Daily Business Report: Aug. 25, 2023
7 AI-powered technologies you should know about
By Sara Bock
Move over, ChatGPT: Artificial intelligence-powered technologies and innovations being developed and implemented at UC San Diego could lead to the next developments in the “AI revolution.” From helping us manage chronic health conditions to deciding which movies to watch, advances in AI can help inform decision-making, accelerate scientific discovery—and even save lives. Click here to view just seven of the many tools and technologies being developed on campus with the potential to go from the research space to the real world.
Image credit: Sansert Sangsakawrat/iStock
Illumina expands genomic capabilities
in India with opening of Solutions Center
Illumina Inc., a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, has opened a new office and state-of-the-art Illumina Solutions Center in Bengaluru, India. Illumina’s expansion comes after 16 years of working closely with the company’s channel partner in India, Premas Life Sciences.
Now with its own permanent facility, Illumina will continue to collaborate with Premas to grow the genomics market in India, recognized by the United Nations as the most populous country in the world with more than 1.4 billion people. Expanding access to genomics in this important market will help unlock opportunities for advancing health care and combating the effects of climate change in South Asia.
Sanford Burnham Prebys awarded $2.7 million grant
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded a 5-year, $2.7 million grant to researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys to investigate and elucidate the underlying cellular mechanisms that drive the most common form of breast cancer.
Specifically, how malignant cells with different kinds of mutations and genetics in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer are able to communicate with each other in the same tumor. Such diversity, or heterogeneity boosts their ability to resist treatment.
Malaysia Airlines selects Viasat to enhance
in-flight experience on its new Boeing 737-8 fleet
Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier of Malaysia, has selected Viasat Inc.to outfit the airline’s new Boeing 737-8 fleet with its leading wireless In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system. In the pipeline as part of its connectivity strategy, Malaysia Airlines will also introduce high-quality internet connectivity on its 737-8 aircraft. The agreement encompasses factory installation of Viasat’s equipment on its aircraft, the first of which is expected to be delivered to Malaysia Airlines later this month.
Through this partnership, Malaysia Airlines’ customers will enjoy an enhanced and curated in-flight experience through the airline’s wireless IFE system, MHstudio, which provides them access to over 500 on-demand entertainment options and personalized shopping experiences at their convenience.
Cubic’s Audrey Denis named to Mass Transit 2023 40 Under 40 List
Cubic Transportation Systems, part of Cubic Corporation, announced that Senior Strategy Manager Audrey Denis has been named to the 2023 Mass Transit Magazine 40 Under 40 List, honoring individuals for job commitment, industry involvement and contribution, achievement in his/her position and innovation in his/her field.
Denis is recognized as a champion in transit for her passion for digital mobility and for creating opportunities for transit technology to modernize and improve rider experiences in cities around the world.
A native New Yorker, Denis grew up riding the city’s subways with her family to her most frequent destinations — museums, theater shows, appointments and, eventually, her job. This early use of public transit instilled in Denis its value as the key enabler of independence and freedom, which sparked a career passion to connect others with transit.
Northrop Grumman selected to build data transport satellites
Northrop Grumman Corporation has been selected by the Space Development Agency (SDA) to design and build 36 data transport satellites, the first space vehicles in the latest generation of its low-Earth orbit Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The team will now update the company’s Tranche 1 design to add new broadcast and tactical communications capabilities to PWSA.
The satellites will integrate with, and expand the PWSA mesh network, utilizing high-data-capacity optical crosslinks to deliver accessible, near-real time communications to U.S. warfighters and defensive platforms operating around the globe
Shane Crotty appointed chief scientific officer
at La Jolla Institute for Immunology
Professor Shane Crotty has been appointed chief scientific officer of La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI). In this role, Crotty will lead LJI’s overall scientific strategy, as well as oversee research operations to support the success of the Institute’s scientific initiatives. He will assume his new position on Sept. 1, 2023.
Crotty is known as a global leader in vaccine research who applied his expertise to dissect the human immune response to SARS-CoV-2 as the COVID-19 outbreak evolved into a full-blown pandemic.
His findings were published in a series of high-impact papers that were repeatedly lauded in congressional and White House hearings and helped inform public health measures at the federal level.
California lawmakers want answers on toxic waste
By Robert Lewis | CalMatters
State lawmakers held a joint oversight committee hearing Wednesday to question officials from California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control about how it’s going with various reform efforts. (It was definitely more of an annual teeth cleaning than a root canal.)
Among the topics of discussion was an ongoing CalMatters investigation into the state’s handling of hazardous waste. In January, CalMatters reported that government agencies — including the toxics department — and developers routinely skirt California’s stringent environmental laws by taking contaminated soil from cleanup sites to regular landfills in states with weaker environmental regulations.
This week, CalMatters reported on the dwindling number of sites that can treat, store or dispose of hazardous waste in the state. Among the remaining sites is Phibro-Tech, which recycles corrosive liquids for the electronics industry. State inspectors have identified violations at more than 30 inspections of the site since the mid-90’s, the state’s permitting and enforcement database shows.
