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FuelRod Deploys Swappable Charging Program at Miami International Airport

Fuel Rod

FuelRod, a leading provider of portable power solutions, announced today that Miami International (MIA) is the latest airport to deploy their innovative charging service with the installation of ten automated kiosks in select locations throughout the airport. By implementing the FuelRod program, the airport now provides the more than 50 million annual passengers with an environmentally friendly, portable option to power their devices—helping to eliminate “low power anxiety” and creating a more connected and less stressful traveling experience. FuelRod kiosks allow travelers to buy a kit with a fully charged FuelRod and all necessary cables to support any phone or pad. The rods may be recharged by the user or swapped for a fresh, fully charged replacement at any one of the many kiosk locations nationwide so travelers never need to worry about running out of power on the go. MIA is the newest addition to a rapidly growing list of more than fifty U.S. airports that have adopted the patented FuelRod two-way exchange mobile charging program, which includes major hubs such as Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), John F. Kennedy (JFK), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Boston Logan (BOS), and Harry Reid Las Vegas (LAS). “We're thrilled to kick off 2024 with the installation of FuelRod kiosks at Miami International Airport,” said FuelRod COO Joe Yeagley. “This latest expansion to our kiosk network at MIA highlights our commitment to providing travelers with easily accessible and reliable power solutions. We believe that staying charged should be easy and convenient, and our continued focus on expanding our presence in airports reinforces this belief.” It is FuelRod’s hope that their collaboration with airports such as MIA will improve the overall quality of the traveling experience and allow passengers to focus on the matters that are most important to them. About FuelRod FuelRod is a California-based portable power solutions company and developer of the FuelRod kit—the first reusable, portable charging system that allows you to charge your mobile device on the go, and then recharge or swap for a fresh one. With a growing network of kiosks nationwide, FuelRod can keep your devices powered virtually anywhere you go. Learn more at www.fuel-rod.com. Contact Details FuelRod Claudio Frescas +1 423-914-9647 claudio@fuel-rod.com Company Website https://www.fuel-rod.com/

February 07, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Passage of the Amendment to the Advanced Regenerative Biotech Act a Positive Catalyst for Korean and Japanese Cell Therapy Companies

NKGen Biotech, Inc.

New York, Feb 7, 2024 - (Plato Data) - On Thursday February 2, 2024, the bio industry welcomed the parliament’s passage of a bill that adds regenerative medicine organizations to the list of those considered for human cell management business licenses. The National Assembly passed the “Amendment to the Act on Safety and Support for Advanced Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Biopharmaceuticals” in a plenary session paving the way for certain next generation NK Cell Therapy companies to recognized as a licensed management business. According to a spokesperson at NKMAX, the passage of this amendment will enable the company to utilize its NK cell therapy SNK, as a customized treatment for severe, rare, and incurable diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer's, in Korea and Japan. NKMAX, which has been developing its NK cell therapy SNK through its U.S. subsidiary, NKGen Biotech (NASDAQ: NKGN). NKMAX has existing GMP facilities enabling it to immediately generate tangible sales of SNK. Another company which stands to benefit is CHA Biotech Co., Ltd. CHA Biotech engages in the research of cell therapy and storage of cord blood. CHA Biotech has previously entered into a collaboration with U.S. immunotherapy biotech company CanCure to develop a natural killer (NK) cell therapy. The anti-MIC antibody targets the MIC (MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence) antigen expressed by cancer cells. MIC refers to a protein that plays an important role in regulating and controlling NK cell killing of cancer cells. GI Cell, located in South Korea and an affiliate of GI Innovation, is also currently working on a next-generation NK cell therapy that maximizes tumor-targeting function and cancer cell-killing efficiency. Recently, GI Cell submitted an application to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for phase 1/2a clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a combination therapy between GI Cell's allogeneic NK cell therapy, T.O.P. NK and GI-101A, in patients with recurrent and refractory solid tumors. Natural Killer (NK) cell therapies hold significant potential in the field of immunotherapy for treating various diseases, particularly cancer. NK cells are a type of immune cell that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system, recognizing and eliminating infected or abnormal cells without prior sensitization. Some aspects more important aspects of the potential of NK cell therapies include minimal side effects, versatility in targets and Allogeneic Therapies. Source: Plato / Amplifi Contact Details Bryan Feinberg +1 551-574-2169

