Legacy and Lifestyle: U.S. Polo Assn. Hosts Iconic Party at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy

DJ Benny Benassi, Artist Pietro Terzini, Performer Clara and More Than 1,500 Guests Celebrate 135 Years

U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), celebrated its remarkable 135-year legacy at Pitti Uomo 108 with an unforgettable week of style, sport, art and music. From the debut of the vibrant Spring-Summer 2026 Collection to a star-studded anniversary celebration at Florence’s iconic Santa Maria Novella, the brand brought the sport of polo’s heritage and modern energy to life on one of the world’s most prestigious fashion stages.

U.S. Polo Assn. X Pitti Uomo 108

U.S. Polo Assn. X Pitti Uomo 108
Benny Benassi rocks the house for U.S. Polo Assn. at the iconic Chiostro Grande of the historic Complesso di Santa Maria Novella in Florence Italy to celebrate 135 Years of Sport Inspiration – “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy.”

A Night to Remember: ‘Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy’

On the evening of June 18, more than 1,500 international guests gathered in the breathtaking Chiostro Grande of the historic Complesso di Santa Maria Novella for an invitation-only anniversary celebration that will long be remembered. Hosted by acclaimed Italian actor Roberto Ciufoli, the event was a sensory journey through the sport and brand’s authentic 135-year story.

Italian music star Clara soon captivated the crowd with a stunning live vocal performance, delivering a set filled with beauty, style, and emotion. Her stage presence matched the elegance of the evening and set the tone for the grand finale. When global DJ legend Benny Benassi took to the turntables, the cloister was transformed into a pulsating open-air dance floor, with an after party of over 1,000 guests celebrating under the stars well into the night.

Immersive Art, Heritage, and Vision

The atmosphere was enhanced by a massive, monumental timeline of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand’s past and present, projected along the centuries-old walls of Santa Maria Novella. From 1890 to 2025, the visual depiction told the story of the sport of polo’s evolution and the brand’s growth into a multi-billion-dollar global fashion powerhouse.

The event’s creative heart came from two visionary artists. Luca Agnani brought immersive mapping effects to the architecture of the cloister, while Pietro Terzini–known for his poetic commentary on pop culture and brand identity–debuted a custom visual installation that blended U.S. Polo Assn.’s sport heritage with his signature textual style. His clever, minimalist expressions on legacy, fashion, and time left a lasting impression and underscored the evening’s message: heritage can be both honored and reimagined.

Celebrating the Moment, Building the Future

“This was more than a trade show–it was a global celebration of U.S. Polo Assn.’s legacy, culture, and future,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages and markets the multi-billion-dollar global U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “To be part of such an experiential and exciting event set amid the creative energy of Florence–with our amazing partners and team–was simply extraordinary.”

“It’s a powerful reflection of sport-inspired legacy and the bright future of our global brand,” he added.

Lorenzo Nencini, President of Incom S.p.A. and a member of the Pitti Immagine Board, explained, “To bring our 135th Anniversary to life here in Florence was an honor beyond words. The success of our showing at Pitti Uomo alongside our celebration featuring Pietro Terzini, Clara, and Benny Benassi’s finale made this a cultural moment, and an unforgettable experience for those who support U.S. Polo Assn.”

A Booth Experience That Stole the Show

Located at Booth 32 in the Cavaniglia Pavilion, U.S. Polo Assn.’s presence at Pitti Uomo from June 17-20 was nothing short of iconic. The space featured a massive 30-foot video screen showcasing brand history and campaign highlights, a curated product collage wall, an elegant champagne bar, models dressed in the latest collection, a celebrity-worthy step-and-repeat, and striking life-size 3-D “135” numerals commemorating the anniversary. The immersive design created an energetic atmosphere that invited trade visitors, influencers, and media to engage with the brand’s past, present, and future. Surprise guests to the booth included Pietro Terzini, Clara, Roberto Ciufoli, as well as Olympic swimming athlete Luca Dotto, which drew hundreds of media, guests, fans and influencers to ‘meet and greet’ with U.S. Polo Assn.

Each of U.S. Polo Assn.’s Italian licensees were on hand to present their latest collections and reinforce the strength of this strategic partnership:

Incom S.p.A. showcased the full men’s and women’s apparel collections, including refined tailoring, bold color palettes, and classic sport-inspired designs for Spring-Summer 2026.

Bonis S.p.A. introduced sleek, sport-casual footwear that blends performance function with lifestyle aesthetics, ideal for the modern global consumer.

EastLab S.r.l. impressed with a contemporary accessories line, including bags, and leather goods crafted with premium materials and polo-inspired detail.

EuroTrade S.r.l. presented the newest in watches and jewelry, combining classic American sensibilities with Italian craftsmanship and innovation.

A Week to Remember

“U.S. Polo Assn.’s 135th Anniversary represents more than a milestone–it is a celebration of legacy, identity, and enduring style, “said Antonio De Matteis, President of Pitti Immagine.”To mark such a prestigious moment here in Florence–where tradition and innovation meet–is especially meaningful. The evening at Santa Maria Novella was not only a tribute to the brand’s storied heritage in the sport of polo but also a vivid expression of its global energy and future vision. We were honored to welcome U.S. Polo Assn. back to Pitti Uomo, where fashion, culture, art and music come together on an international stage.”

The brand’s presence at Pitti Uomo resonated strongly with international fans, consumers and influencers, reaffirming U.S. Polo Assn.’s unique position as a global fashion brand authentically connected to the sport. The 135th Anniversary celebration in Florence not only honored the brand’s illustrious sport history but inspired the future and the birthright of Born to Play.

“From our immersive booth experience to our remarkable celebration at Santa Maria Novella, this week was a tribute to the legacy of U.S. Polo Assn.–rooted in the sport of polo and built for the next generation,” Prince added.

Photo Captions:

  1. Benny Benassi rocks the house for U.S. Polo Assn. at the iconic Chiostro Grande of the historic Complesso di Santa Maria Novella in Florence Italy to celebrate 135 Years of Sport Inspiration – “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy.”
  2. Italian model, actress and singer Clara gives private performance to VIP guests at the “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy” 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.
  3. Italian Actor Roberto Ciufoli presenting the “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy” 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.
  4. Movie star Jeff Goldblum and his family at the “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy” 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.
  5. Beautiful VIP guests celebrate at the “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy” 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.
  6. U.S. Polo Assn. guests celebrate at the iconic Chiostro Grande of the historic Complesso di Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy listening to beats from global superstar DJ Benny Benassi.
  7. (L to R) Lorenzo Nencini, Incom S.p.A.; Franco Zuccon, EuroTrade; artist Pietro Terzini, performer Clara; U.S. Polo Assn. Global President and CEO J. Michael Prince; Augusto Bonetto, Bonis S.p.A.; and Andrea Zini, EastLab S.r.l. at the U.S. Polo Assn. Booth at Pitti Uomo 108, in Florence, Italy.
  8. U.S. Polo Assn. models with Italian Olympic athlete Lucca Dotto at the U.S. Polo Assn. Booth at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.
  9. U.S. Polo Assn. 135th Anniversary Celebration Booth at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy – “Born to Play.”

Photo Credit: Matteo Lippera

About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in the United States, founded in 1890 and based at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. This year, U.S. Polo Assn. celebrates 135 years of sports inspiration alongside the USPA. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.

U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.

