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The federal and Queensland governments have put the house on a US quantum startup over local rivals in a financial package worth $940 million (US$620m) to build a quantum computer in Brisbane.

PsiQuantum was founded in Palo Alto, California in 2015 by expat Australian professors Jeremy OBrien, Terry Rudolph, Mark Thompson and Dr Pete Shadbolt. The company hopes to build the worlds first useful quantum computer by 2030. The quantum startup has raised $700 million for its technology, which uses photons as a representation of qubits instead of electrons, and is currently valued at $5 billion.

Its backers include Australian VC Blackbird, which backed the quantum startup during 2021s $450 million Series D.

The funding is a mix of equity, grants, and loans that will see PsiQuantum set up shop near Brisbane Airport to build the worlds first utility-scale quantum computer there. The company says it has an aggressive plan to have the site operational by the end of 2027.

A fault-tolerant quantum computer will be able to solve commercially useful problems and transform critical industries including renewable energy, minerals and metals, healthcare and transportation.

The challenge and holy grail for quantum computing is building a computer with enough physical qubits to enable error-correction a key issue as it operates in an absolute zero (273.15 C) environment. PsiQuantum fusion-based architecture uses a photonics- approach, encoding qubits into particles of light, and leveraging advanced infrastructure in the semiconductor manufacturing industry to fabricate and test millions of photonic devices.

In May 2023 the federal government released its National Quantum Strategy, with the goal of building the worlds first error-corrected quantum computer in Australia amid predictions that the sector will create 19,400 jobs by 2045.

The PsiQuantum project is expected to create up to 400 new, high-skill jobs.

By last August the federal government was quietly seeking expressions of interest for its quantum computer ambitions, with PsiQuantum already earmarked as a frontrunner for federal support. The choice nonetheless raised concerns in the locally-based industry, which includes Silicon Quantum Computing. Founder Professor Michelle Simmons, who received the $250,000 Prime Ministers Prize for Science last year for her cutting edge work in the sector.

Queensland premier Steven Miles declared the state a global leader in the quantum technology industry.

Quantum will bring billions in economic opportunity to Queensland, which will deliver thousands of high paying tech jobs and the chance for Queenslanders to work in careers that will change the world, he said.

This investment partnership is as significant for Queensland and the nation as the first silicon microprocessors were to California that established Silicon Valley.

Federal science minister Ed Husic said in a speech last year that Australia has the ambition to be a big player, not a bit player in quantum.

In January PsiQuantum revealed it scored a contract with the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to work on the Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) program, which is looking at whether others approaches to quantum computing, such as the startups photonic approach, is capable of achieving operation faster than conventional predictions.

PsiQuantum cofounder and CEO Jeremy OBrien

PsiQuantum CEO Prof. Jeremy OBrien said his company has the potential to spark the next industrial revolution.

A utility-scalequantum computer represents an opportunity to construct a new, practical foundation of computational infrastructure and in so doing ignite the next industrial revolution, he said.

This platform will help solve todays impossible problems and will serve as tool to design the solutions we so desperately need to safeguard our future. Were thrilled to partner with the Australian and Queensland governments.

The companys chief business officer Stratton Sclavos said the government support is another critical milestone in their plan to build the worldsfirst useful quantum computers.

With a utility scalequantumcomputer in sight, our applications teams have been working with leading companies in pharmaceuticals, semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, chemicals, and financial services to ensure that fault tolerantquantum applications are ready to deploy when the system is operational, he said.

Blackbird general partnerMichael Tolo emphasised that the company remains Australian by heart and spirit as much as it is by origin despite its US base, and endorsed the government support as a bold and ambitious decision.

It is a stunning nation-building milestone that entrenches our position as the global leader in quantum computing and shows the most ambitious founders around the world that Australia is the best place to scale critical technologies, he said.

PsiQuantum has long flown under the radar in Australia but it has always been and will continue to be an Australian story. Founded by Australian academics who built upon research developed in Queensland and moved abroad as expats to test themselves against the best in the world.