February 07, 2024 08:57 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Thinking Big With Nuvve's Vehicle-To-Grid Solution

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga The vehicle-to-grid (V2G) market is in its infancy and could potentially be poised for growth as the number of electric vehicles on the road multiplies. The cutting-edge and potentially game-changing technology turns EVs into moving storage systems, reducing the cost of ownership and bringing stability to the power grid by aggregating power and creating a virtual power plant. Nuvve Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: NVVE), the cleantech company from San Diego, is a leader in the field, owning rights to key intellectual property to advance the adoption of this potentially transformative technology. It's in growth mode, going after multiple markets that could benefit from its technology. The Electrification Of Buses, Buildings The bus fleet market is one of the markets Nuvve is targeting. In the public sector, there are 480,000 school buses, 225,000 postal vehicles, 170,000 military transports and 160,000 public transit buses in need of electrification. If all of them were powered by Nuvve’s V2G technology, it represents a $3.5 billion to $6.9 billion annual opportunity, according to the company. Then there’s Nuvve’s stationary batteries that serve as power sources and provide a variety of balancing and demand response services to the grid. That market is seeing increased demand as the public and private sectors seek to reduce emissions and lower costs. Pulling it all together is its AI-powered grid management services platform, which gives it recurring revenue and helps it stand out from its rivals. Nuvve’s AI-assisted GIVe software platform enables EV fleet owners to manage many aspects of their vehicles, including optimizing the readiness of their vehicles, monitoring and optimizing the energy used to power their vehicles, providing grid services and managing the health of the battery. In the stationary storage market, the platform enables customers to not only get power but also sell back excess energy to the grid to make or save money. Looking further out, Nuvve sees a lot of potential as EVs become more common on the roadways. Globally, an estimated 550 million EVs will be on the road by 2040, representing more than two-thirds of passenger vehicle sales. If every vehicle used Nuvve’s technology, that would represent a $420 billion to $840 billion annual opportunity, according to the company. It's Not Nuvve’s First Rodeo Nuvve isn’t new to the cleantech game, which the company is hoping gives it an edge. It has more than 25 years of V2G research and development under its belt, 20 MW under management across the world and seven years of continuous V2G commercial operations in Denmark, where the company launched commercial operation in 2016. The company reports that vehicles in Denmark using its technology have been generating about $3,000 in savings per year over seven years, which amounts to about 40% of the total cost of ownership of those vehicles. It's bringing that success to the U.S., recently announcing a deal with Blue Bird Corp. (NASDAQ: BLBD) – a maker of electric and low-emission school buses – to transition a school district in Texas to an all-electric school bus fleet. The company is also growing the number of V2G charging stations at a record-setting rate. In October Nuvve achieved 38 AC and DC bidirectional charging station connections, a record for the company. All were linked to its V2G GIVe software platform, providing charging services to an additional 38 electric school buses (or 1.42 MW of capacity). The new charging stations increase Nuvve’s megawatts under management by 1.4 and bring the total to 22.7 as of the end of October. That’s 30% more than it’s 17.4 megawatts under management at the end of 2022. Revenue Grows In Third Quarter The growth isn’t only showing up in megawatts, it’s also showing in the company’s revenue growth. In the third quarter, Nuvve reported revenue of $2.7 million, up 389.9% year-over-year. The company reduced its cash operating loss to $7.3 million from $7.4 million in the year-ago third quarter. "Through the third quarter of 2023, Nuvve is on pace to increase its revenues by more than 50% this year as orders, sales and deployments of charging stations connected to our GIVe V2G software platform, as well as grid service revenues, have all shown a substantial improvement over 2022 levels,” said Nuvve CEO Gregory Poilasne said when announcing quarterly results. “We believe we are laying the foundation for continued momentum as we go into 2024 and for the inflection in electrification that we feel is inevitable in the back half of this decade.” Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

