Disseminated on behalf of Silvercorp Metals Inc. (NYSE-A/TSX: SVM) and includes paid advertisement.

• Analysts remain optimistic about gold and silver prices during the coming months amid economic pressures from geopolitical turbulence
• The S&P/TSX Composite Index recently announced that Silvercorp will be added to its listings beginning Dec. 22, further increasing the company’s visibility and credibility with investors
• Silvercorp Metals is a top performing silver stock this year, increasing over 160%, but the company remains undervalued relative to peers
• The company is building a copper-gold mine in Ecuador, which will diversify its revenue base and potentially catalyze a market re-rate

Precious metals explorer Silvercorp Metals (NYSE American/TSX: SVM) will gain inclusion on the S&P/TSX Composite Index beginning Dec. 22, sending out the old year and ringing in the new with expectations of boosting its liquidity, increasing its visibility, and benefitting in general from the credibility afforded by the primary benchmark for the Canadian market (https://ibn.fm/5mogw).

Silvercorp has been riding a wave of enthusiasm during a year of marked revenue growth that has paralleled rising market prices for both gold and silver. According to the latest commentary from CPM Group, a precious metals research and analysis firm, the rise in silver prices is far from over. While investment demand softened briefly in 2022–2023, CPM notes that both silver demand and prices began strengthening again in 2024 and are set for further gains as investors react to persistent economic, political, and inflationary pressures. The firm projects that these underlying conditions “are unlikely to improve for many years,” and therefore expects silver to move higher over the next decade or more, with the broader precious metals uptrend still intact (https://ibn.fm/DDBVz).

Silvercorp reported last month that the ongoing surge in silver and gold prices gave its most recent quarterly financial report a hefty boost, with a 23% YOY increase in revenues (https://ibn.fm/vmzE0), continuing a trend that has defined itself as silver hovers near record territory and gold remains near-record above $4,000 an ounce (https://ibn.fm/ltGzP).

The company has also increased its production output  and continues to anticipate production growth as it nears the end of another financial reporting period. In China, at the company’s Ying area sites, capacity will increase to 1.52 million tonnes, once construction is completed and production is fully ramped up on a satellite project. 

In Ecuador, site development is now expected to bring the company another $211 million in gold and silver revenues to the table once operations get under way at its El Domo project. (https://ibn.fm/ZemLf). Ecuador is experiencing a surge in mine-building interests, with some $10 billion in investment going toward decisions on project construction during the country’s new term for its mining-friendly president, which begins in May. 

Silvercorp’s strong balance sheet, including cash of over US$380 million as of September 30, allows the company to pursue additional strategic M&A for growth and diversification.

“We’re pretty open-minded to look at what we think could be value-creating, mine-building opportunities for us,” Lon Shaver, President of Silvercorp, told Natural Resource Stocks in October (https://ibn.fm/7LbTE). “We’ve built this cash position so that we can be out there and aggressively looking at opportunities to buy other assets — either operating mines or development projects — and we remain very active on that front,” he added more recently in an interview with Triangle Investor (https://ibn.fm/DVtln). “The objective for this is to be in a position to move decisively and grow if we see something that we like.”

Shaver also noted that Silvercorp remains undervalued relative to peers and that continued operational progress, particularly in Ecuador, could support a future re-rate. 

For more information, visit the company’s website at https://silvercorpmetals.com/welcome.

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Disseminated on behalf of LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) and may include paid advertising.

• LaFleur Minerals upsized a previously announced LIFE offering due to investor demand, up to $4.5 million, as part of a non-brokered private placement to fund production restart at its Beacon Gold Mill
• The offering is taking place in tandem with a flow-through-eligible (“FT”) offering for gross proceeds up to $1.5 million to fund operations at its Swanson Gold Project
• Beacon Gold Mill was acquired by LaFleur in a state of readiness to resume operations pending a few equipment upgrades, and this round of financing provides full capital for up to 750 tpd gold production restart
• Gold is enjoying a banner year, striking record territory 50 times during 2025 and sustaining prices above $4,000 per ounce for the last few months, with LaFleur providing a simple and affordable way of investing in what is developing as a long-term gold rush

Gold explorer and near-term producer LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) is upsizing an investment opportunity previously announced on Dec. 15 due to high demand of the offering, adding the potential for more investor access as the company prepares for the launch of its flagship operation in the renowned Abitibi Gold Belt, in Val d’Or, Quebec, early in the new year. With this financing, LaFleur Minerals will be fully funded for restart of gold production operations at its Beacon Gold Mill located ~50km from its advanced stage exploration project and primary source of mineralized material, the Swanson Gold Project.

The offering regulated under the terms of Canada’s Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (“LIFE”) is expected to close on or about Dec. 31 but is no longer subject to an accelerated expiry clause that was part of the Dec. 15 announcement (https://ibn.fm/wLuO2).

LaFleur Minerals’ LIFE offering of 9 million units is designed to obtain gross proceeds of up to $4.5 million to advance exploration at the approximately 18,304-hectare (45,230-acre) Swanson site and the restart of gold production operations at the company’s wholly-owned Beacon Gold Mine and Mill in the heart of Val-d’Or’s active gold camp in the Quebec greenstone belt.

The Beacon Gold Mill is capable of processing more than 750 metric tons per day and is in a state of readiness, needing only a few equipment upgrades to restart operation after its shutdown three years ago under a different company’s ownership. 

At that time, gold was selling at $1,600 an ounce. The precious metal has enjoyed a banner year in 2025, sustaining prices above $4,000 an ounce for the last few months and recently striking new record territory above $4,500 an ounce — the latest in a succession of 50 all-time highs during the year driving gold to be “viewed as a currency rather than a commodity” (https://ibn.fm/wzV2x).

Beacon is about 50 kilometers from Swanson, and the Beacon Gold Mill is expected to be used to process product from the company’s exploration project. Being situated amid major operators such as Agnico Eagle, Eldorado Gold and Probe Gold/Fresnillo, it also has the potential to contract for custom work with other clients to boost its revenue stream. Existing stockpiles on-site are making it relatively quick to recommission the mill with initial feed and test runs.

Swanson, LaFleur’s primary focus as source of mineralized material to feed the mill, benefits from historical data derived from over 36,000 metres of drilling, including high-grade intervals the company anticipates will lead to open pit mining.

A Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) led by ERM is expected to be completed within the coming days, drawing on data from the historical drilling as well as new twin-hole drilling and infill to update the resource.

“Because Swanson is so advanced and sitting on an existing mining lease, we can get that into production fairly quickly compared to maybe other deposits in the region,” LaFleur CEO Paul Ténière said during an interview with Crux Investor (https://ibn.fm/8wNV4).

LaFleur’s expanded LIFE offering is being managed in tandem with a flow-through-eligible offering (FT Offering) that provides investors an additional benefit by transferring the tax deductibility of exploration and development expenses to them. The flow-through offering’s terms, for gross proceeds of up to $1.5 million, have not changed since they were announced in the Dec. 15 statement (https://ibn.fm/ZAPkU).

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

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

Qualified Person Statement:

All scientific and technical information contained in this article has been reviewed and approved by Louis Martin, P.Geo. (OGQ), Exploration Manager and Technical Advisor of the company and considered a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101.

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