Latest news with #ChrisO'Connor
South Wales Argus
04-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
New Wales campaign to tackle suicide risk in construction
The initiative is being rolled out across Wales through a partnership between the NHS Wales Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Programme and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). It aims to raise awareness of suicide, promote mental health, and signpost workers to available support. Dr Chris O'Connor, NHS Wales' clinical lead in the strategic programme for mental health, said: "Stigma can be a huge barrier to people accessing mental health support. "We hope that by raising awareness of suicide risk and mental health, and signposting support offerings available, we will encourage people working in the construction industry to have important conversations about their wellbeing, support each other, and feel confident in being able to reach out for support." The campaign includes posters, short 'toolbox talks', and suicide awareness training. Julia Stevens, CITB engagement director for Wales, said: "We're proud that this campaign will further build on this momentum to help us create meaningful change." The campaign supports the Welsh Government's new 10-year Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Strategy, which aims to remove stigma and empower people to seek help. Male suicide rates in Wales remain more than three times higher than female rates.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Britain's Space Forge raises $30 million with backing from NATO Innovation Fund
By Sudip Kar-Gupta BRUSSELS: British space technology company Space Forge announced on Wednesday a 22.6 million pound ($29.8 million) fundraising led by the NATO Innovation Fund , highlighting the appeal of the fast-growing space technology sector for investors. Space Forge, which was founded in 2018 and aims to make materials in space that could then be used in fields such as semiconductors, said the funds would help the development of its satellites. Competition among the United States, China, Russia and others in Europe to stay ahead in space exploration and technology is fuelling the sector's growth. A report this year by consultancy firm McKinsey estimated the value of the global space economy would rise to $1.8 trillion by 2035, from $630 billion in 2023. "We are excited to be supporting Space Forge - a company that is innovating material manufacturing, while also advancing Europe's access to space, supply chain independence and long-term resiliency," said NATO Innovation Fund partner Chris O'Connor. The NATO Innovation Fund is a standalone venture capital fund backed by 24 North Atlantic Treaty Organization member nations, though NATO is not involved in decision-making or investing financially. Space Forge is headquartered in Cardiff and it also has operations in Florida.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Britain's Space Forge raises $30 million with backing from NATO Innovation Fund
By Sudip Kar-Gupta BRUSSELS (Reuters) -British space technology company Space Forge announced on Wednesday a 22.6 million pound ($29.8 million) fundraising led by the NATO Innovation Fund, highlighting the appeal of the fast-growing space technology sector for investors. Space Forge, which was founded in 2018 and aims to make materials in space that could then be used in fields such as semiconductors, said the funds would help the development of its satellites. Competition among the United States, China, Russia and others in Europe to stay ahead in space exploration and technology is fuelling the sector's growth. A report this year by consultancy firm McKinsey estimated the value of the global space economy would rise to $1.8 trillion by 2035, from $630 billion in 2023. "We are excited to be supporting Space Forge – a company that is innovating material manufacturing, while also advancing Europe's access to space, supply chain independence and long-term resiliency," said NATO Innovation Fund partner Chris O'Connor. The NATO Innovation Fund is a standalone venture capital fund backed by 24 North Atlantic Treaty Organization member nations, though NATO is not involved in decision-making or investing financially. Space Forge is headquartered in Cardiff and it also has operations in Florida. ($1 = 0.7575 pounds)
Axios
14-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Exclusive: Space Forge raises $30M for chips in space
Space Forge raised $30 million in Series A funding to develop ultra-efficient semiconductors and other advanced materials in orbit, the startup's CEO tells Axios. Why it matters: The U.K. startup contends it can make energy-saving materials that are impossible to develop within Earth's atmosphere. Driving the news: The NATO Innovation Fund led the round, with partner Chris O'Connor joining Space Forge's board. World Fund, the National Security Strategic Investment Fund and British Business Bank also participated in the raise, which closed in December. How it works: Space Forge aims to develop seed crystals in space, enabling production of larger high-purity wafers of the material back on earth. The company is first focusing on semiconductors, and keeping an eye toward low-carbon energy, quantum computing, and defense. It plans to generate revenue from the seed crystals, and by selling slots in its launch vessels to other companies and organizations. What they're saying:"Our space-manufactured semiconductors and supermaterials are designed to dramatically outperform what's possible with traditional Earth-based production," CEO Joshua Western tells Axios. Between the lines: The company contends that such materials can deliver achieve emissions reductions even when accounting for the air pollution generated by rocket launches. Flashback: Space Forge in 2021 raised a $10.2 million seed round led by World Fund, Type One Ventures and Space Fund. What's next: Space Forge expects to launch its first vessel, ForgeStar-1, with an undisclosed U.S. launch provider this year.
