Daily Business Report: Nov. 16, 2023
Viasat and Bellweather Industries expand partnership
Carlsbad-based Viasat, a global leader in satellite communications, and the UK-based eVTOL startup Bellwether Industries announced the selection of Viasat’s Velaris satellite connectivity for the upcoming aircraft model, Oryx, officially unveiled Monday at Dubai Airshow 2023.
Partnering closely with Viasat reflects Bellwether’s pledge to keep its development plan in high gear. The two companies are in the midst of a two-phase test as part of Viasat’s Velaris Partner Network, with plans to include a test flight schedule at a commercial aerodrome later in the program. The engagement underscores the steadfast dedication to innovation and excellence that characterizes their partnership.
Photo: UK based start-up Bellwether Industries and Viasat are scaling up their partnership with concrete milestones within the next three years. (Courtesy Bellweather Industries)
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Illumina launches Global Health Access Initiative
San Diego’s Illumina Inc., a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, announced the launch of the Global Health Access Initiative to support access to pathogen sequencing tools for public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The program, developed with guidance from customers, funders, and market facilitators including the nonprofit FIND, will provide reduced pricing structures for eligible sequencing products from Illumina to qualified global health funding entities and address key international logistics and supply chain challenges.
“We know that enabling countries to perform pathogen sequencing locally strengthens health systems, enables better preparedness, and empowers countries to manage their priority health threats,” said Vanessa Moeder, head of Global Health at Illumina.
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Intentional avocado consumption may improve physical activity
By Joyce Pritchett | UC San Diego
We’ve all heard the adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. A new study indicates that another fruit may provide similar health-positive benefits.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that an increase in avocado consumption in Hispanic/Latino families resulted in significant increases in total physical activity. Such an effect may lead to beneficial outcomes at the population level, especially if accrued over several years.
In the randomized control trial study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine Focus, researchers found a significant increase in physical activity without any adverse changes in body mass index or blood pressure, which suggests that this nutritional intervention has beneficial pleiotropic effects.
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School of Social Work receives $1.24 million
grant to support student and alumni success
By Susanne Clara Bard | SDSU
The Conrad Prebys Foundation has awarded a $1.24 million grant to the San Diego State University School of Social Work to make its Master of Social Work (MSW) program more financially accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. The grant from one of San Diego’s most prominent philanthropies addresses a critical shortage of behavioral health workers, a need exacerbated by the stress and isolation many experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant will also help graduates of the program on their path to becoming licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) in California.
Over two years, stipends will be granted to 10 MSW students who have a specific interest in youth behavioral health services and whose cultural and linguistic backgrounds make them well-suited to address the needs of underserved communities.
UC San Diego delegation to attend annual
UN climate conference in Dubai
About 30 delegates from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the School of Global Policy and Strategy will be attending the 28th Conference of the Parties, or COP28, in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This two-week United Nations (UN) climate conference from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12, 2023 creates a space for world leaders, politicians, experts and other hosts to discuss the climate crisis on a global level. Following a year in which many climate records have been broken, this event is focused on limiting and preparing for future climate change.
Composed of students, faculty and staff, the UC San Diego cohort is part of the University of California observer delegation, which includes affiliates from several other UC campuses.
In addition to official negotiations and side-events organized by the UN, parties and organizations are given the opportunity to host events, showcase research and create discussions through pavilions.
Workiz introduces innovative business card
Workiz announced the latest addition to its toolbox, the innovative Workiz Card. This Workiz Visa business card integrates smoothly with the firm’s field service software, transforming how businesses manage their operational expenses. The innovative solution is available exclusively to Workiz Pay customers, underscoring yet another example of the firm’s commitment to fueling business growth.
TierPoint selects San Diego’s DDC Cabinet Technology
San Diego-based DDC Cabinet Technology, a global leader in scalable data center-to-edge solutions that feature patented Dynamic Density Contro technology, nnounced the company’s innovative “better than liquid” cooling technology will support the augmentation of a state-of-the-art TierPoint data center in eastern Pennsylvania, helping meet explosive demand for AI workloads.