February 07, 2024 08:50 AM Eastern Standard Time

Election Year Is Here: How To Make Organization's Voice Heard With VoterVoice From FiscalNote (NYSE: NOTE)

Benzinga

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the U.S. finds itself at a pivotal crossroads, with the state of its politics seemingly more complex than ever before. This election, like those before it, is a mirror reflecting the nation's ongoing evolution in its democratic processes. It embodies the myriad challenges and opportunities – political, social and technological – that shape the way we vote and participate in our democracy. Traditional means for affecting change like voting remain essential, and the role of advocacy is becoming more important – especially in overcoming the challenges of a potentially polarized political landscape. The 2024 Election This election cycle is unfolding in an environment where political divisions and a sense of uncertainty about the country's future direction are top of mind for many. Both major parties are grappling with internal challenges and declining approval ratings while the number of independents continues to grow, indicative of a shift in the traditional political landscape. Amidst this backdrop, the presence of polarizing candidates who inspire deep loyalty like incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, along with emerging third-party contenders, adds layers of unpredictability to an already tumultuous election season. Finally, the changing methodologies of voting, from the implementation of new technologies to the varying approaches to vote counting, highlight significant shifts in the American electoral system to which we are still adapting. Emerging Challenges In The 2024 Election The 2024 presidential election seems poised to be dominated by a relatively finite set of issues like reproductive rights, climate change and economic recovery. That presents a challenging environment for organizations to amplify their policy agendas that are oriented around a much more specific set of policy changes. With the spotlight on a likely Biden-Trump rematch, there's limited room for other policy discussions. This narrow focus makes it difficult for organizations with differing agendas to be heard. The Imperative Of Participation In this context, organizations acting more proactively through direct political advocacy can foster a more inclusive perspective on policy, giving a voice to organizations and the issues they care about that are absent from the current political discourse. It's not just about casting a vote for a candidate who may or may not represent your policy aspirations; it's about giving an organization and its constituents an actionable path toward directly contributing to the future of the nation. Every entity, irrespective of its size or sector, has the potential to influence the direction of public policy and contribute to the democratic process. In the absence of traditional political leaders or institutions representing an organization’s specific interests, any policy agenda can still become a reality through active engagement with lawmakers and political advocates. Amplifying Your Message With FiscalNote’s VoterVoice FiscalNote Holdings Inc’s (NYSE: NOTE) leading digital advocacy solution, VoterVoice, is a platform for organizations looking to make a meaningful grassroots-driven political impact. In 2022 alone, VoterVoice facilitated over 21.9 million messages to elected officials and 350 million emails to advocates, demonstrating its immense reach and influence. The platform is designed to be intuitive, making it easy for users to launch campaigns, engage advocates and effectively monitor outcomes with real-time reports. Additionally, the AI-driven features and data science tools of VoterVoice ensure that campaigns resonate with the right audience, maximizing the impact and driving policy change. However, the real strength of VoterVoice lies in its ability to connect users directly with lawmakers. The platform's integration with social media, a user-friendly interface and comprehensive tools make advocacy accessible and effective for any organization. Some of these tools include pre-filled lawmaker contact forms, AI-enhanced emails, surveys, petitions and detailed ROI reports that help organizations get their message out while building long-term engagement and creating a community of advocates. Through these tools, VoterVoice can help organizations move the needle on the policy that matters most to them and whomever they represent. Empowering Voices This Election As the challenges and opportunities of the 2024 election unfold, the importance of platforms like VoterVoice could prove to be instrumental. Empowering organizations to participate actively in the democratic process ensures every voice is heard, every concern is addressed and every effort is made to steer the nation toward a future that reflects the collective will and values of its people. In these coming months and years, tools like VoterVoice could prove to be invaluable in helping shape the policies that will define our future. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