This project creates a path for Australia to capture the economic benefit of research and talent that it has helped to nurture, and for our country to build unfair advantage in the many applications that utility-scale quantum computing will enable across materials science, physics and drug development.

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Federal and Queensland governments bet big on US-based PsiQuantum in $940 million deal to bring quantum ... - Startup Daily

The Novera QPU Partner Program aims to enable high-performing, on-premises quantum computing by creating an ecosystem of quantum computing hardware, software, and service providers who build and offer integral components of a functional quantum computing system. Novera QPU customers can work with Novera QPU partners to build a quantum computer powered by the Novera QPU that satisfies their system requirements and quantum computing research objectives.

BERKELEY, Calif., April 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rigetti Computing, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGTI) (Rigetti or the Company), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, announces the launch of the Novera QPU Partner Program. The Novera QPU Partner Program is an ecosystem of quantum computing hardware, software and service providers who build and offer integral components of a functional quantum computing system. Novera QPU customers who need control systems, a dilution refrigerator, quantum computing software tools, or integration services can integrate their Novera QPU with Novera QPU Partners technology with the assurance of compatibility and quality.

The founding members of the Novera QPU Partner Program include some of Rigettis most long-time partners and are leaders in their respective areas of quantum computing technology:

Rigetti intends on growing the Novera QPU Partner Program with additional partners on an ongoing basis.

The Novera QPU is a 9-qubit quantum processing unit (QPU) based on the Companys fourth generation Ankaa-class architecture featuring tunable couplers and a square lattice for denser connectivity and fast 2-qubit operations. The Novera QPU is manufactured in Rigettis Fab-1, the industrys first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility.

The Novera QPU includes all of the hardware below the mixing chamber plate (MXC) of a dilution refrigerator. In addition to a 9-qubit chip with a 3x3 array of tunable transmons, a 5-qubit chip with no tunable couplers or qubit-qubit coupling which can be used for developing and characterizing single-qubit operations on a simpler circuit, the Novera QPU components include:

While a QPU is the core of a quantum computer, in order to have a functioning quantum computing system, the installation must also include (1) a dilution refrigerator and (2) a control system. Depending on a customers research goals, system requirements, and use cases, there are also a variety of quantum software and integration resources that can be integrated with the Novera QPU.

Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO, said: With the Novera QPU, we have a unique opportunity to support the development of on-premises quantum computing capabilities worldwide. At Rigetti, we are experts at overcoming the challenges of building, installing, and supporting a quantum computing system. After a decade in the quantum computing industry, weve also forged long lasting partnerships with world-leading quantum technology companies whose collaborations and expertise helped us advance our capabilities even further. We want to empower Novera QPU customers with an ecosystem of our trusted partners to support their own quantum computing research pursuits, and to help prepare us for a quantum-ready society.

David Gunnarsson, Bluefors CTO, said: Bluefors Dilution Refrigerator Measurement Systems are renowned for their unmatched reliability, and today we have more than 1,250 units in operation worldwide. Its important for us to continue to innovate and develop critical components of a high performing quantum computer. Bluefors next generation gas handling system supports the deployment and easy to use cryogenics for on-premises quantum systems. We have the capability to support our customers with best in industry lead time and we are thrilled to be leading the field and pushing the boundaries of ultra-low temperature cooling.

Nir Minerbi, Classiq CEO, said: Quantum computing relies on bringing together a collection of technologies in order to achieve the best fitting and performing solution. Classiq is proud to be providing efficient, scalable quantum computing software to facilitate best-practice algorithm development with Novera."

Joe Fitzsimons, Horizon Quantum Computing CEO, said: "Rigetti was one of the pioneers of cloud-based quantum computing, and we are delighted to partner with them as Rigetti processors begin to power on-premises systems. As the industry pushes towards quantum advantage, a strong ecosystem and close collaboration between hardware and software efforts is more important than ever. The Novera QPU Partner Program is a welcome new instrument for building collaboration and allowing for tight integration between technologies at all levels of the quantum computing stack.

