Disseminated on behalf of  Powermax Minerals Inc. (CSE: PMAX) (OTCQB: PWMXF) and may include paid advertising.

• Governments and industry are accelerating investment to rebuild domestic rare earth element (“REE”) supply chains, as Powermax Minerals advances early-stage REE assets in Canada and the United States amid tightening supply.
• New refining, magnet manufacturing, and recycling projects, underscore strategic urgency in North America, while China’s dominance of REE processing continues to shape policy and capital allocation decisions.
• Exploration progress at Atikokan greatly strengthens Powermax’s technical foundation in a proven mining district.

A wave of recent investment announcements across the United States is underscoring how rare earth elements have moved from niche commodities to strategic priorities. From refining facilities in Louisiana to magnet recycling hubs in Texas, governments and companies are working to rebuild domestic supply chains long dominated by China. The trend highlights growing opportunities not only in downstream processing and manufacturing, but also in upstream exploration, where companies such as Powermax Minerals (CSE: PMAX) (OTCQB: PWMXF) are positioning themselves.

The urgency is rooted in geopolitics as much as economics. China controls roughly 60% of global rare earth mining and close to 90% of processing capacity. Export restrictions imposed by Beijing over the past two years have sharpened concerns in Washington and Ottawa about supply security for defense systems, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics. In response, North America is beginning to assemble a more integrated REE ecosystem.

A recent example came in December, when Louisiana announced that ElementUSA would invest $850 million to build a rare earth and critical minerals refining facility in St. John Parish. The project, supported by a $29.9 million U.S. Department of Defense grant, aims to extract gallium, scandium, and other critical minerals from bauxite residue, strengthening domestic supply while creating more than 750 direct and indirect jobs (https://ibn.fm/qWCBB).

That announcement followed similar momentum in magnet manufacturing and recycling. HyProMag USA finalized a long-term lease for a rare earth magnet recycling and manufacturing facility in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, targeting commissioning by mid-2027. The project uses patented hydrogen processing technology to recover rare earth magnets from end-of-life products, contributing to a circular, domestic supply chain (https://ibn.fm/NQDGu).

Together, these developments reflect a broader effort to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled material flows. USA Rare Earth, for example, has articulated an ex-China magnet strategy built around vertical integration, from mining to finished magnets, to support defense and clean energy applications (https://ibn.fm/Z7xGf). While execution risks remain, the policy backdrop is increasingly supportive, with more than $1 billion in U.S. defense-related funding earmarked for critical minerals supply chains under instruments such as the Defense Production Act.

This downstream momentum has direct implications for upstream explorers. Global demand for rare earth elements is projected to triple from about 59,000 tonnes in 2022 to roughly 176,000 tonnes by 2035, driven largely by electric vehicles and wind power. At the same time, supply growth is expected to lag demand by as much as 30%, raising the risk of persistent shortages. Against that backdrop, exploration-stage companies are being reassessed as potential feeders into future North American supply chains.

Powermax Minerals is one such company. Based in Canada, Powermax is focused on identifying and advancing REE opportunities in both Canada and the United States. Its portfolio includes the Cameron REE property in British Columbia, the Atikokan REE property in Ontario, and a 100% interest in the Ogden Bear Lodge Project in Wyoming, as well the Pinard REE property in north Ontario which the company optioned on November 13 of this year (https://ibn.fm/yMx1B).

In December, Powermax reported completion of its 2025 field exploration program at the Atikokan property in northwestern Ontario, marking a key technical milestone. The program combined geological mapping, prospecting, ground-based radiometric surveys, and geochemical sampling across several priority targets. According to the company, 426 samples were collected, including soils, sediments, and rock samples, providing broad coverage of the property (https://ibn.fm/t5fyR).

Geological mapping at Atikokan identified three principal lithological domains, including granodiorite, granite, and gneissic tonalite. Management highlighted the presence of granitic and pegmatitic units as a potentially favorable indicator, given their association with late-stage magmatic processes that can concentrate rare earth elements. While Powermax cautioned that there is no assurance of economic mineralization, the results provide a framework for prioritizing future targets.

The field program also complements a high-resolution helicopter-borne magnetic and radiometric survey previously completed over the property. Powermax is awaiting final interpretation that will integrate airborne geophysical data with the 2025 field results, with the aim of refining structural controls and identifying anomalies for follow-up work. Chief Executive Officer Paul Gorman described the program as a foundational step that produced a robust technical dataset for evaluating both rare earth and critical metals potential.

Powermax’s assets in Wyoming and British Columbia add geographic diversification at a time when North American jurisdictions are increasingly aligned on critical minerals policy. Canadian companies, in particular, are eligible for U.S. defense-related grants and long-term purchase commitments tied to supply chain security, expanding potential funding avenues for successful projects.