For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

USPA Global is a subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sports and lifestyle content. For more sports content, visit globalpolo.com.

About Incom S.p.A

Incom S.p.A, founded in Montecatini Terme (PT) in 1951, manages, as a licensee, the apparel for the U.S. Polo Assn. brand in Western Europe, which produces and distributes iconic clothing brands all over the world. In addition, Incom is one of the main suppliers of military and paramilitary clothing in the Italian State both for uniforms and for technical clothing. Since January 2008, it has been producing and distributing men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing in Western Europe under the U.S. Polo Assn. brand, with record sales results and growth. For further information visit www.incomitaly.com.

About Bonis S.p.A

Bonis S.p.A is the exclusive footwear licensee for U.S. Polo Assn. in Western Europe. Founded in 1970, Bonis is a leading company in the footwear business and is a partner selected by some of the most influential international brands. Located in the heart of the Asolo and Montebelluna footwear district, the home of the most important sport system brands. Bonis works with private labels, contracting, and licensing. Visit http://www.bonis-spa.com/.

About Eastlab S.r.l.

Eastlab S.r.l. is the exclusive licensee for U.S. Polo Assn. bags and accessories in Europe. Founded in 2015, Eastlab S.r.l. is now one of the leading Italian companies in the production and distribution of bags, accessories, and luggage. Its targeted response to market needs and passion for its work have quickly earned Eastlab strong credibility in the industry and the trust of major international partners. Visit http://www.eastlab.it/.

About EuroTrade s.r.l.

EuroTrade is U.S. Polo Assn.’s licensee in Western Europe for watches and accessories. Headquartered in Italy, EuroTrade was founded in 1987 and specializes in the creation and distribution of high-quality watches and accessories characterized by original design and innovative technology. EuroTrade offers the market an original and trendy accessory to wear on any occasion. Visit www.incomitaly.com/en/euro-trade-s-r-l/

Contact Information
Paola Varani
HUB PRESS OFFICE (INCOM in Italy)
paolavarani@hubcomm.net

Laura Varani
HUB PRESS OFFICE (INCOM in Italy)
lauravarani@hubcomm.net

Laura Manfrin
TWINS PRESS OFFICE (BONIS & EASTLAB in Italy)
laura@twins-pr.com

Maura Busatto
TWINS PRESS OFFICE (BONIS & EASTLAB in Italy)
maura@twins-pr.com

Stacey Kovalsky
U.S. POLO ASSN. GLOBAL HQ
skovalsky@uspagl.com
+1-954-673-1331 (WhatsApp)

Gaia Grassi
HUB PRESS OFFICE (INCOM in Italy)
gaiagrassi@hubcomm.net

.SOURCE: U.S. Polo Assn.

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Related Images

U.S. Polo Assn. X Pitti Uomo 108
Italian model, actress and singer Clara gives private performance to VIP guests at the “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy” 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.

image

U.S. Polo Assn. X Pitti Uomo 108
Italian model, actress and singer Clara gives private performance to VIP guests at the “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy” 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.

image

U.S. Polo Assn. X Pitti Uomo 108
Italian Actor Roberto Ciufoli presenting the “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy” 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.

image

U.S. Polo Assn. X Pitti Uomo 108
Movie star Jeff Goldblum and his family at the “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy” 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.

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U.S. Polo Assn. X Pitti Uomo 108
Beautiful VIP guests celebrate at the “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy” 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.

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U.S. Polo Pitti X Uomo 108
U.S. Polo Assn. guests celebrate at the iconic Chiostro Grande of the historic Complesso di Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy listening to beats from global superstar DJ Benny Benassi.

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U.S. Polo Assn. X Pitti Uomo 108
(L to R) Lorenzo Nencini, Incom S.p.A.; Franco Zuccon, EuroTrade; artist Pietro Terzini, performer Clara; U.S. Polo Assn. Global President and CEO J. Michael Prince; Augusto Bonetto, Bonis S.p.A.; and Andrea Zini, EastLab S.r.l. at USPA Booth

Related Documents:

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How Containers Supercharge AI Development Projects

Artificial intelligence (AI) projects are both exciting and complex. They require considerable infrastructure to enable teams to innovate and scale as the need arises. Teams may face problems ranging from managing dependencies to scaling compute resources that can delay any progress. AI containers may just be the answer.

Containers help standardize environments, improve scalability, and enable smoother collaboration. These are critical benefits when building and deploying AI models at scale and can make all the difference to your project. Whether you’re training models or deploying in production, using an AI container setup can help streamline your entire development process. Let’s find out how.

Simplified environment management
One of the biggest pain points in AI development is managing dependencies. Machine learning libraries, GPU drivers, and data preprocessing tools must all work together seamlessly. A small version mismatch may produce inconsistent results.

Containers solve this by packaging everything your AI project needs (such as code, runtime, libraries, and system tools) into a single, portable environment. This means what works on one machine will work the same on another, enhancing reliable, predictable results.

For teams working remotely with cloud platforms, containers help maintain consistency and reproducibility. Whether you’re running a model on a developer’s laptop or a testing environment, the container provides a stable environment.

Faster experimentation and better security through isolation

Containers allow for isolation from both the host system and other containers on the operating system. This isolation is beneficial in a few different ways:

  • Security: Containers may help limit the impact of malicious applications. Isolation limits what each container can access. They make it easy to protect sensitive data processed by an AI model by restricting it’s access to other networks.
  • Speed: AI development involves a lot of trial and error. Data scientists often run multiple experiments in parallel, tweak parameters, or test new algorithms in a bid to perfect their model. Containers can help isolate each experiment in its own environment. This may accelerate testing and debugging.
  • Convenience: With containerization, developers can spin up lightweight, standalone instances of different models without worrying about conflicts between dependencies. Additionally, when it’s time to deploy, containers allow the same environment used during development to move directly into production.

Scalable training with orchestration tools
Training AI models like deep learning models may require significant compute power. As datasets grow and architecture becomes more complex, developers need infrastructure that can scale flexibly. This is where containers can be particularly useful. Designed to be lightweight and scalable, they are ideal for distributed training across multiple machines or nodes.

When paired with orchestration tools like Kubernetes, containers can support resource allocation and manage changing workloads. This orchestration allows AI teams to run multiple training jobs in parallel, scale up or down based on demand, and automate workload management, all essential steps for remaining agile even in rapid development cycles. Whether you’re scaling training across cloud instances or running jobs on-premises, container orchestration brings a level of control and efficiency that traditional methods may not match.

Containers have become an invaluable tool for AI development teams today. They help teams face some of the biggest challenges in AI workflows head-on and enhance speed and security in the process. Adopting an AI container approach can bring more reliability and control to every stage of the AI lifecycle. Whether you’re a solo data scientist or part of a large machine learning team, containers can help you move faster, collaborate better, and deploy smarter.

CONTACT:
Sonakshi Murze
Manager
sonakshi.murze@iquanti.com

SOURCE: iQuanti

Euro Manganese and Integrals Power Sign LOI and Offtake Term Sheet to Strengthen LMFP Battery Supply Chain

Euro Manganese Inc. (TSXV: EMN) (ASX: EMN) (FSE: E060) (the “Company” or “Euro Manganese“) announced today that it has entered into an offtake term sheet dated June 18 (the “Term Sheet“) with Integrals Power Limited (“IPL“), for the sale of high-purity manganese sulphate from the Company’s Chvaletice Manganese Project (“Chvaletice” or the “Project“) in the Czech Republic.

