Energy Sector – Equinor contests penalty notice from Økokrim

Source: Equinor

16 DECEMBER 2025 – In May 2021, Equinor Refining Norway AS (“Equinor Mongstad”) was charged with violations of the Pollution Control Act. The case concerns historical matters related to emissions and discharges that the company itself has uncovered, investigated, and improved.

The investigation has concluded, and Equinor Mongstad has received a fine from Økokrim of NOK 220 million and a confiscation claim of NOK 500 million.

“We take the matters mentioned very seriously. The company itself uncovered and reported the emissions and discharges to the authorities. Equinor has conducted thorough and transparent investigations and implemented a number of measures to correct relevant deviations. We disagree that the company has failed to fulfill its duty of proper maintenance of the plant over several decades and that the company has saved cost through inadequate maintenance. Økokrim has not specified what the punishable negligence consists of. The company therefore does not accept the penalty notice and will clarify the case in court,” says Siv Helen Rygh Torstensen, executive vice president, Legal & Compliance.

The law firm Hjort AS represents Equinor.

Cost of Delay in Small Business Lending Now Exceeds Interest Costs by 4.3x, Data Shows

Source: Cardiff Inc.

SAN DIEGO, CA – Cardiff, Inc. today released findings from its latest industry report, “The Economic Advantage of Speed-First Capital.” The analysis, based on anonymized loan performance data from Q1-Q4 2025, identifies a growing divergence between nominal interest rates and actual return on investment (ROI) for American small businesses.

The study challenges the historical standard of capital selection. Data modeling of a “Composite Organization” (construction/trade focus) indicates that the “Cost of Delay” associated with traditional bank underwriting (45-60 days) exceeded the “Cost of Capital” variance by a factor of 4.3x.

Consequently, businesses opting for algorithmic execution speed over lower-rate bank options realized a net positive ROI of 18%, driven by their ability to secure contracts and inventory that expired during the traditional underwriting window.

“We are witnessing a historic decoupling in the small business lending market,” said William Stern, Founder of Cardiff. “The value of capital is no longer defined solely by its cost; it is defined by its velocity. A low-rate loan that arrives after a contract bid has closed is statistically irrelevant to the borrower's bottom line.”

Key Findings from the Report:

• The “New Prime” Migration: 78% of borrowers in the dataset held FICO scores of 700+ and revenue profiles qualifying them for bank financing, yet opted for alternative execution rails to avoid administrative latency.

• The Inventory Hedge: Businesses utilizing capital for “Protective Inventory Acquisition”—hedging against projected 2026 tariffs—realized risk-adjusted material savings of 22%, offsetting the cost of financing.

• Underwriting Latency: The analysis contrasts the industry average for commercial bank funding (45-60 days) against algorithmic underwriting benchmarks (under 8 hours), highlighting a critical gap in liquidity access for time-sensitive projects.

• Algorithmic Efficiency: The integration of real-time banking APIs (such as Plaid) reduced the administrative burden of application from an average of 26 hours (traditional) to under 15 minutes (algorithmic).

“The data is unambiguous: for time-sensitive opportunities, the waiting period is often the most expensive line item on a P&L,” stated Dean Lyulkin, CEO of Cardiff. “In an environment defined by supply chain volatility and wage pressure, speed acts as a form of operational insurance. Our analysis shows that business owners are increasingly treating capital velocity as a competitive advantage rather than a simple utility.”

The report suggests that this trend is correlated with macro-economic factors. According to the Federal Reserve's latest Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS), over 50% of domestic banks have tightened standards for Commercial and Industrial loans. Cardiff's data indicates this tightening has created a “liquidity paradox,” where creditworthy businesses are forced to seek alternative financing not due to credit risk, but due to operational timelines.

