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  • AAEON Secures IEC 62443-4-1 Certification, Strengthening Commitment to Industrial Cybersecurity

    Certification reinforces confidence in AAEON’s Product Security Development Lifecycle Process in the evolving global cybersecurity landscape.

    Taipei, Taiwan – June 11, Leading provider of advanced industrial and embedded AI computing platforms AAEON announced that it has successfully obtained IEC 62443-4-1 certification. This certification validates that AAEON’s Product Security Development Lifecycle Process meets globally recognized standards in cybersecurity practices across every stage of product development.

    AAEON initiated its certification effort in June 2025, working alongside independent consulting firms to proactively review its existing practices, ahead of the full implementation of the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) requirements in December 2027. In addition to performing both independent and internal reviews, AAEON implemented detailed standardized procedures, such as security management documentation and supporting forms, while also undertaking comprehensive internal security awareness training programs.

    AAEON IEC 62443-4-1 Badge

     

    The certification, issued by LCIE (Laboratoire Central des Industries Électriques), France, covers eight key domain requirements, all successfully passed with an assessed Maturity Level 2. Of particular note are the key controls evaluated, such as the presence of a formalized secure development lifecycle, threat modeling and mitigation testing, and a commitment to the periodic review of security defect management practices.

    With cybersecurity threats evolving and standardized regulatory frameworks being introduced to meet them, IEC 62443-4-1 certification positions AAEON as a trusted partner for organizations seeking edge AI and industrial platforms that are both compliant and able to reduce operational risk across different industries.

    “We strive to be always ahead, and to do this we must continuously improve in all areas, including how we handle emerging cybersecurity threats.” said Howard Lin, CEO of AAEON. “To have formal recognition of how seriously we take such matters sends a clear signal to our customers that we not only adhere to stringent security practices, but that they are a cornerstone of our product development lifecycle.”

     

  • ‘Z’ garners massive advertiser demand for FIFA World Cup 2026; onboards 12 plus brands across categories

    Mumbai, June 11: Cementing the robust appeal of football and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ across the Nation, leading Content & Technology powerhouse Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (‘Z’) has partnered with 12+ brands across key categories including Auto, FMCG, BFSI, Beverages, Technology, Lifestyle and many others for the greatest show on earth. Leading the sponsorship roster are – Mahindra as the Co-Presenting Sponsor, Diageo as the Co-Powered By Sponsor alongside several other marquee brands like Apple, Pernod Ricard and Mondelez that have associated with the event across platforms. 

    The Company garnered massive demand from brands as it offered customized high-impact solutions and integrated engagement opportunities across its linear and digital platforms to enhance holistic value delivery to brands and viewers alike. With a robust portfolio of 12+ brand partners already on board and active discussions underway with several others, ‘Z’ has built strong commercial momentum ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™. The Company’s linear sports portfolio of channels under the brand name Unite8 Sports coupled with its robust digital entertainment platform – Zee 5, will leverage strong synergies to maximize reach and engagement for the global football event. 

    With customized packages across linear, digital, CTV, social and on ground integrations, brands will be able to unlock unprecedented scale and access the highly passionate consumer cohorts. Zee 5 and Unite8 Sports have designed a holistic, cross-platform strategy that enables partners to tap into the full fan journey through on-air integrations during live matches and studio programming, digital-first innovations, storytelling driven by fan narratives and on-ground activations across key markets. 

    The integrated approach ensures value addition at every stage of the consumer journey – from awareness and consideration to engagement and advocacy. By leveraging the combined strengths of Unite8 Sports and Zee 5, brands can benefit from value parity across platforms, ensuring consistent visibility, audience reach and engagement irrespective of the medium.

    This strategy allows advertisers to unlock unprecedented scale while maintaining flexibility to create bespoke campaigns tailored to specific business goals, audience segments and category requirements. 

    Speaking about the associations, Sandeep Mehrotra, Chief Operating Officer – Advertisement Revenue, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. said, “We are delighted to garner an extremely encouraging response from brands across categories, which further reflects the immense potential of football and the FIFA World Cup 2026, as a key sport in India. Leveraging the robust capabilities across our linear and digital platforms, we have built an unmatched offering for advertisers that enables them to be a part of the entire fan journey, from discovery to engagement. Our integrated model is aimed at delivering stronger brand recall and measurable outcomes that combine scale with storytelling. We remain confident that FIFA World Cup 2026 on ‘Z’ will set a new benchmark for sports monetization across the country.” 