Highlights

  • UK-based Integrals Power Limited is a next-generation battery nano-materials company that has developed an innovative and proprietary process for producing high-performance, cost effective and scalable battery cathode materials such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (“LFP“) and Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (“LMFP“) for lithium-based batteries.
  • Euro Manganese and IPL will partner to support the use of the Company’s battery-grade High Purity Manganese Sulphate Monohydrate (“HPMSM“) in IPL’s LMFP cathode material for use in batteries for electric vehicles, grid-scale storage, defence and other applications.
  • Initial program of test work to determine the compatibility of the Company’s HPMSM with IPL’s production process and the performance of the resulting LMFP cathode material will commence in the third quarter of 2025. Successful completion of this work will pre-qualify Euro Manganese’s HPMSM as a feedstock for IPL’s LMFP cathode and the supply chain served by this new technology, and potentially lead to further collaboration.
  • Pursuant to the Term Sheet, deliveries are to commence from first commercial production for an initial term of seven years, with the option to renew for additional successive four-year periods. The commencement of the initial term shall be subject to successful qualification by IPL of the Company’s high-purity manganese product from the Chvaletice Demonstration Plant.
  • Pricing will be subject to market indicators, with mechanisms for increase/decrease tied to certain benchmarks.
  • The Term Sheet for the future supply of Euro Manganese’s HPMSM to IPL and any licensee of their technology is non-binding and includes terms associated with cost sharing of initial test work.

Martina Blahova, CEO of Euro Manganese, commented:

“We are excited to partner with Integrals Power to advance new battery technologies. IPL’s innovative cathode materials are at the forefront of the global transition towards safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective battery solutions and are designed to support a wide range of applications. We look forward to supplying fully traceable, responsibly produced products that enhance energy efficiency and drive emissions reduction.”

Behnam Hormozi , CEO of Integrals Power, commented:

“Our collaboration with Euro Manganese is a major step forward in securing a reliable, traceable, and local supply of high-purity manganese – a key ingredient in our L(M)FP cathode materials. This partnership enhances Integrals Power’s ability to scale cathode production sustainably while supporting the growing demand for high-performance battery technologies across UK & Europe. It aligns perfectly with our mission to build a resilient, transparent supply chain that underpins the energy transition.”

About Euro Manganese

Euro Manganese is a battery materials company focused on becoming a leading producer of high-purity manganese for the electric vehicle industry. The Company is advancing development of the Chvaletice Manganese Project in the Czech Republic and an early-stage opportunity to produce battery-grade manganese products in Bécancour, Québec.

The Chvaletice Project is a unique waste-to-value recycling and remediation opportunity involving reprocessing old tailings from a decommissioned mine. It is also the only sizable resource of manganese in the European Union, strategically positioning the Company to provide battery supply chains with critical raw materials to support the global shift to a circular, low-carbon economy.

Euro Manganese is dual listed on the TSX-V and the ASX.

About Integrals Power

Integrals Power is a next-generation battery technology company committed to accelerated research, development and commercialisation of state-of-the-art battery. IPL’s latest battery material development results empower economical cells with higher performance compared to conventional alternatives. Integrals’ innovations are designed to support a wide range of applications, from electric vehicles (EVs) and grid-scale storage, to defence, motorsports, maritime, and portable power systems, with an emphasis on localised supply chains, high performance, and regulatory compliance. For more information visit: integralspower.co.uk

Authorized for release by the CEO of Euro Manganese Inc.

Neither TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) or the ASX accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Enquiries

Martina Blahova
Chief Executive Officer
+1 (604) 681-1010
martina@mn25.ca

LodeRock Advisors
Neil Weber
Investor and Media Relations – North America
+1 (647) 222-0574
neil.weber@loderockadvisors.com

Jane Morgan Management
Jane Morgan
Investor and Media Relations – Australia
+61 (0) 405 555 618
jm@janemorganmanagement.com.au

Company Address#709 -700 West Pender St., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 1G8

Website: www.mn25.ca

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Click Here to Subscribe to our mailing list for updates

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company, its Chvaletice Project, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “scheduled”, “forecast”, “predict” and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company.

Such forward-looking information or statements also include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s intentions regarding the development of the Chvaletice Project, the ability of any collaboration between Euro Manganese and IPL to strengthen the LMFP battery supply chain, timelines for testwork, ability to pre-qualify Euro Manganese’s HPMSM as a feedstock for IPL’s LMFP cathode and the supply chain and potentially lead to further collaboration with IPL, ability of Euro Manganese to enter into an offtake agreement with IPL, and ability to supply fully traceable, responsibly produced products that enhance energy efficiency and drive emissions reduction.

All forward-looking statements are made based on the Company’s current beliefs including various assumptions made by the Company including that the Chvaletice Project will be developed and operate in accordance with current plans, that the Company will be able to raise the financing that it requires, and that it will meet conditions of its secured credit facility. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: risks and uncertainties related to maintaining necessary licenses or permits; risks related to acquisition of surface rights; securing sufficient offtake agreements; the availability of acceptable financing; the potential for unknown or unexpected events to cause contractual conditions to not be satisfied; developments in EV (Electric Vehicles) battery markets and chemistries; and risks related to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, changes in laws or regulations; and regulation by various governmental agencies. For a further discussion of risks relevant to the Company, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form for the year ended September 30, 2024, available on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/256078

New method to blend functions for soft electronics

Soft electronics are an exciting and innovative class of technology that brings together bendable, stretchable semiconducting materials for applications in areas ranging from fashion to healthcare.  Researchers have recently developed a new technique to adjust the properties of liquids that could be used to create soft electronics.

Researchers successfully blended various combinations and proportions of three solvent-free alkyl-π room-temperature liquids that fluoresced red, green, or blue light, with no color variation within the material showing that the alkyl-π liquids had merged evenly. Credit: Image is reproducible by CC-BY license. Please credit the STAM Journal.

Room-temperature alkylated-π molecular liquids (known as alkyl-π liquids) are an exciting new material that holds great promise for soft electronics. However, one challenge with these fascinating liquids lies in fine-tuning their physical, chemical, and electronic properties – including their ability to interact with light – to achieve the desired functionality.

A new study, led by researchers from the National Institute of Materials Science (NIMS) in Tsukuba, Japan, has explored a strategy for blending together alkyl-π liquids to merge their functions homogeneously. The researchers used photoluminescent color tuning to demonstrate how well the process has worked. Their findings have been published in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

Previous efforts to control the properties of alkyl-π liquids have taken one of two approaches. The first involves incorporating small amounts of other molecules, such as dyes, into the liquid. “When modulating function by adding solid dopants, the dopant molecules have poor solubility, leading to insoluble aggregates and inconsistencies in properties such as luminescent color,” says Dr. Takashi Nakanishi of the Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics at NIMS.

The second approach involves chemically modifying the alkyl-π liquids. While this can achieve a uniform result, designing and synthesising entirely new molecules is difficult and less time- and cost-effective.

In the new study, researchers synthesised three solvent-free alkyl-π room-temperature liquids that fluoresced red, green, or blue light, and then they blended the liquids together in varying proportions. They successfully created a range of homogeneous liquid blends of colors with no color variation within the material, showing that the alkyl-π liquids had merged evenly.