As governments continue to emphasize energy transition, defense readiness, and industrial resilience, rare earth elements are likely to remain a focal point. Powermax’s progress at Atikokan and its broader portfolio position the company as an early participant in a market where supply constraints and policy support are reshaping long-term fundamentals.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PowermaxMinerals.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to PWMXF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/PWMXF

• SPARC AI provides GPS-free autonomous navigation and target acquisition systems for drones and other edge devices, and looks to merge AI modeling, edge computing, and advanced math to increase situational awareness
• The company’s system offers features like real-time geolocation, distance calculation, terrain integration, and several others
• At the center of the company’s technology is the Overwatch platform, an intelligent interface that rolls several important functions into a single platform

SPARC AI (OTCQB: SPAIF) is a next-gen developer of target acquisition systems and autonomous navigation software for drones and edge devices. These are designed to not only help first responders but also aid those in the security or defense industries.

Backed by 15 years of development, testing, and research, the company’s technology allows for precise and accurate geolocation, without depending on GPS, LIDAR, LASER, or RADAR. It also operates with zero detectable emissions, to ensure it remains completely secure and undetectable in contested or potentially dangerous environments.

The company’s solutions are also built for Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Limited (“DDIL”) areas, where networks are often completely unavailable or far from reliable. SPARC provides software-only solutions that work without any additional hardware, and operate without any complex sensors, which not only improves battery life, but also reduces cost.

Some other important features that the company’s precision targeting and navigation systems provide include:

• Real-time geolocation
• Distance calculation
• AI-Driven targeting
• Terrain integration

The core of the company’s technology is Overwatch, an intelligent interface that blends targeting and navigation into a single platform. It speeds up operations by letting customers rapidly categorize and engage targets, even in DDIL environments.

About SPARC AI Inc. (OTCQB: SPAIF)

SPARC AI is a company that develops next-gen and GPS-free target acquisition systems for drones and edge devices. It has the mission of redefining situational awareness and empowering organizations in the defense, rescue, and commercial industries. The company turns unmanned systems into autonomous tools to identify and engage with targets.

For more information, visit the company’s website at https://sparcai.co

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SPAIF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SPAIF

• A2Z Cust2Mate Solutions announced key additions to its global sales leadership team to accelerate growth in the Americas and Europe.
• The company’s core product is a state-of-the-art smart-cart platform that integrates interactive touchscreens, AI and real-time personalization tools to enhance the shopping experience.
• Cust2Mate’s recent commercial traction is supported by a series of notable orders and partnerships.

A2Z Cust2Mate Solutions (NASDAQ: AZ), an innovator in AI-powered smart-cart technology that enables seamless in-store checkout, personalized promotions and real-time data intelligence, is advancing its global sales leadership and expanding its footprint in the smart retail technology market. The company announced recent strategic appointments designed to drive revenue growth and market penetration. The company’s innovations in smart shopping-cart technology are aimed at transforming the in-store experience for retailers and consumers alike.

Earlier this month, A2Z Cust2Mate Solutions announced key additions to its global sales leadership team to accelerate growth in the Americas and Europe. The company appointed Kirk Morrison as head of sales for the Americas and Rodolphe d’Avezac as head of sales for Europe. The new appointments reflect a strategic effort to deepen market engagement and strengthen sales execution in two critical regions. Both executives bring extensive experience in retail technology, enterprise software and scaling solutions across diverse markets, positioning Cust2Mate to capture increased demand for its AI-driven retail products and services.

The appointment of these veteran sales leaders underscores Cust2Mate’s focus on expanding its addressable market and driving adoption of its flagship smart cart platform. The company emphasized that this organizational expansion aligns with its broader objective of building a stronger global presence and meeting rising demand from large retailers seeking integrated and data-rich shopping solutions. This move also signals Cust2Mate’s readiness to move beyond pilot deployments and targeted geographic contracts toward a scalable, multinational commercial strategy.

Cust2Mate’s core product is a state-of-the-art smart-cart platform that integrates interactive touchscreens, AI and real-time personalization tools to enhance the shopping experience. The technology blends features such as seamless checkout alternatives and in-cart personalized promotions and services, delivering a hybrid of online convenience and traditional in-store shopping. According to the company, this platform not only improves shopper satisfaction and loyalty but also unlocks new retail media revenue opportunities through targeted advertising and data monetization.

The company’s business model centers on selling and deploying these smart-cart systems to grocery chains, supermarkets and other retail outlets across multiple markets. Cust2Mate’s smart-cart platform is designed to transform routine shopping trips into interactive, efficient experiences while enabling retailers to reduce friction at checkout and gather actionable customer insights. These capabilities have attracted interest from retailers seeking competitive advantages in an increasingly digital and experience-driven retail environment.