About the Report

“The Economic Advantage of Speed-First Capital” analyzes 45 distinct touchpoints in the lending journey. The full report is available for download at:

https://cardiff.co/learn/reports/lending-performance/the-economic-advantage-of-speed-first-capital/

About Cardiff

Cardiff is a technology-enabled small business lender and financial platform based in San Diego, CA. Since 2004, the company has leveraged machine learning and real-time cash flow data to provide speed-first capital solutions to American entrepreneurs. Having funded over $12 billion to businesses nationwide, Cardiff combines institutional-grade credit modeling with fintech execution speed to bridge the gap between traditional bank underwriting and the immediate liquidity needs of the modern economy.

To learn more, visit: https://cardiff.co

Africa – Shelter Afrique Development Bank Announces Appointment of New Board Leadership

Source: Media Fast

Nairobi, Kenya – 15 December 2025: Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), the Pan-African Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) dedicated to promoting and financing housing, urban development and related infrastructure, has announced the election of Mr. Lionel Zinsou as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Mr. Said Athman Mtwana as Vice Chairman.

The elections were concluded during the 149th Meeting of the Board of Directors held on 11 December 2025.

Mr. Zinsou, a distinguished economist, seasoned investment banker, and former Prime Minister of the Republic of Benin (2015–2016) brings to the role extensive experience spanning public policy, global finance, and private equity.

Accepting his appointment, Mr. Zinsou said: “I am honoured to assume the Chairmanship of ShafDB at this pivotal moment in its transformation. Across our continent, the demand for dignified, affordable housing and vibrant urban environments is both urgent and inspiring. Together with my fellow Directors, I am committed to steering the Bank with clarity, purpose, and ambition; ensuring that our investments strengthen communities, unlock economic opportunity, and reflect Africa's boundless potential.”

Mr. Mtwana, who is representing Group 1 Member States – brings strong expertise in urban development policy, project planning, and built-environment economics, together with extensive experience working in senior government roles on national housing and land policy.

“It is a privilege to serve as Vice Chairman of a Bank whose mission speaks directly to the aspirations of millions of African families. I look forward to working closely with the Board and Management to deepen ShafDB's impact, advance innovative urban development solutions, and uphold the governance needed to deliver lasting, inclusive growth across our Member States,” Mr. Mtwana said in response to his appointment.

Mr. Mtwana holds a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Arts in Building Economics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Dedicated Leadership

Shelter Afrique Development Bank Managing Director Thierno-Habib Hann welcomed the new board leadership and also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chairperson Dr. Chii Akporji and the outgoing Vice Chairman Mr. Ahmed Belayat for their dedicated service and leadership.

“We warmly welcome Mr. Lionel Zinsou and Mr. Said Athman Mtwana to their new leadership roles at Shelter Afrique Development Bank. Their combined depth of experience in global finance, public policy, and urban development comes at a defining moment in the Bank's evolution. As we deepen our transformation into a fully-fledged Pan-African Development Bank, their guidance will be instrumental in advancing innovative housing finance solutions, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating inclusive, climate-resilient urban development across our Member States. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Chii Akporji and Mr. Ahmed Belayat, whose principled leadership and strategic stewardship have laid a strong foundation for the next phase of the Bank's growth and impact,” Mr. Hann said.

Sustainable Urban Growth

The leadership transition reaffirms ShafDB's commitment to its mandate of financing affordable housing and urban development across Africa. With the stewardship of its newly elected Board Chairman and Vice Chairman, the Bank is well-positioned to advance its vision for sustainable and inclusive urban growth on the continent.

Moldova – Westing Management Solutions Enters the Moldovan Market: Modern Solutions for Renewable Energy, Storage, and Smart Digitalization

Source: Invest Moldova

Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, December 12, 2025 – The Republic of Moldova's energy market continues to attract international investors. The newest player is Westing Management Solutions – a company with mixed capital from Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, part of the international Westing Management group. 

The investor is entering the local market with an initial investment of EUR 130,000.00 allocated for organizing and operationalizing the administrative processes in the country.

