market is now requiring thinness and low power from a mobile device.The latest product comes with a 7% improvement in power efficiency, compared with the previous generation based on 238-high NAND and a slimmer 0.85mm thickness, down from 1mm before, to fit into an ultra-slim smartphone.The product also supportsa data transfer speed of 4300MB/s, the fastest sequential read* for a fourth-generation of UFS, while providing the best-in-class performance by also improving random read and write speed**, critical for multitasking, by 15% and 40%, respectively. Immediate provision of the required data for on-device AI and faster running speed and the responsivity of an application are expected to enhance user experience.* Sequential Read/Write: speed to read and write data of a file sequentially* Random Read/Write: speed to read and write data of dispersed filesSK Hynix plans to win customer qualification within the year and ship in volume from the first quarter of next year. The product will be provided in two capacity types – 512GB and 1TB.Ahn Hyun, President and Chief Development Officer, said that SK Hynix plans to complete the development of the 321-high 4D NAND-based SSD for both consumers and data centers within the year. "We are on track to expand our position as a full-stack AI memory provider in the NAND space by building a product portfolio with AI technological edge."About SK Hynix Inc.SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world's top-tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips ("DRAM") and flash memory chips ("NAND flash") for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company's shares are traded on the Korean Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK Hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.
Retronix Technologies Inc. announced the launch of two cutting-edge AI edge computing platforms, developed in collaboration with Renesas Electronics Corporation.The newly unveiled Sparrow Hawk Single Board Computer (SBC) and Raptor System on Module (SoM) are both powered by the latest Renesas R-Car V4H System-on-Chip (SoC), delivering up to 30 TOPS (Dense) of AI inference performance. These open platforms are designed to support a wide range of embedded edge AI applications and smart automotive solutions.Sparrow Hawk focuses on robotics, industrial automation, and rapid prototyping, offering a highly flexible and cost-effective development platform. Raptor, with its modular design and multi-camera processing capabilities, is engineered for commercial vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), meeting demanding requirements for reliability and AI edge computing.Product Highlight 1: Sparrow Hawk — A Versatile Platform for Edge AI ApplicationsSparrow Hawk is a compact and highly expandable edge AI development board featuring the Renesas R-Car V4H SoC. It offers up to 30 TOPS of dense AI inference performance and supports a fully open-source Linux environment, accelerating the development of industrial and embedded AI solutions.Key Features:*Optimized for Edge Intelligence: Designed for industrial robots, smart manufacturing, and autonomous control systems. *Raspberry Pi HAT Compatible: Easily integrates with popular modules and sensors to streamline development.*High AI Performance: Handles real-time image processing and AI workloads with ease thanks to 30 TOPS deep learning capabilities.*Open Development Environment: Built on an open-source Linux architecture with extensive community support.*Developer-Friendly Pricing: Campaign program at only USD 300, no paper contract required to get started.*Compact Design: Measures just 146mm x 90mm, ideal for embedded and terminal devices.Rich I/O and Expansion Interfaces:*8GB / 16GB LPDDR5 memory*Dual-camera interface and 40-pin GPIO header*1x DisplayPort, PCIe (4x USB3.0, 1x M.2 Key-M), 2x CAN-FD, Audio (2x In. 1x Out) and AVB Ethernet*Supports USB PD 20V power input and MicroSD removable storageRetronix Sparrow HawkPhoto: CompanyProduct Highlight 2: Raptor — Automotive-Grade AI SoM for Smart Vehicle Vision ProcessingRaptor is a high-performance SoM designed for automotive vision processing and edge AI computation. Powered by the Renesas R-Car V4H SoC, it supports multiple camera inputs, pre-processing, and AI inference. Raptor is ideal for applications including ADAS, smart cockpits, surround-view systems, and AGVs.Key Features: *Automotive-Grade Architecture: Built with safety-oriented design principles, long-term supply, and compliance with automotive standards.*Multi-Camera Support: Integrated ISP supports up to 8 video channels with synchronized vision processing.*Powerful AI and Specialized Automotive IP: Delivers 30 TOPS AI inference performance with integrated Image Rendering Unit, Dense Optical Flow, Structure from Motion, and CV/Deep Learning Engines.*Reference Carrier Design & Custom Development: Retronix offers reference designs and engineering services to accelerate product development. *Comprehensive Software Resources: Compatible with Yocto Linux and includes the Renesas AI Hybrid Compiler toolkit.*High Reliability: Designed for high-temperature environments with optimized power efficiency for automotive use.Retronix RaptorPhoto: CompanyAvailability and Computex ShowcaseSparrow Hawk and Raptor are scheduled to sample in late Q2 2025, alongside the launch of a developer program and open-source community support platform to help users rapidly prototype and deploy AI applications.We warmly invite industry professionals to visit Retronix at Computex 2025 (Booth N0814 / B-4) to experience the capabilities of Sparrow Hawk and Raptor firsthand. Explore their architectures, image processing performance, and AI inference efficiency across smart manufacturing, robotics, unmanned vehicles, and intelligent automotive applications.