    The Company is in active discussions with several other brands across Auto, FMCG, BFSI, Beverage, Technology, Lifestyle & many others across categories. With a robust advertiser lineup, ‘Z’ is well-positioned to make the FIFA World Cup 2026™ a landmark event for viewers and brand partners. The Company is taking strategic steps to further expand the footprint of football, while elevating the viewing experience for fans.

  • WSDG designs Swing Music 2.0 for Argentine composers Andres Goldstein and Daniel Tarrab

    Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 11: WSDG has completed the acoustic and technical design of Swing Music 2.0, a new dual-studio creative environment developed for acclaimed Argentine composers and producers Andres Goldstein and Daniel Tarrab, founders of leading Latin American music production company Swing Music.

    WSDG designs Swing Music 2.0 for Argentine composers Andres Goldstein and Daniel Tarrab

    Having previously collaborated with WSDG on the original Swing Music studio, Goldstein and Tarrab once again partnered with the firm, led by Senior Partner and Co-CEO Sergio Molho, to create a new generation of production spaces tailored to the evolving demands of contemporary film, television and multimedia composition.

    Designed as two distinct but interconnected creative environments, Swing Music 2.0 reflects the individual workflows and artistic personalities of its owners while maintaining a cohesive production identity. The studios support the full spectrum of modern soundtrack production, from composition and programming to recording, editing, mixing and remote collaboration.

    WSDG designs Swing Music 2.0 for Argentine composers Andres Goldstein and Daniel Tarrab

    “Over the years, the way we work has evolved enormously,” says Goldstein. “We needed spaces that could support very long creative sessions, allow us to move quickly between different stages of production, and still feel inspiring and comfortable every day. WSDG understood that immediately and translated it into rooms that genuinely support the creative process.”

    Located in Buenos Aires, the project was developed around the increasingly hybrid nature of modern music production. WSDG’s brief included acoustic design, technical integration, workflow planning, lighting design and technical interior design for both studio environments.

    Rather than creating two identical rooms, WSDG worked closely with Goldstein and Tarrab to shape each studio around their individual working methods and technical preferences.

    “Each of us has a very personal relationship with sound, instruments and workflow,” explains Tarrab. “What I appreciated most was that WSDG never approached the project with a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mentality. They listened carefully to how we actually create music and designed spaces around that reality.”

    Goldstein’s studio, Swing Godoy Cruz, is centered around a hybrid scoring workflow and features a master Mac system alongside a dedicated Mac slave for sound libraries, a Smart TV for picture reference, Genelec 8331A monitoring, Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen interface, Avalon compressor, Studiologic control surface, keyboard controller, Beyer headphone distribution, and AKG 414 and Neumann microphones.

    Meanwhile, Tarrab’s Swing Control Z Studio combines digital production tools with an extensive collection of instruments and analog equipment. The studio features a Hackintosh master computer, PC slave, StudioLogic SL88-Grand, Studiologic SL Mixface, Avalon AD2022 preamplifier, SSL 2+ interface, Genelec 8040A monitoring, AKG 414 and Neumann U87 microphones, as well as a curated instrument collection including a 1905 Steinway & Sons Vertegrand piano, Yamaha CP70, Fender Jazz Bass and multiple Epiphone guitars.

    Throughout the project, WSDG focused on balancing acoustic precision with musicality and comfort, ensuring that both spaces could function as highly technical production environments without losing their sense of intimacy and creative character.

    “One of the most important aspects of this project was creating spaces that disappear when you’re working,” adds Goldstein. “Technically, everything performs exactly as we need it to, but emotionally the studios also feel warm, relaxed and musical. That balance is extremely difficult to achieve.”

    For Tarrab, the collaborative process itself became one of the defining strengths of the project.

    “Working with Sergio and the WSDG team felt incredibly collaborative from beginning to end,” he says. “There was a real understanding that these studios were not just technical rooms, but creative environments where ideas need to flow naturally. That level of sensitivity made a huge difference.”

