Latest news with #InnovationFund
South Wales Guardian
18 hours ago
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
New fund to get women and girls active in West Wales
The West Wales Sports Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery and Sport Wales, has launched an Innovation Fund aimed at reimagining how sport and physical activity are delivered across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. A key focus of the fund is increasing participation among women and girls. Jamie Rewbridge, CEO of the West Wales Sports Partnership, said: "The Innovation Fund is not just about funding projects—it represents a new way of working, built on collaboration, co-creation, and shared learning." Six projects have been funded, involving more than 35 partners. One of the projects, Hooked, will use boxing-inspired activities to engage young women in areas of socioeconomic deprivation, while Tri Together: Your Time to Tri will deliver a triathlon-style programme co-designed by women, for women. Equity in Action will work with young women at a local mosque to co-create activities. Another project will see young women trained as peer researchers to identify barriers and opportunities for participation, with their findings informing future schemes. Dr Sue Barnes, chair of the West Wales Sports Partnership, said: "This is a huge milestone for West Wales, and the Sports Partnership. "We know that being physically active has significant benefits physically and mentally – yet we also know that, for many, becoming physically active has challenges. "For our first Innovation Funding Round we chose to prioritise women and girls – as we know this is an area where participation is highly variable and many are missing out on the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing." The partnership extended thanks to the Centre for Health, Activity and Wellbeing Research (CAWR) at Cardiff Met for their guidance in shaping the programme, and to the Welsh Institute of Physical Activity, Health & Sport (WIPAHS), which is leading monitoring and evaluation. Mr Rewbridge said: "This collective effort lays the foundation for a more connected, inclusive, and responsive approach to sport and physical activity in our communities. "We look forward to learning and evolving alongside our partners as we bring these ambitious ideas to life."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
World leaders call on oil companies to help solve urgent global crisis: 'We can make substantial progress'
The European Commission asked Big Oil to help clean up the carbon mess they helped create by literally putting it back underground. As reported by Reuters, 44 oil and gas companies will be directly contributing to the EU's carbon storage goals. The Commission asked these companies to help meet a collective target of storing at least 55 million tons of carbon dioxide annually by 2030. The companies were selected based on their share of oil and natural gas production in the EU between 2020 and 2023. They are now expected to scale up their participation in carbon capture and storage. CCS is a technology that traps carbon dioxide, which is the main gas driving the changing climate, before it can enter the atmosphere. It works by capturing pollution from sources like factories or power plants, compressing it, and then storing it deep underground in rock formations where it can't escape. Think of it like putting a lid on pollution before it leaves the smokestack, helping reduce the amount of heat-trapping gases in our air. While the sector has long been linked to large amounts of pollution, this new directive positions dirty fuel producers as key contributors to solutions rather than just polluters. "By combining their industrial know-how with faster permitting processes and robust financial support - including from the ETS-resourced Innovation Fund - we can make substantial progress in advancing industrial decarbonisation and modernisation in Europe," said Kurt Vandenberghe, head of the Commission's directorate general for climate action, per Reuters. This shift makes financial sense, too. By leveraging industrial expertise and combining it with access to fast-tracked permits and EU funding, such as from the Innovation Fund tied to the Emissions Trading System, traditional energy giants can transform themselves into long-term assets in a green economy. As the clean energy sector continues its upward trajectory, it's clear that investing in a decarbonized future is no longer just a moral decision; it's a market one, too. Do you think gas stoves should be banned nationwide? No way Let each state decide I'm not sure Definitely Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volvo Group Receives EU Innovation Support for CarbonSmart Initiative
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Volvo Group's engine plant in Skövde, Sweden, has been awarded up to €49 million from the EU Innovation Fund to support the CarbonSmart Factory project: SPACE. This initiative aims to advance Volvo's transformation through net-zero innovation and clean technology. "We transition towards sustainable foundry operations by electrifying key processes and integrating AI technologies, reducing CO₂ emissions by 88% from our manufacturing process. This project is a vital part of Volvo Group's journey towards net-zero emissions." says Rickard Lundberg, Vice President Powertrain Production Skövde Plant. The initiative is an ambitious transformation project aiming for significant reduction of CO₂ emissions from manufacturing processes within Skövde Plant. With support from the EU, the plant will become a pioneering example of decarbonized heavy manufacturing. Driving Industry Leadership in Sustainability Central to this transformation is the integration of green technologies, including: Electric furnaces powered by green electricity Hydrogen replacing propane, as a fossil-free fuel alternative Advanced heat recovery systems to capture and reuse energy Cutting-edge AI-powered energy management to optimize energy use across operations The project will also introduce three innovative solutions for energy storage, allowing the plant to balance energy use and production. Iron Battery: Uses existing furnaces to store energy for high-demand times. Hydrogen Battery: Uses green hydrogen, adding possibilities to store energy