In addition to leadership expansion, recent developments at A2Z Cust2Mate Solutions demonstrate diversified momentum across product deployment and commercial agreements. This month, the company also announced an agreement with a premium retailer in Central America to pilot its smart carts in two flagship stores starting in early 2026, with a view toward scaling to a chain-wide rollout following successful initial deployment. This partnership reflects growing retailer interest in Cust2Mate’s solutions and the potential for broader international adoption.

Cust2Mate’s recent commercial traction is supported by a series of notable orders and partnerships. In late 2025, the company secured a significant purchase order from Super Sapir, a prominent supermarket chain in Israel, for 3,000 smart shopping carts. This order illustrates both the scalability of the Cust2Mate platform and its appeal to established retail chains seeking technology that improves operational efficiency and enhances the customer experience.

Beyond individual contracts, the company has been building out its retail media strategy, as seen in prior agreements with major brands such as LEGO. A deal to feature LEGO advertising across 5,000 smart carts at Yochananof supermarkets in Israel introduced CPM-fee and commission-based revenue streams tied to completed transactions, demonstrating how Cust2Mate’s platform can extend beyond operational efficiency into monetization opportunities for retailers and brand partners.

Financially, A2Z Cust2Mate Solutions Corp has bolstered its balance sheet to support growth initiatives. In 2025, the company completed an oversubscribed equity financing round that raised approximately $45 million, backed by institutional investors including Wellington Management. This infusion of capital was reported to follow significant global orders totaling $80 million, underscoring strong commercial interest in its offerings. The funds raised are intended to support smart cart production, enhance retail media and AI capabilities, and expand international deployment.

A2Z Cust2Mate Solutions has also been investing in advanced technologies beyond hardware deployment. Earlier in 2025, the company announced the launch of a dedicated AI and Business Insights Division within its subsidiary Cust2Mate Ltd. This division is tasked with driving further innovation in personalized shopping experiences, retail media optimization, fraud prevention and store analytics, areas that position Cust2Mate at the intersection of AI and physical retail transformation.

The broader context for Cust2Mate’s expansion reflects a retail technology landscape where traditional brick-and-mortar stores seek digital differentiation to compete with e-commerce and omnichannel experiences. Analysts estimate that the smart retail technology market, including smart carts and associated platforms, is growing at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 27% through 2030. This trend suggests increasing demand for technologies that bridge physical and digital shopping environments, providing retailers with data-driven tools to enhance engagement and operational performance.

As Cust2Mate positions itself for further growth in 2026 and beyond, its expanded leadership team and growing portfolio of commercial agreements highlight a dual focus on scaling sales capacity and broadening market reach. With smart-cart technology increasingly seen as a strategic asset for retailers, the company is seeking to translate its innovative solutions into widespread adoption and long-term revenue growth.

For more information, visit www.Cust2Mate.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to A2C are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/A2Z

• BlockQuarry has launched a new corporate website that reflects a broader strategic shift beyond Bitcoin mining, to revolutionary mining support platform technology, and a new focus on AI-driven data storage and high-performance computing (“HPC”).
• The BLQCBuster(TM) platform, the first 100% U.S. manufactured bitcoin mining platform, has completed public validation and is moving toward commercial rollout.
• Management is aligning hardware, energy, and data strategy to address power-intensive AI workloads, and is building new technology options across crypto, AI, data centers, and healthcare analytics.

BlockQuarry (OTC: BLQC), a leading innovator in American-produced cryptocurrency mining solutions and now expanding into sustainable energy infrastructure technology, recently launched a redesigned corporate website to signal a broader shift in how the company positions itself within the fast-evolving compute and energy markets. 

The launch of the BLQCBuster.com site marks more than a branding update; it reflects an effort to consolidate communication as the company pivots toward AI-driven data storage and high-performance computing while continuing to advance its proprietary mining hardware platform.

The new website, announced December 10, provides centralized access to product information, investor updates, and ordering procedures as the company prepares for its next phase of execution. According to the company, the site is designed to make BlockQuarry’s strategy clearer to customers, partners, and shareholders, while also offering detailed 3D visualizations of its new BLQCBuster(TM) hardware (https://ibn.fm/CrW7x).

Chief Executive Officer Gregg Boehmer described the site as a foundational step rather than a standalone event. He noted that the platform will be used to communicate how and when orders will be accepted, and to provide consistent updates as the company advances its operational plan. “As we move forward, we will be keeping customers and shareholders informed on the process in which orders will be accepted,” Boehmer added. “BLQCBuster.com gives us a platform to share those updates clearly and consistently as we roll out the next steps of our operational plan.”