Bernhard Frohwitter, ParTec AG CEO, said: "The Novera QPU Partner Program is an essential building block in ParTecs strategy of becoming a quantum computing system integrator, building full-stack solutions using a component-based design that relies on a supply chain of quantum technology providers. ParTec looks forward to integrating the Novera QPU in our holistic quantum computer solutions and working with customers on unleashing its potential.

Michael J. Biercuk, Q-CTRL CEO and Founder, said: "The team at Q-CTRL has been excited to work with the Rigetti team to show how the right combination of hardware and infrastructure software can help deliver huge capabilitiesand performance enhancements to end users. Now we're thrilled to be delivering this capability directly to researchers and customers of the Novera QPU to help them achieve their goals using quantum computing with optimal performance."

Dr. Itamar Sivan, co-founder and CEO of Quantum Machines, said: "We're excited to be one of the founding members of the Novera QPU Partner Program. OPX1000 enables users to control their Novera QPU in real-time and push the boundaries of what algorithms and experiments can be performed. By integrating our OPX family of high-performance, processor-based controllers with Rigetti's advanced QPU technology, we are paving the path to accessible, powerful quantum computing solutions and accelerated time-to-market. Our partnership embodies our commitment to delivering industry-leading quantum control capabilities that push the boundaries of our industry closer to real-world applications."

Steve Brierley, founder and CEO of Riverlane said: Together, Riverlanes Quantum Error Correction Stack and Rigettis Novera QPU go hand in glove. End users can use our stack holistically or in parts. This includes our hardware decoder, optimized for Rigettis architecture; our suite of public and proprietary software decoders, QEC Explorer; and Aqueduct, our open quantum experiment management platform.

whurley, founder and CEO of Strangeworks, said: "This Partner Program will enable organizations to procure and build powerful quantum computers at a fraction of the price of commercial systems today. We are thrilled to be one of the first members of the Novera QPU Partner Program and deepen our existing partnership with Rigetti.

Mandy Birch, CEO of TreQ said: TreQ is delighted to partner with Rigetti to build and operate on-premises quantum computing systems that include the Novera QPU. We look forward to supporting pathfinders around the world who are expediting useful and usable next-gen computing infrastructure to elevate their businesses, institutions, and communities.

Moritz Kirste, Head of Business Development Quantum Technologies at Zurich Instruments, said: We are excited to be one of the founding members of Rigettis Novera QPU Partner Program. Zurich Instruments started contributing to quantum technologies in 2015, and ever since we are committed to Swiss quality standards in R&D and in production. This partnership opens new pathways to support our customers with full-stack solutions, locally by our experts in seven international offices.

Among the early adopters of small-scale, high performing QPUs like the Novera QPU, are government agencies. The first two Novera QPU sales were to leading US government labs the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS) led by Fermilab, and the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL). Rigetti also recently sold a Novera QPU to Horizon Quantum Computing for their first quantum computing system, to be installed in their new hardware testbed in Singapore. Quantum computing researchers across academia and industry are also beginning to invest in this technology as it is a promising resource to advance quantum computing workforce development.

The Novera QPU Partner Program launch follows Rigettis recent achievements with its larger-scale Ankaa-class quantum systems. Rigettis 84-qubit Ankaa-2 system, which is available over the cloud via Rigettis Quantum Cloud Services (QCS) cloud computing platform, recently achieved a 98% median 2-qubit gate fidelity. This performance marks a 2.5X increase in error performance compared to the Company's previous QPUs. Rigetti was also recently awarded an Innovate UK competition to deliver a 24-qubit Ankaa-class quantum computing system to the UKs National Quantum Computing Centre.

About Rigetti Rigetti is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The Company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. The Companys proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides high performance integration with public and private clouds for practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industrys first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The Company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industrys first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Learn more at rigetti.com.

