• 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

• U.S. and global electricity demand is rising sharply, driven in part by energy-hungry AI-focused data centers.
• Safe & Green Holdings operates across oil and gas production, services, and energy technologies, as energy independence has returned to the policy and investment agenda in the United States.
• Wholly owned subsidiary Olenox gives Safe & Green Holdings exposure to domestic energy supply and significant service revenues.
• Digital monitoring and optimization tools are increasingly important in modern energy operations.

U.S. electricity consumption is set to reach record levels in 2025 and 2026, according to projections from the Energy Information Administration. The agency expects demand to climb to 4,199 billion kilowatt-hours in 2025 and 4,267 billion kWh in 2026, up from a record 4,110 billion kWh in 2024, as reported by Reuters in December (https://ibn.fm/oZz7s).

A significant driver of that increase is the rapid expansion of data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. These facilities consume large amounts of electricity around the clock, adding pressure to power grids already adapting to electrification in transport, heating, and industry. For investors, this shift is refocusing attention on companies positioned to supply energy reliably while improving efficiency and monitoring.

Safe & Green Holdings (NASDAQ: SGBX), a diversified holding company, through its vertically integrated energy operations, is one of the smaller public companies seeking to align itself with these structural trends. Following the February 2025 merger of SGBX and Olenox, the company consolidated its energy activities under Olenox Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary focused on domestic production, services, and energy technologies.

The broader backdrop is not limited to the United States. The International Energy Agency reported that global energy demand grew by 2.2% in 2024, nearly twice the average rate seen over the past decade, with electricity consumption rising by 4.3% year over year (https://ibn.fm/SJ9YO). The IEA cited data centers, AI workloads, industrial electrification, and record temperatures as key contributors.

This renewed growth has reversed years of declining energy consumption in advanced economies. It has also reinforced the role of natural gas and oil alongside renewables and nuclear, particularly as grids seek reliability to support continuous data processing. For companies like Safe & Green, the emphasis on American energy independence and domestic supply chains has become more than a political talking point; it is increasingly a commercial consideration.

Olenox’s Oil and Gas division operates in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, focusing on acquiring neglected or distressed properties with remaining production potential. Rather than pursuing frontier exploration, the strategy centers on extracting additional value from existing assets. In an environment where incremental supply matters, especially during demand spikes from data centers, such assets can contribute to domestic energy availability without long lead times.

Complementing production, Olenox’s Oilfield Services division provides abandonment and environmental reclamation services for third parties. This business generates an additional cash flow stream and supports the production arm with well services.

Olenox’s technologies division adds another layer. Olenox has developed proprietary plasma pulse and ultrasonic cleaning tools designed to recondition and stimulate underperforming wells. These tools aim to extend the productive life of existing infrastructure, an approach that aligns with the need to maximize output from current assets rather than relying solely on new drilling.

Beyond hydrocarbons, Safe & Green has emphasized digital oversight of energy operations. The company works with Machfu, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olenox, to deploy edge-to-enterprise devices that connect industrial field assets to secure cloud platforms. These systems provide real-time monitoring of equipment and production, allowing operators to respond quickly to performance issues or maintenance needs.

Such monitoring capabilities are increasingly relevant as energy systems grow more complex. Data centers require not only large volumes of electricity but also high reliability. Any disruption can be costly. While Safe & Green is not a power utility, its focus on monitoring, optimization, and efficiency reflects a broader shift in the energy sector toward data-driven operations.

The macro data underscores why these themes matter. Reuters noted that U.S. commercial power sales are expected to reach 1,486 billion kWh in 2025, surpassing previous highs, while residential and industrial consumption also remain elevated. At the same time, the EIA projects renewables will increase their share of generation, but natural gas will continue to play a central role in balancing the grid.

The IEA’s analysis points to a similar global pattern. While renewables and nuclear accounted for roughly 80% of the increase in electricity generation in 2024, natural gas demand rose by 2.7%, the strongest growth among fossil fuels. This reflects the need for flexible, dispatchable power to support intermittent renewables and continuous loads like AI data centers.

Safe & Green’s alignment with American energy independence is of critical importance. Domestic oil and gas production, combined with services that maintain and optimize existing wells, fits into a policy environment focused on supply security. The company’s ownership of New Asia Holdings and its integrated structure following the Olenox merger simplify that positioning to several intersecting trends: rising electricity demand driven by AI, renewed emphasis on domestic energy supply, and the growing use of digital tools to manage energy assets.

