• Xeriant’s portfolio is built through a combination of internal development, strategic partnerships and targeted technology acquisitions.
• A central focus for Xeriant entering 2026 is its advanced materials program, most visibly represented by NEXBOARD(TM).
• The company has a clarified strategic focus, technical momentum and a growing innovation platform.

As the new year begins, Xeriant (OTCQB: XERI) stands at a pivotal moment in its development as a holding and operating company focused on advanced materials and emerging technologies. With progress in its flagship composite materials project, strategic leadership growth and an expanding innovation ecosystem, Xeriant’s trajectory highlights both the challenges and opportunities inherent in bringing early-stage technologies toward commercialization.

Xeriant describes itself as a holding and operating entity dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of advanced materials and transformative technologies with applications across industrial markets, including construction, aerospace and infrastructure. Its portfolio is built through a combination of internal development, strategic partnerships and targeted technology acquisitions.

A central focus for Xeriant entering 2026 is its advanced materials program, most visibly represented by NEXBOARD(TM), a patent-pending composite construction panel marketed under the DUREVER(TM) brand. NEXBOARD is engineered from recycled plastic and cellulose waste materials and enhanced with proprietary nanotechnology-based flame retardants, aiming to offer an ecofriendly, high-performance alternative to traditional construction materials such as drywall, plywood, oriented strand board (“OSB”) and medium-density fiberboard (“MDF”).

NEXBOARD combines exceptional strength, fire resistance and water, mold and insect resistance, along with insulating properties that can help improve energy efficiency and long-term durability. The material is intended to be available in standard panel sizes and thicknesses tailored to residential and commercial building requirements, and is described as not requiring priming or sealing before finishing.

Throughout 2025, Xeriant achieved several technical and production milestones for NEXBOARD as it moved closer to commercialization. Late in the year, the company conducted limited production runs aimed at quality control and certification readiness, including completing an August production run of panels and initiating formal certification processes with a September run observed by third-party representatives. These steps followed earlier internal fire and performance testing designed to validate the material’s nanotechnology flame-retardant properties. Progress in the advanced materials line has been reflected in recent company communications, which note that NEXBOARD’s development is approaching the point where certification — a critical requirement for broad market acceptance — could unlock commercial deployment opportunities.

In addition to materials development, Xeriant is cultivating an innovation ecosystem under what it calls the Factor X Research Group, an internal hub designed to accelerate technology discovery and commercialization across a range of high-impact fields. Factor X blends cross-disciplinary research, strategic guidance and operational support, focusing on advanced materials, aerospace technologies, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence and infrastructure solutions. Leadership for this effort includes Brigadier General (Ret.) Blaine D. Holt, whose appointment to guide Factor X reflects the company’s desire to integrate strategic vision and disciplined innovation execution.

Factor X is frequently described in commentary as akin to a Skunk works-style research engine, intended to compress development cycles and bring transformative technologies from concept to implementation more rapidly than traditional corporate structures might allow. This emphasis on strategic acceleration positions Xeriant to pursue diversified opportunities while managing risk and maintaining flexibility.

Looking ahead, Xeriant has a clarified strategic focus, technical momentum in its advanced materials program and a growing innovation platform designed to accelerate transformational technologies. The company’s progress in NEXBOARD development, leadership expansion and broader ecosystem positioning underscores a commitment to bridging early-stage research and commercial applications, a trajectory that will be closely watched by investors and industry observers alike as the company progressed.

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

Disseminated on behalf of Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) and may include paid advertising.

• Market forecasts and recent activity in the sector point to solid demand gains through 2026 and beyond.
• The individual rare earth oxides segment accounted for 50.1% in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% through 2034, reports Research and Market.

Global demand for rare earth elements (“REEs”) is entering a new phase of sustained growth and tightening supply, driving both long-term demand forecasts and price momentum for critical magnetic materials. Companies that can build processing capacity are increasingly in the spotlight, including Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF). Ucore is positioning itself within this evolving landscape by advancing its proprietary RapidSX(TM) separation technology and commercial processing plans in North America to help meet rising needs for REEs essential to clean energy, defense and advanced technology markets.