The team also assessed how well the two liquids had mixed by changing the temperature and studying how the flow of the mixed liquids changed over time at different temperatures. This approach further confirmed that the liquids were successfully blended together.

“The liquid–liquid blending method implemented in this study for alkyl-π liquids facilitates the production of low-volatility, ink-like materials that exhibit a diverse spectrum of uniform luminescent colors, devoid of any color unevenness,” Dr. Nakanishi says. “This means it will be possible to apply or coat the desired function with simple operations such as painting, sandwiching, or soaking the liquid materials wherever needed.”

The research opens the path to blending alkyl-π liquids to vary other functions, such as photoconductivity, charge retention, or gas sensing.

Further information
Takashi Nakanishi
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
nakanishi.takashi@nims.go.jp

Paper: https://doi.org/10.1080/14686996.2025.2515007

About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM)

Open access journal STAM publishes outstanding research articles across all aspects of materials science, including functional and structural materials, theoretical analyses, and properties of materials. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM 

Dr. Kazuya Saito
STAM Publishing Director
Email: SAITO.Kazuya@nims.go.jp

Press release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

HKTDC Maintains 3% Export Growth Forecast

– Low US market exposure dilutes tariff impacts

Hong Kong is still on course for export growth of 3% this year, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) confirmed today. This timely assessment came as the HKTDC announced the findings of two of its key metrics namely the 2025 Mid-Year Export Review and Outlook and the HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q25.

Strong frontloading amid tariff uncertainties
The city’s 2025 export performance is navigating a period of almost unprecedented turbulence in the global trade arena. Much of this uncertainty has stemmed from the radical shift in US trade policy – particularly the heavy reliance on substantial import tariffs – adopted by President Trump’s administration.

In anticipation of a hefty tariff regime, many of Hong Kong’s exporters opted to “frontload” their orders in the early months of 2025 before the new tariffs were implemented. This helped bolster the city’s export figures in the early months of the year and resulted in a number of other positive factors.

Low exposure to US market
First, Hong Kong has low exposure to the US market when compared with other economies. For instance, US-bound exports in 2024 accounted for just 6.5% of Hong Kong’s total exports.

By learning the lessons of previous tariff regimes, notably during the first term of President Trump (2017 to 2021), Hong Kong successfully reconfigured its trading base to reduce its exposure to uncertainties in the US market. Since 2017, Hong Kong has bolstered its trade ties with other economies, with exports to the ASEAN bloc up 38.5% and to the Middle East increasing by 58.1%. The upshot of this is that, despite a 10.5% drop in Hong Kong’s exports to the US over the last eight years, Hong Kong’s total exports for the period recorded a 17.2% increase.

This vulnerability has been further reduced by many Hong Kong exporters prioritizing the diversification of their sourcing locations in line with China+1 or China+N strategies. As a consequence, many of Hong Kong’s US-bound exports are now sourced from different locations than they were in 2017. In fact, in 2024, nearly half of Hong Kong’s US-bound exports originated from a variety of international sources, notably up from the comparable figure of 15% eight years ago.

Taken together, should a high level of US tariffs be reinstated, only about 3.4% of Hong Kong’s total exports would be affected. Any impact would then be further diminished once the products eligible for tariff exemptions were also taken into account. Collectively, these factors underpin HKTDC Research’s expectation that, even in such adverse trading conditions, Hong Kong’s exports will still expand by 3% as predicted earlier in the year.

Commenting on the HKTDC’s decision to confirm its earlier forecast, Director of Research, Irina Fan, said: “Whatever the outcome of the ongoing trade negotiations, our low exposure to the US market, robust trade ties with other markets and diversified sourcing networks are the key underlying factors that should allow Hong Kong exporters to weather the US tariffs relatively unscathed.”

Weaker export performance expected in 2H
In line with the overall expectation that export performance would weaken as 2025 progresses, the overall reading for the HKTDC Export Confidence Index in the second quarter fell below 50 for the first time in a year. This moderate decline in Hong Kong exporter confidence can be taken as aligning with the escalation in global trade uncertainty.

With the survey conducted at the height of the China-US tariff trade war (28 April-15 May), this downbeat outcome was widely anticipated. In specific terms, this saw the Current Performance Index fall to 49.6 (down from 52.1), while the Expectation Index stood at 49.0 (down from 51.0). Subsequent to the completion of the survey, new trade negotiations have emerged between Mainland China (including Hong Kong) and the US; an outcome expected to be reflected in the findings of the 3Q25 Index.

In other findings, Hong Kong exporter confidence remained high regarding prospects in both the ASEAN bloc (59.9) and Mainland China (52.6), while the corresponding reading for the US plummeted to 31.6 (down from 46.7)

The Current Performance of three of the six key Hong Kong industry sectors tracked by the Index remained positive with Jewellery at 51.6, Timepieces at 52.1 and Equipment/Materials at 50.4. In the case of the other three sectors, Electronics and Clothing (both 48.9) were marginally below the watershed level while Toys (43.1) continued its recent decline.

Putting the findings into context, Kenneth Lee, Special Project and Business Advisory Section Head, HKTDC Research, said: “Overall, the findings for the second quarter align with earlier expectations of weaker exporter confidence amid US tariff uncertainties. It is, however, heartening to see Hong Kong exporters maintain a largely positive outlook with regard to all of the city’s major markets, except for the US.”

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

References
– HKTDC Research website: https://research.hktdc.com/en/
– HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q25: Exporter Confidence Weakens Amid US Tariff Uncertainties 
https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MjAyNjM4NzY1Mg
– 2025 Mid-Year Trade Review and Outlook: Global Trade Talk Progress Sees HKTDC Adhere to 3% Export Growth Forecast 
https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MjAzNDc4NjgwMw

Photo downloadhttps://bit.ly/4n24Ds1

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Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:

Jane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org


About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitionsconferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus

“J-Style Trip Season 3” Tops Ratings for Twelve Consecutive Episodes

– Star Plus Legend Achieves a Win-Win in Both IP Ecosystem and Commercial Value

On June 15, the outdoor reality-variety show J-Style Trip Season 3, co-produced by Star Plus Legend and Zhejiang Satellite TV and exclusively sponsored by MODONG MAGIC, successfully concluded its season. Praised for its unscripted format, absence of fixed personas, and rule-free structure, the show has maintained high popularity across all three seasons. This season, J-Style Trip Season 3 topped the ratings for 12 consecutive episodes, ranking No.1 among variety shows in its time slot across 71 major cities according to CSM data. Across the entire season, the show garnered 375 trending topics on major platforms and generated over 4.1 billion views related to its content. On Weibo, the main hashtag #J-Style Trip# surpassed 2.2 billion views, with the total cumulative views of the main topic across all three seasons reaching 3.77 billion. A total of 56 individual trending topics remained on the charts for over 10 hours each, contributing to a long-tail effect with the season’s hot search duration exceeding 1,220 hours. On Youku, the show consistently ranked No.1 on multiple charts, including the Free Variety Show Popularity List and the Travel Variety Show List. J-Style Trip Season 3 set new benchmarks across all three seasons in terms of social media buzz and audience engagement. On Weibo alone, topic views for this season exceeded the combined total of the first two seasons — highlighting the show’s enhanced storytelling power and growing cultural impact.