About Bluefors Bluefors is the world leader in manufacturing cryogenic measurement systems for the field of quantum technology. We are dedicated to delivering the most reliable, easy-to-operate systems and versatile on the market. The quality of our products in combination with our scalable production capabilities, has made the quantum technology field recognize us as the preferred choice for their ultra-low temperature requirements. We offer a variety of models of dilution refrigerator measurement systems to meet the specific needs of our customers in laboratories in companies and universities worldwide.

About Classiq Classiq Technologies, the leading quantum software company, provides an all-encompassing platform (IDE, compiler and OS) with a single point of entry into quantum computing, taking you from algorithm design to execution. The high-level descriptive quantum software development environment, tailored to all levels of developer proficiency, automates quantum programming. This ensures that a broad range of talents, including those with backgrounds in AI, ML and linear algebra, can harness quantum computing without requiring deep, specialized knowledge of quantum physics. Classiq democratizes access to quantum computing and equips its users to take full advantage of the quantum computing revolution, including access to a broad range of quantum hardware.

About Horizon Quantum Computing Horizon Quantum Computing is developing a new generation of programming tools to simplify and expedite the process of developing software for quantum computers. By removing the need for prior quantum computing experience to develop applications for quantum hardware, Horizons tools are making the power of quantum computing accessible to every software developer.

The company was founded by Dr Joe Fitzsimons in 2018, a former professor with two decades of experience in quantum computing and computational complexity theory. The leadership team also includes Dr Si-Hui Tan, Chief Science Officer, who holds a Ph.D. in Physics from MIT and has been actively involved in quantum research for the same period.

About ParTec AG ParTec AG, founded in 1999, specializes in the development and building of modular supercomputers, the design, manufacture and integration of quantum computers as well as the development of accompanying software. The team spearheads R&D projects in QC, HPC and AI optimizing efficiency and increasing performance.

ParTec AG positions itself as a quantum computer integrator. We assemble full-stack solutions using components from technology providers, allowing us to offer different type of QPUs and modalities in the same overall system architecture. The physical system will be complemented with a digital twin and the overall solution is integrated into high-performance computing environments with our QBridge integration software.

Further information on the company and ParTec AG's innovative solutions in the field of high-performance computing and quantum computing can be found at http://www.par-tec.com.

About Q-CTRL Q-CTRLs quantum control infrastructure software for R&D professionals and quantum computing end users delivers the highest performance error-correcting and suppressing techniques globally, and provides a unique capability accelerating the pathway to the first useful quantum computers and quantum sensors. QCTRL also has developed Black Opal, an edtech platform that enables users to quickly learn quantum computing.

About Quantum Machines Quantum Machines (QM) drives quantum breakthroughs that accelerate the realization of practical quantum computers. The company's Quantum Orchestration Platform (QOP) fundamentally redefines the control and operations architecture of quantum processors. The full-stack hardware and software platform is capable of running even the most complex algorithms right out of the box, including quantum error correction, multi-qubit calibration, and more. Helping achieve the full potential of any quantum processor, the QOP allows for unprecedented advancement and speed-up of quantum technologies as well as the ability to scale to thousands of qubits. Visit us at: http://www.quantum-machines.co.

About Riverlane Riverlanes mission is to make quantum computing useful, sooner. This will transform the future of computing and start an era of human progress as significant as the digital and industrial revolutions. Achieving this requires a 10,000x reduction in the system errors that quickly overwhelm all quantum computers, today. Riverlane is building Deltaflow, the quantum error correction (QEC) stack, that solves this problem in all quantum computers using every type of qubit. At Deltaflows core is the worlds most powerful quantum error decoder. Deltaflow is powered by a new class of patented QEC semiconductors designed and built by Riverlane.

About Strangeworks Strangeworks provides access to classical, quantum-inspired, and quantum computing technologies through its advanced compute platform. Strangeworks enables organizations to solve today's business problems while pathfinding the solutions for tomorrow. Strangeworks applications, including its flagship Optimization module and its business management tools, make it easy to manage compute resources, teams, and billing - all in one place. Together, Strangeworks helps your team discover new technologies and understand how to apply them to your novel problems. To learn more about how Strangeworks can accelerate your quantum journey, visit https://strangeworks.com.