This expansion is rooted in a larger industry trend. Power-intensive data centers supporting artificial intelligence, machine learning, and large-scale analytics are driving demand for domestic compute infrastructure. BlockQuarry has stated that its long-term focus is shifting from pure Bitcoin mining toward AI-driven data storage and HPC, where clusters of high-performance machines operate in parallel to process massive datasets. These systems underpin applications across finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and climate modeling.

While its strategic focus is evolving, BlockQuarry continues to develop the BLQCBuster(TM) platform, which management sees as complementary to its HPC ambitions. The company reported in November that the BLQCBuster received strong industry feedback during its debut at the Mining Disrupt conference in Dallas (https://ibn.fm/ZdIBJ).

At the conference, the BLQCBuster was presented as a modular, rack-mountable, American-manufactured mining system designed for scalability and operational efficiency. Industry participants highlighted supply-chain resilience and domestic support as key differentiators at a time when operators are reassessing reliance on overseas hardware. Management said inbound interest included discussions around pre-orders and potential preferred-vendor relationships.

From an execution standpoint, BlockQuarry reported that its Gen-1 units completed a 60-day validation cycle, while Gen-2 units are undergoing final optimization with limited design changes. The relatively narrow scope of revisions suggests that the core architecture is nearing production readiness. 

The company also hosted a private networking event during the conference, drawing operators, vendors, and infrastructure partners. Feedback from the event centered on system flexibility and the company’s “Day 2” support model, which emphasizes ongoing service rather than one-time hardware sales. That approach mirrors broader trends in data center and enterprise compute markets, where lifecycle support and energy efficiency are increasingly tied to purchasing decisions.

“All testing phases have met and in many cases exceeded our performance targets,” said company leadership. “The data we presented at Mining Disrupt demonstrated real-world capabilities that captured industry attention. Once Gen-2 validation completes in the near term, we’ll be positioned to formalize our commercial launch strategy and begin accepting initial orders from our growing prospect base.”

BlockQuarry’s management has positioned the BLQCBuster platform as aligned with HPC workloads, given its focus on processing power, modularity, and energy optimization. These same attributes are critical for AI-driven data storage environments, where compute density and power management directly affect operating economics.

The company’s transition is also supported by recent acquisitions in the healthcare sector, including Telecare Home Health LLC and Paradigm Home Health LLC. Both businesses generate more than $1 million in annual revenue and provide access to healthcare datasets that could support AI-enabled analytics. BlockQuarry has suggested that combining data, compute infrastructure, and energy management could create opportunities in clinical optimization and operational efficiency.

Market sizing further explains the pivot. AI markets are projected to exceed $190 billion by 2025, while global HPC spending is forecast to surpass $109 billion by the early 2030s. These figures dwarf standalone cryptocurrency mining growth rates and offer more diversified revenue paths. By maintaining a foothold in mining hardware while reallocating focus to AI and HPC, BlockQuarry is attempting to balance near-term product validation with longer-term platform relevance.

For more information, visit the company’s website at BLQCBuster.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to BLQC are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/BLQC

Octane’s Aesthetics Tech Forum, a leading event in the aesthetics technology space, invites physicians, industry leaders, investors, and enthusiasts for two days of interactive networking and business. The event is set to take place on January 8-9, 2026.

The event venue, the Pendry Newport Beach in California, offers scenic ocean views with world-class amenities for the guests to relax and enjoy. Ranked 8th in Travel & Leisure’s Best Hotels in the world, attendees can connect with peers and industry icons while enjoying the world-class dining experience, the splendid outdoor pool, or the iconic beaches of the resort.

Why attend?

Join the innovative discussions that will give insights into the latest developments in aesthetics technology and business strategy. Connect with industry leaders, top physicians, and entrepreneurs driving change. The event floor offers phenomenal business and learning opportunities with access to potential investors. Connect with renowned speakers, including Merz Aesthetics CEO Bob Rhatigan, to learn about the trends and technologies that will shape the future of aesthetics.

Experts discuss a wide range of topics in the aesthetics line. They will speak about the future of regenerative medicine in aesthetics. Attendees can discover the latest in professional dispensed skincare or learn about hair growth and novel technologies to overcome hair loss.

The role of social media in aesthetics has become significant. Join the discussions as experts throw insights on how social media and AI are impacting the aesthetics industry. Experts will explore the latest in injectables and energy-based devices.

The event offers a robust platform for industries looking for visibility and exposure. Teresa Madden, Director of Partner Relations, is available to assist at teresa@octaneoc.org.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/XfC14.

Disseminated on behalf of ShelfieTech Ltd. (CSE: SHLF) (OTCQB: SHLFF) and may include paid advertising.

• Research estimates that empty shelves and product unavailability cost U.S. retailers more than $80 billion in lost sales annually.
• ShelfieTech’s core solution is built around automated shelf monitoring that detects product placement, identifies missing items.
• Beyond operational efficiency, the company’s technology offers retailers a path toward improved profitability.

