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SaaS · Food & drink
The Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Dehpue Yenpea Zuo, held a meeting with Togo’s Minister of Environment, Forest Resources, Coastal Protection and Climate Change in Togo on October 9th, 2026. The engagement focused on strengthening cooperation between the ECOWAS Commission and the Togolese government on environmental protection, natural resource management, and sustainable development within the broader framework of regional integration and economic resilience.
The meeting highlights the importance of regional collaboration to address pressing environmental challenges confronting West Africa, including climate change, coastal erosion, deforestation, land degradation, and heightened pressure on natural resources. These challenges directly threaten livelihoods, agricultural productivity, critical infrastructure, and broader economic activities across member states.
For the ECOWAS Commission, environmental sustainability is intrinsically linked to agricultural output, economic stability, and food security. The Commission recognizes that climate-induced pressures exacerbate rural vulnerability, disrupt development gains, and strain public resources, necessitating coordinated regional policies, shared technical expertise, and joint investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable agricultural practices.
During the dialogue, the alignment between Togo’s national environmental conservation efforts and ECOWAS regional sustainability goals was underscored. Discussions noted Togo’s active measures to strengthen coastal protection, particularly along the Gbodjomé–Agbodrafo–Goumoukopé–Kpémé coastline where 26 groynes have been deployed to stabilize the shore and mitigate erosion. Attention was also drawn to Togo’s ambitious forest conservation targets, which include planting one billion trees by 2030, raising national forest cover to 26 percent, and establishing mobile environmental and forestry surveillance brigades to protect forests and natural resources. These national initiatives provide critical avenues for regional collaboration, joint environmental programming, and enhanced mobilization of international climate finance and development assistance across the bloc.
The engagement forms part of Commissioner Zuo’s official activities following his assumption of office on September 1, 2026, under the ECOWAS Commission’s 2026–2030 mandate. Covering Economic Affairs and Agriculture, his portfolio prioritizes economic cooperation, agricultural development, and environmental sustainability as essential pillars for building economic resilience and safeguarding vulnerable communities across West Africa.
The consultation reinforces the commitment of the ECOWAS Commission to sustain dialogue with national authorities to advance regional environmental protection, resource management and sustainable economic growth.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Oct 19 · 16:25·APO Group
Sports · Sustainability
As an authorized Nike Grind licensee, Gerflor North America incorporates recycled materials into select athletic flooring products. BOLINGBROOK, Ill., Oct. 19, 2026 -- Gerflor North America announced the availability of select sports flooring products containing Nike Grind...
Oct 19 · 16:11·PR Newswire
Sustainability
Cape Town, South Africa, 2026-10-19 — Sustainable solutions that lessen environmental effect without compromising professional standards are necessary for modern business events. [read full press release...]
Oct 19 · 15:43·Express Press Release
Sustainability
The Alliance for Local Leaders International (ALLIES), the California Global Biodiversity Alliance (CalGBA), and ICLEI USA convene U.S. local government delegation at COP17 to elevate the role of cities and communities in protecting nature and building resilient communities YEREVAN,...
Oct 19 · 15:00·PR Newswire
SaaS · Sustainability
From the world's first carbon removal credits generated from biochar infused asphalt to strategic commercialization collaborations with Ergon and Highway International Singapore, Verde is seeking to build globally scalable platform that integrates infrastructure development, carbon sequestration, and environmental value creation.
From the world's first carbon removal credits generated from biochar infused asphalt to strategic commercialization collaborations with Ergon and Highway International Singapore, Verde is seeking to build globally scalable platform that integrates infrastructure development, carbon sequestration, and environmental value creation.
Oct 19 · 14:32·GlobeNewswire
Finance · Energy
Ottawa, Ontario--(October 19, 2026) - Thermal Energy International Inc. (TSXV: TMG) (OTCQB: TMGEF) (FSE: EUW) ("Thermal Energy" or the "Company"), a provider of high-ROI energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction solutions to major corporations around the world, will release its fiscal 2027 first quarter financial results prior to market open on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.Management will host an earnings conference call and webcast to review the financial results at 8:30...