    Swing Music 2.0 now serves as a flexible and future-ready production hub supporting the composers’ growing body of soundtrack, television and multimedia work. Throughout their careers, Goldstein and Tarrab have contributed to a number of internationally recognized film and television productions, including Some Who Lived, directed by Luis Puenzo and produced by Steven Spielberg; Lucía Puenzo’s XXY, which screened at Cannes in 2007; the Emmy-winning Inheritance, directed by James Moll; Netflix’s Nadie Nos Vio Partir; Prime Video’s La Jauría; and Señorita 89 for StarzPlay.

    “Swing Music 2.0 represents exactly the kind of highly personalized creative environment we are passionate about designing at WSDG,” concludes Molho. “Andres and Daniel each have their own unique artistic processes, and our goal was to create spaces that technically support those workflows while also preserving the emotional and creative energy that is so essential to music composition. The result is a pair of studios that feel deeply personal while functioning together as one cohesive production ecosystem.”

  • KEZAD Group Announces the Development of AED 112 Million SME Hub in Abu Dhabi

    The 25,260 square metre hub will serve as a launchpad for SMEs to establish and expand operations in the Emirate 

    KEZAD Group Announces the Development of AED 112 Million SME Hub in Abu Dhabi

     

    Abu Dhabi, UAE – 11 June 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, has announced the development of the KEZAD SME Hub, a purpose-built business platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The SME Hub marks the Group’s first-of-its-kind development designed to support SMEs in establishing and scaling their operations in the emirate.

    Scheduled for handover before the end of this year, and located in KEZAD A (KEZAD Al Ma’mourah), the 25,260 square metre KEZAD SME Hub is designed as a practical bridge between early-stage SME incubators and full-fledged industrial market facilities. The aim of the SME Hub is to ease the transition from startup to scaled production and distribution within an integrated economic zone.

    The hub benefits from direct connectivity to Khalifa Port and Etihad Rail networks, and offers businesses access to more than 75 percent of the UAE’s urban areas within a 90-minute drive. 

    As a pioneering development, the AED 112 million hub combines Micro Industrial Units and office suites in a single model, enabling SMEs to streamline day-to-day activity, logistics and costs. Co-located within a like-minded SME community and complementary industrial activities, businesses can unlock partnership opportunities through shared services and supplier networks. 

    The hub comprises 175 flexible business-ready Micro Industrial Units starting from 100 square metres, supported by a dedicated business centre and access to KEZAD’s on-site infrastructure and business support services. 

    SMEs represent 94 percent of all businesses in the UAE, and contribute to 64 percent of the nation’s non-oil GDP. In Abu Dhabi, SMEs constitute around 98 percent of the emirate’s businesses, employ 46 percent of the workforce, and contribute to around 43 percent to its non-oil GDP. With the SME sector expected to grow to one million enterprises by 2030, SME development remains central to the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy. 

    Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group said: “SME sector growth is a top priority for Abu Dhabi. In alignment with the leadership’s vision, we aim to establish KEZAD as a thriving ecosystem for small and medium enterprise development in the region. The KEZAD SME Hub will serve as a launchpad for SMEs, nurturing and developing the industry with vital resources and support required to grow in a competitive market.

    Joining the hub will also enable SME investors to leverage the advantages and business support provided by KEZAD’s integrated business ecosystems.”

    Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group said: “With the SME Hub initiative, we are strengthening KEZAD’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem dedicated to small and medium industries. The Hub will play a crucial role by providing early-stage support for SME startups while also enabling established SMEs to scale their operations at competitive costs within an integrated industrial environment, bridging the gap between SME incubators and the industrial market facilities needed to compete and grow.” 

    Small and medium enterprises play a vital role in Abu Dhabi’s economy, fuelling industrial advancement and job creation. Backed by the leadership’s vision, KEZAD continues to empower SMEs to set up, thrive, and grow into globally competitive businesses, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a leading destination for industry and commerce

    In this connection, KEZAD Group has signed an MoU with Emirates Growth Fund to support the development of UAE-based SMEs, combining KEZAD’s integrated industrial and logistics ecosystem with EGF’s growth capital and strategic support. The collaboration aims to help high-potential SMEs access the resources, infrastructure and guidance needed to scale their operations and compete in wider regional and global markets.