LendSure launches innovative Reverse 1031 Exchange
LendSure Mortgage Corp., a leading Non-QM wholesale lender, introduces the Reverse 1031 Exchange with Bridge Loan program to its comprehensive Non-QM loan solution toolkit. This innovative addition underscores LendSure’s commitment to providing tailored financial solutions that assist brokers in better serving their investor clients. The new program provides a pathway for borrowers to finance new investment properties without the immediate requirement to sell their existing assets.
The Deerborne Group to present at International
Society of Liquid Biopsy annual conference
Management consulting firm The Deerborne Group, based in Rancho Santa Fe, announced it will present new research data at the International Society of Liquid Biopsy (ISLB) annual conference being held in Madrid, Spain Nov. 19-21, 2023. Next Generation Sequencing-based liquid biopsies represent a groundbreaking technology poised to transform the landscape of cancer care. These liquid biopsies hold immense promise, serving as powerful tools for early detection, personalized treatment guidance, and continuous, real-time monitoring of disease progression.
Toyota expands vehicle-to-grid
research with SDG& E collaboration
Toyota Motor North America and San Diego Gas & Electric Company, announced that they have agreed to collaborate on vehicle-to-grid (V2G) research for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) using a Toyota bZ4X. The V2G research will explore bidirectional power flow technology that enables BEV owners to both charge their vehicle’s batteries from the electric grid and discharge electricity from the batteries back to the grid.
Firestorm partners with Air Force and Air National Guard
Firestorm Labs Inc., announced their partnership with the Air Force Special Operations Command and the Air National Guard to expedite the development of the San Diego-based startup’s expeditionary manufacturing unit, xCell, designed to produce mass quantities of modular unmanned aerial systems for operations in contested logistics environments. The U.S. Air Force’s use of xCell will revolutionize DoD’s reliance on traditional manufacturing processes that disable the real time production and replenishment of capabilities critical to deterring adversaries.
Smartville awarded $2.65 million to support
second-life solution for EV batteries
Smartville, an EV battery-repurposing innovator, has received an additional $2.65 million in federal and state funding to support the innovation and growth of electric vehicle battery repurposing solutions that bolster lithium battery circularity. A $1.15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology Office will be used to develop a complete battery energy storage system with key power electronics and system integration innovations.
Blue Shield of California Promise Health
Plan honors San Diego organizations
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan announced 60 individuals and organizations who will be recognized at the Medi-Cal managed care plan’s inaugural San Diego “Leading the Way” Awards Dinner at The Prado in Balboa Park on Nov. 16. The honorees represent a broad cross section of health care providers, community organizations, and public officials serving Medi-Cal beneficiaries across San Diego County. The awardees are being recognized for advancing health, equity, and innovation across the region.
New study shows perception of aging
is linked to level of physical activity
People with arthritis who report more negative feelings about how they are aging tend to get less physical activity and perceive themselves as less healthy, according to a new study by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Weill Cornell Medicine. However, self-perception of good health explained the effect of negative thinking – providing an opportunity for clinicians to focus on a patient’s outlook on aging as well as their overall health.
Study finds people with inflammatory
arthritis face psychological challenges
Research from Hospital for Special Surgery reveals a significant psychological impact related to inflammatory arthritis patients’ efforts to maintain employment while coping with the challenges of their illess. The study, titled “The Psychological Experience of Work for People with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA),” was presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2023 on Nov. 13 in San Diego.
Athletic Brewing Company donates $1.6 million
to preserve outdoor spaces in 2023
Athletic Brewing Company, which has custom breweries in San Diego and Milford, Conn., announced that more than 200 recipients have received more than $1.6 million as part of its Two For the Trails grant program in 2023. To date, the program has awarded nearly 400 grants totaling $4.3 million and helped to fund over 500 projects in 43 U.S. states, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