The global wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industrial paradigms across sectors. The convergence of wireless communication and AI is propelling AIoT into a new era, where diverse intelligent applications demand optimal performance, power efficiency, and cost-effectiveness to achieve scalable deployment. As a global leading provider of wireless communication modules and AI solutions, Fibocom is redefining its core competencies through an AI-centric platform approach, driving the deep integration of AI and connectivity to unlock new opportunities for intelligent transformation across industries."Traditionally, the core value of communication modules was 'connectivity,' but today, we're seeing AI capabilities rapidly extending to the edge," said Tiger Ying, CEO of Fibocom. "Modules are evolving into intelligent hubs capable of computation, sensing, and decision-making. The edge-cloud collaboration exemplifies the value of AI-communication convergence, and the role of the module is being redefined."Seamless Integration of Hardware and Software: Fibocom's Full-Stack Solutions Empowering the AIoT EraWith deep expertise in wireless communication, AI technologies, and integrated software hardware abilities, Fibocom is actively deploying AI at edge computing nodes to enable intelligent terminals. Through its "AI for X" initiative, the company delivers all-around AI capabilities, products, industry solutions, and ecosystem collaborations to accelerate the industry's transformation from "connect everything" to "intelligently connectivity."Fibocom's AI offerings are tailored for a wide range of vertical scenarios, including smart robotics, autonomous driving, industrial control, and smart retail. For lightweight AI applications, the company has introduced large-model solutions supporting voice and vision interaction, ideal for upgrading devices like AI toys and smart speakers. On the edge AI front, solutions such as the Nebula Series and 5G FWA SkyEngine Solution enable the deployment of large models directly on devices, significantly reducing latency and power consumption while enhancing real-time responsiveness and user experience.Fibocom's one-stop solutions encompass AIoT modules, AI models, AI agents, global connectivity, and cloud services, driving digital intelligence upgrades in industries such as robotics, consumer electronics, low-altitude economy, intelligent transportation, smart retail, and smart energy. Built on the foundation of seamless software-hardware integration and full-stack coordination, these solutions reinforce Fibocom's position as a leading AIoT platform enabler.AI + Vertical Applications: Accelerating Commercialization and Validation of Smart TerminalsIn recent years, Fibocom has made remarkable progress in the field of smart robotics. Its self-developed embodied intelligent development platform whose name is Fibot integrates AI algorithms, IoT connectivity, and automated control, enabling leading global robotics brands to elevate their product intelligence and performance.A remarkable milestone is the launch of the world's first "vision-only" intelligent lawn mower solution in 2025. Unlike traditional lawn mower solutions, this breakthrough solution requires no physical boundary setup or base station support. Instead, it relies entirely on machine vision and AI algorithms for precise navigation and obstacle avoidance—delivering a true "perception-to-action" experience. "This is more than a technical innovation—it's a glimpse into the future of smart devices," noted Tiger Ying. The solution has already been rolled out across several European markets and earned a 5-star rating from Germany's leading tech media outlet Heimwerker, underscoring Fibocom's global competitiveness in AI innovation.Beyond robotics, Fibocom is redefining the value of 5G FWA through its SkyEngine solution, which combines AI computing with advanced connectivity. Designed to support local AI inference, concurrent multi-tasking, and cross-device collaboration, the platform serves as a powerful "super-intelligent agent" at the edge—enabling applications in smart homes, remote work, and multimedia processing. It also empowers telecom operators to evolve from bandwidth providers into intelligent service enablers.Driven by a dual-engine strategy of "algorithms + computing power," Fibocom is accelerating the commercialization of vertical AI applications—solidifying its transformation from a wireless communication module supplier to a global leader in AI-driven solutions.Addressing AI Integration Challenges with Systematic InnovationAs edge AI adoption accelerates, Fibocom is proactively addressing the associated challenges through a comprehensive and forward-looking approach. In the realm of data security and privacy, the company adheres to a "data minimization" principle from the design stage—enhancing on-device processing to reduce data exposure risks and strengthen user trust.For power-sensitive applications, Fibocom delivers high-performance, energy-efficient AI hardware solutions, optimizing resources from semiconductor architecture to algorithmic efficiency. Meanwhile, to address the complexities of computing scalability and ecosystem integration, Fibocom is building an open, flexible collaboration platform that enables customers and partners to co-create value, share in the AI-driven ecosystem, and accelerate real-world deployment across diverse use cases."We are committed to long-term value creation and scalable commercialization, with a sharp focus on edge AI solutions," said Tiger Ying. "Modules are not only the nearest data entry point to end devices—they are also the critical gateway to unlocking the full potential of AI."At the forefront of the AI revolution, Fibocom continues to be a foundational force in enabling intelligent connectivity, propelling the AIoT industry into a new era of transformation.