Market forecasts and recent activity in the sector point to solid demand gains through 2026 and beyond. The global rare earth metals market was valued at roughly $18.2 billion in 2024, and analysts estimate it could reach $36.7 billion in the decade ahead. This surge is driven by industrial demand for high-performance materials used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, defense systems and consumer electronics. 

Long-range forecasts project continued expansion, with sustained compound annual growth supporting an increasingly large and diverse market. These projections reflect broad global trends toward electrification and clean-energy deployment that have spurred industrial demand well beyond historical baselines. 

“The individual rare earth oxides segment accounted for 50.1% in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% through 2034,” noted a recent Research and Markets report. “Demand for these individual rare earth metals is rising rapidly as their applications in advanced technologies continue to expand. Elements such as neodymium, praseodymium and dysprosium are experiencing particularly strong demand due to their critical role in high-performance permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind energy systems, and electronic devices.” 

Price trends reinforce the demand story. For example, market data shows that neodymium oxide benchmarks have climbed significantly in recent months and remain elevated compared with historical periods, reflecting tightening supply relative to demand growth. According to market pricing data, neodymium oxide contracts have strengthened year-over-year in early 2026, and models anticipate continued price support as supply constraints persist, with some estimates projecting prices in the six-figure range on a per-ton basis by late 2026. Elevated prices and volatility underscore the premium being placed on rare earth supply as manufacturers and policymakers alike seek to reduce overreliance on concentrated foreign sources. 

Part of this rising market dynamic is a renewed geopolitical focus on supply security. Recent news highlights continued Western efforts to reduce dependencies on China’s dominant processing position while building diversified supply chains. The United States recently enacted policies and funding initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic critical minerals capabilities, including significant investment commitments and tax incentives to support mine-to-magnet supply chains. European initiatives are similarly aimed at establishing regional processing capacity for rare earth magnets to reduce reliance on imported inputs. 

Ucore’s strategic positioning aligns with these macro trends. The company is developing commercial processing infrastructure for rare earth separation with a focus on deploying its RapidSX separation technology, a column-based solvent extraction innovation designed to provide efficient processing of both light and heavy rare earth elements. RapidSX differs from traditional solvent extraction by enabling higher throughput with reduced footprint and improved operational flexibility, creating a pathway for scalable deployment in commercial facilities. 

Ucore’s advancing activities include preparations to install commercial RapidSX units at its Strategic Metals Complex in Alexandria, Louisiana, with plans to commission the first commercial unit in mid-2026. The Louisiana facility is designed to process medium and heavy rare earth elements into separated oxides, a critical supply stage that currently lacks robust domestic capacity in North America. The company’s broader commercial strategy also includes technology transfer from its demonstration facility in Kingston, Ontario, which has provided extensive operational data supporting commercial scale-up. 

These developments are underpinned by government support. Ucore announced a funding agreement valued at $22.4 million with the U.S. Department of Defense to advance RapidSX separation technology toward full commercial production in Louisiana. According to the company, initial field work and engineering progress at the Louisiana site have advanced, and the project has received Defense Priorities and Allocations System status, which supports accelerated procurement and development. 

Ucore’s position in the evolving rare earth market is further supported by strategic alliances and projects that aim to integrate processing capacity across multiple jurisdictions. These include collaborations with magnet manufacturers and critical raw material suppliers designed to link oxide outputs with downstream magnet production needs, reinforcing the company’s role in an emerging North American supply chain that offsets traditional reliance on Asian processing hubs. 

The confluence of rising global demand, tightening supply fundamentals and heightened geopolitical focus on critical minerals suggests that rare earths will remain a high-growth area through 2026 and beyond. Price signals, volume forecasts and policy support all point to sustained pressure on the supply side, circumstances that favor companies capable of delivering refined, separated rare earth products at commercial scale. Ucore Rare Metals’ technology and development strategy positions it to take advantage of these market dynamics by addressing one of the most significant bottlenecks in the rare earth value chain: separation and processing capacity.

As demand for rare earth elements expands across energy transition, defense modernization and advanced manufacturing, the role of companies that can help build resilient, diversified supply chains becomes increasingly central. With momentum toward commercial deployment of RapidSX technology and government backing for U.S. processing facilities, Ucore is aligning itself with the structural forces shaping the future of rare earth markets. The anticipated uptick in demand and prices for these critical materials underscores the timing and importance of strategic capacity development, solidifying Ucore’s role in the long-term evolution of the global rare earth ecosystem.