With over 15 years of experience in solar projects, BESS storage systems, and microgrids across over 10 countries, Westing Management Solutions aims to become a strategic partner in modernizing Moldova's energy infrastructure.

Digitalization – a core pillar of Westing Management Solutions' strategy in Moldova

A distinctive element of the company is the introduction of the intelligent i-EMS platform to the Moldovan market, an integrated digital solution that offers several essential components for modernizing businesses. 

This includes the digitalization of technological and operational processes for industrial, commercial, and logistics companies, as well as real-time dispatching of energy consumption, production, and storage (PV + BESS + load). In addition, the platform integrates smart metering solutions for electricity, gas, water, heat, and steam, as well as modern SCADA systems compatible with existing IT infrastructure. 
The i-EMS solution also includes AI-powered predictive analytics, enabling the estimation of consumption and production, demand optimization, and energy trading management. The system provides complete energy management services — monitoring, incident prevention, automatic optimization, and loss reduction — as well as digital energy auditing, identifying savings potential, and recommending automated solutions.

Through these technologies, Moldovan companies can achieve 15–30% energy efficiency improvements, reducing losses and aligning their operations with European standards.

The company's operations in the Republic of Moldova are led by Marianna Bejenar, Country Director, who coordinates relations with authorities, investors, the business environment, and technology partners, with the mission of aligning local activity with the group's international standards.

Marianna Bejenar, Country Director of Westing Management Solutions in the Republic of Moldova: “The Republic of Moldova is becoming increasingly attractive for energy investments due to its accelerated integration into the European market and strong commitment to the green transition. Energy market liberalization, infrastructure upgrades, and the adoption of European standards create a predictable and competitive environment for investors. At the same time, rising demand for renewable solutions and energy efficiency creates vast opportunities for innovative projects. All these factors position Moldova as an emerging market with strong potential in the energy sector.”

Future plans in the energy sector

According to Westing Management Solutions, the Republic of Moldova has the potential to become a key hub for digital solutions and renewable energy in the region.

Marianna Bejenar, Country Director of Westing Management Solutions in the Republic of Moldova: “Our plans focus on expanding projects in the renewable energy sector and accelerating the integration of modern energy-efficiency solutions. We are committed to developing smart infrastructure capable of supporting a flexible and competitive market. At the same time, we aim to strengthen strategic partnerships and attract advanced technologies that can transform the energy sector into one that is sustainable and future-oriented.”

The company estimates sales of approximately EUR 5 million in its first year — a strong signal of the potential of the country's energy market. In the future, the company aims to develop commercial and industrial solar projects, implement BESS storage systems and smart microgrids, digitalize the energy infrastructure of medium and large companies, and create a regional hub for i-EMS solutions and dispatching. Another strategic direction involves attracting investments in green projects and digital energy infrastructure, as well as launching partnerships with authorities, companies, and institutions to accelerate the energy transition.

About Invest Moldova
Invest Moldova is the national investment and export promotion agency, dedicated to advancing Moldova's global competitiveness. The agency supports international investors throughout the full investment cycle and assists Moldovan exporters with market entry, compliance, and expansion strategies. Through coordinated promotion, policy dialogue, and private-sector engagement, Invest Moldova works to attract investment, diversify exports, and strengthen Moldova's long-term economic growth.

Environment – UNEA-7 ends with only a handful of agreed resolutions and a failed attempt at multilateralism

Source: Break Free From Plastic org

Despite the lack of results inside the negotiations, Break Free From Plastic members continue to keep plastic issues present at global talks.

Nairobi, KENYA – The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) concluded today, showing how geopolitics continues to undermine multilateralism. During the one-week talks, environmental ministers and world leaders adopted less than half of the resolutions presented to “advance sustainable solutions for a resilient planet,” primarily regarding the mining of minerals and metals, a stronger global response to wildfires, and sustainability in sports (which was the only resolution with a brief mention of single-use plastics). At the same time, countries utterly neglected important measures on environmental crime and the protection of deep-sea and karst ecosystems, among others.