Quebec-based startup Femtum, a trailblazer in laser technology, is carving out a critical role in the evolution of semiconductor manufacturing.Spun off from Laval University's Centre of Optics, Photonics, and Lasers in November 2017, the company was founded by Louis-Rafaël Robichaud and Simon Duval, who are respectively the CEO and CTO.Initially, the focus of the company was on the laser sources. Since it was a spinoff, it had more than 20 years of research that Femtum acquired through a transfer of technologies by licensing the IP from the university.Robichaud and other experts on the team bring a wealth of knowledge to Femtum, including laser engines, fiber laser engines, all the assemblies, and the processing steps that are required to make them viable."Still today, Femtum is the only mid-infrared short pulse fiber laser in the industry," he asserted, highlighting the company's unique technological advantage. This distinctiveness is crucial in addressing the intricate challenges of manufacturing next-generation semiconductors for AI and photonics.Femtum's laser solutions are engineered to enhance precision in essential processes such as trimming and cleaning. In the production of advanced components like Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), and silicon photonics, the necessity for meticulous cleaning is paramount."One dust particle can kill a full CPO package," Robichaud warned, emphasizing the potentially devastating impact of contaminants and the critical role of Femtum's cleaning technology in preventing defects and boosting production yield.Robichaud emphasized that where Femtum distinguishes itself from other competitors is the fact that it not only provides the laser source, but also the optical end, how to focus the beam, how to condition the beam, and a fiber beam delivery. "We have fast shutters. We have optics to focus it really well. We also provide a software suite, which is pretty advanced to do the laser cleaning and laser trimming," said Robichaud.Versatile in laser solutionsThe company's technology is not just about cleaning; it's also about enabling new manufacturing processes. "We can really enable new processes. Epoxy is widely used for the bonding of parts together," Robichaud explained, pointing to the versatility of Femtum's laser solutions.Femtum has already demonstrated the efficacy of its solutions through pilot programs with key industry players. Its partnership with ficonTEC, a global leader in fiber-attached systems, has been instrumental in validating the technology at wafer scale."ficonTEC is the leading supplier of fiber attached systems in the world. They're a German company. They're the suppliers of many of the biggest Taiwanese OSATs," Robichaud stated, underscoring the significance of these collaborations.Femtum is also collaborating with other major entities, including INO and C2MI in Canada, to further refine and expand the applications of its laser technology.As Femtum looks to the future, scalability is a key focus. "The aim of Femtum is to achieve a thousand laser solutions per year," Robichaud revealed, outlining the company's ambition to significantly increase its production capacity. This vision includes the construction of a new factory in Quebec City.Seeking strategic investmentsTo fuel its expansion, Femtum is actively pursuing strategic investments. "We are raising Series A as we speak, and we hope to close this round by the end of this year," Robichaud confirmed. The company is particularly interested in attracting Taiwanese investors, recognizing the pivotal role of Taiwan in the semiconductor ecosystem."Taiwan is a key market, if not the top three markets for sure for Femtum," Robichaud emphasized, highlighting the country's importance for the company's growth strategy. He also mentioned that Femtum already has distributors in Taiwan.Femtum's business model is centered on providing comprehensive laser solutions. "We are a Femtum inside play. We co-sell our solution together with the machine integrator," Robichaud explained. This collaborative approach ensures that Femtum's technology is seamlessly integrated into the broader manufacturing process.Looking for investors, Robichaud hopes to find those that are more than just financial backers. "We're not looking only for people that can provide money, but also people that can bring value to the company, open doors and make those strategic partnerships or strategic projects or customers or suppliers, things like that," he said.With its sights set on revolutionizing semiconductor manufacturing, Femtum is poised for significant growth, driven by its cutting-edge technology and strategic vision.