For more information, visit www.Ucore.com.

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

• The Autonomous Logistics Platform, built for controlled industrial environments, is based on the company’s M01 platform, and is designed for heavy payloads and long operational endurance.
• The offering, officially revealed at UMEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi, highlighting regional and international ambitions, integrates mission planning, fleet coordination, and warehouse management workflows.
• AI-driven autonomy and fleet management distinguish Micropolis’ approach from narrower single-use robotics systems, positioning its robotics technology as adaptable across multiple industrial and infrastructure use cases.

Micropolis Holding (NYSE American: MCRP), a pioneer in unmanned ground vehicles (“UGVs”) and AI-driven security solutions, has expanded its industrial robotics portfolio with the unveiling of an Autonomous Logistics Platform designed for heavy-duty, continuous operations. The platform was revealed in January at the UMEX 2026 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, where it was showcased on the stand of EDGE Group, the UAE’s state-backed advanced technology and defense manufacturer (https://ibn.fm/WhHSL).

The Autonomous Logistics Platform is built on Micropolis’ M01 base vehicle and is intended for use in controlled industrial settings rather than public roads. Target environments include manufacturing facilities, industrial zones, logistics corridors, and other secured or access-restricted areas where predictable routes and repeatable missions are critical. The company describes the system as a response to the growing need for reliable, autonomous transport of goods and equipment within large industrial campuses.

At the hardware level, the platform is designed for demanding workloads. It supports payloads of four to five tons and uses a 400-volt high-voltage battery architecture. Depending on load, terrain, and mission profile, the system is engineered to operate for 12 to 18 hours per charge. These specifications place the robot in a category closer to industrial transport vehicles than to lighter autonomous mobile robots commonly used inside warehouses.

Micropolis founder and chief executive Fareed Aljawhari said the system was developed to address practical logistics challenges and noted that the platform’s endurance and payload capacity are intended to support sustained, high-frequency transport missions across large sites, reducing reliance on manual vehicles while improving operational safety.

“The reveal of our Autonomous Logistics Platform at UMEX in Abu Dhabi marks a major milestone for Micropolis. Built on our M01 platform, the system delivers industrial-grade payload performance, extended operational endurance, and advanced autonomy to serve real logistics needs in controlled industrial areas,” Aljawhari said. “We are proud to reveal the platform on EDGE Group’s stand, reflecting aligned ambitions to accelerate next-generation robotics and sovereign innovation from the UAE.”

The platform’s autonomy is driven by Micropolis’ Rule-Based Community Autonomous System, a proprietary software stack designed for structured environments. Rather than relying solely on end-to-end machine learning, the system combines AI with rule-based decision logic to manage navigation, obstacle avoidance, and task execution in predictable industrial layouts. 

A key differentiator for Micropolis is how autonomy is integrated into a broader operational framework. The Autonomous Logistics Platform is connected to the company’s Mission Planner, which handles route generation, task scheduling, and autonomous mission execution. This allows industrial operators to define transport tasks centrally and deploy them across one or more vehicles without manual intervention.

Fleet-level coordination is managed through STEERAI, Micropolis’ fleet management system. STEERAI provides real-time monitoring, multi-robot coordination, and operational analytics, enabling supervisors to track vehicle status, mission progress, and utilization rates across an entire site. For industrial operators, this level of visibility is often as important as autonomy itself, particularly in regulated or safety-sensitive environments.

The platform also supports integration with warehouse management systems. By linking autonomous transport missions directly to inventory and warehouse workflows, Micropolis aims to automate the movement of goods from storage to production lines or between facilities. This end-to-end integration is intended to reduce handoffs between systems and limit the need for manual scheduling.

Micropolis has positioned the Autonomous Logistics Platform as a last-mile logistics solution within secured industrial zones. Use cases outlined by the company include factory-to-factory transport, movement of equipment across industrial corridors, and scheduled logistics operations in restricted facilities where traceability and repeatability are required. These are environments where GPS-denied conditions, safety constraints, and operational continuity, limit usefulness of indoor-focused robots.