About TreQ TreQ builds and operates bespoke quantum computing systems, when and where they are needed, for global pioneers advancing economic opportunity, scientific discovery, and collective security.

About Zurich Instruments Zurich Instruments is a Swiss company with a passion for phenomena that are often notoriously difficult to measure. We lead the change by developing cutting-edge hardware and software for quantum computing control systems, lock-in amplifiers, impedance analyzers, and arbitrary waveform generators. As a company of scientists for scientists, we tackle challenges of research by providing a wide product portfolio that reduces complexity of laboratory setups, unlocks new measurement strategies and complies to Swiss quality standards. Our commitment to collaborations and real-time support is reflected in seven offices worldwide, numerous research partnerships, and thousands of publications referring to Zurich Instruments. Since 2021, Zurich Instruments is a part of the Rohde & Schwarz and continues its sustainable growth to advance science and accelerate the second quantum revolution.

Media Contact press@rigetti.com

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this communication may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Companys ability to achieve milestones, technological advancements, including with respect to its technology roadmap, help unlock quantum computing, and develop practical applications; the ability of the Company to obtain government contracts successfully and in a timely manner and the availability of government funding; the potential of quantum computing; the ability of the Company to expand its QPU sales; the success of the Companys partnerships and collaborations; the Companys ability to accelerate its development of multiple generations of quantum processors; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or others; the ability to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and attract and retain management and key employees; costs related to operating as a public company; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, or competitive factors; the Companys estimates of expenses and profitability; the evolution of the markets in which the Company competes; the ability of the Company to implement its strategic initiatives, expansion plans and continue to innovate its existing services; the expected use of proceeds from the Companys past and future financings or other capital; the sufficiency of the Companys cash resources; unfavorable conditions in the Companys industry, the global economy or global supply chain, including financial and credit market fluctuations and uncertainty, rising inflation and interest rates, disruptions in banking systems, increased costs, international trade relations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare (such as the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions and the state of war between Israel and Hamas and related threat of a larger conflict), and terrorist attacks; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled Risk Factors and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

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Rigetti Computing Launches the Novera QPU Partner Program - GlobeNewswire

TikTok can be an oppressive landscape of Gen Z brain rot, but once in a blue moon, something rises from the sludge to reinstate my faith in humanity. The most recent example? A car dealership in Houston.

Against all odds, the team at Central Houston Nissan have become the kings of TikTok marketing, demonstrating a perfect blend of weird Gen Z humour and meme-able charisma. There's much to learn from these unlikely stars, so strap in you're in for a masterclass. (Check out our guide to the best TikTok camerasif you want to launch your own TikTok career.)

Central Houston Nissan nails the art of TikTok transitions, seamlessly drawing us in before delivering pure marketing gold. It's a prime example of your typical bait-and-switch comedy, luring us in with a viral video before transitioning to an ad for the dealership. The hilarious selection of videos, mixed with a genuine aptitude for editing (and complete commitment to 'the bit'), gives the videos the coveted virality social media managers crave.

It's clearly a successful marketing tactic, as the account's most popular video has racked up a steady 16.8M views. "Now this is an ad!!! Give whoever was behind this a raise!" commented one user, while another sang extremely high praise, calling the viral clip "a work of art that should be studied."

It's not to say that this technique should be replicated into the ground, but it goes to show that you can have fun with your marketing. TikTok in particular seems to have a penchant for originality and authenticity it's okay to break the rules and show a more human side in your branding.

As we've seen with the 'more is more' billboard marketing trend, there's a fine line between casual conversational marketing and outright desperation and best believe Gen Z can sniff it out. consider this your reminder to not overthink it when it comes to that all-important social media marketing.

Daily design news, reviews, how-tos and more, as picked by the editors.

