
Big Bower Wins Top Honour at Innovation Challenge 2025 with Biosphere Award Victory
Big Bower, the AI-powered platform transforming how consumer products are developed and manufactured, has been awarded the prestigious Biosphere Award at the Innovation Challenge 2025 Finale.
The accolade, backed by UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, recognises businesses making a measurable impact across sustainability, innovation, and community. Big Bower took the top prize for its mission to help product creators make smarter, more responsible decisions from the moment an idea is born.
'We built Big Bower to stop waste before it starts,' said Martin Kaprockyj, CEO and co-founder of Big Bower. 'This platform helps people launch real products, but in a way that cuts through greenwashing, overproduction, and unsustainable packaging. Winning the Biosphere Award tells us we're on the right track, and that this work matters.'
At the live pitch finale, Big Bower demonstrated how its AI assistant, Bower AI, guides users to develop new supplement, food, or wellness products by suggesting ingredients, packaging, and manufacturing partners, all while flagging sustainability best practices. From biodegradable options that are actually composted to reducing unnecessary freight miles, the platform empowers entrepreneurs to build brands that align with planet-first values.
'This award is a huge moment for us, and for the Isle of Man,' added co-founder Michael Fitzgerald. 'We're proud to be part of a new generation of tech companies proving you can scale without sacrificing purpose.'
The Big Bower platform has already helped new entrepreneurs across the UK create viable product concepts and connect with manufacturers offering low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround. The next phase of growth will focus on onboarding more product creators, expanding manufacturing partnerships, and scaling internationally.
The company's win signals a broader shift towards smarter product development, where technology, transparency, and sustainability work together from day one.
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Web Release
18 hours ago
- Web Release
Big Bower Wins Top Honour at Innovation Challenge 2025 with Biosphere Award Victory
Big Bower, the AI-powered platform transforming how consumer products are developed and manufactured, has been awarded the prestigious Biosphere Award at the Innovation Challenge 2025 Finale. The accolade, backed by UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, recognises businesses making a measurable impact across sustainability, innovation, and community. Big Bower took the top prize for its mission to help product creators make smarter, more responsible decisions from the moment an idea is born. 'We built Big Bower to stop waste before it starts,' said Martin Kaprockyj, CEO and co-founder of Big Bower. 'This platform helps people launch real products, but in a way that cuts through greenwashing, overproduction, and unsustainable packaging. Winning the Biosphere Award tells us we're on the right track, and that this work matters.' At the live pitch finale, Big Bower demonstrated how its AI assistant, Bower AI, guides users to develop new supplement, food, or wellness products by suggesting ingredients, packaging, and manufacturing partners, all while flagging sustainability best practices. From biodegradable options that are actually composted to reducing unnecessary freight miles, the platform empowers entrepreneurs to build brands that align with planet-first values. 'This award is a huge moment for us, and for the Isle of Man,' added co-founder Michael Fitzgerald. 'We're proud to be part of a new generation of tech companies proving you can scale without sacrificing purpose.' The Big Bower platform has already helped new entrepreneurs across the UK create viable product concepts and connect with manufacturers offering low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround. The next phase of growth will focus on onboarding more product creators, expanding manufacturing partnerships, and scaling internationally. The company's win signals a broader shift towards smarter product development, where technology, transparency, and sustainability work together from day one.


Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Arabian Post
UNESCO Champions Ethics as AI Race Intensifies
UNESCO has mobilised global policymakers, academics and civil society leaders in Bangkok to cement the adoption of its 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, the world's only universal AI ethics framework endorsed by all 194 member states. With over 1,200 delegates from 88 nations and more than 35 ministers present, the third Global Forum on the Ethics of AI underlined the urgency of embedding ethics into AI governance amid growing geopolitical tension between the United States and China. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay urged attendees to forge multilateral cooperation. 'Preparing the world for AI and preparing AI for the world,' she said, must ensure AI 'serves the common good'. She announced the launch of a Global Network of AI Supervisory Authorities alongside a Global Network of Civil Society and Academic Organisations, aiming to support national regulators and promote public participation in AI policymaking. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand, the first Asia-Pacific host of this forum, confirmed the country's neutral stance in the intensifying AI rivalry. She emphasised transparency, responsibility and ethical foundations as Bangkok seeks to develop its own domestic AI ecosystem. ADVERTISEMENT Industry heavyweights such as OpenAI, Google and China's DeepSeek were conspicuously absent, highlighting the challenge of securing tech-sector buy-in despite mounting tensions in tech diplomacy. Analysts note that US congressional proposals to ban federal use of China-linked AI tools reflect a broader decoupling trend, complicating efforts to forge a global consensus. UNESCO's Readiness Assessment Methodology, applied across 70 countries—including seven ASEAN nations—was showcased as a diagnostic tool to bridge ethical principles and domestic policy. The forum featured 22 thematic sessions and 11 side events exploring AI's intersection with gender, environmental sustainability, health, education, neurotechnology, quantum computing and judicial systems. Participants stressed that ethical governance need not hamper innovation. As one policy advisor noted, a rights-based approach is key to building public trust and preventing inequalities. Commentators also drew attention to the absence of senior officials from the US—a potential signal that Washington is prioritising tech protection over global ethics cooperation. Experts at the forum compared the regulatory philosophies of the US and China. A recent academic analysis highlights divergences: the US has focused on export controls and safety standards, whereas China emphasises state-led data governance and mandatory ethics guidelines domestically. Participants warned that such divergent domestic approaches risk widening the digital divide and obstructing international regulatory coherence. UNESCO also unveiled a new Global AI Ethics Observatory and an 'Ethics Experts without Borders' network to promote knowledge-sharing and rapid deployment of best practices. Civil society groups welcomed the establishment of a global network linking NGOs and academic institutions, noting it as a vital step toward inclusive governance. Thailand's cultural prominence was also noted. Azoulay praised its heritage—from UNESCO World Heritage sites to intangible cultural landmarks like Tom Yum Kung—as a backdrop that reinforces the need to respect diversity when crafting AI policy. Despite strong momentum, analysts caution that global fragmentation remains a major threat. The absence of major private tech firms and widening geopolitical divides limit the prospects for a truly universal ethics framework. Success will depend on translating global principles into enforceable national regulations and aligning competing visions from Washington, Beijing and Brussels.

Zawya
19-06-2025
- Zawya
Accor Signs Novotel Victoria Falls, Marking Strategic Market Entry into Zimbabwe
Accor ( a world-leading hospitality group, has announced the signing of Novotel Victoria Falls, a landmark project set within Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The agreement, signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa, marks Accor's market entry into Zimbabwe, leveraging a first-mover advantage in one of Africa's most iconic destinations and underscoring the Group's commitment to pioneering development in emerging markets. Scheduled to open in 2028, the 111-key new-build property will be developed under a management agreement with Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust, a Development REIT focused on high-quality assets across tourism, hospitality, health, retail, and residential sectors. Located in the Eagle Heights precinct, in a prime location overlooking the Masuwe River, the hotel will blend natural beauty with Novotel's modern, family-friendly hospitality. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully designed experience, with facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, kids' club, all-day dining restaurant, and destination bar - designed to meet the needs of modern travellers seeking comfort, connection, and local discovery. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or 'The Smoke That Thunders', Victoria Falls is not only a dramatic natural wonder but also a world-renowned hub for adventure tourism, offering white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and scenic helicopter flights. 'This signing represents a bold step forward in our development strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa,' said Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale&Economy Division, Middle East, Africa&Türkiye at Accor. 'Victoria Falls is one of the world's most extraordinary destinations, and we are proud to bring the Novotel brand experience to Zimbabwe for the very first time. As a first mover, we see this project as a gateway to long-term sustainable growth in the country.' The signing signals a strategic entry for Accor into a destination with growing regional and domestic tourism and a limited presence of global hotel brands. Bevin Ngara, Managing Director of Eagle Asset Managers, the Eagle REIT Fund Managers, added: 'We are delighted to partner with Accor to bring an international standard of hospitality to Victoria Falls. This project reflects our vision of investing in transformative developments that elevate tourism and deliver value to local communities and investors alike.' Novotel, with over 590 hotels across 68 countries and 180+ more in the pipeline, champions balanced living for both business travellers and families. As the first internationally branded Novotel in Zimbabwe, the hotel will meet the rising demand for high-quality yet accessible accommodation in Victoria Falls supporting the city's evolution into a year-round destination for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Accor. Contacts media relations: Cybelle Daou Khadij Director PR&Communications Middle East, Africa and Türkiye Follow on Social Media: X: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: TikTok: About Accor: Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars&restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle, with Ennismore. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit About Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust (Eagle REIT): Eagle REIT is Zimbabwe's first dollar-denominated Development REIT focusing on developing high-impact real estate assets across the hospitality, healthcare, and residential sectors. It is also the first REIT to be listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), a member of the International Financial Services Center. The REIT is managed by Eagle Asset Management, a licensed investment manager and a subsidiary of Zimre Holdings Limited.