Oct 19 · 14:30·Newsfile
AI · SaaS
The Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Honourable Nthati Moorosi, has called for greater efforts to translate scientific research and innovation into practical solutions that improve the lives of Basotho.
The Minister made the call when officially opening the third edition of the National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Week 2026 in Maseru Today.Held under the theme “Exploring the Role of Science, Technology and Innovation in Improving Lives and Building a Better Future,” the week-long event brings together stakeholders to explore how science, technology and innovation can address Lesotho’s development priorities.
In her keynote address, Hon. Moorosi said the country must build a culture in which science, technology and innovation are central to solving problems, creating jobs and growing the economy.
She noted that these fields are no longer activities reserved for universities and research institutions but have become the backbone of modern, competitive economies.
The Minister stressed that research should not end with reports on shelves but must find practical application in factories, farms, businesses, public services and communities.
She further highlighted Government’s efforts to strengthen the policy and institutional foundations for research and innovation, including advancing the Research and Innovation Policy through the necessary approval processes. The policy is intended to strengthen the translation of scientific knowledge into commercially viable products, technologies and services.
As part of practical initiatives to apply innovation to national priorities, Hon. Moorosi said her Ministry, working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, is developing an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot to strengthen agricultural extension services. The initiative aims to improve farmers’ access to timely and practical agricultural information and advice.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade the High-Performance Computing infrastructure at the Mohale’s Hoek Data Centre to support scientific modelling, advanced research, data analytics and the development of locally relevant artificial intelligence applications.
Hon. Moorosi called on universities, researchers and young innovators to move beyond demonstrating that ideas are scientifically possible and take the next step towards testing, improving, commercialising and deploying them for the benefit of society.
Meanwhile, the Acting Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Matšepo Mosoka, reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to promoting science, technology and innovation as drivers of sustainable development.
The week’s programme will focus on the application of science, technology and innovation in agriculture, healthcare, digital transformation, climate resilience and the broader innovation ecosystem.
The event also provides a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore practical ways of addressing national challenges through locally developed solutions.
Through the National Science, Technology and Innovation Week, the Government of Lesotho seeks to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem and ensure that scientific knowledge contributes to productivity, economic opportunities and improved livelihoods.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.
Oct 19 · 14:03·APO Group
Media · Education
13-Year-Old Raji Doshi Named America’s Top Young Scientist for Inventing Natural System To Reduce CO2-Driven Ocean Acidification
Mon, 10/19/2026 - 10:15
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Originally published on 3M News Center
3M and Discovery Education named 8th grader Raji Doshi as the winner of the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation’s premier middle school science competition. Raji lives in Farmington, Connecticut, and attends Stanford Online High School. She distinguished herself by engineering a natural algae-and-aragonite system, an inventive solution to address ocean acidification by increasing alkalinity and removing carbon dioxide from seawater. As the grand prize winner, Raji received a $25,000 cash prize and the prestigious title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”
Raji spent the summer competing against nine other finalists and ultimately secured the win during final Challenge events at 3M global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Oct. 12 and 13, 2026. The 2026 finalists, ages 11 to 14, each identified an everyday problem, developed an innovative solution, and pitched their project through a one- to two-minute entry video. Their proposals aligned to 3M technology platforms including climate tech and safety, and finalists were evaluated on their creativity, scientific knowledge, communication effectiveness, ingenuity, application of STEM principles, and demonstration of research.