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Hilarious new TikTok advertising trend is peak Gen Z - Creative Bloq

Mumbai: In India's fast-paced digital economy, the sports sector is going through a major upheaval, mostly as a result of the emergence of live-streaming services. Sports fans are increasingly preferring the digital way to consume sports content, limiting the scope of traditional distribution channels thus, limiting the scope for brands to effectively advertise their cause. This digital transformation presents opportunities as well as challenges for brands keen on investing in sports.

Traditionally, television has dominated the viewership in the realm of sports. In India, just a decade ago, the influx of the internet was far less pervasive than it is today. Live sports streaming on OTT platforms was not affordable and accessible and, thus, was not the norm, and fan engagement strategies were confined to offline channels. However, as the internet began to gain momentum and accessibility across India, a gradual shift occurred. The coming of the digital age brought up the emergence of online streaming services and digitally created content for fans across the globe. Fans started to enjoy the freedom to access their favourite sport and sport-related content regardless of the region, breaking free from traditional television schedules. This shift marked the beginning of a digital revolution.

People today are more connected than ever before, thanks to the internet era. Thus sports leagues, sports tournaments, athletes, and the sports industry in general have also started to connect with their fans via digital platforms. Today, live sports broadcasts and live sports consumption have majorly shifted to OTT platforms to make it accessible for fans to engage with sports. Additionally, the emergence of social media platforms and the presence of fans on these platforms have made it all the more imperative for sports to take the digital route. Interestingly, the emergence of these digital platforms, may it be OTT streaming or social media, has made it possible for previously unattainable ideas, material, and opinions to be shared. The digital route that sports today across the world is taking is affecting the brands positively as it gives them access to more accurate data about their target audience and also opens a new mode of communication, especially with the new generation. This has also led to brands partnering with specific sports tournaments and organizations and curating customized material that is specific to the audience and the platform on which it is being placed.

This makes us question if offline marketing still holds its value. Though digital means have a worldwide reach, they lack two crucial components that prevail in all walks of life: trust and credibility. Trust, credibility, personal touch, and camaraderie are what make offline marketing, especially in sports, significant. In face-to-face encounters, whether at live sports events, sponsor activations, or community initiatives, there exists a tangible sense of reliability and authenticity that can be orchestrated with the fans present at the moment.

Online marketing is very good at drawing in new customers since it primarily targets a large audience. With online content, brands have more scope to explore creativity with captivating imagery and narrative to engage potential customers. In order to appeal to certain demographics, interests, and behaviours that resonate with the target audience, brands, and organizations also get the opportunity to customize their message and creative assets. On the other hand, offline marketing initiatives effectively target local geographies and demographic audiences. Companies and brands have the ability to target certain regions, organize events, and choose the material that appeals to the local population in those locations. Sports is one such area that offers brands the opportunity to leverage both of these ways of marketing. Brands investing in local sports by organizing or partnering with local sports tournaments or promoting local talent by supporting their journey can help the brand create a stronger bond with the community. Brands can take the digital route or a more traditional offline marketing route; sports offers a 360-degree advertising opportunity with the added advantage of positive brand building and long-term connection with the community.

Decathlon, one of the leading sports brands in India, is a great example of how companies may interact with their audience by combining offline and internet marketing techniques. With multiple digital campaigns such as Play Your Own Way or HERoes of Decathlon, they promote the idea of sports and inclusivity within sports effectively while hosting sports tournaments, partnering with local sports events and sports communities to establish real connections with customers and provide them with an in-person opportunity to interact with the brand and test out new items.

In order to survive in this fast-paced world where consumers have easy access to thousands of brands, it is crucial to blend online and offline marketing strategies. The development of the digital age has created many fan engagement options, ranging from interactive social media marketing to immersive stadium experiences. Brands must choose the right opportunity and leverage the growing sports community in India.

This article has been authored by SportVot co-founder, CMO Shubhangi Gupta.

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Sports partnerships in the era of streaming services - Optimising Digital and Offline Marketing - Indiantelevision.com

When a political fever runs hot among government officials, the Bill of Rights is often one of the first casualties. Few fevers have been as hot as the Democrats reaction to January 6.