The unveiling at UMEX also highlighted Micropolis’ broader strategic positioning. While the company is known for developing robotic systems for security and law enforcement, management has emphasized that its core technologies are designed to be foundational rather than application-specific. The same autonomy stack, vehicle architecture, and AI tools can be adapted for logistics, infrastructure maintenance, or other industrial roles.

This flexibility is a central part of how Micropolis differentiates itself from competitors that design robots for narrow tasks. By controlling development across mechatronics, embedded systems, and AI software, the company aims to customize platforms for different operational requirements without redesigning systems from scratch. That vertical integration allows Micropolis to tailor payload capacity, endurance, and autonomy features to specific customer needs.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Micropolis.ai.

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

Disseminated on behalf of Fairchild Gold Corp. (TSX.V: FAIR) (OTCQB: FCHDF) and may include paid advertising.

• Copper prices have surged above $6 per pound, highlighting long-term supply constraints connected to infrastructure and electrification buildouts
• Fairchild Gold is advancing gold and copper exploration assets in North America, a region quickly gaining strategic importance
• These updates highlight Fairchild’s focus on metals critical to both macroeconomic resilience and industrial growth

Fairchild (TSX.V: FAIR) (OTC: FCHDF) is consolidating its investments in gold and copper, two critical metals in today’s global economy. With markets confronting a structural shift in the way supply chains, energy, and infrastructure are developed, the company is strategically positioned to leverage the latest developments. The recent rise in the price of copper to over $6 per pound, exceeding its July 2025 high, underscores increased global supply pressures at a time when decarbonization and electrification are picking up steam globally (ibn.fm/l82yn).

Copper’s recent rally is a product of increased long-term demand for electric vehicles, power grid expansion, data infrastructure, and renewable energy installations, all of which require more copper than other sectors. The supply growth of copper is largely impacted by rising costs, declining ore grades, political uncertainty, and permitting issues in key producing countries like Peru and Chile. Because of these factors, analysts have reviewed the medium-term copper forecasts upward, with many projecting that sustained prices above normal prices will be critical to leading more investments in the mining sector.

Fairchild Gold currently operates in an increasingly tightening supply environment as a mineral exploration company with a focus on acquiring and developing copper and gold assets in North America. The company’s focus on the Americas is perfectly aligned with investor and government interest in securing domestic sources of essential minerals, especially with the global reliance on a sensitive supply chain under heavier scrutiny.

copper currently enjoys long-term industrial and infrastructure demand, gold continues serving as a strategic store of value during periods of currency volatility, inflation, and macroeconomic uncertainty. With central banks balancing inflation control against slowing growth risks, gold’s function as a financial hedge remains very important. Companies focused on the development of both gold and copper have a strong appeal to investors looking to diversify across growth-oriented and defensive assets.

Fairchild Gold’s exploration-driven model places the company in a vantage position within the mining industry to benefit from long-term pricing projections. With copper prices reaching new heights, projects that were ignored before now for having lower economic potential are likely to gain renewed attention, boosting investment possibilities.

As gold and copper play a key role in the next wave of global growth and financial stability, Fairchild Gold Corp. is actively involved with both minerals. The company is taking an active role in helping to drive the industrial expansion and macroeconomic resilience through targeted exploration in stable North American territories.

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

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

• The World Health Organization’s recent recognition of rare diseases as a global health priority underscores their collective impact.
• Soligenix remains focused on delivering meaningful progress in rare disease-based therapeutics and public health.
• In its Specialized Biotherapeutics segment, Soligenix is advancing candidates designed for orphan diseases and other serious conditions where treatment options are limited.

As the global burden of rare diseases continues to rise, there is increasing urgency for innovative therapies that address unmet medical needs. More than 300 million people worldwide live with one or more rare diseases, many of which have limited or no approved treatment options, and diagnostic delays can persist for years, prolonging suffering and reducing quality of life. Amid this growing demand, Soligenix (NASDAQ: SNGX) is advancing a diversified pipeline of specialized biotherapeutics and public health solutions targeting rare and orphan conditions as it heads into 2026. 

