Sustainability

Shenzhen – September 10, 2026 -- i2Cool Shenzhen Limited has closed a Series B financing round worth tens of millions of yuan, equivalent to several million US dollars, backed by Shenzhen TopoScend Capital Co., Ltd., with Linglu Capital acting as exclusive financial adviser.

The company, which develops electricity-free passive radiative cooling materials, will use the proceeds to build standardized nanoparticle production lines, advance core technology, recruit key talent, and expand commercially in priority global markets.

Melbourne – September 10, 2026 -- Australian microalgae company Genesis has won the Agriculture & Environment category at The Australian Financial Review Sustainability Leaders 2026 Awards for a Chlorella-based livestock supplement priced at roughly 20 cents per animal per day, against approximately $2 for some dried alternatives.

Wet-processed Chlorella cuts supplement costs to a fraction of dried competitors

Genesis cultivates Chlorella in Australia's Great Barrier Reef Region using a low-energy process, then keeps the algae wet rather than drying it, a method the company says drives the roughly tenfold cost reduction over dried livestock feed alternatives.

Delray Beach, Fla. – September 10, 2026 -- The global cold plasma market is projected to grow from USD 2.15 billion in 2026 to USD 3.03 billion by 2031, a 7.1% CAGR, according to MarketsandMarkets.

Mycronic's $87.5 million Surfx Technologies acquisition anchors 2025 deal activity

Mergers and acquisitions in the sector rose in 2025 versus 2024, driven by demand for atmospheric plasma capabilities in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. Mycronic's acquisition of Surfx Technologies for approximately USD 87.5 million strengthened its surface cleaning and treatment offerings. The deal followed roughly USD 120 million in publicly disclosed investment and transaction value across the market during 2023–2026, with activity accelerating after 2024.

Palo Alto, Calif. – September 10, 2026 -- SparkLabs Group and SparkLabs True Zero opened applications for the True Zero Global Prize, a $75,000 startup competition targeting climate, energy and planetary-health innovation ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.

First-place winner to receive $50,000, runner-up $25,000

The grant-funded prize will award $50,000 to the top startup and $25,000 to the second-place finisher, with winners announced November 15 during COP31, which runs November 9-20 in Antalya. Applications opened September 1, 2026, close September 28, and finalists will present to judges on October 5 before the announcement.

PONTREMOLI, Italy – September 09, 2026 -- vivo and the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme concluded the 2026 Capture the Future: Global Youth Storytelling Initiative with a five-day Co-Creation Camp in the Appennino Tosco Emiliano Biosphere Reserve, running August 31 to September 5 and gathering 15 young creators from around the world.

Global open call drew 745 submissions from 98 countries

Launched by vivo and UNESCO MAB in March 2026, the initiative invited young people to document the relationship between people and nature within UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. The call generated 745 submissions from participants in 98 countries, with stories linked to more than 120 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves across the World Network.

Jupiter, Fla. – September 09, 2026 -- Bloomberg Television will broadcast a new episode of Advancements with Ted Danson on Saturday, September 12 at 8:00 p.m. ET, profiling four technology sectors ranging from targeted cancer therapy to space-based solar reflection. The episode features Lila Biologics, Reflect Orbital, Primary Packaging Resources, and Taica North America across separate segments.

AI-designed molecular binders aim to improve radioligand cancer therapy targeting

The episode examines radiopharmaceuticals and targeted radioligand therapy (RLT), where engineered molecules deliver radiation directly to tumors while sparing healthy tissue. Lila Biologics is featured discussing computationally designed mini binders intended to improve tumor targeting, stability, manufacturability, and therapeutic performance for cancer treatments.

Delray Beach, Fla. – September 09, 2026 -- The global aluminum refractory materials market is projected to grow from USD 2.17 billion in 2026 to USD 2.73 billion by 2031, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 4.77%, according to MarketsandMarkets.

Secondary aluminum production drives fastest volume growth

By production stage, secondary aluminum production is set to post the highest CAGR at 5.9% between 2026 and 2031 by volume, as recycling consumes up to 95% less energy than primary smelting. Rising scrap volumes and automotive and packaging demand are pushing investment into remelting furnaces, each requiring specialized refractory linings.

Hong Kong – September 09, 2026 -- A coalition of seven institutions including HSBC, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Temasek-backed GenZero has launched the Green Accelerator (GA), a non-profit platform designed to convert green technology projects in emerging markets into investment-ready assets for multilateral development banks, sovereign wealth funds and commercial lenders.

Berlin – September 09, 2026 -- The TÜV Association has warned that the AfD's strong showing in the Saxony-Anhalt state election threatens Germany's evidence-based approach to climate, energy and digital policy.

TÜV Association ties technical certification standards to scientific fact-finding

Dr. Joachim Bühler, managing director of the TÜV Association, said the TÜV inspection industry has always guided technological progress based on scientific findings and verified facts. He argued this same principle must now apply to politics following the AfD's election success in Saxony-Anhalt.

Association cites reliance on foreign skilled workers and EU integration

Bühler stated that TÜV organizations require skilled workers from both domestic and international labor markets and benefit directly from a unified Europe. He described the sector as standing for openness and international cooperation.

Hong Kong – September 09, 2026 -- Fosun International Limited (HKEX: 00656) has had its Hang Seng Sustainability Rating upgraded from AA- to AA+, a record high for the Group, following the 2026 ratings review by Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited that took effect the same day.

Rating upgrade breaks three-year plateau at AA-

Fosun had held the AA- rating for three consecutive years before this year's jump to AA+. The Hang Seng Sustainability Rating covers approximately 500 Hong Kong-listed companies within the Hang Seng Composite Index and more than 1,300 A-share companies in the Hang Seng China A (Investable) Index, based on a framework developed by the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency assessing seven core indicators including corporate governance, environment and fair operating practices.