  • Armani Exchange Launches Summer 2026 Styles with a New Take on the Iconic Sync Platform

    Armani Exchange Launches Summer 2026 Styles with a New Take on the Iconic Sync Platform

    11 June: Summer styling this season embraces radiant gold tones, textured dials and polished details that effortlessly catch the light. Inspired by the energy of long sunlit days and vibrant city nights, the mood feels confident, expressive and easy to wear, blending sleek silhouettes with statement accents that transition seamlessly from daytime plans to evening moments.

    Capturing this spirit of the season, Armani Exchange introduces its new Summer 2026 watch collection featuring contemporary styles for both him and her. The collection brings together refined metallic finishes, sport inspired elements and modern silhouettes designed to balance statement style with everyday versatility, reflecting a fresh and elevated take on seasonal accessorising.

    LADIES SYNC: A NEW CHAPTER IN THE ICONIC SYNC PORTFOLIO

    Building on the success of the iconic Men’s Sync platform, one of Armani Exchange’s bestselling watch portfolios since its launch – the new Ladies Sync collection introduces a refined feminine evolution of the signature design. Retaining the platform’s clean modern aesthetic and versatile appeal, the collection reimagines Sync through polished gold finishes, sleek proportions and elevated detailing designed for contemporary styling.

    Marking the platform’s expansion into women’s watches, the collection also introduces refined new elements including a laboratory-grown diamond accent at the 6 o’clock marker, bringing a subtle touch of sophistication to the signature silhouette. 

    AX6031

    The AX6031 reinterprets the signature Sync aesthetic through a softer, more elevated lens. Defined by a textured gold-tone dial and matching stainless steel bracelet, the design balances clean lines with luminous detailing for a look that feels polished yet effortless. A laboratory-grown diamond accent at the 6-hour marker introduces a refined point of shine, while the rounded case and seamless bracelet construction create a sleek silhouette designed to move easily from day to evening. It is also available in two other colourways – Blue and Silver. 

    AX5738

    The AX5738 brings together vintage-inspired elegance and modern sophistication. A rectangular gold-tone stainless steel case is paired with a warm brown sunray dial, creating a rich, light-catching finish, while the matching bracelet adds a polished, jewellery-like appeal. Complete with clean three-hand detailing and an Adjust-O-Matic closure for a tailored fit, the design offers a refined statement that seamlessly transitions from day to night. 

    AX4298

    The AX4298 combines sharp contrast with understated sophistication through its two-tone construction and textured dial detailing. Designed with a balanced, modern aesthetic, the watch features a clean three-hand movement alongside a functional day-date display that enhances everyday wearability. The layered dial surface introduces depth and dimension, while the polished bracelet and secure clasp complete the design with a refined yet versatile finish suited for both daytime dressing and evening occasions. It is also available in three other colourways: Blue, Gunmetal and Black. 

    AX7178SET

    The AX7178SET delivers a sleek and polished statement through its dark dial contrasted against warm metallic tones. Defined by a clean case structure and minimal three-hand movement, the watch carries a sharp, contemporary presence that feels both elevated and versatile. Designed as a multi-piece set, it offers styling flexibility while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic rooted in modern sophistication and everyday ease. 

  • UP Government Strengthens Investment Promotion Efforts Through Strategic Partnership Between Invest UP and Invest India

     

    New Delhi, June 11: A key meeting was held between Invest UP and Invest India to accelerate investment growth in Uttar Pradesh. The high-level meeting, held in the presence of Invest India Managing Director and CEO Nivruti Rai, focused on exploring new investment opportunities in the state and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two organizations.

    The main objective of the meeting was to enhance cooperation in investment promotion, identify new investment opportunities across key sectors, and facilitate the implementation of investment projects in Uttar Pradesh. Special discussions were held on joint strategies to attract and facilitate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging their respective strengths and expertise to position Uttar Pradesh as one of India’s most attractive investment destinations.