Rare diseases collectively affect a substantial share of the global population. Although each individual rare disease may impact a small number of people, the World Health Organization’s recent recognition of rare diseases as a global health priority underscores their collective impact, noting that more than 300 million people worldwide live with one of more than 7,000 rare conditions. These diseases are often chronic, debilitating and life threatening, and many have no effective therapies. Patients may experience long diagnostic journeys, on average six to eight years, before receiving a definitive diagnosis, and even then fewer than 10% of rare diseases have an FDA-approved treatment. 

In the United States, an estimated one in 10 households is affected by a rare disease or undiagnosed illness, reflecting both the prevalence and the challenges these conditions pose for healthcare systems and families. The combination of diagnostic complexity, limited treatment options and substantial symptom burden drives a compelling need for expanded research, innovation and regulatory focus in rare disease drug development. Initiatives such as the World Health Assembly’s first-ever resolution on rare diseases in 2025, calling for a global action plan to improve diagnosis, care and treatment access, further highlight this imperative. 

With this in mind, Soligenix remains focused on delivering meaningful progress in rare disease-based therapeutics and public health. The company’s mission is centered on developing and commercializing products to treat rare diseases where there is an unmet medical need, reflecting decades of leadership experience and specialized expertise in this space. Its pipeline is organized around two key business segments: Specialized Biotherapeutics and Public Health Solutions, each addressing distinct but complementary aspects of rare and orphan disease care. 

In its Specialized Biotherapeutics segment, Soligenix is advancing candidates designed for orphan diseases and other serious conditions where treatment options are limited. A core focus is HyBryte(TM), also known as SGX301 or synthetic hypericin, a novel photodynamic therapy being developed for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (“CTCL”). This therapy uses visible-light activation to target malignant skin cells while aiming to minimize long-term phototoxic risks associated with ultraviolet light therapies. HyBryte has received orphan drug and fast track designations in the United States, orphan drug designation in Europe and a Promising Innovative Medicine designation from the UK Health Authority, reflecting regulatory recognition of its potential significance for a rare cancer with limited treatment alternatives. 

Beyond CTCL, the Specialized Biotherapeutics segment includes programs such as SGX302 (synthetic hypericin) for mild-to-moderate psoriasis, SGX942 for oral mucositis and SGX945 for the treatment of Behçet’s disease. In July 2025, Soligenix announced the successful transfer of synthetic hypericin manufacturing to its partner Sterling Pharma Solutions, a step that supports scaling production for multiple clinical programs. These development efforts demonstrate the breadth of Soligenix’s approach to addressing conditions that disproportionately affect small patient populations yet represent significant unmet medical needs.

Complementing its specialized therapeutics efforts is Soligenix’s Public Health Solutions segment, which is developing vaccines and treatments with potential applications for both rare disease impacts and broader health threats. This segment includes RiVax(R), a ricin toxin vaccine candidate; ThermoVax(R), a proprietary platform for heat-stable vaccines that may overcome cold-chain limitations in vaccine deployment; and other programs targeting filoviruses such as Ebola and Marburg, as well as COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Soligenix’s proprietary ThermoVax technology underpins many of these programs, with potential to enhance global vaccine stability and distribution. 

The Public Health Solutions pipeline illustrates how rare disease innovation intersects with biodefense and infectious disease preparedness. For example, RiVax seeks to prevent ricin poisoning, a rare but potentially catastrophic threat, and has progressed through early clinical stages. The ability to combine rare disease-oriented biologics with broader public health applications reflects Soligenix’s strategic positioning at the intersection of niche therapeutic needs and global health security challenges. 

As Soligenix moves into 2026, its portfolio of clinical candidates and technology platforms positions the company to address gaps in rare disease treatment while advancing solutions with wider societal relevance. With key programs progressing through clinical milestones, including ongoing phase 3 evaluation of HyBryte for CTCL and advanced vaccine development leveraging ThermoVax, the company is advancing toward potential regulatory and commercial inflection points. Recent corporate updates also highlight near-term catalytic milestones across the rare disease pipeline with the potential for significant global annual sales, underscoring investor interest in the company’s progress. 

