News

Cary, N.C. – October 01, 2026 -- SAS and North Carolina State University have launched the SAS Think & Do Tank, a two-year pilot research partnership applying data and AI to human health, nutrition and environmental resilience challenges, 50 years after SAS originated from an NC State agricultural research project.

Partnership targets faster drug discovery through translational predictive biology

One of the initiative's first research efforts focuses on translational predictive biology, combining studies in living systems with advanced lab models such as organoids and organ-on-chip technologies that mimic human organ function. NC State researchers aim to build predictive models that help identify promising treatments earlier, explain why interventions succeed or fail, and cut the time and cost of moving new therapies toward clinical use.

Salt Lake City – October 01, 2026 -- Banner Capital has formed Seaway Group and signed a definitive agreement to acquire three medical device manufacturing businesses -- Seaway Plastics Engineering, MME Group and Wright Engineered Plastics -- in a transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Seaway Group becomes the third platform in Banner Capital Fund II

The deal follows Banner Capital's prior platform launches of Western Pavement Services and Roof Restoration Group, extending the Salt Lake City-based private equity firm's push into essential, founder-led businesses beyond its traditional commercial-services focus.

Pune – October 01, 2026 -- The global water electrolysis market reached USD 7.43 billion in 2025 and is projected to climb to USD 12.66 billion by 2034, a 6.1% CAGR through the forecast period, according to a new report from Maximize Market Research (MMR).

Installed electrolysis capacity more than doubled to above 4 GW in 2025

Global installed electrolysis capacity surpassed 4 GW last year, with over 2.5 GW under construction and targeting operation in 2026. Capital spending on low-emissions hydrogen projects reached nearly USD 7 billion in 2025, almost double the 2024 figure, with electrolysis-based projects capturing the larger share of that total.

Pune, India – October 01, 2026 -- The global electroplating market reached USD 16.45 billion in 2025 and is forecast to climb to USD 21.26 billion by 2034, growing at a 2.89% CAGR from 2026, according to new research from Maximize Market Research. Demand for corrosion-resistant, conductive and durable metal coatings across automotive, electric vehicles, electronics, aerospace, defense and medical devices is driving the expansion.

Asia Pacific dominates plating demand on automotive and electronics output

Asia Pacific led the market in 2025, underpinned by large-scale vehicle, PCB, connector and industrial equipment production across China, Japan, India and South Korea. North America and Europe remain significant, fueled by aerospace, defense and industrial applications alongside adoption of trivalent chromium and advanced wastewater-treatment systems to meet tightening environmental rules.

San Francisco – – October 01, 2026 -- EvaSpeaks has launched an omnichannel AI agent platform designed to convert phone, web and email inquiries into booked appointments and CRM-logged opportunities before customer interest fades.

AI agents qualify prospects and book appointments across phone and web channels

During live phone and website conversations, EvaSpeaks agents draw on company-approved knowledge to answer questions, identify intent, qualify prospects, check availability and schedule appointments. Connected tools allow agents to create or update CRM leads, open support tickets, schedule follow-up or transfer callers while preserving full conversation context.

Frederick, Md. – October 01, 2026 -- The Frederick Arts Council (FAC), in partnership with the YMCA Ausherman Arts Center (YAAC), has opened vendor applications for the Winter Artist Market, scheduled for November 27–28 at 115 E. Church St. in downtown Frederick, Maryland.

Vendor applications close October 28 at 11:59 p.m.

Artists and makers across creative disciplines can submit applications through Slideroom ahead of the deadline. Selected vendors will sell handmade artwork and creative goods over the two-day event during the holiday shopping season.

Pune, India – October 01, 2026 -- The global elastomers market is projected to grow from $104.73 billion in 2025 to $149.19 billion by 2034, a compound annual growth rate of 4.01% through the forecast period, according to Maximize Market Research.

BASF starts commercial TPU production in Shanghai to serve China's EV and robotics demand

In April 2026, BASF began commercial production of its Elastollan flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) grade in Shanghai, expanding local supply for robotics, industrial automation and EV charging cable applications. The move strengthens China's position as a major hub for specialty elastomer production and consumption.

Nashville, Tenn. – October 01, 2026 -- INSBANK marked the 10th anniversary of its INSBY Awards on September 30, naming four Middle Tennessee businesses for entrepreneurial achievement at a ceremony held at Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery.

Four client firms receive 2026 recognition

Infinity Hospitality, a Nashville event planning company serving weddings and corporate events, led this year's honorees. Worley Sound, a premium live sound reinforcement and audio consulting firm, and TMP, a Nashville-based architecture and interior design practice, were also recognized. Venture Express, a carrier specializing in high-volume, time-sensitive freight shipping available 24/7, rounded out the 2026 class.

Armonk, N.Y. – October 01, 2026 -- IBM has elected Frank Baker, 53, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Siris Capital Group, to its board of directors, effective October 1, 2026.

Siris Capital has deployed more than $9 billion in equity across tech and data-focused companies

Baker oversees Siris' portfolio and leads its investment strategy, focusing on value creation in established technology firms with mission-critical products navigating technological shifts.

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna cites Baker's strategy-driven mindset as key to shareholder value

Krishna said the company is excited to welcome Baker to the board, adding that his expertise and leadership will strengthen IBM's business as it advances enterprise-wide technology transformation for clients.

Santa Monica, Calif. – October 01, 2026 -- Starz (NASDAQ: STRZ) will release third-quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, October 29, covering the period ended September 30, 2026.

Starz schedules investor call after market close on October 29

Senior management will host an analyst and investor conference call at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET on October 29, following the earnings release. The session will be available via live audio webcast, with a full replay accessible later the same evening.

Premium entertainment operator confirms Q3 reporting date ahead of fiscal close

The announcement sets the formal timeline for Starz's next quarterly disclosure, giving investors and analysts a fixed date to track performance metrics for the three months ended September 30, 2026.