    UP Government Strengthens Investment Promotion Efforts Through Strategic Partnership Between Invest UP and Invest India

    During the meeting, Nivruti Rai gave a detailed presentation on the national investment landscape, the progress of major projects across various states, and emerging trends in investment promotion. The presentation provided valuable insights into opportunities across sectors, investor expectations, and strategies that could be adopted to attract both domestic and global investments.

    The discussions also focused on improving investor outreach, strengthening the investment facilitation mechanism, and enhancing coordination between state and national investment promotion agencies. Both organizations expressed their commitment to working together to ensure faster project implementation, stronger engagement with investors, and a seamless investment experience.

    The meeting was attended by Invest UP CEO Vijay Kiran Anand, Additional CEO Prerna Sharma, Shashank Chaudhary, and other senior officials of the department. The dialogue reflected a shared commitment to driving economic growth through strategic investments and establishing Uttar Pradesh as a preferred destination for global investors.

    The collaboration between Invest India and Invest UP will further strengthen the state’s investment ecosystem and provide fresh momentum to Uttar Pradesh’s long-term economic growth and development goals.

     

  • LetzRyd Introduces LetzOwn to Build a More Financially Inclusive Gig Mobility Economy

    LetzRyd Introduces LetzOwn to Build a More Financially Inclusive Gig Mobility Economy

     

    The first-of-its-kind driver ownership model aims to help commercial drivers move from daily earning to long-term asset creation

    New Delhi, June 11: LetzRyd, a mobility supply infrastructure platform focused on organising and scaling urban transport through technology, has introduced LetzOwn, a first-of-its-kind driver ownership model designed to make India’s gig mobility economy more financially inclusive.

    LetzOwn, an innovative ownership platform developed by LetzRyd, tackles a longstanding challenge in the mobility sector by helping commercial drivers transition from earners to asset owners. While drivers form the backbone of urban mobility and gig-led transport services, many remain outside the formal financial ecosystem. They earn every day, power fleet operations and support city movement, but often do not have access to vehicle ownership, formal credit, predictable financial planning or long-term asset creation.

    LetzOwn has been created to change this journey from short-term earning to structured ownership. The programme allows eligible drivers to access a brand-new vehicle with a low upfront contributioninstead of the high down payments of 20%-30% of asset value usually required in traditional financing. The model does not depend on conventional barriers such as CIBIL history, income proof or collateral, making it more accessible for working drivers who have earning capacity but limited formal documentation.

    Through a predictable monthly earning structure, drivers can operate the vehicle while building a pathway towards ownership. The programme also includes free four-year vehicle insurance, medical protection for the driver and their family and EMI protection, offering added support during periods of accident, illness or income disruption. After completing the 48-month programme, drivers can take full ownership of the vehicle, with the RC and keys transferred to them.

    For drivers, this creates a meaningful shift. Instead of remaining only operators within the gig economy, they get an opportunity to become asset owners. This can improve income stability, strengthen financial confidence and enable deeper participation in the formal economy.

    Commenting on the launch, Tarun Jain, Founder & CEO, LetzRyd, said, “India’s gig mobility economy cannot become truly sustainable unless the people powering it have a path to financial progress. Drivers should not remain locked into daily earning without ownership, security or long-term upside. LetzOwn has been built to give them a structured and transparent route to owning the vehicle they drive.”

    He added, “This is not just a vehicle access model. It is a financial inclusion model for mobility workers. By reducing upfront barriers, enabling predictable payments and creating a clear ownership pathway, we are helping drivers move from operating assets to owning assets. When drivers build financial stability, the entire mobility ecosystem becomes stronger.”

    The LetzOwn model is supported by AI based automated sourcing, digital onboarding, KYC verification, payments collection, GPS monitoring and structured asset protection. The company retains ownership during the lease period, making the model asset-backed while creating a clear risk-management framework.

    LetzOwn started deployments in Bengaluru and Mumbai, with plans to scale across major cities in India. With this launch, LetzRyd is expanding its driver-first mobility approach beyond fleet operations into ownership enablement, reinforcing its belief that mobility must be built with better economics, stronger operations and real financial progress for the people who power it.