This season, J-Style Trip Season 3 was led by Jay Chou, the creator of the “J-style journey,” who was joined by a vibrant group of travel companions including Will Liu, Ken Lin, Funky Tu, Will Tsai, Chien-Te Fang, Kuan-Ting Chen and Guanlin Chen. Together, they visited breathtaking destinations and uncovered touching personal stories—building an emotional connection unique to the “J-style” travel experience and contributing countless standout moments throughout the show. The addition of Will Liu brought fresh energy to the series. His seamless chemistry with Jay Chou created numerous memorable highlights—from leading foreign tourists in a ‘Chinese Herbal Manual’ fitness dance on the streets of Greece, to exploring traditional Chinese culture through Wing Chun and lion dancing in Guangdong. These moments added new layers of fun, spontaneity, and cultural richness to the journey.

J-Style Trip Season 3 centers around the theme of “looking for outstanding Chinese individuals around the world,” highlighting overseas Chinese who have made remarkable contributions across various fields—including professionals, artists, and cultural inheritors. This season’s journey spans countries such as Italy, Greece, and Saudi Arabia, where the cast meets figures like tennis star Zhang Zhizhen, rising opera talent Wang Kang, and world latte art champion Hu Zhonghua, among many others who are preserving and innovating intangible cultural heritage. Through these inspiring personal stories, the show vividly conveys the spirit of “passion knows no borders” and sheds light on the diversity and strength of Chinese identity in a globalized world. No longer just a casual trip among celebrity friends, this season has transformed into a warm, meaningful, and resonant exploration of culture.

This season, J-Style Trip 3 further elevated its signature relaxed travel aesthetic, while staying true to its unscripted, unfiltered, and freeform filming style. With a faster storytelling rhythm and more dynamic transitions, the show guided viewers through local markets, street food scenes, and everyday urban life—offering both in-depth cultural exploration and practical travel tips. In the season finale, the J-Style Trip group took part in a cultural exchange with young Chinese dancer Liang Daiqing and the “Shaoli Ensemble”, a traditional folk music group from the Zhuang ethnic minority in Guangxi. This “folk song × pop” crossover showcased the unique charm of the minority culture.

As the show’s popularity continues to rise, attention has also turned to its sponsors. MODONG MAGIC is the exclusive title sponsor, with Alipay as strategic partner. Special sponsors include ADATA, Enya Cyber-G, Bonggie, and VIVICYCLE, while the tourism boards of Saudi Arabia and Australia provide special support. This diverse brand backing fully unlocks the commercial potential of the content IP. Historically, star-led reality shows often “win critical acclaim but fail to reach mass appeal.” Even with top-tier celebrities and loyal fans, they rarely break out of niche circles. Star Plus Legend, the company behind J-Style Trip Season 3, has now set a new benchmark in star IP commercialization.

Unlike traditional talent management firms, Star Plus Legend focuses on creating proprietary brands based on each artist’s traits, adopting a long-term approach to star IP commercialization. In this season, Star Plus Legend upgraded the commercial loop around the show’s boutique content IP. Industry insiders explain that Star Plus Legend attracts brand sponsors and earns licensing revenue through the show, while also empowering its own IP and brands to boost new-retail sales. Leveraging celebrity influence and full-channel promotion, including livestream e-commerce and private-domain social media, Star Plus Legend converts IP traffic into product volume, forming a complete commercial loop that highlights the superiority of its operating model.

The success and monetization of J-Style Trip Season 3 mark the maturation of Star Plus Legend’s “IP-empowered new retail” model. In the arena of deep integration between content and consumer, this IP-centric, omnichannel marketing commercial loop not only increases the long-tail value of star IP but also creates a sustainable monetization path for the industry.

Canstar Strengthens Technical Advisory Board with the Appointment of Geologist and VMS Mineralization Expert, Dr. Stephen J. Piercey, P.Geo., FGC

Canstar Resources Inc. (TSXV: ROX) (OTC Pink: CSRNF) (“Canstar or the “Company”) has appointed Dr. Stephen J. Piercey, P.Geo., FGC to its Technical & Advisory Board. Dr. Piercey’s recognized expertise in volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralization—particularly within the Newfoundland Appalachians—will be a significant asset to Canstar’s expanding exploration programs and its recently announced $11.5 million strategic joint venture with VMS Mining Corporation (VMSC).

Dr. Piercey will support Canstar’s technical team as the Company advances its exploration efforts in partnership with VMSC. The recently launched JV targets underexplored areas within the Buchans-Mary March VMS corridor, an area that has yielded some of the highest-grade polymetallic mineralization globally.

This appointment further strengthens Canstar’s technical capabilities and underscores its dedication to data-driven, scientifically rigorous exploration in one of Canada’s most prolific but underexplored VMS districts.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Piercey to our team at a pivotal time in the Company’s evolution,” said Juan Carlos Giron Jr., President & CEO of Canstar. “His deep understanding of VMS deposits, including those of the Newfoundland Appalachians makes him an ideal technical advisor as we execute on our exploration strategy in Newfoundland. His appointment reflects our commitment to scientific excellence and our focus on technically rigorous exploration.”

Alignment with Canstar’s Strategic Objectives

Canstar’s ongoing exploration focus in Newfoundland—including the recently announced VMSC JV—aligns closely with Dr. Piercey’s area of specialization. His appointment brings several immediate benefits:

  • Deep Newfoundland Expertise: As a native Newfoundlander and University Research Professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), Dr. Piercey understands both the geology and community dynamics of Central Newfoundland and surrounding VMS districts.
  • Technical Leadership: His expertise in interpreting hydrothermal alteration systems, conducting lithogeochemical surveys, and deploying real-time portable analytical tools enhances our capacity to vector towards mineralization and optimize drill targeting.
  • JV Support: His scientific reputation and deep technical acumen will provide invaluable guidance as Canstar and partners advance the VMSC JV toward drill program design and execution.

About Dr. Stephen Piercey

Dr. Piercey is a University Research Professor and Full Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), where he leads the Piercey Research Group and a consulting geologist with Piercey Geosciences Inc.. An expert in economic geology, he specializes in lithostratigraphy, volcanology, hydrothermal alteration, and geochemistry—applying integrated field, petrographic, lithogeochemical and microanalytical techniques to understanding VMS, orogenic gold, uranium, and other base-metal systems.

A Memorial University alumnus (BSc(Hons), MSc), he holds a PhD from UBC and is recognized as a Fellow of Geoscientists Canada (FGC), recipient of the distinguished Duncan R. Derry Medal from the Mineral Deposits Division of the Geological Assocation of Canada, and recipient of Memorial’s University Research Professor award. He is a Professional Geoscientist (PGeo) in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and British Columbia.

Dr. Piercey has secured over $9 million in research funding, published extensively (100+ peer-reviewed papers, government reports, technical guides), supervised more than 50 graduate students and post-docs, and previously served as the NSERC-Altius Industrial Research Chair in Mineral Deposits. His groundbreaking work on Newfoundland’s Cambrian-Ordovician VMS systems—such as Duck Pond, Sail Pond, Ming, and projects in the Buchans-Roberts Arm Belt—advances Canstar’s scientific understanding and exploration tools in the region.