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

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

Disseminated on behalf of  ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) and may include paid advertising.

• ESGold Corp., an exploration-stage company committed to the acquisition, exploration, and development of high-quality mineral properties worldwide, just closed its non-brokered private placement of follow-through common shares, for aggregate gross proceeds of $4,505,000
• These proceeds will help fund the exploration of its Montauban property in Quebec
• ESGold also engaged Atrium Research Corporation for research and publication of various reports on the investment case for ESGold, with services to run for 12 months

ESGold (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF), an exploration-stage company committed to acquiring, exploring, and developing high-quality mineral properties worldwide, just announced the closing of its non-brokered private placement of follow-through common shares for aggregate gross proceeds of $4,505,000. The closing came just a few weeks after the company announced its intention to proceed with the private placement, tasking Red Cloud Securities Inc. as a finder in connection with the offering (https://ibn.fm/2NHRq).

In total, 5,300,000 shares were transacted at $0.85 per FT share, with Red Cloud Securities Inc. receiving an aggregate cash finder’s fee of $315,350. With the earnings, ESGold looks to fund exploration on its Montauban property in Quebec. The expenses are defined in paragraph (f) of the definition of “Canadian exploration expense” in subsection 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). They will qualify as “flow-through mining expenditures, incurred on or before December 31, 2026.

This milestone places ESGold in an advantageous position, with the resources to explore such a valuable mining site and a runway that aims to bring the company close to monetization and profitability much sooner than most of its competitors. It places it ahead of the curve, particularly as it works to stamp its position as a leader in its space.

The Montauban property has shown incredible potential from recent exploration activities and initiatives. For the company’s comprehensive three-dimensional geological model analysis of the property, it was noted that the property is not just a reclamation or redevelopment story, but rather the nucleus of a potentially much larger gold, silver, and base-metal district, which is a huge discovery for the company (https://ibn.fm/D8zCg). It shows just how much value the property holds. It also emphasizes the need to fast-track its further exploration and extraction of value, not just to place the company ahead of other players in its space, but also to grow shareholder value.

ESGold has also engaged Atrium Research Corporation, a leading company-sponsored research firm. Atrium will be responsible for researching and publishing various reports on ESGold based on publicly available information, discussions with the company’s management, and industry data. In addition, it will host three recorded interviews with ESGold’s management to present the investment case (https://ibn.fm/h1ZLh).

Atrium will receive a cash compensation of $12,000 per quarter for these services, which kicked off on December 15, 2025, and will run for 12 months. It provides a platform for ESGold and its management to share their vision, update interested parties on their progress and offer a first-hand account of how the industry is evolving. For investors, it will also be an additional avenue to keep tabs on what the company is doing, the decisions the management is making, and where it is headed overall.

Neither Atrium nor its insiders hold any shares or options to purchase shares in ESGold’s capital. The two are just arm’s-length parties, with their engagement subject to regulatory and Canadian Securities Exchange approval.

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

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

• Soligenix reported that SGX302 was well tolerated by all patients in cohort 3, with no drug-related adverse events identified during the treatment period.
• An optimized gel formulation was designed to improve the patient experience, with both easier dispensation and skin application.
• SGX302 utilizes visible light-activated synthetic hypericin, a first-in-class photodynamic therapy mechanism.

Soligenix (NASDAQ: SNGX), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products for rare diseases where unmet medical need exists, announced extended top line results from its Phase 2a clinical trial of SGX302 (synthetic hypericin) in patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis. The updated findings highlight clinical improvements with an optimized gel formulation of the investigational therapy, underscoring the potential of SGX302 as a noncarcinogenic, photodynamic treatment.

According to the company, the Phase 2a trial has progressed into an extension cohort (cohort 3) that enrolled an additional four patients treated with an improved topical gel formulation of SGX302. SGX302 gel was applied to psoriasis lesions twice a week over an 18-week period, the same duration as prior cohorts in the study. The gel formulation was designed to improve ease of application, particularly for larger or more extensive areas of affected skin.