Retailers across every segment of the industry face an increasingly urgent challenge as consumer expectations rise and in-store operations struggle to keep pace. Persistent issues such as out-of-stock items, inaccurate shelf data, labor shortages and missed sales opportunities have pushed retailers to seek faster, smarter and more automated solutions. Into this environment enters ShelfieTech (CSE: SHLF) (OTCQB: SHLFF), a technology company focused on transforming how retailers monitor shelf conditions, track inventory and optimize store performance. By connecting real-time shelf insights with advanced computer vision and data analytics, the company aims to close a longstanding gap between what happens on the retail floor and the information store operators need to act quickly and efficiently.

The demand for improved shelf visibility and reliable in-store data continues to increase as retailers adapt to new shopper behaviors shaped by e-commerce, omnichannel fulfillment and rapid-delivery expectations. Traditional manual audits remain slow, inconsistent and expensive, which directly contributes to lost revenue and reduced customer satisfaction. 

NielsenIQ research estimates that empty shelves and product unavailability cost U.S. retailers more than $80 billion in lost sales annually, as shoppers who cannot find the items they want frequently substitute brands, delay purchases or turn to competing retailers. As stores become more complex and inventory turns accelerate, retailers require tools that not only identify shelf conditions but also provide continuous accuracy and actionable insights. ShelfieTech’s technology aligns with these needs, offering a scalable platform designed to help stores maintain product availability, reduce operational strain and elevate in-aisle engagement.

ShelfieTech’s core solution is built around automated shelf monitoring that uses computer vision to detect product placement, identify missing items and ensure compliance with planograms and promotional displays. By converting previously invisible shelf-level activity into structured data, the company enables retailers to respond to inventory issues in near real-time. This approach moves traditional merchandising processes from reactive to proactive, giving store teams the information needed to restock faster, improve product visibility, and prevent costly stockouts. The platform is designed to integrate with existing retail systems, allowing operators to connect shelf insights with inventory management software, forecasting tools, and workforce applications.

Beyond operational efficiency, the company’s technology offers retailers a path toward improved profitability. With many chains now treating data as a strategic asset, the ability to capture and analyze shelf-level information unlocks opportunities for smarter category management, refined promotional execution and better supplier collaboration. Brands and consumer packaged goods manufacturers benefit from greater transparency into how products perform in stores, enabling them to adjust strategies, manage merchandising more effectively and strengthen relationships with retail partners. This alignment among retailers, brands and store employees positions ShelfieTech’s platform as a connector across the retail ecosystem, supporting more coordinated decision-making.

ShelfieTech’s purpose centers on enhancing the real-world retail environment through automation that reduces repetitive labor and improves accuracy. While digital commerce continues to grow, physical stores remain a foundation of global retail, and shelf conditions play a crucial role in meeting customer expectations. By focusing on the physical shelf, the company addresses a pain point that has historically been difficult to solve at scale. Its vision is built on the idea that every product should be visible, available and accounted for, and that retailers should not have to rely on manual checks to keep their shelves in order. This mission aligns with broader trends in retail technology, where automation, artificial intelligence and real-time analytics are becoming essential components of modern store operations.

The company’s ongoing projects reflect this vision by expanding capabilities that enhance in-store intelligence. ShelfieTech continues to develop its proprietary imaging and data-collection hardware while refining its software platform to deliver faster, more accurate insights. The company emphasizes ease of deployment and scalability, recognizing that retailers need solutions that can adapt to both small stores and large multinational chains. By designing its system to operate with minimal disruption, ShelfieTech aims to lower barriers to adoption and help retailers experience measurable improvement soon after implementation.

As automation becomes increasingly important for retail competitiveness, the role of companies such as ShelfieTech grows more influential. The company is positioned at the intersection of artificial intelligence, data analytics and everyday store operations, fields that continue to converge as retail evolves. ShelfieTech’s technology addresses a long-standing problem that neither manual labor nor legacy systems have been able to solve effectively, and its focus on shelf-level visibility aligns with the priorities of retailers seeking stronger margins, better customer experiences and more reliable operational workflows. Through its integrated approach, ShelfieTech Ltd. is working to build a retail environment where decision-making is guided by accurate, continuous data instead of periodic manual checks.

In an industry undergoing rapid transformation, ShelfieTech offers a solution designed for retailers that want to modernize their in-store operations while improving accuracy and efficiency. For retailers working to keep pace with changing expectations, the innovations ShelfieTech provides represent not only an operational advantage but also an opportunity to redefine the way stores function in a data-driven era.

