Zens unveils the world’s thinnest Qi2.2 Semi Solid State Powerbank

Zens, the market leader in wireless charging unveils the world’s thinnest Semi Solid State Powerbank with Qi2.2. At just 8 mm thin and 5,000 mAh, it sets a new standard in portable power. Ultra-thin, lightweight, and designed with a clean, minimalist finish that pairs seamlessly with iPhone and Android devices.
 
This next-generation powerbank combines semi solid state battery technology with Qi2.2 magnetic fast charging up to 25W for iPhone 16 and newer. Slim enough to carry anywhere, powerful enough to rely on every day. For those who need more capacity, Zens also introduces a 10,000 mAh version at 14 mm thin. Ideal for frequent top-ups throughout the day, while maintaining the same clean look and feel.

The semi solid state battery architecture enhances thermal stability, improves resistance to shock and temperature changes, and extends overall battery lifespan. The result is a lighter, more durable powerbank with a longer lifecycle. Qi2.2 certification ensures safe, reliable magnetic wireless charging. It also supports up to 15W for iPhone 12–15 and compatible Android devices.

“At Zens, we design products that make life easier,” says Johan Plasmans, CEO of Zens. “With an ultra-thin lightweight design, and semi solid state battery innovation, we are delivering longer lifecycle performance. One outlet is all you need to charge both your phone and powerbank overnight, while Qi2.2 enables fast magnetic top-ups during the day. The result is the freedom and confidence to stay powered on the move.”

Key features:

  • World’s thinnest 5,000 mAh semi solid state powerbank at 8 mm
  • 10,000 mAh version at 14 mm for extended use
  • Qi2.2 wireless charging up to 25W (iPhone 16 and newer)
  • Up to 15W for iPhone 12–15 and compatible Android devices
  • Power Pass-Through: charge both your phone and powerbank overnight with one cable
  • Charge two devices at once
  • Enhanced durability and extended battery lifespan

The Zens Semi Solid State Powerbanks are available as pre-order via zens.tech and selected partners worldwide.

Phononic Announces Exclusive Cold Chain Licensing Agreement with Peltier, Inc

Phononic, the global leader in solid state cooling  technology, has entered into a strategic exclusive cold chain licensing agreement with Peltier Technology, Inc. Phononic’s Active Cooling Solutions (ACSTM) platform has become mission critical  through the cold chain from fulfillment centers to grocery shelves to last mile delivery.

Peltier Technology, Inc is founded by Hanson Li – an experienced entrepreneur and technology investor  – with the mission to reimagine the world’s approach to using cold. Peltier has built an  experienced team of industry executives, global supply chain and 3PL partners, and a world class  engineering team to strengthen the cold chain with smart modular solutions.  

Customers can expect refrigeration and IoT software solutions from Peltier that patch up leaks in  the cold chain; an astounding 20% of food and drugs, and up to 50% of vaccines, are wasted  despite the tens of billions of dollars the world invests each year in the cold chain. Peltier solutions  bring refrigeration flexibility that can be easily integrated in operations that demand temperature  integrity. From unlocking new shelves for chilled or frozen goods in the grocery aisle to enabling  multi-temp automated warehouse solutions, Peltier delivers sustainable and purposeful  refrigeration to an industry frozen in time. 

“Peltier is excited to license and commercialize Phononic’s next generation of solid state cooling  technology,” said Hanson Li, Peltier CEO and Founder. “I’m excited to combine Peltier’s focus on  solving temperature challenges with Phononic’s disruptive cooling platform. With an established  ACSTM platform, supply chain, and customers, Peltier will continue to deliver timely solutions for our  customers’ cooling challenges.”  

“We’re excited to partner with Hanson and his team at Peltier” said Tony Atti, Co-Founder and  CEO of Phononic. “We developed the ACSTM platform as a solution to the needs of e-commerce,  cold chain, retail/grocery and consumer demand for innovating cooling. Licensing provides us  the flexibility to leverage Peltier’s cold chain focus to support the market while we enable the  future of AI through our datacenter platform.” 

Phononic’s ACSTM platform includes a unique combination of merchandising refrigerators and  freezers, portable totes, integrated docking stations and IoT connectivity, last mile, and shipping  and logistics design concepts. This platform has already realized value ensuring protection of  temperature-sensitive drugs and vaccines; delivering frozen/refrigerated perishable items at the  point-of-sale; and enabled retailers to scale e-commerce online purchasing.  

State Street Officially Opens its New Kilkenny Office

State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT) one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors, today marked the official opening of its new office building in Kilkenny.

State Street established its Irish operations in 1996 and has grown to become one of the largest international financial services employers in Ireland. With a presence in Kilkenny for over 20 years, State Street was the first company in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), to establish a regional base outside of Dublin. Today’s opening ceremony, hosted by the Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, T.D. and by State Street chairman and chief executive officer Ron O’Hanley, signifies a major milestone in the firm’s ongoing commitment to the region and to Ireland.