Vancouver-based startup Clirio is transforming how engineering projects are visualized and managed through its cutting-edge platform that integrates augmented reality (AR), LIDAR scanning, subsurface data, and 3D visualization.Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from an applied earth science consulting company, Clirio aims to help engineering projects make better risk-informed decisions regarding large infrastructure projects such as transportation corridors, bridges, tunnels, and mining operations.According to CEO Gerald Magnusson, Clirio was born from the need to address the challenges of traditional engineering practices. "We're trying to help engineering projects make better risk-informed decisions around large infrastructure projects, such as transportation corridors, bridges, tunnels, and tailing dams for mining operations," Magnusson explains.Magnusson further highlights the difficulty for the general public to comprehend complex projects: "As you can imagine, for the layperson, looking at hundreds of 2D drawings is often challenging to understand what the scope and scale of the problem of the project is." Clirio's platform addresses this by "taking that data and putting it into the middle of the room so that everyone can ask questions based on the initial model, so everyone starts learning and growing their knowledge base around the project," says Magnusson.Core technology and unique advantagesClirio's core technology combines augmented reality, LIDAR-based scanning capabilities, subsurface data, and advanced 3D visualization. The platform enables users to capture, visualize, and collaborate on geospatial and project data in immersive environments.What sets Clirio apart, Magnusson states, is "its ability to integrate real-world 3D data, or what we often refer to as digital twins, into highly collaborative cloud-based workflows, allowing those teams to work anywhere in the world with one another". Unlike traditional BIM solutions, Clirio's tools focus on delivering real-world, spatially accurate visualizations.Scalability and data interoperabilityClirio's platform is designed with scalability in mind, capable of supporting organizations from small teams to large enterprises. The cloud-native architecture ensures that data storage, processing, and collaboration grow seamlessly. The platform also utilizes field-gathering tools on smartphones and tablets, enabling users to keep data current throughout a project's lifecycle."We've prioritized data interoperability and offer integrations with most commonly used data formats," Magnusson notes, emphasizing Clirio's ability to seamlessly integrate into clients' existing spatial data workflows. The platform supports various GIS systems, subsurface information, CAD platforms, and data formats, providing a comprehensive view of both above-surface and below-surface data.Customization and diverse applicationsClirio's platform is also highly customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their specific industries and use cases.Magnusson illustrates the platform's versatility: "Large-scale infrastructure engineering and construction projects can utilize geo hazard mapping and annotation tools. Archeologists could use it for digital preservation and virtual tours of excavation sites. Natural resource industries can adapt the platform for pipeline monitoring and environmental impact assessments," and even "Mining operators can collect geo-referenced 3D scans of changing conditions on site to provide safety briefings for workers that are just arriving on-site".Business model and financialsClirio operates on a subscription-based SaaS model, with pricing tiers based on usage volume and organizational size.Small teams can have access to affordable plans with limited user seats and digital workspaces. "Our tiered plans include a free tier where a user has access to one workspace. There's the pro tier for $49 US per month, and then there's a premium tier for $89 US per month". For larger clients, enterprise plans offer unlimited access and custom feature development.Clirio's annual recurring revenue is approximately CA$400,000, with CA$350,000 from services and CA$50,000 from the product side. The company's current burn rate is about CA$42,000 per month.Future roadmap and expansionClirio's future roadmap includes integrating AI to analyze geospatial data and provide actionable recommendations. The company also plans to add more data integrations and enhance its 3D annotation and design tools.Magnusson said it is also focused on expanding its hardware compatibility and establishing strategic partnerships in regions like Taiwan. He highlighted the company's interest in partnering with AI data analytics firms, display hardware manufacturers, and supporting Taiwan's infrastructure development.Looking ahead, Magnusson envisions Clirio continuing to grow its feature set based on user feedback and expanding its reach through joint ventures and strategic partnerships. "Really it is about continuing to grow our feature set based on, on what our users are telling us that is, that is critical for their types of work," Magnusson states. Ultimately, Clirio's vision is to support companies in making better-informed decisions on their projects, ensuring the best outcome for everyone involved.