The landscape for rare disease research and treatment continues to evolve, driven by scientific innovation, regulatory engagement and increased awareness of the collective impact of rare conditions. Soligenix’s focused approach, including spanning specialized rare disease therapeutics and public health solutions, reflects the complexity of this challenge and the need for diverse strategies to improve outcomes for patients with limited treatment options. As global rare-disease recognition grows and treatment gaps remain pronounced, companies such as Soligenix are stepping into roles that may shape future standards of care and public health preparedness.

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

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 mineral properties worldwide, and rapidly approaching production, is becoming a serious alternative to gold or silver for those hedging themselves against inflation
• With gold prices recently surpassing $5,300 an ounce, and silver $110, many people have been priced out of purchasing the commodity
• Investing in companies already in this space, and beginning to make significant moves, offers an affordable option to direct gold ownership

ESGold (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF), an exploration-stage company committed to acquiring, exploring, and developing high-quality mineral properties, represents a more affordable way to benefit from soaring gold and silver prices than direct precious metal ownership.

Construction at its Montauban property in Quebec is rapidly advancing toward gold-silver concentrate production with a 2026 timeline. Also, the newest survey for the company shows continuous structures extending ~1.2 km below surface. Combined with other information, this points to the possibility of a much larger, multi-zone system at the company’s property. In addition, tailings reprocessing delivers potential industry-leading margins, creating sustainable shareholder value.

Gold prices recently surpassed $5,300 an ounce, with sliver surpassing $110, driven by, among other things, the weakening U.S. dollar and lower interest rates that continue to boost the appeal of precious metals. With such metals viewed as a go-to solution to the corroding effects of inflation on wealth, people are rapidly bidding up both gold and silver (https://ibn.fm/yPCJH). To a significant fraction of the population, this trend has priced them out of purchasing such metals altogether.

A realistic alternative is investment in companies already in the precious metals space that are currently making significant moves. ESGold is one such company. With millions of dollars’ worth of investments in its gold/silver properties, and now approaching active production, the company represents an affordable path to enter that space. Experts have even noted that investing in such a company can offer more upside than investing in the physical metals themselves, mainly because its share price has room to outperform the surging price of gold and silver.

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

• In flood-risk discussion, some policymakers, researchers and industry observers have turned toward mitigation strategies that reduce the risk of damage in the first place.
• Xeriant’s NEXBOARD is a patent-pending composite panel engineered to outperform traditional building materials in multiple stress conditions, including floods.
• NEXBOARD’s water resistance isn’t incidental; it reflects a deliberate emphasis on durability under challenging environmental conditions.

Lawmakers in Washington are discussing the future of flood insurance and whether the federal government or private insurers should shoulder the risk. As the discussion continues, attention is also turning to how communities can actually reduce flood damage rather than simply reallocate who pays for it. This discussion mirrors broader questions about resilience, infrastructure and risk mitigation in a world with increasingly frequent and severe flooding events. These questions are creating opportunities for companies focused on developing more durable, water-resistant building materials. Among those innovators, Xeriant (OTCQB: XERI) is advancing composite panel technology designed to withstand water exposure and other environmental stressors that can exacerbate flood losses.

Flood insurance in the United States has long centered around the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”). Created in 1968, this federal program enables property owners in participating communities to purchase flood protection, while also encouraging floodplain management measures to reduce future damage. The program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) and has provided coverage for millions of homes across the country. However, it has also faced criticism for structural issues, including debt accumulation and a mismatch between mandated coverage and actual risk, as highlighted by recent flooding events in states like Washington.

The recent spate of flooding in Washington state has thrown these structural issues into sharp relief. Historic floods caused rivers to overtop levees and inundate areas not traditionally designated as high flood risk under current regulatory maps, leaving many homeowners without coverage or adequate protection. Federal research cited in a January 2026 press release notes that participation in flood insurance outside federally designated high-risk areas is substantially lower because of current mandate structures, contributing to uninsured losses in these X Zones.

This situation underscores one of the core debates in Washington: Should government continue to play the central role in providing affordable flood insurance, or should private markets expand their footprint? Proponents of expanding private flood insurance argue that advances in risk modeling and analytics now make it more commercially viable for private insurers to underwrite flood risk, potentially offering broader choices and more price-accurate coverage for homeowners. At the same time, critics emphasize that private insurers alone may not be able to sustain coverage for all high-risk properties at affordable rates without federal backstops or incentives.