seasonally. Water Battery: Reuses hot water to reduce energy needs for heating and melting processes. Together, these systems will allow the plant to balance energy use and production, improving operational flexibility while addressing grid capacity limitations that many large-scale electrification projects face. The Skövde plant is conditionally granted up to €49M by Innovation Fund, European Commission. The project is preceded by a prestudy conducted together with Skövde Energi and AI Sweden, funded by Advanced Digitalization through Vinnova. June 24, 2025 For more information, contact: Rickard LundbergVP Powertrain Production Skövde Plant 790 62 43 78 Maria Hillerström Manager Communication Strategy Skövde 735 58 84 97 Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Funded by the European UnionEmission Trading SystemInnovation Fund For more information, please visit For frequent updates, follow us on LinkedIn The Volvo Group drives prosperity through transport and infrastructure solutions, offering trucks, buses, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial applications, financing and services that increase our customers' uptime and productivity. Founded in 1927, the Volvo Group is committed to shaping the future landscape of sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. The Volvo Group is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, employs more than 100,000 people and serves customers in almost 190 markets. In 2024, net sales amounted to SEK 527 billion (EUR 46 billion). Volvo shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. This information was brought to you by Cision The following files are available for download: Press Release - Volvo Group Receives EU Innovation Support for CarbonSmart Initiative Skövde plant 1860x1050 View original content: SOURCE AB Volvo Sign in to access your portfolio
IOL News
07-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's Innovation Fund pilot phase shows promise amid challenges
THE Department of Science, Technology and Innovation recently briefed Parliament on the results of its five-year Innovation Fund pilot phase, revealing that 96 startups had been supported since 2020. Image: AI Ron THE Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) recently briefed Parliament on the results of its five-year Innovation Fund pilot phase, revealing that 96 startups had been supported since 2020 — but with glaring disparities in provincial representation and private-sector hesitancy threatening its scalability. Acting director-general Gugulethu Zwane, leading the DSTI delegation, framed the Innovation Fund as a response to the White Paper on Science, Technology, and Innovation, implemented through the Decadal Plan. Mlungisi Cele, the newly appointed director-general and former chief executive of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (Naci), emphasised the Fund's role in commercialising innovation. 'The Fund includes interventions aligned with the Decadal Plan's objectives, with measurable indicators to track progress,' he said. Konanani Rashamuse, DSTI chief technocrat, detailed the 'Fund on Funds' (FOFs) model, where government seed capital attracts private investment. To date, R265 million in public funds has leveraged R1.3 billion — a fivefold multiplier effect. Three FOFs have been established, including the High Impact Seed Fund and the Public Investment Corporation Technology Development Fund. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ However, Cele admitted that South Africa lagged behind Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda in venture capital activity. 'One of our goals is to scale up and position South Africa as a leader,' he said. MPs grilled the DSTI on stark inequities. Gauteng and the Western Cape account for 80% of funded startups, leaving other provinces underserved. The MK Party's Thembinkosi Mjadu demanded action: 'What measures will ensure equal geographic distribution?' Rashamuse pointed to the DSTI/EPF Tech Fund Venture Building Programme, targeting underrepresented regions, but conceded more work was needed. Gender transformation remains another hurdle. 'The venture capital industry lacks enough first-time female innovators,' Rashamuse acknowledged. Cele highlighted the Women in Technology and Innovation Programme, launched in March 2025, as a step forward. Rashamuse admitted high failure rates are inherent in venture capital but argued even a 10% success rate could yield a significant impact. 'We need a large enough pipeline to sustain failures while ensuring the successes create social impact,' he said. A major concern is private-sector engagement. Cele cited 'risk aversion' and 'lack of policy certainty' as barriers. Rashamuse added that stronger data transparency could rebuild trust. 'We must position the Fund as an attractive investment for the private sector,' he said. Meanwhile, budget constraints loom. Cele revealed Minister Blade Nzimande is lobbying Treasury for increased funding, noting South Africa's innovation budget pales in comparison to global peers. Despite challenges, Rashamuse showcased standout startups: Stone Three: AI-driven mining tech operated from Cape Town but deployed globally. AI-driven mining tech operated from Cape Town but deployed globally. Artisan Biomed: Precision medicine using DNA-based diagnostics for African patients. Precision medicine using DNA-based diagnostics for African patients. LignOrganic: Waste-reducing biomass solutions from macadamia nut shells. Looking ahead, DSTI plans to: Scale the Fund and assess the pilot phase independently. Boost youth and female participation through targeted programmes. Develop a digital dashboard for monitoring. Host the SA Tech Challenge 2025 in Cape Town to spur innovation. Chairperson Tsakani Shiviti from the ANC stressed the need for a 'coherent system' bridging grassroots entrepreneurship to commercial markets. 'We must close the gap between development and local product accessibility,' she said. The ANC's Vusumuzi Nkosi pushed for metrics tracking long-term social impact, while the DA's Natasha Mazzone called for expert-backed responses in future briefings. As the meeting adjourned, the message was clear: The Innovation Fund has potential, but without equitable distribution, private-sector buy-in, and sustainable funding, its promise may remain unfulfilled.
