Tag Archives: Healthcare

From Lab to Market: Why Life Science Companies Are Drawn to Singapore 

12 Nov

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

LSN is proud to announce our partnership with Enterprise SG for RESI JPM 2026, to foster meaningful conversations on global life science innovation, investment and cross-border collaboration. Learn how Singapore is a dynamic launchpad for innovation and home to cutting-edge startups ready to collaborate on your next breakthrough. Join us at our upcoming panel on January 12 to find out more! 

As global healthcare challenges intensify, innovative biomedical technologies from Asia are stepping up to drive change, translating life science research into real-world solutions. Increasingly, investors, corporates, startups, and healthcare systems around the world are seeing the urgency in bridging the East and West to improve healthcare outcomes and deliver value-based care.

Singapore, located at the heart of Asia, is a dynamic hub for biomedical innovation, driven by a strong network of global investors, researchers, mentors, and innovators. With decades of sustained government investments and a robust talent pipeline from world-class universities and research institutes, it is home to over 500 biomedical and medtech companies. The ecosystem has attracted venture capitalists and venture builders like MPM BioImpact, Polaris Partners, and Flagship Pioneering, as well as global pharma leaders such as Pfizer, Roche, and Johnson & Johnson. These players work closely with government agencies, like Enterprise Singapore, that drive startup development, provide patient funding, expertise, infrastructure, and networks crucial for producing globally competitive solutions.

Singapore’s strategic position as a bridge between Asian and global markets enables it to play an outsized role in driving biomedical advancements. This works both ways, as a gateway for global companies to access the growing opportunities in Asia, and as a springboard for regional companies to expand worldwide. For example, through partnerships with healthcare organisations like Cedars-Sinai and Mayo Clinic in the US, Enterprise Singapore supports Singapore startups to test and scale their solutions in overseas markets, facilitating a bi-directional flow of innovation to improve healthcare for communities.

Join Enterprise Singapore at the ‘Asia Cross Border Investments Panel’ to explore how cross-border capital, talent, and technologies are converging to drive breakthroughs in precision medicine, innovative therapies, and next-generation diagnostics. The panel will take place on January 12, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at RESI JPM by LSN, held at the Marriott Marquis, San Francisco. Learn from prominent industry leaders how transcontinental partnerships, including those with Singapore, are shaping the future of healthcare innovation – from discovery to global commercialisation.

To join the conversation, please contact Claire Jeong, VP of Investor Research, Asia BD, at c.jeong@lifesciencenation.com.

Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster (KBIC) Joins RESI JPM 2026 as Gold Sponsor

28 Oct

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

Life Science Nation is proud to announce that the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster (KBIC) will serve as a sponsor for RESI JPM 2026, continuing its mission to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and global collaboration in life sciences. 

As part of this sponsorship, KBIC will host the Kansai Life Sciences Accelerator Program (KLSAP) 2025 Demo Day at RESI JPM 2026 on Tuesday, January 13, 12:00 – 2:00pm PT at the Marriott Marquis San Francisco. The Demo Day will feature 3 startups that are part of the KLSAP 2025 Cohort as well as other member companies of KBIC, to be announced as the event approaches. This initiative will provide participating companies with global exposure, strategic investor connections, and the opportunity to pitch to an international audience of early-stage investors and strategic partners across life science and healthcare sectors.

Interested in joining and receiving updates on the KLSAP 2025 Demo Day? Please contact Claire Jeong, VP of Investor Research, Asia BD, at c.jeong@lifesciencenation.com 

Introduction of Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster (KBIC)
Located in the heart of Kobe, Japan, the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster is one of the nation’s leading ecosystems dedicated to the advancement of biomedical research and commercialization. With more than 340 organizations, including research institutes, hospitals, and life science companies, KBIC plays a vital role in bridging academia, government, and industry to accelerate innovation and improve global health outcomes. 

By partnering with RESI JPM 2026, KBIC aims to strengthen international collaboration and support Japanese startups seeking to expand their networks and raise global awareness for their technologies. Through this continued engagement, KBIC and LSN will work together help founders access global capital and strategic resources to advance from concept to commercialization. 