Another dimension of the debate is that insurance, whether public or private, only compensates after damage has occurred; it doesn’t prevent water from entering homes or mitigate structural vulnerability to flooding. This distinction has turned the focus of some policymakers, researchers and industry observers toward mitigation strategies that reduce the actual risk of damage in the first place. Building materials and design standards that improve resilience can decrease the magnitude of losses when floodwaters arrive, potentially lowering claims and insurance costs over time while making properties safer and more durable.

This is where companies such as Xeriant enter the conversation with a different type of solution. Xeriant is a technology development company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing advanced materials that address performance challenges across markets including construction, infrastructure and industrial applications. Its most visible product in this space is NEXBOARD(TM), a patent-pending composite panel engineered to outperform traditional building materials in multiple stress conditions.

NEXBOARD is made from recycled plastics and cellulose fibers and is designed to be fire, water, mold and insect resistant while providing insulation and structural integrity. The board’s resistance to water in particular can contribute to reduced long-term maintenance and repair costs in environments prone to moisture and flooding, a feature that is increasingly relevant as communities contend with more extreme weather and surface water events.

NEXBOARD’s water resistance isn’t incidental; it reflects a deliberate emphasis on durability under challenging environmental conditions. Traditional drywall and many wood-based materials absorb moisture readily, which can lead to structural degradation, mold growth and significantly higher repair costs after flood events. By contrast, materials that resist water absorption, such as NEXBOARD, are less likely to sustain catastrophic damage from even moderate flooding, offering a built-in mitigation strategy that can complement insurance coverage.

According to Xeriant, progress toward commercial readiness for NEXBOARD has advanced over the past year, including limited production runs that initiated formal certification processes and engagement with prospective builders and industry partners. A September 2025 production run documented quality control procedures and provided samples for evaluation as part of the path toward broader adoption, moves that signal that the technology is maturing toward market deployment.

The potential impact of water-resistant materials extends beyond individual homes. Infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, transportation hubs and commercial buildings also suffer severe consequences from flooding, often requiring billions in repairs and leading to prolonged service disruptions. If advanced materials can reduce the extent of water damage in these structures, they may play a role in lowering overall economic losses tied to flood events and reshaping how communities approach resilience planning.

In addition, durable materials that resist water infiltration align with shifting regulatory and sustainability priorities. As building codes evolve to incorporate resilience against climate-driven hazards, materials that offer enhanced performance under moisture and flood stress may increasingly be specified by architects, contractors and policymakers seeking both safety and long-term value.

Ultimately, changes to flood insurance policy, whether expanding private participation or reforming existing federal programs, are only one piece of a broader resilience puzzle. Reducing flood risk effectively requires both financial protection through insurance and physical mitigation through technology and design. Companies such as Xeriant illustrate how innovation in building materials can contribute to this broader strategy by offering solutions that help structures better withstand water exposure and potentially reducing the scale of insurance claims and improving outcomes for homeowners and communities alike.

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

Disseminated on behalf of Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSE American: TMQ) (TSX: TMQ) and may include paid advertising.

• Following a recent federal investment, Trilogy Metals is strengthening both the company’s advisory and leadership teams to drive project execution
• The company shared the 2026 program and budget for Ambler Metals LLC, its joint venture with South32 Limited, as well as the corporate budget for the year
• It also gave some insights into the 2026 work program for the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects in northwestern Alaska, which includes mine permitting, exploration, drilling, and advancing both the technical and organizational foundations needed for future development of critical minerals

Trilogy Metals (NYSE American: TMQ) (TSX: TMQ), a mine development and exploration company, recently received an investment from the US federal government to advance both the exploration and development of the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects in the northwestern part of Alaska. These projects are held by Ambler Metals LLC, which is Trilogy’s 50/50 joint venture with South32 Limited.

Thanks to the investment, the company is strengthening both the advisory team and the leadership team to drive project execution and deliver more long-term value to shareholders.

The company added Egizio Bianchini as a strategic advisor, and he brings decades of investment banking experience, specifically in the areas of financing and advising mining companies. He also has an MBA, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology.