Importantly, the approved resolutions failed to include language to protect Indigenous Peoples, women, gender expansive people, Black People, and other impacted communities as mandated by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Convention on Ending All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the International Convention on Ending All Forms of Racial Discrimination.  

During the assembly, obstructionist countries deployed the same derailing tactics seen at both the most recent UN Climate Conference (COP30) and the ongoing negotiations for a Plastics Treaty, as well as some new ones that reflected the changing geopolitical mood. Unfortunately, these efforts have been successful (at least so far) in undermining international measures that would otherwise effectively address the planetary crises. And still, the fight to protect those most impacted by these crises continues.

The most constructive parts of UNEA-7 happened on the sidelines of the negotiations, including several events and actions focused on urgently addressing the plastic pollution crisis at a global level. For example, on December 9th, the Environmental Investigation Agency, a Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) member, organized a breakfast briefing focused on how to create the right conditions for advancing the global Plastics Treaty negotiations, bringing together governments, the private sector, academic institutions, and NGOs.

BFFP members also engaged in an official side event hosted by the Kenyan government on December 11th which gathered Ministers of governments and civil society leaders to discuss the future of the global Plastics Treaty. The dialogue focused primarily on how to shape an effective intermediary period before the next round of talks, as well as which pathways would be the most likely to secure a treaty that is ambitious and inclusive for all.

Earlier, before the actual start of UNEA-7, dozens of BFFP members and allies organized an on-site photo action to underscore the interconnectedness of plastic pollution with other pressing issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, health, and the rights of marginalized communities, including Indigenous Peoples, Black People, women, and youth.

Now, as UNEA-7 concludes in Nairobi and governments prepare to attend the next round of Plastics Treaty negotiations (INC-5.3) in Geneva on February 7, 2026, to select a new INC Chair, BFFP continues to call for the urgency of multilateral cooperation in order to deliver a global instrument that fulfills the mandate of UNEA Resolution 5/14 and addresses the plastics crisis across the full life cycle, from extraction to production, use, and disposal.

Together with civil society leaders around the world, we urge governments to persevere towards a strong, legally-binding treaty that cuts plastic production and protects human health, human rights, and the environment.

Break Free From Plastic members react to UNEA-7

Juressa Lee, Indigenous Peoples Major Group (New Zealand), said:
“UNEA-7 has failed Indigenous Peoples, and in doing so has weakened the credibility of environmental decision-making. We should not have to fight to participate in processes that systematically erode our right to full and effective participation, despite our rights being clearly recognised in international law … Despite the disappointing outcome of UNEA-7, Indigenous Peoples remain the Earth’s first defenders. We will continue to protect our territories, our rights, and the future of the planet.”

Ana Rocha, Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives (Tanzania), said:
“UNEA-7 left many of us deeply concerned. It failed to create real space for agreement on critical issues, from deep-sea protection to the fight against environmental crime. Yet on plastics, the energy was undeniable. The large number of delegates present in side events, unofficial gatherings, and hallway discussions showed one thing: the pathway forward must be inclusive, transparent, and representative of the mandate at hand. It is time for countries to converge around a meaningful, forward-looking plastics treaty, guided by a fair, transparent, and effective process, and by leadership that matches the urgency of the crisis.”

Jo Banner, The Descendents Project (USA), said:
“UNEA-7 showed that governments are more seriously addressing issues like chemical pollution, mineral extraction, and ocean health. Yet, the exclusion of frontline communities – especially afro-descendant populations – from most of the programming exposed huge gaps in the process. When those most harmed by plastic are left out, ambition is weakened, and false solutions take root. There can be no meaningful response to the environmental crisis without full inclusion of fenceline communities and afro-descendants, who are not only closest to the harm of plastic but also closest to the solutions.”