     

     

     

  • 300 years of the office: Artificial Intelligence named most significant indicator of modern technological revolution

     

    New Delhi, June 11: Artificial intelligence has been named as the most influential office innovation by global CEOs in a landmark report, “IWG: 300 Years of Office Innovation”, commissioned by International Workplace Group to mark the 300th anniversary of the modern office. AI was followed by laptops, video calling, Wi-Fi and hybrid working, as technology continues to transform the office. 

    The findings come at a time when Indian organisations are also moving rapidly towards AI-enabled ways of working. Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Indexreleased last year reported that 93% of Indian business leaders intended to use AI agents to extend workforce capabilities within the next 12-18 months, indicating that AI is increasingly being viewed as a fundamental enabler of how work will be organised and delivered.

    The report, commissioned by International Workplace Group (IWG) to celebrate 300 years since the world’s first purpose-built office – London’sOld Admiralty Building, which opened in 1726– surveyed business leaders about how the modern workplace has evolved.In India, Kolkata’s Writers’ Building, finished in 1780, is believed to be the first-ever purpose-built office. Meanwhile, Chennai’s Fort St. George, built in the 1640s, began functioning as a secretariat in 1782.

    The results show that CEOs view the technological shift workers are going through right now as being as significant as anything the office has gone through in the last 300 years, such as the rise of the typewriter, smartphones or even the internet.

    The top five is dominated by modern developments in technology that have transformed working life over the past decade. All are now firmly entrenched across IWG’s global network, the largest in the world.

    Top five workplace innovations of the past 300 years for CEOs

    1. AI (36%)

    2. Laptops and tablets (35%)

    3. Video call/conferencing (Teams/Zoom) (31%)

    4. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (29%)

    5. Hybrid working (26%)

    Hybrid working – selected by a quarter (26%) of CEOs stands out as the defining shift in how, where and why people work amidst developments in hard and software.

    This transformation is already embedded in day-to-day working life. Compared to a decade ago, 35% of CEOs say technology has made it easier for employees to work from anywhere, while 30% say meetings are now more likely to be virtual than in person. 

    The evolution of the office is already visible in India’s commercial workplace market. According to JLL,flexible workspaces and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) accounted for 21.5% and 37.7%, respectively, of full-year leasing, even as India recorded an all-time high of 83.3 million sq. ft. of gross office leasing in 2025. Flexible workspace operators leased an additional 5.56 million sq. ft. in the first quarter of 2026 across India’s top seven cities. These developments suggest that Indian businesses are increasingly seeking workplaces that are flexible, digitally enabled, and suited to evolving work patterns.

    Transformational decades: the 2020s and 1990s

    The 2020s are viewed as the most transformational decade to date, driven by the rapid adoption of hybrid models, AI, automation and flexible working practices. 

    This marks a significant leap from the 1990s, the second most impactful era, when the internet, email and early computing technologies first connected workplaces on a global scale.

    From fax machines to failed fads

    But many of these ‘90s innovations are lost on younger workers. When asked if they could describe some of these innovations, only one in five (20%) could do so for fax machines and 16% for floppy disks – despite it being the instantly recognisable “save document” icon.

    Despite this generational knowledge gap, there remains a sense of nostalgia. Over two-thirds (68%) of CEOs say they feel nostalgic for workplace tools and technologies of the past.

    Much like typewriters and dial-up internet, not all modern technology is expected to survive. Innovations that CEOs expected to transform how we work but turned out to be short-lived include smart glasses (41%), desk treadmills (39%) and interactive whiteboards (35%).

    Today’s workplace boosts productivity

    More than a third (35%) of business leaders say it’s AI that has had the greatest impact on productivity in their organisation, ahead of laptops and video calling. Overall, 83% of CEOs say recent changes in how we work have been positive, while 81% believe today’s workplace is better designed for collaboration and productivity.

    Mark Dixon, CEO and Founder of IWG, commented: “For the past 300 years, the office has continually evolved alongside each major wave of innovation, but AI represents the most significant shift in workplace life since the modern office first emerged. 

    It is fundamentally changing how, where and why people work, and is now intrinsically linked with other transformative innovations such as hybrid working and digital connectivity.”

     

  • Seattle’s Back to Business Program deepens support to small businesses affected by crime and vandalism

    Reimbursement caps to small businesses for repairs and preventative measures increase.