Letenda, a company with a strong vision to become a major player in the transportation industry, is making significant strides in the electric bus market. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, Letenda aims to transform public transit.Nicolas Letendre, Letenda's CEO and founder, with over 15 years of experience in the transportation vehicle manufacturing industry, including roles at tier-one suppliers and Bombardier Aerospace, identified a crucial gap in the North American bus market. "My family comes from an entrepreneur family, and I always wanted to start a vehicle manufacturing company," Letendre explains. This passion, combined with technical expertise and a keen business sense, led to the inception of Letenda.In 2013, Letendre began investigating the bus industry, engaging with customers and suppliers to understand their needs. A key takeaway from these interactions was the demand for a mid-sized bus, a segment underserved in North America, where the market has been dominated by 30-foot and 40-foot full-size buses since the 1960s. "The customers told us we need smaller buses than the full-size bus that we have in North America," Letendre states, highlighting the need for a 9-meter bus for transit and shuttle services.Innovation at the forefrontLetenda's journey began in 2016, with Letendre participating in various accelerators to refine the business plan and model. Securing initial investments in 2017, Letendre focused on developing a battery-electric bus program that addresses key customer requirements: zero emissions, improved passenger accessibility, enhanced maneuverability, and a good range.Letenda's commitment to innovation is evident in its design and technology. The company's buses feature a distinct shape, improved passenger cabin and accessibility, enhanced driver field of view for increased safety, and energy efficiency, and computer-controlled systems for data provision. A rear steering system enhances maneuverability, allowing drivers to navigate tight corners with ease. "So you drive the bus now like a car and not like a bus anymore," Letendre explains.Targeting the public transit marketLetenda primarily targets the public transit market, including municipal transit, airport shuttles, and university shuttles in the USA. The company also recognizes the emerging demand for on-demand transit services in smaller towns, where smaller buses like Letenda's are ideal. "Like the Uber, but for buses, and you don't need a full-size bus for that service, they take less people, so a smaller bus makes sense," Letendre points out.Strategic manufacturing and expansionLetenda's business model involves collaborating with manufacturing partners to produce its buses. This approach allows for efficient production ramp-up and scalability. Initial manufacturing will occur in Canada to serve launch customers, with plans to utilize a manufacturing partner's US site to comply with "Buy America" requirements for public transit projects in the United States.The company is also exploring opportunities to expand its manufacturing and market reach. Letendre expresses interest in collaborating with Taiwanese manufacturers to serve markets in different regions, leveraging Taiwan's capabilities and Letenda's innovative platform.Competitive and sustainableLetenda is committed to providing competitive solutions in the electric bus market. The company's buses are priced competitively with major competitors like BYD, and Letenda has the advantage of being eligible for FTA (Federal Transit Administration) projects and avoiding surtaxes. "We are competitive with the other electric buses. BYD is a Chinese company, and is banned from applying to FTA like public transit projects", Letendre explains.Letendre also recognizes the importance of government incentives in driving the adoption of electric buses. In Canada and the USA, public transit operators utilize grants to purchase buses, a model that Letenda is familiar with. "And In Canada, we have the incentive for research and development (R&D)," Letendre emphasized that the sound ecosystem of R&D is very helpful for the company.Data monetization and AI integrationLetenda's business model extends beyond bus sales to include aftermarket parts and data monetization. The company plans to leverage the data generated by its buses to provide valuable insights to customers, enhancing their operations and services.Furthermore, Letenda is embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI to enhance its offerings. The company is integrating AI-powered passenger counting devices to provide valuable data to customers.Letenda is currently in a Series A fundraising round to support its commercialization phase. The funds will be used to purchase parts and work with the manufacturing partner to deliver buses. "We are planning to achieve our breakeven point executing the Series A plan," Letendre states.Collaboration and government incentivesLetenda is coming to Taiwan in May for the Computex and actively seeks strategic partnerships to expand its market presence and leverage local expertise. The company has initiated discussions with Taiwanese bus manufacturing companies to explore collaboration opportunities.As an innovative bus company based in Quebec, Letenda is poised to make a significant impact on the transportation industry with its innovative electric bus technology, strategic partnerships, and commitment to sustainability.