February 07, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

BENZINGA Presents a Special Virtual Event: “The Future of Food: Agriculture & Culinary Innovation”

Benzinga

Benzinga, a leading financial media company, is thrilled to announce its upcoming virtual event on February 8, 2024: "The Future of Food: Agriculture & Culinary Innovation" “The Future of Food: Agriculture & Culinary Innovation” is an engaging virtual webinar that will explore cutting-edge advancements in agriculture and food and discuss groundbreaking technologies and sustainable practices shaping these vital sectors. Whether you’re a retail investor, culinary enthusiast, or work in the agriculture & food industries, this webinar offers valuable insights into the exciting innovations driving positive change in the world of food. This event takes place on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 11 AM EST. It is free to attend. Event Details: Title: The Future of Food: Agriculture & Culinary Innovation Date: February 8, 2024 Time: 11:00 AM EST Registration page: https://www.benzinga.com/events/the-future-of-food-2024/ Featured Speakers: Arik Kaufman, CEO and Co-Founder of Steakholder Foods Richard Wong, CFO & Interim CEO of AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. This event is free of charge, providing an excellent opportunity for investors, both experienced and novice, to gather valuable insights from industry leaders at no cost. Registration Information: To secure your spot and optimize your real estate investment strategy, click this registration link. For media inquiries, please contact: Benzinga Media Relations Email: drew@benzinga.com Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

February 07, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Standard Time

The Asian Cuisine Market Is Expected To Reach $233.3 Billion By 2030 – Here’s How Steakholder Foods Is Increasing Seafood Supply To Meet Demand

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga In recent years, Asian cuisine has gained even more popularity in North America. A Pew Research study concluded that 73% of all counties in the U.S. have at least one Asian restaurant of some kind. Asian cuisine has been especially embraced by young Americans. Scholars largely believe that this is a byproduct of the increased exposure to Asian culture through travel and pop culture like Anime and K-pop, both of which have huge fandoms in Western society. The global Asian cuisine market generated approximately $145.3 billion in revenue in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 7% from 2023 to 2030. Another reason the Asian cuisine market is growing is an increased awareness about healthy eating with many individuals actively seeking ways to integrate nutritious choices into their diets. Asian cuisine aligns well with this goal as it often emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients and employs simple cooking methods that preserve essential nutrients. Simultaneously, the expanding middle class in Asian countries has also contributed to this growth. As incomes have grown, more individuals have the financial capacity to dine out at restaurants or acquire higher-quality ingredients for home cooking. Consequently, there has been a surge in demand for sophisticated and upscale Asian cuisine. However, the growing demand for Asian cuisine begs the question of whether supply can keep up with demand. Deep-tech food company Steakholder Foods Ltd (NASDAQ: STKH) is making significant strides in the field of 3D-printed meat and fish. With its technology, the question of adequate supply might become a thing of the past. The company has developed a state-of-the-art industrial-scale 3D meat printer that could be poised to revolutionize meat and fish production. The company’s core mission is to offer a diverse range of meat and fish alternatives crafted from plant-based ingredients, with the aim of replicating the taste and texture of traditional products. By doing so, they are effectively helping transform the food industry towards a sustainable and efficient future. The company has emphasized mastering the intricacies of 3D printing technology, enabling them to create a wide variety of meats including fish fillets and beef steaks. Steakholder Foods successfully created 3D print fish, which was a significant step in this technology as the company’s milestone marked the world’s first cultivated fish fillet. The company also now offers eel ink as one of its products, as well as shrimp ink. Eel and shrimp are popular ingredients in Asian cuisine. Asian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, diverse ingredients and artful presentations. The staples of Asian cuisine vary across different regions, but they often include rice, noodles and a variety of vegetables. Seafood and tofu are popular sources of protein. As the demand for Asian cuisine continues to grow, companies like Steakholder Foods could become important players in international supply chains. With its advanced 3D-printed meat technology, Steakholder Foods is making strides toward revolutionizing the meat and seafood industry by providing a sustainable, scalable and environmentally sound way of producing food. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