    Seattle | June 11- The Seattle Office of Economic Development increased reimbursement caps to small businesses affected by crime and vandalism or are making improvements to preventative measures for their business. Unexpected expenses from vandalism and property damage can create real and burdensome financial challenges from repairs and restoration. The Back to Business Program is designed to help businesses overcome these challenges so they can focus on what they do best – growing their small business.

    Today, the Storefront Repair Fund increased the reimbursement limit from $3,000 per incident to $5,000 per incident for up to three incidents in a calendar year for repairs costs. The Storefront Security Fund increased the one-time reimbursement for approved security improvements from $6,000 to $10,000. Building on the success of 2022 – 2024 COVID-19-era program designed to help businesses recover from damages from vandalism, the City of Seattle launched the Back to Business Program in August of 2025, with renewed $3.3M in funding for 2026.

    “Since taking office I have met with hundreds of small business owners, and the message to me has been clear. It is difficult to be a small business owner right now, and the City can and should do more to help,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “That’s why I am glad programs and services like Back to Business exist, and am proud to support them. If we can provide even a little relief to small businesses when they are impacted by crime or vandalism or when they want to do more to protect their business, that can go a long way for the business being able to invest back in itself and its community.”

    Between August 2025 and the end of May 2026, the Back to Business Program awarded 437 grants to 325 businesses totaling more than $1,030,000 in reimbursements. Because the program application is simple to use, a business may apply to the Storefront Security Fund and the Storefront Repair Fund at the same time, provided they meet eligibility and have the correct documents.

    “After administering the program for several months and evaluating applications, our program team found ways to deepen the support we provide to small businesses who are impacted by crime,” said Beto Yarce, director for the Seattle Office of Economic Development. “Increasing the limits provides more meaningful support to more small businesses and will have a greater impact on a business owner’s bottom line. The Back to Business Program is just one tool in our suite of services to make Seattle an easier and more affordable place to do business.”

    This increase will result in the Back to Business Program covering one hundred percent of a business’s recovery and preventative cost for about ninety percent of eligible businesses who apply. Business owners who had eligible expenses that exceeded the previous limits will retroactively receive a payment for the difference between their original request and the updated limits, if they originally submitted invoices for an amount higher than the original limits. No action is needed by a business to receive the retroactive payment.

    Laura Schneider, owner of West Seattle’s Meeples Games received support from the Back to Business Program in January of 2026. “As a small business owner, every break-in is a massive setback, but the Back to Business program provided us with a real path forward. Thanks to the program, we received immediate help replacing our doors through the Storefront Repair Fund,” said Schneider. “The Storefront Security Fund helped us proactively upgrade our security with astragals and security film. It has restored my peace of mind. Seattle’s investment in independent storefronts works, and Meeples Games is incredibly grateful for this vital support.”

    Applications for the Back to Business Program are open until December 31, 2026 or until funds are exhausted. To find out more about the program, eligibility and to apply, visit seattle.gov/back-to-business.

     

    What people are saying

    Council President Joy Hollingsworth (District 3)
    “OED’s Back to Business Program has been instrumental in helping small businesses recover and get back on their feet. Without this support, many local businesses may not have been able to afford the costly repairs needed to reopen their doors. I love seeing this program expanding so that even more small businesses that call Seattle home can access the resources they need to recover, grow, and continue serving our communities.”

    Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1)
    “Operating a small business in Seattle is tough already – even without being the victim of crime or vandalism. The Back to Business Program has been a great resource for many of the small business in our district to help cover the cost of repairs. From family-friendly establishments like Meeples Games or West Seattle Arcade in West Seattle, to Georgetown Pizza and Arcade, to our coffee shops and art galleries in Pioneer Square, the program has helped make it just a little more affordable to stay in business. I am excited that OED is announcing these reimbursement increases, which will remove even more of the financial burden on small business when they are recovering from a crime, or making plans to prevent it.”