Erika Xananine Calvillo Ramírez, Jna Tsjo / Indigenous Peoples Major Group (Mexico), said:
“We have witnessed once again the failure of institutions such as the United Nations to address the most serious environmental crises. UNEA-7 has failed us and the world by enabling mechanisms that favour the interests of extractivist industries that have proven to be the source of the problem.”

Christina Dixon, Environmental Investigation Agency (UK), said:
“The progress on plastics this week didn’t happen in the negotiation rooms. It happened in the hallways, at side events, and over dinners, where bold ideas and renewed momentum began to take shape. While delegations wrestle with uncertain leadership in the plastics treaty negotiations, the energy in the margins of UNEA showed that momentum can be revived. But we must be clear: rushing to unblock negotiations or push for a low ambition compromise risks delivering a weak treaty. As we leave Nairobi, we urge governments to stay true to the UNEA 5/14 mandate and deliver the strong, binding plastics treaty the world urgently needs.”

Energy Sector – Equinor’s head office will remain at Forus

Source: Equinor

13 DECEMBER 2025 – After a thorough process and evaluation of various alternatives, the Equinor board has decided to keep the head office at Forus East. The building will be significantly upgraded to create a modern, attractive and sustainable head office gathering all employees in the Stavanger region.

“We have balanced many dilemmas and considerations in this process and decision. I am confident that staying at Forus East is a good choice. We have a proud history in this area. I now look forward to being able to gather all of our 4500 employees in an upgraded and renovated building. It will facilitate close teamwork and a good working environment,” says Equinor’s chief executive Anders Opedal.

Circular economy and good transportation alternatives

The decision to stay at Forus facilitates conservation, rehabilitation and refurbishment in a sustainable way. About 80% of the current building mass will be reused. Measures will be implemented to help make the building more energy efficient. The phased refurbishment will be completed in 2030.

“With the upgrade and refurbishment, we will get a modern head office. It has been important an important consideration for us that employees live across the region, where Forus has a central location. It is near public transportation hubs and the local airport. Forus East has served us well for 40 years and will continue to do so in the decades to come,” says Opedal.

Better flow, more greenery and shorter distances

The aim of the refurbishment is to create a modern and functional head office and better flow between the buildings.

One of the renovation measures is to move the main entrance towards south-east. This will also provide a better connection to public transportation and the bicycle paths and facilitate sustainable transportation alternatives. A new green park has also been proposed in the development project. The park will be part of a new green avenue with pedestrian and bicycle paths along Petroleumsveien.

Facts

The backdrop for the head office project is the expiration of the lease for the current building in 2030. A project was set up and has been working since October 2024 to obtain a solid fact base for the choice. The project started by investigating three strategic directions: Retaining and upgrading current offices, building on Equinor’s own property at Forus West, or moving to new offices in the Stavanger region.

The information gathering resulted in twelve proposals from the real estate market. These were eventually narrowed down to five alternatives and then three – Forus East, Paradis and Elveparken in Sandnes.
Now the choice has landed on further developing and rehabilitating Forus East.
The activities at the head office at Forus are currently divided on four buildings: Forusbeen 50 (Forus East), Svanholmen 8 (Forus West), Kanalsletta 3 and Vassbotnen 23.

In total, there are around 4500 employees working in these buildings.

The Forus East building was completed in 1981.

India ultrasound systems market to reach $263 million in 2034, forecasts GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

Ultrasound systems are advancing rapidly, delivering faster, clearer, and more accessible imaging that is reshaping diagnostic care. With new levels of automation and precision, the ultrasound systems market in India is projected to reach $263 million in 2034, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s report, “Ultrasound Systems Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Installed Base and Forecast to 2036,” reveals that India accounts for 7% of the Asia–Pacific (APAC) ultrasound systems market in 2025.

Samsung has recently launched the R20 Ultrasound System, designed to elevate diagnostic precision and clinical efficiency. The system combines a next-generation graphics processing unit and ultra-HD organic light-emitting diode display that enhances visualization and improves diagnostic accuracy, enabling clinicians to perform medical procedures more effectively.