About Kansai Life Sciences Accelerator Program (KLSAP)
Powered by KBIC, the Kansai Life Sciences Accelerator Program (KLSAP) supports early-stage life science and healthcare startups in the Kansai region through tailored mentorship, commercialization guidance, and access to global investor networks. 

The 2025 KLSAP Cohort will participate in RESI JPM 2026 to present their innovations to a diverse investor audience, gain valuable feedback, and establish partnerships that can help drive their technologies toward global markets. The cohort’s participation exemplifies KBIC’s commitment to supporting international expansion and facilitating cross-border collaboration in life sciences. 3 companies have been selected for this year’s KLSAP Cohort, with descriptions of each company added below:

C-Biomex
Founded in 2017, C-Biomex is a bio-venture dedicated to advancing novel theranostics using its proprietary peptide discovery platform, CUS™. The platform enables identification of peptides with high stability and specificity through a three-step process involving a high-purity library, an innovative screening protocol that minimizes background interactions, and direct sequencing via a proprietary algorithm. C-Biomex focuses on radiopharmaceutical development, positioning itself at the intersection of diagnostics and therapeutics to accelerate peptide-based solutions for global biomedical applications.

GeneMedicine
GeneMedicine, founded in 2014 and based in Seoul, develops oncolytic viruses engineered to selectively replicate in and kill cancer cells while stimulating an anti-tumor immune response. Its GM-oAd platform is designed for systemic delivery of oncolytic adenoviruses with enhanced tumor specificity, immune activation, and ability to overcome physical tumor barriers. In addition to its therapeutic pipeline, GeneMedicine is expanding into CDMO services and novel drug-delivery systems, building a sustainable and diversified business model.

iXgene
iXgene is a Japanese life sciences company focused on developing therapies for intractable diseases using genome editing and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology. Its proprietary platform combines advanced genome editing tools, such as CRISPR, with iPS-derived therapeutics targeting indications including malignant brain tumors and brain injury. iXgene collaborates with academic institutions and pharmaceutical partners to translate next-generation regenerative and gene therapies into the clinic, aiming to address high-unmet-need central nervous system diseases. 

LSN and KBIC invites all investors, industry leaders, and innovators to meet the KLSAP 2025 Cohort at RESI JPM 2026. Together, they will continue to advance global innovation and foster meaningful connections across the life sciences ecosystem. 

Register for RESI JPM

Confirmed Investors at RESI London 2025 

21 Oct

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

Life Science Nation (LSN) is thrilled to announce the confirmed investors for RESI London 2025, taking place on December 4, at King’s Fund, 11 Cavendish Square, with virtual partnering on December 8–9. This premier event connects early-stage life science companies with a diverse array of global investors, facilitating meaningful partnerships and funding opportunities.

Meet the Confirmed Investors

RESI London 2025 will feature a robust lineup of investors spanning various sectors within the life sciences industry. Confirmed investors include:

This diverse group of investors represents a broad spectrum of interests, from pharmaceutical giants to specialized venture capital firms, ensuring that attendees have access to a wealth of expertise and potential funding sources.

Why Attend RESI London 2025?

RESI London 2025 provides an exceptional platform for early-stage companies to engage directly with top-tier investors across the life sciences industry, present innovations to a panel of esteemed judges in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC), and receive valuable feedback. Attendees will have the opportunity to expand their network by building relationships with potential partners, collaborators, and industry experts, while also continuing discussions and meetings through virtual partnering on December 8–9, extending their reach and maximizing opportunities.

Whether you’re seeking funding, partnerships, or strategic alliances, RESI London 2025 provides the resources and connections necessary to propel your venture forward.

Register for RESI London >>

Investor Panels at RESI JPM 2026 

30 Sep

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

Life Science Nation (LSN) is excited to announce the lineup of investor panels at RESI JPM 2026, taking place January 12–13. These panels bring together leading venture capitalists, corporate investors, and strategic partners to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in life science investing. From early-stage “first check” VCs to specialized sectors like Cell & Gene Therapy, AI in Healthcare, and Longevity, RESI JPM offers unparalleled insight into the funding landscape. 