February 07, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

The Fickle Nature Of Financing And How Ignite Funding Is Changing The Game

Ignite Funding

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga In the realm of financing, borrowers often find themselves navigating a complex landscape filled with strict parameters and frustrating roadblocks. Traditional banks and even trusted friends and family members impose specific criteria that can hinder borrowers in various ways. In this world dominated by traditional banking systems, countless borrowers and projects are left stranded, desperately searching for a lifeline that seems out of reach. One common challenge arises when borrowers start to outgrow their regional banks or exhaust the available capital from their close circle. While their ventures may show promise and potential, they are caught in a frustrating limbo. They become too small to qualify for financing from national banks yet find that their scale has surpassed what their local bank or friends and family can provide. Another hurdle borrowers encounter is when they come across unique project opportunities that hold big potential. These ventures may inject new life into industries or offer innovative solutions. However, the assets or collateral associated with these projects fail to meet the stringent standards set by banks. Despite the project’s potential, borrowers often find themselves at a loss, unable to secure the necessary funding to bring their ideas to life. There is also the fact that the ever-changing market demands adaptability. Borrowers who seek to stay ahead of the curve with products or projects that align with shifting consumer needs are often faced with disappointment when seeking financing. To put it simply, no one realized Facebook (NASDAQ: META) would take off until it did, before then it seemed like a crazy idea to many. Traditional banks, friends and family have a tendency to maintain their rigid standards, lacking the foresight or flexibility needed to recognize the value of these forward-thinking ventures. In this world of constricted opportunities, borrowers often find themselves trapped between the increasing demands of their projects and the immovable criteria of traditional lending sources. That's why innovative lenders like Ignite Funding are so crucial to these borrowers. Ignite Funding is a company that acts as a conduit between bankable borrowers and seasoned investors seeking real estate investment opportunities. The firm specializes in providing financing solutions in the form of loans collateralized by Trust Deeds, offering attractive returns to investors. In turn, investors benefit from Ignite Funding’s ability to lend to bankable borrowers on short-term Trust Deed investments that are collateralized by a thoroughly underwritten property and yield double-digit annualized returns paid through to investors as monthly income – this creates a passive income stream for the company’s customers while also facilitating financing to help support business growth and innovation for investees. Ignite Funding does not implement a prepayment penalty, allowing borrowers to be more versatile and move on to new projects more quickly. This can translate into greater returns for the borrower by completing more short-term projects and contributing to their overall success in the long run. With a track record of facilitating over a billion dollars in real estate loans, Ignite Funding has established itself as a trusted platform in the industry, especially in the western United States. As a financing platform, Ignite Funding offers investment options for everyday investors that are an alternative to traditional banking channels. Investors are often met with double-digit returns. Ignite Funding carefully selects and underwrites real estate projects, ensuring that the investment opportunities presented to potential investors are viable and secure. The company’s dedication to transparency, rigorous due diligence and commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships have made it a leading player in the real estate financing landscape. If you would like to receive additional information related to investments, text the word “Ignite” to 702-919-4281 or download Ignite Funding’s free “ 8 Steps to Trust Deed Investing ” whitepaper. Discover the power of Ignite Funding's real estate investments backed by collateral, where you become the bank and earn monthly income from your investment dollars. We offer a unique alternative investment that connects quality real estate Borrowers with Investors who are seeking capital preservation in collateralized turn-key real estate investments, all while enjoying an impressive 10% to 12% annualized return.With a rich history dating back to 1995, Ignite Funding has continuously adapted to the ever-changing real estate landscape. Originally starting as a traditional home mortgage lender, we quickly transformed our business in 2011 to meet the growing demand for lending from homebuilders and developers. Since then, we have successfully funded over a Billion dollars in loans using Investor capital. **Ignite Funding, LLC | 6700 Via Austi Parkway, Suite 300, Las Vegas, NV 89119 | P 702.739.9053 | T 877.739.9094 | F 702.922.6700 | NVMBL #311 | AZ CMB-0932150 | | Money invested through a mortgage broker is not guaranteed to earn any interest and is not insured. Prior to investing, investors must be provided applicable disclosure documents. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Izzy Irizarry +1 702-761-0000 marketing@ignitefunding.com Company Website https://ignitefunding.com/