Shamreen Parween, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The introduction of modern, advanced technology in diagnostic imaging is enabling faster workflows and higher-quality images to meet the growing demand for improved patient care. In addition, support from governments and healthcare investors is helping hospitals adopt new systems. For example, the Delhi government recently announced plans to install 230 radiology machines, including 78 ultrasound units, early next year in key hospitals and other facilities. Such initiatives are elevating standards and setting higher benchmarks for diagnostic performance.”

The R20 system represents a paradigm shift by embedding intelligent, high-performance imaging architecture at the core of the diagnostic process, making it more efficient and accurate. It integrates Live LiverAssist, Live BreastAssist, AI-based automatic measurement tools, and Deep USFF to support complex workflows such as liver fat quantification with high correlation to magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction and real-time detection of liver or breast lesions during scanning.

Parween concludes: “As infrastructure continues to advance across the country, it is creating a solid foundation for adopting more sophisticated technologies. These ongoing improvements are driving progress that will enable higher-quality care, more efficient operations, and a stronger, more resilient healthcare system in the years ahead.”

Notes

Quotes provided by Shamreen Parween, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData
The information is based on GlobalData’s report “Ultrasound Systems Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Installed Base and Forecast to 2036,”
The report provides Ultrasound Systems Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Installed Base and Forecast to 2036 is built to visualize quantitative and qualitative market trends within Diagnostic Imaging therapeutic area

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis, and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology, and professional services sectors.

Australia – Migrant, refugee families learn how to be safe around water – AMES

Source: AMES

An innovative new program is supporting newly arrived migrant and refugee families to acquire water safety knowledge and skills.

As part of the program, more than 120 newly arrived migrant and refugee mums and children from Melbourne’s south-east recently took part in Water Safety Day at the Black Life Saving Club.

Facilitated by refugee and migrant settlement agency AMES Australia and Community Hubs Australia, the event was intended to teach families how to be safe around water with basic messages and demonstrations about water safety.

It follows several tragic water deaths involving migrant families, including the drowning of a mother and son in Dandenong Creek.

The recent Royal Life Saving Australia National Drowning Report said that 32 per cent of drownings in Australia involved people who were born overseas. China, India, Malaysia and Nepal area among the most common countries of origin for migrant drowning victims.

The day started with an information session on water safety, delivering three key messages: swim between the flags; do not enter waters if you cannot swim; keep an eye on children near water at all times – delivered by Black Rock LSC President Kath McGrath.

This was followed by practical hands-on activities on the beach and in the clubhouse where the participants were actively involved in water safety and lifesaving activities.

AMES Community Hub Support Coordinator Jana Kovic said that many newly arrived families came from places where it was not the custom to spend time near water and where many people could not swim.

“When you add in things like surf, rips and tides, it can be a recipe for tragedy,” Jana said.

“So, this program is designed to give families the basic knowledge top be able to stay safe around water.

“An aim of the program is also to raise general awareness of water safety in our migrant and refugee communities and ultimately prevent accidents and drownings,” Jana said.

Filipina migrant and mum of two Carmela Flores said she appreciated the opportunity to learn about water safety.

 “My kids love the water and going to beach is a big thing in Australia. Plus, we have some beautiful beaches nearby, so it’s important that we learn how to be safe, and keep our kids safe, around water,” Carmela said.

Kidsafe Victoria staff provided information and practical activities at the event around water safety at home, such as in bathtubs or inflatable pools.

The National Drowning Report found that people living in lower socio-economic areas, and those in regional areas, are less likely to have access to swimming pools and swimming lessons.  

One in ten children in these areas have never attended swimming lessons, the report said.

It said 31 per cent of schools in these areas did not offer a learn to swim program, with more than half citing the cost of lessons and a third citing the cost of travel to the pool as barriers to delivering a school swimming program.

