Gradiant today announced $300 million in new contracts from semiconductor manufacturing customers since the start of 2026.
$300 million in new ultrapure water, wastewater, and zero liquid discharge contracts mark continued commercial momentum in the chips layer of the AI economy
BOSTON, Sept 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Gradiant, the water layer of the AI economy, today announced $300 million in new contracts from semiconductor manufacturing customers since the start of 2026, reflecting strong commercial momentum in a sector where water security is becoming a critical enabler of scale and speed.
Among the wins, Gradiant secured new contracts with several leading global semiconductor manufacturers across five fabrication sites in New York, Virginia, Idaho, and Utah. The projects include ultrapure water (UPW), high-recovery wastewater treatment, local scrubber reclaim, and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems designed to reduce freshwater demand, increase water reuse, and maximize production in increasingly water-constrained environments.
Rather than serving a single point in the water cycle, Gradiant will deliver its full semiconductor portfolio across these sites — from ultrapure water production to high-recovery wastewater treatment, scrubber reclaim, treatment of complex streams such as hydrofluoric-acid wastewater, and zero liquid discharge. Several of the awards are repeat contracts from existing customers, including the second phase of a high-recovery wastewater facility at one of the world’s largest semiconductor fabs and a scrubber reclaim design, already proven for the same customer in Singapore, Taiwan, and the U.S., that recovers more than 80 percent of feed volume.
“Water has become one of the defining constraints on how quickly the world can build the chips powering AI data centers, including high-bandwidth memory,” said Prakash Govindan, CEO of Gradiant. “That’s why leading semiconductor manufacturers keep choosing Gradiant: we own the full water cycle, from ultrapure water to the most complex wastewater streams, as one accountable partner. Water will not be the reason a fab falls behind.”
“These wins are exactly the kind of momentum we need to reach our target of a $1 billion U.S. order book next year,” said Nish Vora, Managing Director, Americas at Gradiant. “Each of these contracts reinforces Gradiant’s position as the water layer for semiconductors, eliminating water as a constraint for the companies building the chips the AI economy runs on.”
From ultrapure water and advanced wastewater treatment to high-recovery water reuse and ZLD systems, Gradiant’s semiconductor solutions are designed to help manufacturers increase capacity while reducing water consumption and environmental impact. As investment in AI infrastructure continues to accelerate, water management is becoming a critical enabler of how fast the next generation of semiconductor fabs can scale.
About Gradiant
Gradiant is the Water Layer of the AI Economy. Founded at MIT and headquartered in Boston, Gradiant builds the water and wastewater infrastructure behind AI’s build-out, from chips and data centers to the energy and industries that depend on them. As AI demand accelerates, water is becoming the resource that determines what can be built. Gradiant’s technologies reduce what industry withdraws, reclaim what it would waste, and renew clean water to nature, with more than 3,000 treatment plants built across 92 countries. Learn more at gradiant.com.
Spektra reaches full commercial launch at Rystad Energy Innovate on 20 August 2026
Oslo, Norway, Aug 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rystad Energy will set out a new vision for energy intelligence in the AI era at Innovate, an online broadcast on 20 August 2026. The event marks the full commercial launch of Spektra, Rystad Energy’s AI-native market intelligence platform, and is open to clients and the market.
The way the energy industry accesses and uses data is changing. Spektra launched in beta in June 2026, giving clients access to a platform that brings Rystad Energy’s full commercial databases into a single workspace. Users can create unlimited workspaces to suit their workflows, bringing together data from multiple datasets, eliminating the need to switch between tools. Innovate is the moment Spektra moves to full commercial availability, and the complete story is told publicly for the first time.
For two decades, Rystad Energy has built the data the energy industry runs on. Spektra is the next step: a single system that combines powerful data exploration in web-based workspaces, plus MCP connectors and an API gateway, giving energy professionals the flexibility to access and integrate Rystad Energy data in the way that works best for them. The platform draws on millions of energy assets globally, including 85,000+ oil and gas fields, more than 2 million wells, and 200,000+ conventional and renewable energy power plants, all independently sourced and verified.