SDG&E leases seven-acre outdoor storage site in Lakeside
San Diego Gas & Electric has signed a lease for a seven-acre industrial outdoor storage site at 12211-12215 Highway 67 in Lakeside for the city’s Utility Undergrounding Program. “San Diego Gas & Electric was attracted to the property’s heavy industrial zoning and functionality of both warehouse and office space with a large amount of excess yard acreage for outdoor storage as well as location that provides the ability to service the entire county in an efficient manner,” said Blake Rodgers, JLL vice president. “We continue to see strong demand for industrial outdoor storage sites in highly populated markets like San Diego.”
Rodgers, along with Kerry Schimpf and Cameron Czubernat of Commercial Properties Group, represented the landlord Alterra IOS. San Diego Gas & Electric was represented by Matt Weaver and Dan Gaston.
San Diego City and Mesa Colleges earn Military Friendly designation
San Diego Mesa College and San Diego City College and have earned Gold and Silver status respectively as Military Friendly schools for 2023-2024. Mesa College maintained its Gold status from the previous year and City College was awarded its inaugural Silver status. More than 5,000 veterans, active-duty military and military dependents are enrolled in the district. SDCCD student veterans and active-duty resources can be found at sdccd.edu/students/veterans-active-duty
The Parkline multifamily project grand opening
Titan Development, Malick Infill Development, and Thornburg Real Estate Ventures are announced the completion of The Parkline, an 80,000 square-foot, Class-A multifamily building in San Diego. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 4250 Oregon St. Guests will be invited to tour the building and take advantage of move-in specials, which can include one month of free rent or an e-bike.
Laurie Stelzer departs Mirati Therapeutics as chief financial officer
Mirati Therapeutics Inc., a commercial stage biotechnology company, announced that Laurie Stelzer, chief financial officer, will depart the company on Sept. 8, 2023, to pursue an external opportunity. Aaron Ondrey, senior vice president, financial planning and analysis, will assume the role of interim CFO. Stelzer will remain as a consultant to the company through October 2023. Ondrey joined Mirati as senior vice president in July 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience in financial management.
QCI’s Enterprise Platform shortlisted for Global Gaming Awards
Quick Custom Intelligence, a leading software development company specializing in the casino space, announced that its revolutionary Enterprise Platform has been shortlisted for the prestigious Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas 2023 in the esteemed Land-Based Product of the Year category. The winners of the Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas 2023 will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on Oct. 9 as part of the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas.
BC Transit introduces fare payment system using Cubic’s Umo platform
Cubic Transportation Systems a leading global provider of integrated transit solutions, announced the implementation of its Umo platform as BC Transit’s new automated fare collection system in the Victoria Regional Transit System. Riders will benefit from account-based ticketing and contactless payment options, ushering in a new era of convenience for riders. BC Transit riders will have the option to pay using the Umo Mobility smartphone app or reloadable Umo smartcard.
Kiora Pharmaceuticals granted U.S. and European patents
Kiora Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced it has been granted U.S. (Patent # 11,730,716) and European Patents covering local ocular delivery of the KIO-100 family of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory small molecules. This intellectual property further protects Kiora’s pipeline by covering multiple small molecule analogs, delivery methods, and several inflammatory-related therapeutic applications, including posterior non-infectious uveitis, thereby extending market exclusivity for approved indications in the U.S. and Europe.
Girl Scouts San Diego to hold Volunteer Conference on Saturday
Girl Scouts San Diego will welcome more than 400 adult members to its Balboa Campus on Saturday for the 2023 Volunteer Conference. The annual event, presented by Mission Fed Credit Union, is the premiere opportunity for Girl Scout volunteers to prepare for the new Girl Scout membership year by engaging in learning sessions, networking, previewing the 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Program, and visiting exhibitor booths from more than 20 community partner organizations.
Second annual Older & Bolder Expo comes to Carlsbad
The second annual Older & Bolder Expo, sponsored by the City of Carlsbad in conjunction with the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 9, 2023, at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Avenue, Carlsbad. The free event will feature a lineup of expert speakers addressing topics ranging from financial planning and reverse mortgages, navigating senior care options, health care plans and PACE to depression and isolation among seniors. Dozens of exhibitors will offer the latest information, products and essential tips on aging successfully.
Celebrity Waiters Luncheon to benefit United Cerebral Palsy
The 40th annual Celebrity Waiters Luncheon to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County will take place on Friday, Sept. 22 at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at noon. The ticket price is $80 per person with sponsorship opportunities available. A live and silent auction will be available along with raffle prizes. Last year, more than 300 people attended, and over $60,000 was raised.
Karl Strauss releases Oktoberfest beer for 35th consecutive year
Karl Strauss, San Diego’s longest continuously operating post-Prohibition brewing company, released its seasonal Oktoberfest beer for the 35th year in a row. Brewmaster Paul Segura made the announcement. The German-style Märzen lager, which has a 5.0 percent ABV and a golden amber color, is available on draft at Karl Strauss’s four San Diego brewpubs in 4S Ranch, Carlsbad, Downtown San Diego, and Sorrento Mesa, as well as at several bars and restaurants throughout the county.
Mitchell automates scan and calibration detection for appraisals
Mitchell, an Enlyte company and leading technology and information provider for the property and casualty claims and collision repair industries, announced the availability of a new feature in Mitchell Cloud Estimating that automatically detects a completed scan or calibration and gives users the ability to quickly add it as a line on the collision-damage appraisal. This enhanced integration between carrier and shop workflows helps ensure that estimates include the appropriate diagnostic procedures performed.