Cision Canada
05-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Dilawri Foundation Makes Historic $60 Million Gift to Revolutionize Heart Care
The Dilawri Foundation has made a record $60 million donation to establish the Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute (DCI) on the campus of Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), the largest hospital in British Columbia. Led by Dr. David Wood, Head of Cardiology at VGH and UBC Hospital, the new Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute is embedded within the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, one of the top-funded research institutes in Canada. This transformative gift, the largest in the history of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, is unique as $35 million will help fund a proposed new multi-use tower at the corner of Oak Street and West 12 th Avenue and $25 million is for an unprecedented Innovation Fund. Building on Vancouver's global reputation, the Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute will use the Innovation Fund to achieve its goal of becoming a national cardiovascular hub and one of the world's leading cardiovascular institutes. This will be accomplished by establishing a cardiovascular research and clinical care network with partner sites throughout North America and Europe and by recruiting the best clinicians and scientists from Canada and around the globe. Since 2002, the Dilawri Foundation — the philanthropic outreach of the Dilawri Group of Companies, Canada's largest automotive group — has contributed millions of dollars to health care, education, and social-impact initiatives. The Foundation is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of Canadians by advancing health care, education, and social services across the country. This $60 million donation represents the Foundation's largest gift since its inception. VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - In a landmark announcement, the Dilawri Foundation has made a record-setting $60 million philanthropic gift to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to establish the Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute (DCI) on the Vancouver General Hospital campus. "For our family, this is about bringing our values of compassion and community to life through meaningful investments that allow us to give back in a lasting way," said Ajay Dilawri, Co-founder of both the Dilawri Foundation and Dilawri. "We're honoured to support the exceptional team at Vancouver General Hospital and help advance a future where everyone in British Columbia — and beyond — has access to world-class cardiac care. Our goal is to help establish a global centre of excellence that will set a new benchmark for cardiac innovation and treatment. We hope this gift will help improve health care and quality of life on a broader scale." The gift also represents a major milestone in the mission of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, which plays a critical role in enabling innovation, recruiting top talent, and helping the people of British Columbia have access to the best care possible. As the leading charity investing in health care innovation in the province, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation connects visionary donors with world-class health care teams to help build healthier communities across British Columbia. By supporting Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Hospital, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, and Vancouver Community Health Services, the Foundation plays an essential role in fueling groundbreaking research, cutting-edge technology, and life-saving care. "This is a truly historic moment for health care philanthropy in Canada," said Angela Chapman, President and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. "The Dilawri Foundation's extraordinary generosity will help Vancouver and British Columbia attract and retain world-leading clinicians and researchers from Canada and around the globe. It will allow the talented specialists at VGH to accelerate discoveries and translate them into better patient care and outcomes for the people of British Columbia and beyond. Inspired by a first-hand experience of the specialized care provided at VGH, this is an incredible act of gratitude and philanthropy." The new Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute will be led by Dr. David Wood, a world-renowned structural and interventional cardiologist and Head of the Division of Cardiology at VGH and UBC Hospital. "Our clinicians and researchers are focused on using new technology and discoveries to improve access to care, shorten wait times, improve outcomes, and decrease recovery times. We have already taught centres throughout North America and around the globe how to replace heart valves in under 30 minutes so patients can go home the same day, or how to treat heart rhythm problems sooner — long before any cardiac damage becomes permanent," said Dr. David Wood. He added: "I am so incredibly proud of the amazing work our investigators have already accomplished. The new infrastructure and Innovation Fund will allow us to fulfill our goal: to become one of the leading cardiovascular institutes in the world. Our goal is to help patients live longer, symptom-free lives thanks to the disruptive innovation made possible by the Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute." "The Dilawri Foundation's visionary support will have a profound and lasting impact on heart health for generations to come. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality, innovative health care, and this investment will enable us to continue our goal of providing leading-edge cardiac medicine, contributing to the global advancement of this field," said Vivian Eliopoulos, President and CEO, Vancouver Coastal Health. "Our family has been deeply moved by the incredible care, expertise, and compassion we've received from the team at Vancouver General Hospital," said Kap Dilawri, Co-founder of both the Dilawri Foundation and Dilawri. "We believe the Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute will have a profound and lasting impact on patients, families, and communities — not only in Vancouver but also globally." To learn more about the Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute, visit About VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is Vancouver Coastal Health's primary philanthropic partner, raising funds for specialized adult health care services and research for all people living in British Columbia. As the leading charity investing in health care innovation in British Columbia, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation partners with donors to raise essential funds for Vancouver Coastal Health, supporting VGH, UBC Hospital, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, and Vancouver Community Health Services. To learn more about VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, visit About Dilawri Privately owned and operated since 1984, Dilawri continues to build on its legacy as Canada's largest automotive group. While its roots are firmly planted in automotive retail, Dilawri has expanded its portfolio through a dedicated investment division with strategic interests in real estate and a range of diversified holdings. Dilawri is committed to leadership in the communities it serves as well as in business. Through the Dilawri Foundation, established in 2002, the company has contributed millions of dollars to a wide range of charitable causes. To learn more about Dilawri, visit About Vancouver Coastal Health Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to delivering exceptional care to 1.25 million people, including the First Nations, Métis and Inuit, within the traditional territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai'xais, Lil'wat, Musqueam, N'Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh, Skatin, Squamish, Tla'amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa'xtsa. To learn more about Vancouver Coastal Health, visit