“Energy markets are becoming more complex, and the demand for faster, more reliable intelligence is only growing. Spektra is built for that new reality and is designed around how energy professionals actually work, giving swift and flexible access to the most reliable energy data in the industry. The platform is easy and intuitive to use, but also with the depth needed for the most sophisticated users. At Innovate, we will show what Rystad Energy’s reinvention as an AI-native data platform means in practice, and where we are taking energy intelligence next,” said Lars Eirik Nicolaisen, Deputy CEO, Rystad Energy.
At Innovate, Rystad Energy will demonstrate the full AI ecosystem live: AskRystad, MCP and the Microsoft 365 Copilot integration, alongside how the data now reaches directly into the tools the industry already uses. Clients who shaped Spektra will take the stage, sharing how the platform has changed the way they work. Partner integrations with HSBC, SLB, Quorum and FutureOn will show how Rystad Energy data reaches the operational tools the industry depends on.
“Energy professionals need trusted intelligence they can act on quickly. By bringing Rystad Energy’s proprietary data into Microsoft 365 Copilot through MCP, we are integrating two decades of industry expertise directly into their flow of work. The result is faster access to critical insights, more informed decisions, and greater business impact across the organizations that rely on this intelligence,” said Per Christian Honningsvåg, General Manager, Energy and Resources, Microsoft.
Rystad Energy Innovate takes place on Thursday, 20 August 2026, broadcast from the Rystad Energy Oslo studio. The event is open to clients and the market. Register now.
About Rystad Energy
Rystad Energy is a leading independent energy intelligence company dedicated to helping clients navigate the future of energy. By providing high-quality data and thought leadership, our international team empowers businesses, governments and organizations to make well-informed decisions.
Our extensive portfolio of products and solutions covers all aspects of global energy fundamentals, spanning every corner of the oil and gas industry, the renewable energy sector, clean technologies, supply chains, and power markets. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with an expansive global network, our data, analysis, advisory, and education services provide clients a competitive edge in the market.
Joint Press Statement by MMA, APHM, LIAM, MTA, AND PIAM
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) — The Healthcare Partners Protocol & Solutions Committee (HPPSC) implemented two initiatives* and continues to drive a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing a seamless communication and improving operational efficiency among doctors, hospitals, insurers and takaful operators (ITOs), enhancing the overall customer experience across the healthcare ecosystem.
Key Initiatives by HPPSC
1. Improving Communication Between Medical Practitioners and ITOs To facilitate more efficient and timely medical and health insurance and takaful (MHIT) claims for patients, the HPPSC has recommended for the establishment of a dedicated “doctor-to-doctor” hotline by ITOs. In response to this recommendation, the hotline was implemented and has been operational since 30 April 2026 to support and address claims enquiries, as well as enable direct discussions between medical practitioners and the medical advisory team at ITOs. Such discussions are often necessary to understand case-specific matters such as treatment pathways and the use of new technologies or drugs. *https://www.liam.org.my/news/press_details.aspx?ps=11166&ct=3, Healthcare Budget Planner
This initiative is expected to strengthen communication, improve mutual understanding and support better coordination between medical practitioners and ITOs. This is intended to result in faster resolution of claims queries that will lead to better patient care and treatment decisions.
2. Enhancing Transparency in Panelling and Review Processes for Cashless Facility The HPPSC has established a transparent and streamlined governance framework to support the panelling review and appeal processes relating to healthcare providers participating in cashless facility arrangements under MHIT products. The framework establishes a structured panelling review and appeal processes with clear guiding principles to promote fair and impartial assessment, continuous engagement, consistent decision-making and ongoing oversight. This initiative aims to strengthen confidence while improving governance and stakeholder engagement to promote prudent healthcare spending, strengthen governance, and enhance the overall integrity and sustainability of the MHIT ecosystem.
3. Improving MHIT Claims Management Operational Efficiency As part of ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and consistency in claims management, the HPPSC is undertaking several initiatives relating to clinical protocols and policy coverage.
These initiatives include:
(a) Claims Management Processes Developing processes to guide ITOs in managing clinical queries involving treatments recommended by medical practitioners that may not be directly aligned with or covered under existing Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) issued by MOH through Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS).
(b) Best Practices for Emerging Medical Technologies and Treatments Developing best practices recommendations to support ITOs in assessing and determining MHIT coverage for new procedures, diagnostics, treatments and medicines, including emerging medical technologies such as robotic surgery, genetic testing and new cancer therapies.