Additional Information on Canstar’s Buchans and Mary March Projects

Canstar’s Buchans and Mary March Projects are located in the Buchans-Roberts Arms Belt of west-central Newfoundland, Canada. Recognized as one of the highest-grade VMS systems in history, Buchans was mined by ASARCO from the 1920s to the 1980s. Five deposits yielded 16.2 million tonnes with average mill head grades of 14.51% zinc, 7.56% lead, 1.33% copper, 122 g/t silver, and 1.37 g/t gold.2

Canstar’s Buchans Project sits immediately adjacent to the historic Buchans mines. New 3D geological modelling (2024) by Canstar indicates that the Buchans River Formation, the geological host unit for all five historic Buchans Mine deposits, underlies Canstar’s entire Buchans property at depth. The formation plunges from the historically mined deposits towards Canstar’s adjacent Buchans-area claims.

A SkyTEM time-domain electromagnetic survey in 2017 identified several multi-kilometre geophysical anomalies within Canstar’s Buchans claims. The anomalism coincides with an area of low magnetism, indicating a potential alteration zone. A historic drillhole from the 1970s—located within one of these anomalies—intersected what was described as “stockwork style” mineralization. Stockwork zones typically exhibit a geophysical signature characterized by low magnetism, variable (generally poor to moderate) electrical conductivity, and good chargeability. These characteristics are similar to the geophysical attributes of the stockwork zones of the historic Buchans deposits, suggesting the potential discovery of stockwork and alteration zones associated with Buchans-style VMS deposits.

Canstar’s Mary March project, located 25km from the historic Buchans mines, features a large mineralized system with alteration zones similar in scale to those at Buchans and high-grade massive sulphides. Historic drilling intersected a faulted-off massive sulphide lens 9.63 m thick, assaying 0.64% Cu, 1.8% Pb, 10.1% Zn, 4.2 g/t Au, 122 g/t Ag.1 In 2019, Canstar trenching identified Buchans-style debris flow deposits with massive sulphide clasts, which assayed up to 5.7% Cu, 1.6% Pb, 1.8% Zn, 29.4 g/t Ag, and 1.2 g/t Au.2

Other Corporate Updates

On June 16, 2025, Canstar’s Board of Directors approved the grant of an aggregate of 1,110,000 incentive stock options (the “Options”) to officers, directors, consultants, and employees of the Company pursuant to its stock option plan. The Options are exercisable at a price of $0.05 per common share and will expire on June 16, 2030. The Options are subject to specific vesting provisions as determined by the Board of Directors and in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”).

Footnotes

(1) Reported by Phelps Dodge in 1999 (historic unverified assays): 9.63 metres grading 4.2 g/t gold, 122 g/t silver, 10.1% zinc, 1.8% lead, and 0.64% copper

(2) Historical production source: Zinc and Lead, Mineral Commodities of Newfoundland and Labrador, Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, Compiled by R.J. Wardle, 2008

Qualified Person Statement

Bob Patey B.Sc. (Hons), Vice President for Exploration for Canstar and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, has prepared and approved all scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release.

Acknowledgement

Canstar acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance (JEA) Program from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, which has been a valuable contribution to the exploration programs on the Company’s Buchans-Mary March and Golden Baie projects.

About Canstar Resources Inc.

Canstar Resources Inc. (TSXV: ROX) is an exploration company focused on critical minerals and gold. The Company’s 100%-owned Golden Baie Project (489.5 km²) hosts high-grade gold and antimony showings along a major mineralized structure that also hosts a large number of gold deposits. The Buchans and Mary March projects (120.5 km2) are located within the past-producing VMS zinc-, copper-, and silver-rich Buchans Mining Camp and boast high-grade zinc and copper discoveries.

For further information, please contact:

Juan Carlos Giron, Jr.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Email: jc@canstarresources.com
Phone: (647) 557-3442
Website: www.canstarresources.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” that are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company’s plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “will,” or “plan.” Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company does not assure that actual results will meet management’s expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to: the execution and terms of the proposed partnership with TerraAI, the anticipated benefits of AI deployment in mineral exploration, the objectives and scope of the $11.5 million joint venture with VMS Mining Corporation, the expectation that the use of AI can improve discovery probabilities and reduce costs, exploration plans for the Buchans and Mary March projects, and any future drilling or data interpretation outcomes. Forward-looking information also includes the Company’s business objectives, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, timing of exploration and development plans, and assumptions about market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the risk that the definitive agreement with TerraAI is not completed; the technology does not perform as anticipated; AI integration does not result in discovery success or cost efficiencies; difficulties accessing or validating historical data; limitations in data modeling or interpretation; delays or disruptions to the current Deep IP survey; and risks generally associated with the adoption of novel technologies in exploration. Additional risks include failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects capital and operating variances. and those risks set out in the Company’s public documents filed on SEDAR+. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release. No assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255962

CleverTap Launches “Promos” The Industry-First All-In-One Rewards Management Platform

CleverTap, the all-in-one customer engagement platform, today announced the launch of Promos — an industry-first, customer rewards management platform built to redefine how brands create, manage, distribute, and optimize rewards, promotions and loyalty programs. Powered by technology from rehook.ai (now part of CleverTap), Promos offers a comprehensive, API-first solution for managing every facet of customer incentives—from coupons and loyalty points to cashback, vouchers, and gamified rewards. By replacing a system of fragmented tools, Promos empowers marketers with a seamless, scalable, and deeply integrated alternative for driving retention, repeat purchases, and maximizing customer lifetime value.

Marketers today are often forced to rely on fragmented systems—piecing together rewards and loyalty programs, CDPs, messaging platforms, and analytics—just to deliver a single, end-to-end campaign. These disconnected workflows slow teams down, lead to inconsistent data, and cause marketers to miss critical moments for engagement, resulting in delayed rewards, irrelevant offers, and loyalty programs that fail to deliver. Promos changes that. It embeds rewards management directly into CleverTap’s engagement engine, giving brands a single platform to segment users, automate campaigns, personalize, deliver real-time incentives, and measure effectiveness effortlessly.

With Promos, marketers can now launch behavior-triggered rewards in minutes, optimize campaigns on the fly, and deliver offers that feel timely, relevant, and personalized—ultimately improving ROI and deepening brand-consumer relationships.

Anand Jain, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, CleverTap, said, – “CleverTap Promos rewrites the rewards management playbook. Rather than tallying one-off redemptions, we’re forging lasting customer relationships—making every point, perk, and offer a personalized, memorable moment rooted in trust and authenticity. By uniting reward programs, engagement, and intelligence on a single platform, Promos truly propels our mission to becoming industry’s first end-to-end retention platform for modern marketers.”

Akhil Suhag, Co-founder and CEO, rehook.ai, added, – “Rewards and loyalty management shouldn’t force marketers to navigate a maze of siloed systems. Promos lets brands oversee loyalty, incentives, and engagement from one unified hub. This speeds up execution, clearing operational clutter and turning customer retention into a compounding engine for sustainable growth. I’m excited for marketers to experience its power and convenience firsthand.”

Learn more or request a live demo here.

About CleverTap

CleverTap is the leading all-in-one customer engagement platform that helps brands unlock limitless customer lifetime value. CleverTap is trusted by over 2000 brands like Decathlon, Domino’s, Levis, Jio, Emirates NBD, Puma, Croma (A Tata Enterprise), Swiggy, SonyLIV, Axis Bank, AirAsia, TD Bank, Ooredoo, and Tesco to help build personalized experiences for all their customers. The platform is powered by TesseractDB™ – the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering speed and cost efficiency at scale.

Backed by top-tier investors such as Accel, Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, CDPQ and 360 One, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, with presence across Seattle, London, São Paulo, Bogota, Mexico, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Singapore, Vietnam, and Jakarta.