Day 1 – January 12 

  • 9:00 AM | “First Check” VCs Panel: Learn how early-stage investors evaluate founders, milestones, and the critical first institutional check. 
  • 10:00 AM | Medtech Strategics Panel: Explore how strategic investors from leading medtech companies drive growth through partnerships and acquisitions. 
  • 11:00 AM | Asia Cross Border Investments Panel: Sponsored by Enterprise Singapore, a RESI JPM Title Sponsor
  • 1:00 PM | Family Offices Panel: Hear how family offices provide patient, mission-driven capital to early- and growth-stage companies. 
  • 2:00 PM | Cell & Gene Therapy Panel: Discover where capital is flowing in this transformative area of medicine. 
  • 3:00 PM | When Should Companies Exit Stealth Mode?: Gain insight into timing the transition from quiet development to public visibility. 
  • 4:00 PM | Aging and Longevity Panel: Learn how investors are deploying capital to solutions addressing the world’s aging population. 

Day 2 – January 13 

  • 9:00 AM | Partnering with Global Pharma Panel: Understand how big pharma approaches early-stage partnerships and collaboration. 
  • 10:00 AM | Women’s Health Panel: Explore investment opportunities in an underserved market with enormous potential. 
  • 11:00 AM | AI in Healthcare: Discover how AI is reshaping drug development and care delivery. 
  • 1:00 PM | Orphan & Rare Diseases Panel: Learn about unique challenges and opportunities in niche, high-need markets. 
  • 2:00 PM | Corporate VC Panel: Hear how corporate venture capital balances strategic and financial goals to accelerate innovation. 
  • 3:00 PM | Techbio & Synthetic Biology Panel: Explore investment trends at the intersection of biology and technology. 
  • 4:00 PM | 2026 Outlook: VC Perspectives Panel: Gain insight into where investors see healthcare innovation heading in the coming year. 

These panels are designed not only to share insights but also to foster dialogue between investors and innovators. If you are interested in speaking on a RESI JPM investor panel, please reach out here. 

Registration for RESI JPM 2026 is now open, with Early Bird rates available until October 24. Don’t miss your chance to connect with top investors, strategic partners, and fellow innovators at one of the premier life science partnering events. Register for RESI JPM 2026 

Register for RESI JPM >>

RESI Boston September 2025 Innovator’s Pitch Challenge Winners 

23 Sep

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

At RESI Boston September 2025, over 50 innovative companies participated in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC), providing early-stage life science and healthcare companies with a unique platform to present their technologies and connect with potential investors.

The IPC finalists delivered 6-minute pitches followed by a 7-minute interactive Q&A session with a panel of investor judges. Each participating company also showcased its technology at a personalized table space in the RESI Exhibition Hall, creating additional opportunities for engagement.

A distinctive feature of the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge is its voting system. Registered RESI attendees—including startup executives, early-stage investors, and industry experts— “invested” in their favorite IPC companies using RESI cash provided at check-in. Attendees base their decisions on both the pitch presentations, the companies’ responses during Q&A, meeting with them in the exhibition hall at their table space, and during partnering or ad-hoc meetings at RESI.

Applications are now open for the next Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI London 2025 and RESI JPM 2026, with spots filled on a rolling basis.

Life Science Nation is proud to announce the top three winners of RESI Boston September 2025:

1st Place: Isotech

IsoTech Ltd is developing a novel wearable therapeutic medical device that stabilises blood pressure on standing to help older adults avoid dizziness and falls from orthostatic hypotension. The device guides a 30–60-second, on-demand isometric muscle contraction via a discreet retractable tether with visual and haptic cues, turning an evidence-based counter-manoeuvre into a simple, repeatable action without drug side effects. A completed proof-of-concept clinical study demonstrated clinically meaningful blood-pressure stabilisation in a substantial subset of patients with high usability and no unwanted adverse effects. The next phase is straightforward but execution-critical: design-for-manufacture and verification, Class I UKCA/CE technical documentation and light-touch QMS, tooling and pilot build, and a KOL-led seeded launch while preparing reimbursement pilots and strategic licensing options. Protected by patents on mechanism and form factor, ISO-101 aims to become the category-defining, real-time therapy for OH, improving independence for ageing populations and reducing falls-related costs for health systems at scale.