    Councilmember Eddie Lin (District 2)
    “District 2 is home to some of the best food in the city, from Hood Famous and Pho Bac in the CID/Little Saigon to Island Soul and King Donuts in the south end. Small businesses serve community across needs, including food, day care, healthcare, finance and accounting, tech, security, and support services, yet many of these organizations are struggling with skyrocketing costs. Further, broken systems around public safety, mental and behavioral health are pushing additional risks and costs onto community. I am excited that the City can provide a bit of relief to these businesses and the community leaders that run them. Thank you Mayor Wilson and the Office of Economic Development for your care and leadership.”

    Councilmember Alexix Mercedes Rinck (Position 8 – Citywide)
    “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods. This financial investment in preventative measures and increasing the threshold for reimbursements signal our city’s dedication to our small business ecosystem. As Chair of the Human Services, Labor, and Economic Development Committee, I am committed to action to support our small businesses throughout this turbulent time for our economy.”

    Daniel Abraha, Owner, Madrona Market
    “As a small business owner who came from a different state to start a business in Seattle, we have faced a lot of challenges – especially in this economy. As a business owner getting help such as training or grants goes a long way. When we get Back to Business Funding, it helps big time and it goes a long way.”

    Kelsey Lewin, Co-Owner, Pink Gorilla Games
    “The Back to Business Program has been invaluable to us, providing huge relief during frustrating situations. Recovering from property damage via the storefront repair fund took a huge weight off of our shoulders.”

  • JS Institute of Design Hosts Summer Internship 2026, Introducing Young Learners to the World of Digital Design

    JS Institute of Design Hosts Summer Internship 2026, Introducing Young Learners to the World of Digital Design

    New Delhi, June 11: JS Institute of Design (JSID), in academic collaboration with a French Design School, École Intuit Lab, hosted its Summer Internship 2026 in Digital Design, an immersive learning initiative designed for students from Classes 8 to 12. Ran from 30th May to 5th June 2026 at the JSID campus in New Delhi, the program offered participants a hands-on introduction to design, creativity, technology, and innovation through experiential learning and industry-oriented exposure.

     
    Curated as an engaging and multidisciplinary program, the internship introduced students to the fundamentals of design thinking, visual storytelling, digital tools, and problem-solving through studio-based projects, workshops, and guided learning experiences.
     
    The Summer Internship 2026 witnessed participation from 39 students representing diverse academic backgrounds and geographies. The cohort included students from leading institutions such as Kunskapsskolan Gurgaon, Modern School Barakhamba Road, Manav Rachna International School, Shiv Nadar School, GD Goenka Public School, Delhi Public School (DPS), Step by Step School, Lotus Valley International School, among others. Participants travelled from cities including Delhi, Gurugram, Solan, Mohali, Gangtok, Jaipur, Meerut, and Sonipat, creating a vibrant learning environment enriched by varied perspectives and experiences.
     
    Participants engaged across learning tracks tailored to different levels of exposure and skill development.
    The Beginner Track featured modules such as:
    • Environment Design
    • UI/UX Design
    • Window Display (Retail)
    • Editorial Design
    • Animation & Motion Design
    • AI in the Design World
     
    As part of the initiative, JSID also hosted a special parent interaction session titled “Design as a Career: Interaction with the Dean,” led by Prof. Nien Siao, Dean, JS Institute of Design. The session offered insights into evolving opportunities within design education and creative industries, while helping parents better understand future-focused career pathways available to aspiring designers.
     
    Commenting on the program, Prof. Nien Siao, Dean, JS Institute of Design, said: “The Summer Internship 2026 reflects our belief that creativity flourishes through exploration, experimentation, and real-world exposure. It has been inspiring to see young learners from different schools and cities engage so enthusiastically with design thinking, storytelling, and emerging technologies. Programs like these play an important role in nurturing curiosity, confidence, and creative problem-solving skills that will serve students well in the future.”
     
    Through collaborative projects, studio-based learning, and exposure to emerging design and AI tools, the internship provided young learners with an opportunity to explore creative disciplines while interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds. The programme reinforces JSID’s commitment to experiential learning and early creative exposure, empowering students to discover their interests and make informed decisions about future academic and professional pathways in design. Reflecting the institute’s philosophy of “Fearless Today. Iconic Tomorrow.”, the internship encouraged participants to think boldly, embrace experimentation, and confidently express their ideas laying the foundation for the next generation of creative innovators and design leaders.