“Our new office and global cybersecurity centre reflects State Street’s commitment to Ireland and our confidence in the South-East region’s exceptional talent pool” said Ron O ’Hanley, chairman and chief executive officer of State Street. “We are grateful to the Irish government for its support in our continuing journey to enhance our operational capabilities by leveraging Ireland’s exceptional workforce and its strength as a fund domicile and ecosystem.”

The availability of relevant and skilled technology talent from universities in the South-East region, alongside the need to support global operations outside of the US, are two of the key reasons for the firm to select Kilkenny as its regional base.

Welcoming the news, Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath said: “I want to congratulate State Street on this important milestone for their regional operations in Ireland. The Kilkenny operations are a vital element in the development of the international financial services sector in the South-East region and the cybersecurity centre is a testament to links they have developed with the third level institutions. State Street is one of the largest employers in financial services and I want to wish all the team in Kilkenny the very best and continued success as they build out their exciting new cybersecurity global business in the new offices.”

Located at IDA Ireland Business and Technology Park, the new state of the art building is also home to State Street’s recently established global cybersecurity centre of excellence, the only dedicated cybersecurity hub outside of the US, supporting the needs of its employees in over 200 geographic markets worldwide.

Terri Dempsey, country head of Ireland, added“The establishment of this new office will amplify the work State Street has been doing in Kilkenny for over twenty years, deepening our connections to local community, businesses and institutions to nurture growth and innovation. Kilkenny’s thriving talent pool and dynamic innovation landscape make it an ideal base for our established cybersecurity fusion centre and enables us to actively promote female participation in the tech industry. Government policies and the continued support from the IDA have laid a solid foundation for State Street to grow together with the people of Kilkenny and for the prosperity of the region.”

State Street was recognised as the leading provider of fund administration services and custody services, and transfer agent in Ireland in The Monterey Insight 2023 report. Together with State Street Global Advisors, State Street’s asset management business, the firm has grown over the years to become one of the largest international financial services employers in Ireland.

In addition to its strategic importance to the firm, the modern building also reflects State Street’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility, including energy management systems, photovoltaic panels, and rainwater harvesting achieving BER A3 rating. The building has also integrated biodiversity elements and prioritised employee well-being with Fitwel certification, ample bicycle parking, walking trails, beehives, fitness hubs and diverse accessibility features to create a sustainable and employee-centric environment.

New state-of-the-art robotics lab to be created at Maynooth University

The Maynooth University Foundation is delighted to announce the creation of a state-of-the-art robotics lab, which will be supported by a donation from Intel Ireland. The lab will provide MU students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences using cutting-edge robotic technologies.

The establishment of the robotics lab at a total cost of €150,000 will equip Maynooth University students with access to innovative robotic technologies and equipment used by engineers from Intel and other companies. This hands-on experience will enable them to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, empowering them to develop and refine their skills in robotics.

The new robotics lab is set to become a hub of innovation, where students can explore and experiment with robotics, pushing the boundaries of technology and unlocking new possibilities. This new lab will support students in MU’s current degree programmes in Robotics and Intelligent Devices, Electronic Engineering and Computer Science.

The gift from Intel is coupled with an investment from the University, demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships to fuel innovation and improve student learning experiences.

The establishment of the robotics lab further strengthens the ties between Intel and Maynooth University.

Dave Selkirk, the Director of Advanced Analytics MSO Automation at Intel Ireland, said: “We are very proud of our close partnership with Maynooth University, a close neighbour of ours here in North Kildare. The development of key infrastructure in the area of robotics will provide an important opportunity for students to gain practical experience in an evolving technology field that has massive potential in Advanced High-Volume Manufacturing.”

Vice-President External Affairs at Maynooth University Rebecca Doolin said: “We are tremendously grateful to our neighbour and partner Intel for supporting the development of a new robotics lab, which will give Maynooth students hands-on learning opportunities to work with the same robots Intel engineers down the road are using, bringing their classroom learning to life.”

Doolin noted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Maynooth University and Intel in 2019, and its significance in creating a strategic research and innovation partnership.

“Over the years, Maynooth University has developed a strong partnership with Intel that has fostered collaboration in various areas, including student skills and experiences, research, innovation, and community engagement. As neighbours in a vibrant and fast-growing region of Ireland, today’s announcement not only deepens the ties between Intel and MU, but also demonstrates the positive impacts on student learning and innovation that such partnerships can yield.”

Prof Gerry Lacey, Head of Engineering at Maynooth University, said: “Robotics and AI are creating new industries, making agriculture more sustainable and revolutionising transportation. We are excited that Intel’s support will help our students to become leaders in creating this new future.”