February 07, 2024 08:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

Skyline Digital makes TradFi accessible on Web3

Skyline

The Swiss-based platform Skyline Digital empowers underbanked Web3 Businesses, Founders, and DAOs to access third-party fiat payments, OTC trades, tokenized real-world assets, vIBANs, and on/off-ramping. Web3 Businesses, DAOs, and High Net Worth Individuals find themselves underserved by traditional banks, while custodial and centralized crypto exchanges pose risks and unreliability. Skyline Digital has made it a mission to solve these issues at the core of Web3 business with its non-custodial platform, providing access to TradFi services directly from any wallet. Switzerland is the crypto-friendly home base of Skyline Digital, from where it operates as a regulated financial intermediary and VASP. From there, Skyline Digital facilitates a variety of financial activities, including third-party payments, OTC trades, vIBANs, on and off-ramping, and tokenized real-world assets such as US treasury bills. Skyline Digital's suite of services addresses the needs of Web3 organizations, including business expenses, contractor payments, or service provider transactions. So far, customers have utilized the platform for different types of transactions, including real estate investments, paying legal fees, purchasing a Tesla, and hiring contractors on a global scale. The platform's integration with Web3 liquidity providers and traditional finance institutions allows it to act as a payment facilitator, handling the exchange and payment from and to any major stablecoin and fiat currency (EUR, USD, CHF, GBP, SGD). Onboarded customers can directly process transactions from their Metamask, Safe, Ledger, or other wallets, bypassing the intricacies associated with traditional banking intermediaries. Last month, the platform extended the integration to Polygon Mainnet, and now users can choose between that network and Ethereum. "For Web3 professionals, the boundary between TradFi and DeFi remained practically impenetrable. Bridging on-chain assets to the real world posed significant challenges, especially for Unincorporated DAOs, due to their lack of a legal entity. We can process single and batch transactions directly from our client's Web3 wallets. The alternative is a cumbersome and costly combination of centralized exchange and bank transactions, which all require custody of your assets and bear substantial fees." says Sebastião Queiroz e Mello, co-founder and CEO of Skyline Digital. A distinct feature of Skyline Digital is its accessibility to the traditional investor market. Traditional investors can subscribe to Web3 fundraises through bank transfers without needing a wallet or technical sophistication. Additionally, for Web3 businesses, Skyline Digital simplifies accounting reconciliation by providing detailed descriptions and tracking of on-chain and fiat payments. Skyline Digital also offers customers crypto-to-crypto batch payments free of charge, contrasting its competitors, which charge up to 9000 USD annually, coupled with a 0.2% to 0.5% charge applied to each batch payment. Skyline Digital charges 1% and 10 USD per fiat payment without onboarding or monthly fees. The platform went live in early 2023 and provides its rails also via API, while working with partners to make it accessible through main Web3 infrastructure tools and platforms. This year, Skyline Digital will roll out new TradFi and DeFi features, such as invoicing functionality, cards, and loans. To date, Skyline services some of the industry's most well-known DAOs and businesses. About Skyline Digital Skyline Digital is a non-custodial solution opening the doors of TradFi for Web3 Businesses, Founders and DAOs. Official Website | Linkedin | Twitter | Telegram Contact Details Cíntia Costa Skyline Digital AG cintia.costa@skylinedigital.xyz