For more information, visit www.ShelfieTech.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SHLFF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SHLFF

• NEXBOARD is a patent-pending composite construction panel designed to deliver enhanced performance across multiple criteria important to builders and sustainability advocates alike.
• In May, Xeriant announced that NEXBOARD’s nanotechnology successfully resisted temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 80 minutes.
• The company is moving toward certification completion, with internal testing of samples from recent production runs showing continued promising fire resistance and other performance attributes.

The global push for safer, more sustainable and higher-performance materials is reshaping industries ranging from construction and infrastructure to transportation, industrial manufacturing and aerospace. As regulators and end users alike demand solutions that reduce environmental impact while improving fire resistance, durability and resilience, NEXBOARD(TM) technology has emerged as a promising response. Developed by Xeriant (OTCQB: XERI), the eco-friendly composite panel is designed not only to replace conventional building materials, such as drywall and wood, but also to support a wider range of applications where advanced performance and sustainability are increasingly essential.

NEXBOARD is a patent-pending composite construction panel designed to deliver enhanced performance across multiple criteria important to builders and sustainability advocates alike. Constructed primarily from recycled plastic and fiber waste, the panel integrates nanotechnology to achieve exceptional resistance to fire, water, mold, insects, cracking and abrasion, which are properties often lacking in traditional wall and partition materials. Its design also aligns with circular economy principles and supports green building certifications, positioning NEXBOARD as a potential replacement for materials that contribute to higher resource consumption and carbon emissions in the built environment.

Earlier this year, internal laboratory testing showcased NEXBOARD’s remarkable fire resistance capabilities. In May, Xeriant announced that NEXBOARD’s nanotechnology successfully resisted temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 80 minutes during an internal lab test, demonstrating its flame-retardant system’s robustness. These results not only validated the panel’s safety performance but also marked a pivotal step toward formal certification and subsequent production scaling.

The spring and early summer also brought demonstrations of NEXBOARD’s performance in comparative contexts. Xeriant shared visual content that exhibited the technology’s fire-resistant properties under extreme conditions, reinforcing the panel’s ability to withstand high temperatures and prevent flame spread, key features for meeting building codes and safety standards. The demonstrations helped illustrate the material’s advantages over traditional construction materials, including plywood, drywall and cement board, which often fail under similar stress.

Production milestones for NEXBOARD occurred throughout the late summer and early fall, reflecting the company’s strategic push toward certification and market readiness. In early September, Xeriant announced the successful completion of a production run of NEXBOARD panels at one of its contract manufacturing facilities.

Following that production run, Xeriant completed a limited September production run specifically designed to trigger the formal certification process. Representatives from an accredited testing agency were present during this run to document quality control and manufacturing procedures, underscoring the company’s focus on meeting rigorous standards.

“The batch we ran last week showed that NEXBOARD can be made at scale and at the highest standards of quality and uniformity, which are critical accomplishments as we ramp up production,” reported Xeriant CEO Keith Duffy. “The next step is to complete the certification tests themselves, which are being scheduled at the lab.” By working with experienced manufacturers, Xeriant aims to streamline production processes, reduce cycle times and control costs, helping position NEXBOARD as a cost-effective alternative in the construction materials marketplace.

In addition to starting certification, the company provided samples of NEXBOARD to prospective clients within the construction industry, including builders, materials specifiers and suppliers seeking sustainable and high-performance solutions. According to company leadership, this production batch demonstrated that NEXBOARD panels could be manufactured at scale with high standards of uniformity and quality, both of which are essential for long-term commercial adoption.

As of late 2025, Xeriant continued to move toward certification completion, with internal testing of samples from these recent production runs showing continued promising fire resistance and other performance attributes. This progress toward formal approval represents a major focus for the company, as certification is a necessary precursor to broader commercial use and acceptance in both national and international markets. The broader construction materials market, particularly segments emphasizing sustainability, modularity and resilience, is substantial, and innovations such as NEXBOARD could play a meaningful role in meeting global industry needs.

Beyond technical and production achievements, Xeriant’s ability to advance NEXBOARD reflects its broader strategy of developing transformative materials that address contemporary industry challenges. By aligning the product’s design with stringent building codes and sustainability objectives, the company aims to capture interest from builders, developers, specifiers and suppliers focused on high-performance construction solutions. The emphasis on eco-friendly components, recycled content and nanotechnology situates NEXBOARD within broader trends toward sustainable development and materials innovation.

NEXBOARD represents a notable innovation in eco-friendly construction materials, blending performance, safety and sustainability in a panel designed to compete with entrenched traditional building products. Over the past year, Xeriant has progressed from internal performance testing to initial production runs and the initiation of formal certification processes, marking meaningful advancements toward commercial readiness. As the certification and adoption pathways continue to progress, NEXBOARD could become a compelling option for builders and developers seeking durable, sustainable alternatives in a market increasingly focused on resilience and environmental impact reduction.