For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow us on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clevertap/
X: https://twitter.com/CleverTap

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap’s belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.

Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction.

For more information:

ADITYA SANYAL
Director, Digital Marketing, CleverTap
+91 9177110080
aditya.sanyal@clevertap.com

ASHMIT CHAUDHARY
Associate Consultant, Archetype
+91 8850752121
ashmit.chaudhary@archetype.co

‘Talon Academy’ Triumphs as RoV Championship After Intense Battle Against ‘Dream’ at the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT Grand Final

Talon Academy delivered an outstanding performance to claim the winner of RoV, emerging victorious in a historic match at the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Grand Final Tournament). The event was filled with excitement and enthusiasm from gamers and esports fans from across the country at BEAT Active BITEC BURI.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), stated that the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT, one of the key initiatives under the depa ESPORTS Project, has now reached its Grand Final. Throughout the project, more than 6,500 young participants joined various competitions, including sub-events such as depa ESPORTS IN SCHOOL and depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT which included the Daily Tournament, Influencer Tournament, and Regional Tournament -well surpassing the initial goal of 5,000 participants. depa recognizes the dedication, talent, and potential of all competitors, including their gaming skills, creativity, strategic thinking, teamwork, and sportsmanship. These qualities demonstrate that esports is more than just playing games. It’s a valuable opportunity for learning, development, and growth, both on an individual level and as part of a team.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon further stated that the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT is not merely a stage to crown esports champions, but also a crucial opportunity for Thai youth to showcase their potential, determination, and ambition to pursue careers as professional esports athletes or in other roles within the industry. At the same time, the tournament serves as a source of inspiration for young people with dreams of entering the esports world. It also plays a key role in driving the sustainable growth of Thailand’s esports ecosystem and acts as a small yet significant gear in advancing the country’s digital economy toward true international competitiveness.

The highlight of the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Grand Final Tournament) was the intense competition in the popular game Arena of Valor (RoV), featuring 16 up-and-coming esports teams representing eight regions across the country, selected from the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Regional Tournament) stage. For the Grand Final, depa and its network of partners transformed the venue into a spectacular esports arena, allowing everyone to experience the thrill and excitement of a competitive atmosphere that closely mirrors international standards. The excitement peaked during the final match, which was broadcasted with live commentary by two of Thailand’s top shoutcasters, BrightO and SunWaltz.

Throughout the competition, each team showcased their capabilities in precise game control, strategic planning, quick decision-making, and effective teamwork under pressure. The team that demonstrated outstanding technical skills and professionalism, rising above the rest, was awarded the championship title of the 2025 depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENTdepa sincerely hopes that today’s tournament will serve as a powerful source of inspiration, igniting the dreams of a new generation of youth who are passionate about esports.

The winners of the RoV competition at the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Grand Final Tournament) are as follows:

  • The Winner: Talon Academy – awarded 300,000 THB, a championship trophy, and special prizes from Intel
  • 1st Runner-up: Dream – awarded 150,000 THB, a trophy of honor, and special prizes from COM7
  • 2nd Runner-up: Hater x Doo White – awarded 50,000 THB, a trophy of honor, and special prizes from COM7
  • 3rd Runner-up: Introvert – awarded 20,000 THB and special prizes from COM7
  • 5th –8th Place: each team received 10,000 THB
  • 9th –15th Place: each team received 5,000 THB

“The concept behind organizing the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT began in 2018, driven by depa’s commitment to challenging negative perceptions surrounding gaming and esports. We firmly believe that ‘kids who play games are not bad kids. With the right support and guidance, they can become world-class athletes or pursue other professional paths in the esports industry, building careers, generating income, and gaining societal recognition. Therefore, the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT is not just a platform to showcase the potential of youth, but a key mechanism for developing the industry, creating opportunities, and reshaping society’s views on esports. It also aims to raise awareness and promote positive attitudes toward esports-related careers, while enhancing the capabilities of Thailand’s esports industry to reach international standards,” said the President and CEO of depa.

The implementation of the depa ESPORTS project has been made possible through strong collaboration with Garena Online (Thailand) Co., Ltd., along with various partner organizations that have helped drive the project’s activities toward success. Those interested can view the list of winning teams from the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Grand Final Tournament) and stay updated on news and upcoming activities from the depa ESPORTS project by visiting www.depa.or.th , LINE OA: depaThailand, and the Facebook Page: depa Thailand.

U.S. Polo Assn. Celebrates 135 Years at Pitti Uomo 108 with the Spring-Summer 2026 Collection and a Spectacular Anniversary Event at Santa Maria Novella in Florence

U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), returns to Florence for Pitti Uomo 108 with the launch of its Spring-Summer 2026 Collection which includes classic, sport-inspired apparel, shoes, bags, and accessories, and a once-in-a-lifetime 135th Anniversary Celebration. This summer, U.S. Polo Assn.’s exhibit at Pitti Uomo is taking place from June 17 to 20, at Booth 32 Cavaniglia with very special guests, sporty models, and an immersive presentation of the brand and its collection. The high-energy theme of the show, PITTI BIKES will transform the legendary Fortezza da Basso into a buzzing circuit of fashion and lifestyle, creating the perfect stage for U.S. Polo Assn., a brand rooted in sport, authenticity, and timeless American style.

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U.S. Polo Assn. X Pitti Uomo 108

The Exhibit: An Immersive Experience

Pitti Uomo 108 also marks a key moment for U.S. Polo Assn., the celebration of 135 years of sport inspiration and a milestone that pays tribute to tradition, sport, and the unique spirit of polo for those “Born to Play.” Throughout the most important menswear trade show in the world, U.S. Polo Assn. will unveil a reimagined exhibition space, designed to offer an immersive experience that narrates the brand’s authenticity and heritage through a visual experience created to celebrate 135 years.

To celebrate the anniversary, the booth will host a presentation and media moment on Wednesday, June 18, with J. Michael Prince, CEO of U.S. Polo Assn. (USPA Global), and Lorenzo Nencini, CEO of INCOM S.p.A and member of the Pitti Immagine Board. Alongside Prince and Nencini, U.S. Polo Assn. Italian licensees Augusto Bonetto, representing Bonis, Andrea Zini, representing EastLab, and Franco Zuccon, representing EuroTrade, will proudly show their respective products and speak with partners, vendors, and other brand representatives.

An Unforgettable Night: “Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy”

On the evening of June 18, U.S. Polo Assn. will host its invitation-only 135th Anniversary Celebration in the stunning Chiostro Grande at the historic Complesso di Santa Maria Novella. Guests from around the world will gather for this exclusive event to toast to the past, present, and future of a brand born from the sport of polo that dates back to 1890.

Hosted by renowned Italian actor and author Roberto Ciufoli, the evening begins with an invitation-only dinner, followed by a live performance from Italian music star Clara, concluding with an electric DJ set by the legendary Benny Benassi. Guests will also experience an immersive art performance curated by visionary artists Luca Agnani and Pietro Terzini, making this celebration a multi-sensory tribute to U.S. Polo Assn. that honors the brand’s legacy, while looking confidently toward the future.

The wines provided for the evening will be Marchesi Frescobaldi, a world-renowned company that embodies the very essence of Tuscany and its extraordinary aptitude for viticulture.