Aviation – Lufthansa Group Launches New Brand Identity

Source: Lufthansa Group

  • A visual identity with new logo, color palette and typeface strengthen the Lufthansa Group's brand identity
  • New brand strategy strengthens unity and synergies among all airlines and companies under one umbrella brand.

Singapore, 11 December 2025 – Today, the Lufthansa Group is presenting itself with a new design. The goal of the new brand identity is to make the strength of the Lufthansa Group more visible. For customers, service offerings will be bundled under the Group brand, making them even more clearly recognizable.

Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer Lufthansa Group:
“The Lufthansa Group is evolving from a group of airlines into an integrated airline group. The new brand identity is therefore more than just a redesign; it is a strategic milestone. In a challenging environment, this step creates a visual anchor of trust for our customers. A visual identity in aviation must do much more than just create an eye-catching appearance. It will reflect our strategic brand values and a promise we want to make to our passengers across all our brands. The new brand identity enables a holistic brand experience, provides orientation, and strengthens identification with the Lufthansa Group.”

The new brand identity is recognizable by the iconic crane logo, which will be used for the Group in the future without the surrounding circle. In addition, there is a new font and a color palette expanded by six new tones. The latter represents different heights from the ground to the sky to reflect the diversity of the Lufthansa Group. The airlines of the Lufthansa Group will keep their own brands under the umbrella of the strengthened group brand. The endorsement of “Member of Lufthansa Group,” which will appear on all aircraft belonging to the Group's airlines, signals the unity of the individual airlines that operate under a brand name other than Lufthansa. The addition was already introduced this year on digital boarding passes, websites, and 160 aircraft of various Lufthansa Group airlines. Next year, the Lufthansa Group brand will also be visible at lounge entrances worldwide, as is already the case in Rome, Milan, and Brussels. The “Member of Lufthansa Group” label will also be visible on materials at airports, such as baggage tags, and on board of aircraft.

About Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group is an aviation group with operations worldwide. With 100,000+ employees from 164 nations worldwide, Lufthansa Group generated revenue of €37.6bn in the financial year 2024. Our largest business segment is Passenger Airlines while other key business segments include Logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Other companies and Group functions such as IT companies and Lufthansa Aviation Training form complementary components of the Group. All airlines and business segments play leading roles in their respective markets.

Moldova Innovation Technology Park’s 2025 Awards Spotlight Standout Digital Solutions in 2025

Source: Moldova Innovation Technology Park

Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, December 05, 2025 – Moldova Innovation Technology Park's (MITP) Awards 2025 Gala, held on December 5, celebrated excellence and innovation within Moldova's IT sector, spotlighting five digital solutions that demonstrated transformative potential and strong relevance for both local and international markets. The event, now a landmark gathering for the tech community, brought together founders, investors, industry leaders, and diaspora professionals for an evening dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements of the local tech sector.

An international jury evaluated each project for originality, practical applicability, scalability, and overall impact, ultimately selecting five solutions that stood out as the most compelling entries in the competition. The five finalists received €3,000 in funding and access passes to some of the world's leading tech events.

MITP Awards 2025 Winners

Best Product Innovation: Key IVR – Agent Assisted Payments

KeyIVR stood out thanks to a powerful mix of impact, scalability, and clear vision. Their Agent Assisted Payments solution allows contact center agents to process customer payments in real time — securely, without ever seeing or handling sensitive card data. A smart, safe, and forward-thinking innovation that genuinely impressed the jury.

Best Service Innovation: Orange Systems – InSight KYC

A true game-changer in service excellence and customer experience. Orange Systems' InSight KYC is an AI-powered RPA solution that automates customer onboarding and compliance across five EMEA countries. It saves more than 2.1 million manual hours every year, ensures 98% data accuracy, and delivers faster, error-free service. A standout model of efficiency at scale.

Best Startup: Acuverus – Argus AI

Argus AI is a MedTech startup on a mission to redefine surgery through the power of AI and Mixed Reality. The platform gives surgeons a new level of precision and insight, turning complex procedures into safer, more guided experiences. A rising star that proves how far determination, vision, and bold innovation can go.