Dr Lochlainn Connolly, Founder – EVP Medical Affairs, Isotech | Dr Neil Fawkes, Founder / EVP R&D, Isotech | Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO, Life Science Nation | Iggy McGowan, Founder / CEO, Isotech


2nd Place: BILIX

Bilix, founded in Oct 2018, raised $21 million in investments and received $3 million in government grants to develop a new drug for various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Our first target is ischemia-reperfusion injury, where unmet medical needs are high and no drugs. Global companies (Novartis, Roche, AstraZeneca, Argenx) are in Phase 2 or 3 trials with single-modality drugs (likely to fail). Our Phase 2a clinical trial (our drug being multi-modality, likely to succeed) runs from 2025.09 to 2026.08. We generate royalty revenue from Classys (a $3B market cap laser medical device company) through exclusive LO in cosmeceutical products. We are currently raising Series B-3 of $6M, of which $ 3 M has been secured. With $25.7 million pre-money valuation, an ROI of >10 times is achievable within three years through IPO/M&A. We can flip to a US company with vetted Series C investments from US/Foreign VCs.

Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO, Life Science Nation | Myung L. Kim, Ph.D., MBA, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Bilix | Claire Jeong, CCO, VP of Investor Research, Asia BD, Life Science Nation


3rd Place: M6P Therapeutics

M6P Therapeutics focuses on lysosomes (the natural recycling center for cells) and has the only technology that can deliver any protein to lysosomes – a feat deemed impossible for over 50 years. The company has a deep pipeline, 6 rare pediatric drug designations, and an IP portfolio comprised of 9 patent families, 8 issued patents, and 20 in progress. Our Gaucher Disease ERT is ready for the clinic and our Pompe Disease ERT – which can restore and normalize muscle function – will be ready in 18 months. We also created a platform that can take any antigen-antibody complex to the lysosomes of any cell in the body (instead of relying on Fc clearance by select immune cells) for degradation. Our “chimeric” anti-PD-L1 antibody removes virtually all PD-L1 from the surface of tumor cells while our chimeric version of Keytruda is twice as potent.

Cole Van Vuren, Business Development Manager, Life Science Nation


The participating companies were grouped into 14 sector-focused sessions, with four companies per session. Each session was evaluated by a panel of judges, and the top-scoring companies were recognized for their strong pitches, ability to answer questions effectively, and clear communication of their value propositions.

Judges Picks:

Genaxis, Silver Sponsor of RESI Boston, Hosts Exclusive Startup Showcase

9 Sep

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

LSN is excited to announce Genaxis, a leading South Korea based accelerator and early-stage fund dedicated to deeptech and biotech innovation, as a Silver Sponsor of RESI Boston.

Genaxis is bringing five of Korea’s most innovative biotech and medtech startups to the global stage. These companies will be pitching at RESI Boston on September 17, 2025, where they will showcase breakthrough solutions spanning therapeutics, medical devices, digital health, and enabling technologies.

To provide an additional opportunity for investor engagement, Genaxis will also host an exclusive pre-RESI pitch session the day before the conference. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 9:00 – 11:00am EST, at CIC Boston (50 Milk St, Boston, MA 02109).

At this session, 5 startups will each deliver a 6-minute pitch followed by a 7-minute Q&A, and active investors and strategic partners are invited to join. Please RSVP below if you are interested in meeting Genaxis and the pitching companies. Brief descriptions are provided below:

RSVP

Bilix, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for intractable diseases in inflammation and cancer, with the mission to improve human health one patient at a time for better and longer lives. Driven by courage and determination, Bilix takes on the challenge of finding cures for conditions long considered incurable. Our goal is to expedite drug development and provide therapeutic answers for patients in urgent need, while upholding a commitment to fairness and accessibility. By delivering cost-effective, equitable treatment solutions, Bilix strives to transform the lives of patients worldwide and bring hope where few options exist.