(c) Cancer Drug List Alignment and Awareness Endorsing a cancer drug list developed in alignment with the MOH’s prescribed formulary prior to publication by MOH (NPRA). This initiative is intended to ensure healthcare providers remain updated on the MOH’s current prescribed cancer drug formulary.
The above initiatives will also include: • Collaboration with the MOH, hospitals, treating specialists and relevant medical associations to facilitate alignment and resolution; and • The implementation of mechanisms to disseminate outcomes, protocols and solutions arising from such engagements to all ITOs to promote greater consistency in application.
4. Streamlining the Guarantee Letter (GL) Issuance Process HPPSC will work towards simplifying and improving the Guarantee Letter (GL) issuance process to support timely issuance and more effective communication between ITOs, TPAs, medical practitioners and hospitals.
This initiative aims to reduce administrative inefficiencies, improve coordination among stakeholders and enhance patients’ overall experience during hospital admissions and treatment.
The initiatives undertaken by HPPSC reflect the Committee’s ongoing commitment to fostering greater collaboration, transparency and operational efficiency across the healthcare ecosystem.
Commenting on the progress and significance of these initiatives, the Co-Chairs of HPPSC shared the following:
Chief Executive Officer of LIAM, Mark O’Dell said “HPPSC reflects what can be achieved when all stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem come together with a shared purpose. These initiatives are designed to strengthen communication, improve operational efficiency and enhance transparency, ultimately benefiting patients and policyholders. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, it is important that insurers, takaful operators, healthcare providers and regulators work collaboratively to develop practical and sustainable solutions that support timely access to care while ensuring the long-term affordability and sustainability of medical and health insurance and takaful coverage for Malaysians.”
Dr Gunalan Palari @ Arumugam Palari of Malaysia Medical Association added “Effective patient care depends on strong collaboration and mutual understanding among all parties involved in the healthcare journey. Through HPPSC, we have established a constructive platform that enables healthcare providers and healthcare financiers to address operational challenges, improve communication and develop solutions that support better clinical and patient outcomes. The implementation of initiatives such as the “doctor-to-doctor” hotline demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring patients receive timely, appropriate and coordinated care.”
Commitment to Continued Collaboration The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM), Life Insurance Association (LIAM), Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA), and General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) reaffirm their commitment to constructive collaboration and continuous engagement in strengthening the sustainability, transparency and efficiency of Malaysia’s healthcare financing ecosystem.
The HPPSC will continue to serve as a platform for practical problem-solving, constructive engagement and industry collaboration in support of better healthcare access and patient outcomes for all Malaysians.
The Committee brings together representatives from healthcare providers and healthcare financing stakeholders, including MMA, APHM, insurers and takaful operators (ITOs), as well as third-party administrators (TPAs), with observers from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). It is co-chaired by MMA and LIAM, with the support of PIAM and MTA, reflecting a shared commitment to collaborative solutions.
Issued jointly by: • Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) • Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) • Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) • Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) • Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM)
SOURCE: Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: MMA: Name: Mr Darren Atkinson Press Officer Malaysian Medical Association Level 4, MMA House 124 Jalan Pahang 53000 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03 4041 1375 / +60 12-295 5042 Fax: 03 4041 8187 Email: secretary@mma.org.my Website: mma.org.my
APHM: Name: Muhammad Badri Hussin CEO Associations of Private Hospitals of Malaysia A-17-01 Menara UOA Bangsar 5, Jalan Bangsar Utama 1 59000 Kuala Lumpur Tel : 603 22841701 Email : badri@aphm.org.my / aphm@aphm.org.my Website : https://aphm.org.my
LIAM: Puan Norizan Hassan Head of Corporate Communications Life Insurance Association of Malaysia Level 6, AICB Building No. 10, Jalan Dato’ Onn 50480 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 603-2691 6168 / 6628 / 8068 Email: liaminfo@liam.org.my Website: http://www.liam.org.my Facebook: LIAM – Life Insurance Association of Malaysia Instagram: @liamalaysia
MTA: Name: Puan Siti Nor Kamariah Ishak Head, Corporate Communications 18th Floor, Main Block Menara Takaful Malaysia Jalan Sultan Sulaiman 50000 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 018-355 1427 Fax: +603-2031 8170 Email: mtasecretariat@malaysiantakaful.com.my
PIAM: Name: Ms. Susanna G. Simon Manager, Communications Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) Wisma PIAM 150, Jalan Tun Sambanthan 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Tel: 03-2274 7399 Fax: 03-2274 5910 Email: susanna.simon@piam.org.my Website: http://www.piam.org.my
SINGAPORE, June 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vocalbeats.AI, a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company, today announces its Gold Sponsorship of SuperAI 2026, taking place on 10–11 June 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
As part of its Gold Sponsorship, Vocalbeats.AI will sponsor continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea sessions on Day 1, with branded signage in the Food & Beverage (F&B) area and the corporate logo displayed across the venue, event stages and website.