Impactful Initiative of the Year: Endava Internship Programme

For more than 20 years, the Endava Internship Programme has been shaping Moldova's IT landscape. Each year, up to 200 interns gain hands-on, project-based experience that prepares them for real market needs with many launching successful careers at Endava and beyond. In 2025, the programme reached a new milestone with the introduction of the Data & AI stream, strengthening the next wave of tech talent. Endava also received a special distinction from Forbes, including exclusive interviews and access to international events.

Special Jury Prize: MEGA PROMOTING – KallinaAI

KallinaAI introduces a new era of digital employees: voice-first, intelligent, and always active. It transforms customer conversations into real actions, bookings, sales, support, and documents – 24/7, across channels, in over 40 languages. An ambitious and promising solution that truly captivated the jury with its potential.

MITP Administrator, Marina Bzovîi congratulated all finalists and emphasized that the event is, above all, a celebration of Moldova's creativity and innovation.

“The best solutions in the world are created here and reach global markets, from America to Asia. We develop products at home, made in Moldova, and we are proud of every MITP resident. MITP Awards reminds us each year that our ecosystem is not only competitive, but visible, respected, and capable of delivering technology at the highest level. Behind every winning solution stand teams driven by passion, perseverance, and the ambition to prove that Moldova can become a hub of innovation for the region, and even for the world,” stated Marina Bzovîi.

“We have a strong talent pool in the IT sector, which should become the main engine of economic growth in the coming years. Within two months of today, the Government of the Republic of Moldova will present its new economic growth plan, with innovation remaining at the core of this program.”

highlighted Michelle Iliev, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization.

Strategic partnerships for a stronger tech sector

MITP Awards continues to grow through strong collaborations and through the support of partners who believe in the potential of Moldova's tech ecosystem. This year's event was built together with organizations that champion investment in technology, education, entrepreneurship, and future-oriented solutions.

“We are glad to be the general partner of MITP Awards 2025 and the host of an event that celebrates innovation, entrepreneurship, and the entire tech community of Moldova. It is truly an honor to support bold ideas and technological solutions that shape the future and place our country on the innovation map. At maib, we continually invest in initiatives that inspire, connect, and accelerate the growth of the tech ecosystem, because we believe in the potential of this community and in its essential role in Moldova's economic development,” stated Macar Stoianov, Deputy Chairman of maib.

“Innovation requires not only great ideas, but also mechanisms that can turn them into results. That is why, at Innovate Moldova, we support projects that already have direction and potential, helping them accelerate what they have begun. MITP Awards complements this effort by highlighting solutions that have matured and by showcasing their real impact on the ecosystem we consistently support,” emphasized Sergiu Rabii, Director of the Innovate Moldova Programme.

“In emerging ecosystems, innovation does not happen by accident. It must be cultivated, encouraged, and connected to real opportunities. MITP Awards achieves exactly that: it identifies valuable initiatives and offers them the visibility needed to advance to the next level. It is a clear sign that Moldova is strengthening its position in the regional digital economy,” reiterated Stella Jemna, Country Representative for Moldova at the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF).

“MITP Awards clearly demonstrates that Moldova's tech ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and the projects presented show growing alignment with European trends in digitalization and innovation. We are proud to help connect these initiatives with regional networks and opportunities, enabling their solutions to reach farther. Through our partnership with MITP, we aim to promote high-quality entrepreneurship and expand opportunities for Moldovan startups. We congratulate all teams for their innovation and dedication,” mentioned Charles Mathiaux, Deputy Director of the EU4Innovation East project.

MITP Awards, now in its second edition, is a flagship competition for the Republic of Moldova's tech sector, organized by the Moldova Innovation Technology Park. The 2025 edition confirmed the high caliber of submitted projects and the upward trajectory of Moldova's IT industry, reinforcing MITP Awards as a platform for recognizing and promoting successful digital solutions.