Markets

HII is expanding shipbuilding capacity via strategic partnerships and distributed manufacturing. Outsourced hours doubled in 2025, aiming to quadruple within two years. A structural assembly network includes 23 partners, growing further. Key moves include acquiring a Goose Creek facility for submarine and aircraft carrier modules, partnerships with six shipbuilders for Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, and international collaborations with Hyundai Heavy Industries and Babcock International Group to enhance production efficiency and strengthen the industrial base.

A public dispute erupted in China between influencer Luo Yonghao and Xibei restaurant founder Jia Guolong over Xibei’s use of pre-made dishes. Luo criticized Xibei’s practices on social media, prompting a strong response from Jia and a heated debate about food preparation transparency. Xibei responded by launching a “Luo Yonghao Menu” with a satisfaction guarantee and inviting customers to observe dish preparation. The controversy highlights the pressure on Chinese restaurants to balance efficiency with consumer demands for fresh ingredients and transparency.

Planet Labs Germany is hosting “Planet On The Road” in Berlin on September 24, 2025, bringing together Earth observation leaders. The event features keynotes, panels, and discussions on leveraging satellite technology and data analytics across sectors like agriculture, disaster response, and finance. Speakers from Planet, Bayer, DLTR, and other organizations will address challenges and opportunities in EMEA. Sessions will cover the EU Space Act, AI applications, and innovative uses of Planet’s high-frequency imagery. Registration is open until September 17, 2025..

Seaport Therapeutics initiated a Phase 1 trial for GlyphAgo (SPT-320), an oral prodrug of agomelatine, targeting Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GlyphAgo utilizes the Glyph™ technology to enhance agomelatine’s bioavailability by promoting lymphatic absorption, bypassing first-pass liver metabolism. The study will assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics, aiming to achieve therapeutic agomelatine levels at lower doses to reduce liver exposure. This marks Seaport’s second therapeutic candidate entering clinical development.

Ant Digital Technologies introduced “Agentic Contract,” an AI-driven upgrade to smart contracts for its Jovay Layer2 blockchain, at the 2025 Inclusion·Bund Conference. Agentic Contracts enhance traditional smart contracts by integrating AI agents, enabling autonomous decision-making based on real-time data and logical reasoning. This evolution from pre-programmed automation to intelligent contracts aims to optimize asset flow and facilitate the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs), supported by verifiable computing engines (TEE & ZKP) to ensure trust and reliability. Ant Digital emphasizes open collaboration to drive this Web3+AI innovation.

C.H. Robinson launched a service on 09/11/2025 that cuts cross-border shipping costs from Mexico by up to 40%. This new offering integrates freight consolidation, cross-border transportation, customs brokerage, and bonded warehousing, leveraging AI-powered optimization. The service addresses underutilized truck capacity and tariff concerns. It provides enhanced visibility, potentially offering 48-hour advance insights, and optimizes transport modes for efficient deliveries to the US and Canada. Industries like retail, healthcare, and manufacturing can benefit.

E3 Lithium secured permits from the Alberta Energy Regulator for Phase 2 of its Clearwater Project Demonstration Facility. This allows E3 Lithium to drill production and injection wells to analyze flow rates and reservoir properties, crucial for designing its commercial well scheme. These permits are essential for operating a commercial lithium facility in Alberta, positioning E3 Lithium favorably in the market. Phase 2 follows the commencement of Phase 1 on September 2, 2025, and supports E3’s goal of validating its direct lithium extraction technology.

Huawei has issued a warning about recruitment scams targeting potential employees, especially students seeking internships. These scams offer services like guaranteed interviews or leaked exam questions for a fee. Huawei clarifies it doesn’t authorize third-party agencies to charge for job opportunities and its official career website and WeChat account are the only legitimate sources. The company emphasizes its free application process and advises candidates to be wary of unsolicited offers requiring payments to protect them from fraud and ensure fair hiring practices.

Ecovyst Inc. will sell its Advanced Materials & Catalysts segment to Technip Energies for $556 million, valuing the segment at 9.8x its 2024 adjusted EBITDA. The sale, expected to close in Q1 2026, allows Ecovyst to focus on its Ecoservices division, expecting net proceeds of ~$530 million for debt repayment and strategic growth. Technip Energies views the acquisition as accretive, enhancing its catalyst technology and enabling expansion in sustainable chemistry and biofuels. Both companies anticipate long-term value creation from the transaction.

Google’s Nano-Banana, a fast and affordable image generation model, is revolutionizing e-commerce and content creation. Its speed and consistent character representation are key advantages. Platforms like iMini AI are integrating Nano-Banana to enhance accessibility, broaden applications, and enable scenario-based expansions. iMini combines Nano-Banana with other AI capabilities, transforming it into a component of broader AI-driven workflows and demonstrating the shift from isolated models to interconnected AI ecosystems. This platform-based approach underscores the future of AI as seamless, user-friendly solutions.