Raji’s project, Engineering a Novel Durable Algae-Aragonite Alkalinity System to Reduce CO2-Driven Ocean Acidification, tests whether macroalgae cultivation paired with natural calcium carbonate buffers could create a durable, low-cost system for reducing coastal acidification, a growing threat to marine ecosystems. The solution reflects the 3M Young Scientist Challenge’s focus on encouraging middle school students to think creatively, apply the power of STEM, and develop real-world solutions that can make a meaningful impact. Through carbonite chemistry analysis, Raji demonstrated the efficacy of aragonite in increasing algae biomass, removing carbon dioxide, and substantially lowering dissolved carbon dioxide. She also developed a Michaelis-Menten computational model to identify an optimal aragonite dose, a step toward making climate solutions more practical for coastal communities.
"The 3M Young Scientist Challenge highlights the incredible potential of young people to tackle real-world challenges through science," said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. "The talent and creativity displayed by this year's finalists was exceptional, and we congratulate Raji on earning the title of America's Top Young Scientist."
Each 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalist is paired with a 3M scientist who mentors and works with them one-on-one over the summer to transform their ideas from concept to prototype. This year’s winner was paired with Deborah Isabelle, a product engineering specialist at 3M.
“Raji’s project reminds us that when you’re passionate about something, you can use that interest to change the world, said Isabelle. “She loves collecting seashells and was distressed that ocean acidification is starting to damage the seashells and the creatures that live inside them. It was that passion that led her to create ALKACORE to address the ocean acidification issue.”
The second and third place winners from the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge also receive special recognition, including a $1,000 prize. This year’s runners-up are:
Aaisha Asif, a 7th grader from Sarasota, Fla., Pine View, Sarasota County Schools
Sharvi Mahajan, a 9th grader from San Diego, Calif., Westview High School, Poway Unified School District
The remaining top finalists from the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, in alphabetical order by last name, are:
Ahmed Abdelsalam, a 7th grader from Cambridge, Mass., Darby Vassall Upper School, Cambridge Public Schools
Aiden Jo, a 9th grader from Houston, Texas, Strake Jesuit College Prepratory, Houston Independent School District
Roy Kim, an 8th grader from Beaverton, Ore., Whitford Middle School, Beaverton School District
Arika Kundu, an 8th grader from Shorewood, Minn., Minnetonka Middle School East, Minnetonka Public Schools
Millie Pradawong, a 9th grader from Fairfax, Va., James Madison High School, Fairfax County
Naboshree Santra, a 7th grader from Oviedo, Fla., Jackson Heights Middle School, Seminole County Public Schools
Abigail Stein, an 8th grader from Nashville, Tenn., Harding Academy, Nashville Independent Schools
“When students have the support to follow their curiosity, their ideas can grow into real-world innovation,” said Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education. “For 19 years, our partnership with 3M has paired students with working scientists who coach them from ideation to working prototype. We applaud Raji and every Young Scientist for the dedication and imagination they bring to this challenge, and we’re grateful to 3M for helping us make hands-on scientific inquiry a thrill to watch.”
Now in its 19th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to develop real-world solutions. Former America’s Top Young Scientists have given TED Talks, filed patents, founded nonprofits, and made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. In addition, a 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network was formed in fall 2022 and includes more than 100 former challenge winners, finalists, and mentors, who take part in networking opportunities and more.
The award-winning competition supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program Young Scientist Lab, which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available on Discovery Education Experience, the essential companion for engaged PreK-12 classrooms.
To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet this year’s winners and finalists, visit youngscientistlab.com.
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Oct 19 · 13:50·3BL Media
Finance · SaaS
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND and HYDERABAD, INDIA - October 19, 2026 - Cotecna, a leading provider of Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) services, today announced the acquisition of Energon Labs, a cGMP-compliant, USFDA-inspected, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017 certified analytical testing laboratory based in Hyderabad, India.
The acquisition strengthens Cotecna's global Life Sciences platform and expands its pharmaceutical testing capabilities across the Pharmaceutical, Biopharmaceutical, Medical Device and Packaging sectors. Serving customers across India, the United States, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, Energon is recognized for its scientific excellence, regulatory expertise and commitment to quality.