In an era dominated by cloud-based AI, a growing movement toward edge computing is emerging. Canadian edge AI startup Picovoice offers a full portfolio of voice AI and LLM technologies, distinguishing itself by delivering cloud-level performance directly on edge devices, combining high performance with privacy and low latency.Founded in January 2018 by Alireza Kenarsari, Picovoice aims to accelerate the transition of AI processing to where data is generated – at the user's fingertips.Kenarsari observed the inherent inefficiencies of cloud-dependent AI assistants, questioning the necessity of sending even simple voice commands to distant data centers for processing."If you tell Alexa to turn off the lights, does it really need to go through half of the planet, go to a data center, and come back? Probably not," Kenarsari said. "I knew what was going to happen, so my goal was to accelerate that transition."He envisioned a future where AI could operate more locally, mirroring human intelligence. This vision, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, led him to establish Picovoice.Kenarsari's journey to Picovoice is marked by a rich blend of experiences. His career began with stints at three different startups in Vancouver, where he witnessed the full spectrum of outcomes from acquisition and IPO to complete failure. This was followed by a role at Amazon, focusing on machine learning-based financial fraud detection. His close interactions with the Alexa unit at Amazon provided him with key insights that would shape his vision for his startup.End-to-end optimizationPicovoice's core technology is distinguished by its end-to-end optimization. The company owns its data pipelines, training mechanisms, and inference engines, enabling it to fine-tune its AI models for optimal performance on edge devices. This approach allows Picovoice to match the accuracy of cloud-based APIs while providing the low latency and reliability crucial for real-time applications.What differentiates Picovoice's solution from other edge-computing competitors? "Many edge deployment solutions use post-training optimization, where a pre-trained model (often open source) is modified to be smaller and faster. This approach has limitations: the original model isn't designed for edge deployment, restricting potential optimizations," explained Kenarsari. "Additionally, reliance on open-source runtimes like PyTorch and TensorFlow limits the optimization techniques available." These limitations make it difficult to achieve cloud-level accuracy on edge devices. That's why Picovoice addresses this by creating its own data pipeline and training mechanism.To empower non-developers to design voice-enabled product interactions, Picovoice has developed a web-based platform that simplifies the creation and customization of voice commands and wake words. It adopts a customer-centric approach, tailoring its business model to suit the unique needs of each client. As Kenarsari notes, "If you're making an AI PC, your constraints are very different compared to someone who is making a $5 million surgical robot."Its solutions are designed to be cross-platform compatible, supporting a wide array of operating systems and hardware configurations from Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox to NPU, GPU, CPU, MPU, and MCUs. "This versatility is particularly valuable for enterprises with diverse product portfolios," said Kenarsari. This is especially valuable for large enterprises that want to provide consistent user experiences across different devices.Value proposition for the edgePicovoice targets industries where privacy, reliability, and real-time processing are paramount, including consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, public safety, and government tech. The company's business model is B2B-focused, offering cost-effective solutions for high-volume applications. Its technology is being utilized in various innovative applications, including LLM-based voice assistants, agentic AI, and even NASA's next-generation spacesuits. In public safety, Picovoice's on-device solutions ensure that sensitive data remains secure.Picovoice initially earned recognition by delivering technically advanced solutions that outpaced competitors, gaining credibility among sophisticated technical buyers. As the company evolves, expanding its product portfolio and refining its go-to-market strategy, its value is increasingly recognized by non-technical stakeholders as well. With a commitment to transparency, Picovoice offers open access to its technology and resources. Its flexible pricing model is designed to adapt to the unique needs and scale of each customer.Looking aheadLooking ahead, Picovoice's vision is to power a billion devices with its AI technology. It is actively expanding its team and exploring strategic acquisitions to further its reach and impact.The company remains committed to continuous innovation, investing heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of the AI revolution.Picovoice has achieved profitability and secured significant multi-year deals with Fortune 100 companies. While the company is not actively seeking fundraising, it is open to strategic acquisitions to expand its team and capabilities.