For more information, visit www.Xeriant.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to XERI are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/XERI

• OTLC’s Deciparticle(TM) platform reliably formulates diverse hydrophobic drugs—including macrolide mTOR inhibitors, peptides, and polyketides—into uniform, IV-ready nanoparticles.
• Current Preclinical PK data show that Sapu003, the intravenous Deciparticle(TM) formulation of Everolimus (Afinitor(R)), cuts down gastrointestinal drug accumulation by up to 67-fold compared to oral dosing.
• These advancements highlight a quickly expanding immunology and oncology pipeline built on modular, cGMP-ready nanomedicine engineering.

Oncotelic Therapeutics (OTCQB: OTLC) is rapidly emerging as a key player in next-generation drug delivery, with a scalable nanotechnology platform that can transform the paradigms of immunology and oncology treatments. Leveraging Sapu Nano, the company’s clinical-stage nanomedicine, it unveiled new data at the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (“SABCS”), highlighting that its Deciparticle(TM) platform can package even the toughest, water-resistant drugs into smaller, uniform nanoparticles that are small enough for effective and safe intravenous use (ibn.fm/LxQ7N).

The platform shows high-level compatibility across different therapeutic categories. All five main macrolide mTOR inhibitors, including temsirolimus, sirolimus, ridaforolimus, Everolimus (Afinitor(R)), and umirolimus, formed stable, monodisperse particles. Tacrolimus, a key drug, also forms stable nanoparticles with diameters of less than 20 nm, highlighting the platform’s ability to handle multiple drug structures. Complex peptides such as exenatide and cyclosporine A were successfully packaged, underscoring the fact that the innovation can work with both linear and cyclic peptides.

This flexibility is supported by a viable cGMP manufacturing system, which promotes sterile filtration, one-pot synthesis, automated filling and finishing, and freeze-drying into clinic-ready products. With this setup, reliable stability after reconstruction, consistent batches, and quick movement are made possible from lab-scale formulation to Phase 1 clinical supply, a significant advantage for companies developing multiple drugs simultaneously.

Sapu Nano and Oncotelic also launched new pharmacokinetic data showing a significant benefit of their lead Deciparticle(TM) candidate, Sapu003, an IV version of Everolimus (Afinitor(R)) created to address the toxicity associated with oral Afinitor(R). Research has shown that oral Everolimus (Afinitor(R)) is highly concentrated in the gut and capable of reaching plasma levels over 2,000 times higher in some tissues. IV Sapu003 reduces this buildup by approximately 67-fold, facilitating more consistent drug exposure and improved tolerability (ibn.fm/Z0U1a).

These PK improvements align with earlier results, highlighting that Sapu003 generated approximately 98% tumor inhibition and outperformed paclitaxel in preclinical models. By going straight into the user’s bloodstream, Sapu003 could help doctors with a more effective and predictable option for HR⁺/HER2⁻ metastatic breast cancer, among other applications.

Together, the Sapu003 PK and Deciparticle(TM) screening data underscore Oncotelic’s strategic positioning as a platform-driven biotech company, helping to build a versatile nanomedicine engine capable of supporting multiple drugs for various applications.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Oncotelic.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to OTLC are available in the company’s newsroom at ibn.fm/OTLC

The Aesthetics Tech Forum – Forging The Future of Aesthetics – will be held on January 8-9, 2026, at the splendid Pendry Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, California. A premier event in the aesthetics technology space, the Aesthetics Tech Forum will bring together industry leaders, physicians, innovators, and enthusiasts to shape the future of aesthetics.

The Pendry Newport Beach, elegantly styled in California-influenced interiors, with state-of-the-art amenities and a scenic ocean backdrop, provides the perfect venue for this cutting-edge forum. The Aesthetics Tech Forum agenda involves engaging discussions, hands-on workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Participants can connect with industry experts to get queries solved and understand the latest opportunities and trends in the aesthetics space.

Industry experts will share insights on the latest developments, discussing breakthrough technologies, novel treatments, and more. These insights will serve as cornerstones in guiding attendees, helping them stay ahead of the curve. The event highlights include sessions by prominent keynote speakers sharing their experiences and visions for the future of aesthetics.

Attendees can participate in interactive workshops to get hands-on experience with the latest technologies, skills, and knowledge. In addition, the event offers important networking opportunities for meaningful future connections. The event fosters an impressive line-up of speakers, including Michel Brousset, Founder & CEO of Waldencast.

The featured topics include the trends in the aesthetics market, GLP-1, and its impact on face & body. Experts will also talk about skin health, regenerative aesthetics, and investments in aesthetics innovation. Discussions will also center on how social media and AI are revolutionizing the aesthetics industry.