Strategically located in Hyderabad, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology hubs, Energon provides Cotecna with access to highly specialized scientific talent, advanced laboratory infrastructure and a well-established pharmaceutical ecosystem. India is also one of the world's fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets and a critical manufacturing hub for global healthcare supply chains.
The acquisition enhances the Cotecna's ability to support both Indian and international customers with high-quality, regulatory-compliant testing services while delivering greater responsiveness, scalability and operational efficiency across key markets.
The addition of Energon further complements Cotecna's growing pharmaceutical testing network which includes Cotecna Life Sciences, Shiva Analyticals and Neotron Pharma. Together, this capabilities strengthen the Group's ability to support customers throughout the product lifecycle and address evolving global quality, compliance and regulatory requirements.
Energon offers a comprehensive portfolio of analytical testing and quality assurance services, including analytical method development and validation, stability studies, impurity profiling, extractables and leachables, glass delamination studies, peptides and oligonucleotide characterisation, raw material and finished product testing, in-vitro binding studies, packaging compatibility studies, and regulatory support services. These capabilities will further strengthen Cotecna's position as a trusted partner to pharmaceutical manufacturers serving regulated markets worldwide.
Sebastien Dannaud, Chief Executive Officer of Cotecna Group, commented: “We are pleased to welcome Energon Labs to the Cotecna Group. This acquisition represents another important step to support our ambition to become one of the largest providers of Life Sciences testing services in India, and strengthens our position in one of the world's most important pharmaceutical markets.”
Amit Chopra, CEO South Asia and Middle East, Cotecna Group, added: "I am delighted to welcome Manikanth Reddy and the talented team of Energon Labs to the Cotecna group. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy of building a comprehensive pharmaceutical testing ecosystem across key growth markets. Energon's strong technical capabilities, experienced team and established customer relationships will enhance our ability to serve pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device companies across India and globally. Together, we are creating a stronger platform to support the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. "
Manikanth Reddy, Founder, Energon, said: "Joining the Cotecna Group opens an exciting new chapter for Energon Labs. Over the years, we have focused on building a laboratory recognized for quality, scientific expertise and reliability. Becoming part of a global organization like Cotecna provides new opportunities to expand our capabilities, strengthen our service offerings and deliver even greater value to our customers. Our team remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of analytical excellence while supporting the continued growth of the life sciences industry.”
About Energon Labs
Energon Labs is a cGMP-compliant, USFDA-inspected, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017 certified analytical testing laboratory located in Hyderabad, India. The company provides comprehensive analytical testing, quality assurance and regulatory support services to pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, medical device and packaging industries, serving customers across India, the United States, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
About Cotecna
Founded in Switzerland in 1974, Cotecna is a leading provider of Testing, Inspection and Certification services. With operations in more than 55 countries, Cotecna helps clients ensure quality, safety, compliance and sustainability across global supply chains. The Group serves customers across agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, minerals and metals, consumer products, certification and ESG services through a worldwide network of experts, laboratories and technical specialists.
Oct 19 · 13:49·NewMediaWire
Sustainability · Software & IT
2026 reports for both Europe and the United States name Lenovo a Leader, citing its comprehensive approach to helping customers address IT costs and carbon emissions with Sustainability Solutions MORRISVILLE, N.C., October 19, 2026 – Lenovo today announced that it has been named a Leader in the IT Solutions quadrant of the 2026 ISG Provider Lens® Digital Sustainability reports for both Europe and the United States, c
Oct 19 · 13:00·Lenovo
Energy · Retail
Amazon, X-energy, and AEP are collaborating to explore building small modular reactors in Indiana that would add carbon-free power to the regional grid.
Oct 19 · 12:30·Amazon
Sustainability
MEXICO CITY, Oct. 19, 2026 -- NEXT Properties (Trust 2401), a trust formed under the laws of the United Mexican States (the "Trust" or "NEXT Properties") announced today that it has commenced exchange offers (collectively, the "Exchange Offers") for any and all of its...
Oct 19 · 12:16·PR Newswire