DeepsonBio is a company specialized in ultrasound devices for treating dementia. By utilizing a non-invasive method, we offer a safe and highly effective treatment for patients with Alzheimer’s dementia and normal pressure hydrocephalus dementia.

Our therapeutic ultrasound device is designed to improve cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, utilizing Multiple Low Intensity Pliant Ultrasound (M-LIPUS) for cerebrofluid stimulation.

Main Business Area:

  • Neurology
  • Neurodegenerative disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus

EXOSYSTEMS Inc. is a South Korea–based digital health company pioneering AI-driven neuromuscular biomarkers to transform how motor function is assessed, diagnosed, and monitored. Founded in 2017 as a spin-out from ETRI, EXOSYSTEMS develops integrated solutions that combine clinical-grade EMG/IMU sensors with advanced AI analytics to deliver objective, quantitative insights into muscle and motor performance.

Its flagship technologies include the Muscle Function Index (MFI), a digital biomarker platform designed to replace fragmented and subjective in-person motor assessments with standardized, high-resolution measures. These solutions serve both pharmaceutical companies, by providing validated digital endpoints for clinical trials, and hospitals and clinics, by enabling efficient point-of-care diagnostics and patient monitoring.

With $4M secured in VC funding, over $10M in national R&D grants, regulatory recognition from the Korean FDA, and validation studies with Roche Korea, EXOSYSTEMS is positioned to set a new global standard for neuromuscular digital health.


Laon Medi is a digital health company transforming orthodontics with software-driven workflows. Our flagship platform, Laon Ortho, solves the inefficiencies of clear aligner treatment planning, a process that traditionally requires hours of manual work and outsourced lab services. By automating case setup and integrating multimodal data such as CBCT and intraoral scans, Laon Ortho reduces planning time to minutes while allowing clinics to manage cases in-house. This shift improves margins, lowers patient costs, and accelerates adoption of clear aligner therapy. Laon Ortho is commercially deployed in dozens of clinics and labs across Korea, generating post-pilot revenues and validating scalability. The company is now expanding globally with a model that serves clinics, labs, and DSOs, positioning itself as a scalable digital dentistry platform with clear cost advantages and growing international demand.


RadaHaim, founded in 2022, is a biotechnology company pioneering standardized, scalable organoid platforms for drug discovery and toxicology testing. We have developed patient-derived and iPSC-derived liver organoids with consistent size and morphology, enabling reliable disease modeling and drug-induced liver injury (DILI) assays. Our preclinical service platform operates under GLP-inspired workflows, including batch-level QC, reference compound benchmarking, and high-content imaging analytics. By bridging the translational gap between animal studies and clinical outcomes, RadaHaim provides pharmaceutical and biotech partners with more predictive data to accelerate drug development and reduce failures in clinical trials. In addition to CRO services, our long-term goal is to commercialize assay kits that integrate standardized organoids with ready-to-use protocols. Based in Korea and now expanding into the U.S., RadaHaim aims to become a global leader in organoid-based NAMs (New Approach Methodologies) aligned with regulatory acceptance and the future of animal-free testing.

About Genaxis:

Genaxis is a leading accelerator dedicated to supporting deep-tech and biotech startups. We deliver customized acceleration programs, strategic mentoring, and global investor access to help companies grow beyond their local markets. With expertise in investment readiness, cross-border collaboration, and global market entry, Genaxis equips entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need for sustainable growth. As a Silver Sponsor of RESI Boston 2025, we are committed to connecting innovative startups with global life science investors, fostering collaboration between Korea and the world. Our mission is to empower founders to achieve impactful innovation, create long-term value, and strengthen the global startup ecosystem.

Global Funding Insights for Digital Health Initiatives in 2018

12 Jul

By Ashley Durrer, Marketing Manager, LSN

This week I interviewed Colin Widen, the CEO of Boston Innovation Capital (BIC), Life Science Nation’s (LSN) wholly-owned broker-dealer arm, to learn where investors are allocating funds, and the current focus on healthcare advancement within the digital health space.