“I am thrilled to return to Florence, a city synonymous with art, craftsmanship, and timeless style, to represent U.S. Polo Assn. alongside our European partners at Pitti Uomo 108-the most iconic menswear trade show in the world,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages and markets the multi-billion-dollar global U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “This year, our presence in Florence takes on even greater significance as we celebrate the 135th Anniversary of U.S. Polo Assn. with a dynamic exhibition and an unforgettable party, featuring some of Italy’s most exciting names in music and art at such an iconic location.”

“It’s an extraordinary moment for our global brand to honor our sport-inspired heritage while celebrating U.S. Polo Assn.’s future-focused momentum on one of fashion’s most influential stages,” Prince added.

A Full Lifestyle Collection for Spring/Summer 2026

Presented by southwestern and central Europe licensee Incom, the U.S. Polo Assn. Spring-Summer 2026 ApparelCollection brings forward a contemporary heritage-inspired lifestyle wardrobe for men and women. Built around core capsules, the apparel collection blends quality materials, modern silhouettes, and vibrant seasonal palettes.

“To present the Spring-Summer 2026 Collection of U.S. Polo Assn. here in Florence – my city, and the beating heart of fashion – is an emotion beyond words,” said Lorenzo Nencini, President of Incom S.p.A. “As a proud member of the Pitti Immagine Board and the exclusive apparel partner for this incredible global brand, I am proud to contribute to the 135th Anniversary of U.S. Polo Assn. and its celebration on such a grand and meaningful stage.”

“Incom brings not only product, but passion, to the Fortezza da Basso. And we do so with Italian hands and global vision. This moment is a tribute to everything U.S. Polo Assn. has built – and to all that is to come,” he added.

Apparel Collection

The new Men’s and Women’s Apparel Collection for the season is built around distinct capsules that reflect U.S. Polo Assn.’s core values of authenticity, functionality, and timeless style.

  • Heritage: A spirited tribute to the sport of polo, featuring bold stripes, signature prints, crochet accents, beading, and hand-embroidered logos in vibrant summer tones.
  • Premium: Sophisticated staples in linen, Supima cotton, and hemp jersey, finished with natural dyes for a refined summer look.
  • Tailored: Soft silhouettes in cotton-linen blends and elegant neutrals. Modern suiting, lightweight knits, and fresh shirting define a new relaxed elegance.
  • Seasonal Palette: Think classic red, white, and blue washed denim tones, elevated with pops of citrus, coral, sky blue, and lime – bringing Americana into a new era.

Handbag Collection

Eastlab’s Spring-Summer 2026 Bag Collection blends sport-inspired utility with summer-ready charm for both women and men.

  • Women’s Line: From sleek, ultra-light nylon styles to 2-in-1 convertible bags and equestrian inspired saddle shapes, the collection offers options for both everyday function and refined occasion wear. Standouts include the satin Ceremonial line and embroidered Beach styles in terry cloth and mesh.
  • Men’s Line: Launching the Tennis Backpack, a stylish, water-resistant design with functional pockets for life on the move. Other new entries include elevated business and casual bags, with a focus on versatility and detail.
  • Eco Focus: Special-Edition bags celebrating 135 years are available in red, white, and blue, with eco-conscious details like water bottle pockets.

Footwear Collection

Bonis redefines sporty chic with a Footwear Collection that fuses classic American heritage with today’s most-wanted streetwear looks.

  • For HerIbiza and Samoa espadrilles return with updated rhinestones and bold embroidery, while Jada and Milly sandals steal the show with clean lines and modern platforms.
  • For Him: Classic slip-ons are paired with new lace-up versions, and fresh silhouettes like the Swift running shoe and Seneka sneaker bring a vibrant, youthful edge.
  • Trends: From retro runners to urban sandals, the lineup embraces summer versatility without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Watch & Jewelry Collection

EuroTrade debuts a refined Watch and Jewelry Collection that captures the essence of summer sophistication with standout style and playful color.

  • Watches: Premium materials like satin and soft leather meet eye-catching details, including colorful dials in the Jayden Line and luxurious straps in the Vivian Collection.
  • Jewelry: A bold and expressive assortment featuring metallic finishes and joyful tones. From the cool blues of Maisie to the vibrant hues of Naomi, each piece is designed to elevate daily style.
  • In-Store Experience: EuroTrade also launches the USPA Watch Collection Case – a secure, anti-theft display now available in U.S. Polo Assn. stores, giving customers a tactile, inviting shopping experience.

U.S. Polo Assn.’s presence at Pitti Uomo 108 is more than just a showcase – it’s a milestone. With a bold, modern collection and a spectacular celebration in Florence, the brand continues to honor its roots in the sport of polo while riding confidently into the future of fashion.

About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global
U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in the United States, founded in 1890 and based at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. This year, U.S. Polo Assn. celebrates 135 years of sports inspiration alongside the USPA. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.

U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.

For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

About Incom S.p.A
Incom S.p.A, founded in Montecatini Terme (PT) in 1951, manages, as a licensee, the apparel for the U.S. Polo Assn. brand in Western Europe, which produces and distributes iconic clothing brands all over the world. In addition, Incom is one of the main suppliers of military and paramilitary clothing in the Italian State both for uniforms and for technical clothing. Since January 2008, it has been producing and distributing men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing in Western Europe under the U.S. Polo Assn. brand, with record sales results and growth. For further information visit www.incomitaly.com.

About Bonis S.P.A.
Bonis is the exclusive footwear licensee for U.S. Polo Assn. in Western Europe. Founded in 1970, Bonis is a leading company in the footwear business and is a partner selected by some of the most influential international brands. Located in the heart of the Asolo and Montebelluna footwear district, the home of the most important sport system brands. Bonis works with private labels, contracting, and licensing. Visit www.bonis-spa.com

About Eastlab S.r.l.
Eastlab S.r.l. is the exclusive licensee for U.S. Polo Assn. bags and accessories in Europe. Founded in 2015, Eastlab S.r.l. is now one of the leading Italian companies in the production and distribution of bags, accessories, and luggage. Its targeted response to market needs and passion for its work have quickly earned Eastlab strong credibility in the industry and the trust of major international partners. Visit www.eastlab.it

About EuroTrade s.r.l.
EuroTrade is U.S. Polo Assn.’s licensee in Western Europe for watches and accessories. Headquartered in Italy, EuroTrade was founded in 1987 and specializes in the creation and distribution of high-quality watches and accessories characterized by original design and innovative technology. EuroTrade offers the market an original and trendy accessory to wear on any occasion. Visit www.incomitaly.com/en/euro-trade-s-r-l/

Contact Information
Stacey Kovalsky
U.S. POLO ASSN. GLOBAL HQ
skovalsky@uspagl.com
+1-954-673-1331 (WhatsApp)

Paola Varani
HUB PRESS OFFICE (INCOM in Italy)
paolavarani@hubcomm.net

Laura Varani
HUB PRESS OFFICE (INCOM in Italy)
lauravarani@hubcomm.net

Laura Manfrin
TWINS PRESS OFFICE (BONIS & EASTLAB in Italy)
laura@twins-pr.com

Maura Busatto
TWINS PRESS OFFICE (BONIS & EASTLAB in Italy)
maura@twins-pr.com

Gaia Grassi
HUB PRESS OFFICE (INCOM in Italy)
gaiagrassi@hubcomm.net

.SOURCE: U.S. Polo Assn.

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