It is no surprise, then, that the investigation by Democrat Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, like that of the Congressional Select Committee in 2022, obliterated a sacred norm. In this case, the chalk outline is around the Fifth Amendment.

I offer this observation as one who recently was compelled to appear in front of an Arizona state grand jury. The sole purpose is for me to repeat my prior invocation of my 5th Amendment right to remain silent in connection with an investigation into my service as an alternate elector for President Trump in 2020. This follows the shameful spectacle of Congress House January 6 Select Committee using footage from its investigatory video depositions to produce a slick TV show in advance of the 2022 elections to publicly shame Republican witnesses who invoked their 5th Amendment rights.

The Bill of Rights were inserted into the Constitution to protect our essential rights, and the Fourteenth Amendment applies them to the states. The Fifth Amendment contains powerful defenses against abuses of power. It includes the right to be indicted by a grand jury for serious crimes instead of at the whim of a prosecutor, prohibits the government from prosecuting someone twice for the same offense, guarantees due process when the government tries to take your life, freedom, or property, and requires the government to pay for any property it takes from you. The Fifth Amendment has one more essential protection: the government cannot force you to testify against yourself.

Importantly, the Supreme Court held in Grunewald v. United States that one of this privileges basic functions is to protect innocent men who otherwise might be ensnared by ambiguous circumstances. The circumstances involving electors in the immediate aftermath of the 2020 election were indeed ambiguous. Alternate electors had been used in Hawaii in 1960, and the votes of John F. Kennedys alternates were ultimately validated long after the election. The day after the 2020 election, liberal commentators Van Jones and Larry Lessig published their opinion on CNN that Biden too should select alternate electors in Pennsylvania because Trump was leading in that states ballot count and the Democrats should contest the election.

Speaking of ambiguity, exactly what crime Attorney General Mayes is investigating was unclear from the face of the subpoena I received: It provided no notice of the authority of the Attorney General to convene this particular grand jury, no notice of the topic being investigated or the laws allegedly broken, and yet it said that I was a target of the investigation and must testify.

Concern that Mayes is overstepping her authority for political gain is not mere speculation. Before her election in 2022, she campaigned on her certainty before her investigation that Arizonas alternate electors committed a crime. Recently, Mayes declared that Democrat attorneys general such as herself absolutely have to get President Biden re-elected. With Arizonas elections only a few months away, consider that Arizonas investigation is somehow still ongoing nearly three and a half years after the events at issue, that other states and the federal government investigated and made their prosecutorial decisions long ago, and Mayes transparently told the press last year that, with regard to the investigation, Were going to make sure that we do it on our timetable.

For these reasons, though I maintain my innocence of any crime, I invoked my 5th Amendment right not to be compelled to testify against myself. Longstanding tradition and practice in both state and federal proceedings provides that once an individual subpoenaed by a grand jury informs the prosecution that the individual intends to assert the Fifth Amendment privilege not to testify, the individual is not compelled to appear before a grand jury for the purpose of invoking the privilege. And yet, I and other Republican witnesses were paraded in front of the grand jury solely to invoke our rights. This has rightly provoked the ridicule of both prosecutors and defense counsel.

There is no substantive evidence in the act of invoking ones Fifth Amendment rights. To force a witness to do so in front of the grand jury is an improper attempt to bias the grand jury and embarrass the witness. In some jurisdictions like the District of Columbia, a lawyer can be disciplined for forcing a witness to appear only to invoke their Fifth Amendment right.

The damage Democrats like Kris Mayes are inflicting on the 5th Amendment, and especially their normalization of its violation for political gain, is shameful and an affront to our Constitution. Repairing this damage must be a priority for Republicans this election year.

* * *

Jake Hoffmanis an Arizona statesenatorin Arizonas 15th district.

NOTE: DC Bar Ethics Opinion 31 is found on page 91 of the linked reference.

The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Originally posted here:
How Democrats In Arizona Are Damaging The Fifth Amendment - The Daily Wire