Attendees can connect with like-minded professionals, partners, and industry leaders for collaboration and professional growth, and can later unwind at the world-class Spa Pendry, enjoying the world-class dining experience, the outdoor pool, or explore the surrounding area’s iconic shores and vibrant culture.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/XfC14.

This article has been disseminated on behalf of ShelfieTech Ltd. (CSE: SHLF) (OTCQB: SHLFF) and may include paid advertising.

• ShelfieTech’s corporate update highlights a strengthened financial position through recently completed financing rounds.
• Another significant milestone is the completion of the company’s dual listing on both the CSE and the OTCQB market.
• ShelfieTech has reached a foundational milestone by concluding the first stage of research and development for its Robotic Retail Shelf Monitoring System.

Retail technology innovators that can turn research progress into market-ready solutions often attract strong attention, especially when they achieve tangible milestones that move them closer to wide adoption. In a recent corporate update, ShelfieTech (CSE: SHLF) (OTCQB: SHLFF) outlines a series of accomplishments in 2025 that reflect both strategic execution and momentum in deploying its next-generation retail automation technology. From financing success to dual exchange listings and product development advancements, the company’s update highlights a year of meaningful corporate progress.

ShelfieTech’s corporate update highlights the company’s strengthened financial position through recently completed financing rounds that add depth to its balance sheet. Earlier this month, the company closed a private placement that raised approximately $1.7 million, bringing the total capital raised this year to about $3.4 million when combined with its earlier financing prior to listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange (“CSE”).

The influx of capital is intended to support the continued development of the company’s technology platform, potential synergistic acquisitions and general working capital as it enters new phases of growth. This financial backing gives the company increased flexibility as it prepares for commercial deployment of its offerings, reflecting investor confidence in its strategy and long-term prospects.

Another significant milestone ShelfieTech reported is the completion of its dual listing on both the CSE under the symbol SHLF and the OTCQB market in the United States under the symbol SHLFF. Dual listing can help broaden investor access, improve tradability and elevate the company’s visibility across multiple capital markets. For emerging technology firms, achieving multiple exchange listings can serve not only as a validation of their public company governance and reporting commitments but also as a platform to attract a more diverse investment base. This expanded market presence aligns with the company’s goal of securing the resources and recognition necessary to scale its retail technology solutions.

In terms of product development, ShelfieTech has reached a foundational milestone by concluding the first stage of research and development for its Robotic Retail Shelf Monitoring System. This robotic platform, designed to automate the capture of shelf-level data and enable more accurate, real-time visibility of in-store conditions, marks a key innovation in the company’s technology roadmap. With this stage complete, ShelfieTech plans to begin beta installations in supermarket environments, a crucial step that will allow the company to validate system performance in real-world settings and collect operational data ahead of broader commercial rollout.

Beyond the hardware phase, the company’s update describes a shift toward enhanced AI-driven capabilities that extend the utility of its platform. In the next phase of development, ShelfieTech plans to accelerate work on advanced AI-powered logistics tools, sophisticated inventory analytics and intelligent store-management systems. By incorporating machine learning and data analytics modules into the platform, the company intends to transform raw in-store data into actionable decision support and predictive insights. This evolution positions ShelfieTech not just as a hardware provider but also as a software-centric technology partner for retailers seeking deeper automation and operational intelligence.

These achievements reflect a company moving methodically toward its strategic goals while laying the groundwork for future commercial activity. ShelfieTech’s emphasis on both technology maturation and financial readiness helps demonstrate its commitment to transitioning from development to deployment.

The beta stage of the robotic shelf monitoring system will be particularly important for showcasing the practical value of ShelfieTech’s solutions to potential retail customers and partners. This phase typically provides insights into performance across different store formats and use cases, enabling fine-tuning before a full commercial launch.

The strategic decision to expand into software-centric tools speaks to ShelfieTech’s understanding of evolving retailer needs. As retailers increasingly seek automation that delivers not only data but also context and advanced analytics, the ability to offer a suite of integrated insights becomes a key differentiator. Sophisticated inventory analytics and operational decision support tools can help store managers anticipate trends, optimize stock levels and allocate resources more effectively, all of which contribute to improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.

ShelfieTech’s milestone achievements represent a year of building strength from the inside out: securing capital, formalizing market presence through dual listings and advancing key technology toward commercial readiness. As the company moves forward into 2026, the outcomes of its beta installations and the maturity of its AI-driven systems will be closely watched by industry observers and retail partners alike. With each step forward, ShelfieTech brings its vision of automated retail operations and intelligent store management closer to reality, supporting its long-term goal of enhancing in-store performance through innovation.

For more information, visit www.ShelfieTech.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SHLFF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SHLFF