February 07, 2024 08:17 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Startup Reduces Sugar In Natural Beverages Without Spoiling The Taste; Juice, Dairy Industries Could Be Ripe For BlueTree Technologies

OurCrowd

by Jeremy Ruden More than half of the global population – 51%, or over 4 billion people – will be obese by 2035, according to a 2023 report from the World Obesity Atlas. One of the major causes of obesity is sugar. While candy and carbonated drinks might be on many people’s radars as a primary source of sugar, natural beverages such as orange juice are also packed with it. With these health concerns in mind, scientists at startup BlueTree Technologies created proprietary technology that removes up to 50 percent of the sugar from juice and other natural beverages. BlueTree’s innovative method selectively removes a specific sugar molecule, preserving the beverages’ natural taste and health benefits. The company is now raising a funding round through OurCrowd, the global equity investment platform. “Our technology targets the disaccharides in the juice without harming the other ingredients,” says Yossi Sefi, BlueTree’s Chief Technical Officer. “It is capable of locating the exact kind of sugar in orange juice, for example, and removing it without harming the pulp, the vitamin C, the amino acids, or any other important ingredients.” In tests, half of those surveyed reported they preferred the flavor of orange juice with less sugar – while noticing no difference in the aroma and texture from the original. Successful Pilot The company, which was nurtured at the Fresh Start FoodTech incubator in northern Israel established by OurCrowd with Tnuva, Tempo and Finistere Ventures, has successfully adapted its technology for commercial applications. “We developed a turnkey platform that can be easily integrated into any manufacturing line,” says Michael Gordon, BlueTree’s CEO, who was formerly a senior director at Coca-Cola before joining the company. Gordon oversaw BlueTree’s first major deployment at a plant belonging to Priniv, one of the top three natural juice manufacturers in Israel. “It took us no more than two months to fully integrate our system and we did it without interfering with the plant’s overall operations,” Gordon says. BlueTree built all the equipment and the machinery for the Priniv installation in-house. The facility can now produce some 10,000 liters of orange juice daily, with up to 50% less sugar. BlueTree is poised for full-scale commercial production, with patents secured in the EU and Brazil, while awaiting approval from the Israeli Ministry of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. International beverage manufacturers and distributors, working to produce healthier products and avoid warning labels or progressive taxes on sugary drinks, are also showing a great deal of interest in BlueTree’s platform. The company signed an agreement with a leading international manufacturer, which it hopes will result in revenues of at least $6 million a year. It is also in advanced negotiations with other global producers in Italy and Spain and major juice manufacturers in Brazil and Thailand. One Platform The dairy industry is another target for BlueTree’s technology. Working together with a major local food manufacturer, the company produced a prototype that reduced the sugar in skimmed milk by some 75%. Commercialization plans are underway. The company also began an R&D project for beer with an international beverage manufacturer. The agreement forecasts the production of more than 200 million liters of reduced-sugar beer a year. “We can make the world better by reducing the sugar from all of nature’s liquids for all consumers,” Gordon says. “Our versatile tech could help curb the obesity crisis by cutting two teaspoons of sugar from children’s daily diet.” For more information about investing in BlueTree via OurCrowd, click HERE. Featured photo courtesy of BlueTree Technologies. OurCrowd was started in 2013, driven by the idea that the business of building startups grows bigger and better when the global ‘crowd’ gains access to VC-level investment opportunities.Today, OurCrowd is a global venture and alternative investing platform that empowers institutions and individuals to invest and engage in emerging companies. OurCrowd vets and selects companies, invests its capital, and provides its global network with unparalleled access to co-invest and contribute connections, talent and deal flow. OurCrowd builds value for its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycles, providing mentorship, recruiting industry advisors, navigating follow-on rounds and creating growth opportunities through its network of multinational partnerships. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Lisa Graston lisa.graston@ourcrowd.com Company Website http://www.ourcrowd.com

February 07, 2024 08:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

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