SuperAI convenes more than 10,000 founders, investors, and enterprise leaders to explore the frontiers of AI — spanning large language models (LLMs), agentic systems, voice AI, and AI infrastructure.
Vocalbeats.AI’s focus on voice AI, real-time multimodal interaction, and practical consumer AI applications places it squarely within these themes. Its flagship applications, Owll, a voice-first productivity app, and Owll Translator, a real-time multilingual translation app, reflect that focus in everyday use across global markets. As AI development moves increasingly from capability to usability — how AI becomes integrated into communication, productivity, and daily life at scale, the company sees SuperAI as a timely platform to engage with the broader industry on that shift.
The sponsorship also reflects Vocalbeats.AI’s deepening presence in Singapore’s AI ecosystem. Earlier this year, the company established two university scholarship programmes — the Vocalbeats.AI–Turing AI Scholarship with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the Vocalbeats.AI Scholarship at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Both initiatives provide recipients with access to career pathways at Vocalbeats.AI, reflecting the company’s commitment to nurturing Singapore’s next generation of AI talent.
About Vocalbeats.AI
Vocalbeats.AI is a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company dedicated to innovating intelligent, user-friendly products and services designed to improve everyday life with more lifelike, intuitive, and accessible voice AI. Its expanding portfolio of AI-powered applications—spanning productivity, wellness, and beyond—is increasingly being embraced by a diverse global user base.
Beyond developing applications, Vocalbeats.AI is redefining how people interact with AI. Powered by an international team of engineers, designers and researchers, the Company pushes the boundaries of voice and AI technology to empower people everywhere to work smarter, connect more meaningfully, and live better.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) — The Xiong’an “Artificial Intelligence+” Industry Ecosystem Integration Development Forum, a parallel event of the 2026 ZGC Forum, brought together more than 400 global artificial intelligence (AI) experts, industry leaders and investors in Xiong’an New Area to explore the next phase of AI-driven growth and Beijing-Xiong’an collaboration.
Held under the theme of “Beijing-Xiong’an Intelligent Innovation and Ecosystem Integration”, the forum outlined Xiong’an’s evolving AI industry landscape and introduced a suite of policy measures aimed at supporting enterprises across the full innovation cycle—from research and development to real-world application deployment.
Key outcomes included the release of collaborative innovation achievements between Beijing and Xiong’an, major application scenarios, and an “Open Competition Mechanism to Select the Best Candidates” list, according to a statement.
Together, these initiatives are designed to accelerate industrial coordination through technology breakthroughs, scenario-based applications and demonstrable results.
Several major projects were also launched, including joint Beijing-Xiong’an science and technology initiatives, investment projects backed by the Xiong’an Fund, new enterprise entries into Xiong’an Zhongguancun Park, and the rollout of key innovation platforms.
In addition, authorities officially introduced the “Hundred Models Competition”, aimed at attracting high-quality AI models and solutions while fostering innovation through competitive selection and talent aggregation.
During keynote sessions, leading academics and researchers highlighted global AI trends, theoretical advancements and China’s research progress, underscoring Xiong’an’s growing role as a hub for intelligent integration and innovation.
As the only host city outside Beijing for a 2026 ZGC Forum parallel event, Xiong’an is accelerating the development of a full AI innovation chain spanning research and development, incubation and industrial clustering.
Looking ahead, the continued integration of Beijing and Xiong’an is expected to strengthen the broader Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei innovation corridor and drive regional economic growth through AI-led transformation.