Soligenix reported that SGX302 was well tolerated by all patients in cohort 3, with no drug-related adverse events identified during the treatment period. Among the three evaluable patients (one patient discontinued for personal reasons unrelated to the therapy), improvements were observed across multiple clinical measures. Measures used included the Investigator Global Assessment (“IGA”) and the Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index (“PASI”), standard scales used in dermatology to quantify disease severity and response to treatment.

One patient reached a disease status categorized as “Almost Clear” on the IGA scale, which is widely regarded as a marker of meaningful clinical success in psoriasis studies. This was accompanied by a substantial PASI improvement exceeding 50%, a benchmark that developers and clinicians consider evidence of therapeutic effect in skin disease trials. The outcomes seen with the optimized gel formulation were described as similar to or improved relative to prior responses seen with earlier SGX302 ointment formulation, consistent with expectations given the comparable release characteristics of the drug and the improved ease of application inherent to the gel.

“We are pleased with the preliminary findings from our ongoing Phase 2a trial,” said Soligenix president and CEO Christopher J. Schaber. “The optimized gel formulation was designed to improve the patient experience, with both easier dispensation and skin application. The expansion of this psoriasis study continues our evaluation of synthetic hypericin into other disease indications, including non-orphan indications, where there remains an unmet medical need.” Schaber also emphasized that the expansion of the psoriasis study continues the company’s evaluation of synthetic hypericin in indications beyond those historically targeted, addressing disease settings with large populations and significant unmet needs.

Current estimates show as many as 60 million to 125 million people worldwide living with psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can greatly impact quality of life. Psoriasis was projected to represent a global treatment market valued at approximately $15 billion in 2020, with forecasts suggesting the market could reach as much as $40 billion by 2027.

SGX302 utilizes visible light-activated synthetic hypericin, a first-in-class photodynamic therapy mechanism. Unlike some traditional photodynamic therapies that activate with ultraviolet (“UV”) light, which can be associated with DNA damage and long-term safety concerns, SGX302’s use of the red-yellow spectrum of visible light may provide deeper tissue penetration and a safer profile. The therapy works by absorbing visible light to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in target cells, addressing the underlying dysregulated immune activity in psoriasis lesions. This mechanism is conceptually similar to that observed in the positive Phase 3 FLASH study of synthetic hypericin in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

The ongoing Phase 2a study has enrolled sequential cohorts, each treated over an 18-week regimen. In cohort 1, five patients were treated with a 0.25% SGX302 ointment formulation applied twice weekly, followed by visible light activation approximately 24 hours later. While the initial cohort demonstrated biological signal and generally tolerated therapy well with improvements in PASI scores, none of the cohort reached a predefined clinical success threshold (IGA score of 0 or 1) by week 18 under the original dosing protocol.

Based on safety and tolerability observed in cohort 1, the second cohort was enrolled with an accelerated visible light dosing schedule allowing higher doses to be reached earlier in the treatment cycle. Among the four evaluable patients in cohort 2, two achieved clinical success at some point during the 18-week period and all demonstrated improvement, averaging about a 50% reduction in PASI score, further validating the biological activity of SGX302 across formulations and dosing strategies.

Soligenix’s SGX302 program is part of the company’s broader pipeline exploring synthetic hypericin in both rare and more common disease indications. In addition to mild-to-moderate psoriasis, synthetic hypericin is also being pursued under the name HyBryte(TM) in late-stage development for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (“CTCL”), an orphan dermatologic cancer with high unmet need. A confirmatory Phase 3 study of HyBryte continues to advance, and topline results are expected as part of the company’s clinical roadmap in 2026.

The positive data from cohort 3 support continued development of SGX302 as a noncarcinogenic, nonmutagenic photodynamic therapeutic. The demonstrated improvements in clinical endpoints and quality of life measures with the optimized gel form reinforce the potential for the therapy to expand into commercial development pathways, especially if confirmatory Phase 3 trials replicate and extend these early results.

As psoriasis remains a prevalent chronic disease with limited curative options, the announcement of these extended Phase 2a results represents a meaningful milestone for Soligenix and an important step forward in the broader validation of synthetic hypericin as a therapeutic platform. With data indicating improved application characteristics, strong tolerability and clear biological signals of efficacy, the company is poised to pursue further clinical advancement while navigating regulatory and commercial strategy in indications with significant unmet patient need.

For more information, visit www.Soligenix.com.

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