BIC works alongside LSN and our network of investors to support early-stage companies in forging connections with investors, major pharma firms, and other strategic players in the life science world. By managing clients’ fundraising campaigns and connecting them to investors who are a good fit, BIC is able to address its, and LSN’s, mission of advancing new and innovative technologies to the clinic.

Interview with Colin Widen moderated by Ashley Durrer

AD: With billions of dollars being poured into digital health, why the sudden increase?

CW: “Healthcare needs to find a way to pay for digital health now that value-based care and hospital incentives are aligned to support lower costs in healthcare with improved patient care. There are new potentials for change within the telemedicine space in light of ongoing healthcare reforms and debate.”

AD: How will that turn out for those seeking funding?

CW: “Digital health initiatives will be the least impacted by changes to the American healthcare system, making them prime opportunities for investment this year.

“There is a much lower cost to creating software, virtual platforms, compliance tools, etc. than creating advances in biologics, drugs, and other life science advancements, making digital health an increasingly popular space for investors. Successfully investing in therapeutics or medical devices requires a great deal of expertise, not to mention the increased risk due to the potential failure in clinical trials. On the other hand, software is a recognizable, lower cost, and scalable business model that is often also easily adaptable when regulations change.”

AD: Where does BIC fit into global funding from client perspectives?

CW: “BIC is working tirelessly to support digital health technologies that will have a real impact on the healthcare system for our doctors, nurses, and hospitals. This year BIC is focused on digital health technologies, assets, and virtual tools, which can support doctors’, hospitals’, and nurses’ efforts with patients. However, this currently excludes consumer-based products and electronic medical record (EMR) initiatives.”

AD: What are some examples of potential best-fit clients?

CW: “Some examples recognized in the market are pill dispensers and medicinal tracking for patient compliance, health portals for patients and doctors, mental health apps, medication tracking, patient monitoring and more.”

AD: What kind of client are you seeking now? Can you share a potential client profile?

CW: “Within our LSN network of investors, feedback clearly shows there is an increasing appetite to invest in niche digital health opportunities.

“Investors are seeking companies within the top-tier of their specialization, and a proven business model within the market. Often these investors want to see that the product, software, tool, etc. are viable, which means it’s already being used within the market e.g. hospitals. This also includes an accompanying value proposition for payors and the company is receiving ongoing revenue for that service.”

BIC Global Network of Digital Health Investors are focused on:

  • Funding of $10M-50M
  • Min $3mm+ ARR
  • Niche companies within the top-tier of their specialization
  • Currently avoiding pure EMR focused and consumer-based products

The Future of Digital Health

There are innovations happening every day to help improve access to healthcare. 2018 has already seen an increase in the debate over healthcare reform, rising insurance costs, and uncertainty of coverage for millions of Americans. Advancements in technologies and virtual tools for doctors and hospitals could really help to streamline processes and reduce overall costs for themselves as well as the patients they serve.

We can’t wait to hear what new innovations are entering the digital health space.

About Colin Widen, CEO

Colin Widen, registered representative, is a seasoned executive with 25 years of sales, trading and portfolio management experience in major investment banks. Colin joined Deutsche Bank where he led a team providing consulting services about alternative asset allocation strategies to family offices and smaller endowments and foundations. In creating BIC, Colin has combined investment skills with the robust investor network of LSN to offer a unique platform. Colin is a registered representative and holds Series 7, 24, 63 and 82 registrations. His specialties include reconstructing hedge fund portfolios. analyzing private equity holdings and helping with strategy and execution of capital raise initiatives across the spectrum of today’s life science assets.

About Boston Innovation Capital

Boston Innovation Capital (BIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Life Science Nation Holdings, became a FINRA-registered broker-dealer in 2016. BIC works alongside LSN’s other two divisions (LSN’s Investor Platform and Company Platform, and the RESI Conference Group) to support early-stage companies in forging connections with investors, major pharma firms and other strategic players in the life science world.