On the management side, the company is adding:

• Olav Langelaar as the Vice President of Corporate Development.
• Matthew Keevil as the Vice President of Investor Relations and Business Development.
• Kimberly Lim as the Director of Corporate Communications.

These industry professionals collectively bring years of capital markets, mining operations, communications, and investor relations experience to the team.

In addition to expanding its team, the company unveiled the 2026 program and budget for Ambler Metals LLC, along with its own corporate budget for the year. Ambler Metals has approved a $35 million 2026 program aimed at advancing the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects.

The corporate budget for Trilogy is approximately $5 million and is mainly for public company compliance and oversight of the company’s investment in Ambler Metals.

The announcement also touched on the 2026 work program, which includes preparing for the mine permitting process, and continuing to advance both the technical and organizational foundations that are needed for future development. It also mentioned that exploration activities for 2026 will mainly focus on drilling to support mine design, infrastructure placement, and future production planning.

About Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSE American: TMQ) (TSX: TMQ) 

Trilogy Metals is a mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing critical mineral assets in Alaska, in one of the most prospective undeveloped polymetallic districts. The company has the vision of responsibly developing the Ambler Mining District into a premier domestic source of critical minerals, while also delivering long-term value to shareholders.

For more information, visit www.TrilogyMetals.com.

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

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

• Canadian near-term gold producer and explorer LaFleur Minerals has been working through to complete recommissioning work on its 100%-owned processing Beacon Gold Mill in the renowned Abitibi gold belt in Val d’Or, Quebec
• LaFleur has completed meaningful advancements as first step in restart operations including electrical and heating upgrades, cleanup measures and mechanical inspections at the Beacon Gold Mill, strategically placed near LaFleur’s Swanson Gold Deposit, and core to the company’s mine to mill vertically integrated model
• The Abitibi region is host to several large gold explorer operations and historic mines — companies that represent custom contract potential for Beacon Gold Mill as additional revenue stream while LaFleur focuses on exploration and mining potential at its Swanson Gold Project
• LaFleur’s gold processing is increasingly attractive as gold tops $5,000 per ounce in market trading, the latest in a long string of record advancements during the past year, and some market analysts are already anticipating gold may strike above $6,000 by the end of the year

The winter hasn’t stopped progress for gold explorer and near-term producer LaFleur Minerals (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) amid ongoing mobilization and restart activity for LaFleur’s Beacon Gold Mill and Swanson Gold Deposit in the celebrated Abitibi Gold Belt. The company’s processing mill is planned to support LaFleur’s own productions, as well as those of nearby mines including the potential for exploration heavy hitters Agnico Eagle, Eldorado Gold, and Probe Gold/Fresnillo.

Operational progress during November and December has helped the Beacon Gold Mill ramp up toward a strategic goal of processing an initial 100,000-tonne bulk sample from the Swanson Gold Deposit, with inspection of critical safety infrastructure and the restoration of site services. LaFleur will also be able to leverage up to 20,000 mt of mineralized material at the Beacon site for processing test runs, potentially launching revenue generating production by the end of this quarter.

Minor electrical and heating upgrades were completed, site cleaning took place, and conveyor clean-out, pump replacement, inspection of drum filters, and preparation for mechanical and access upgrades were accomplished, according to a January 26 company news release. The company expects to begin recommissioning activities for the plant, crushing circuit and overhead cranes this month, with results of its drilling program and upcoming Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) anticipated in the weeks to come.

“LaFleur Minerals is pleased with the technical milestones achieved to date, which represent strong progress as we advance toward delivery of a fully integrated PEA for our 100%-owned Swanson Gold Deposit and nearby Beacon Gold Mill,” CEO Paul Ténière stated in the news release (https://ibn.fm/3SThE). “This work positions the company to continue to fast track its streamlined development strategy centered on a restart of gold production at the Beacon Gold Mill.”

Gold and silver continue to reach record prices in market trading, with gold passing $5,000 an ounce for the first time, and some analysts predicting it could cross the $6,000 per ounce limit by year’s end (https://ibn.fm/XNXWT).

An upcoming PEA and robust mining model of the LaFleur properties is in the final stage, highlighting the long-term potential for the Swanson Gold Deposit to feed operations at nearby Beacon Gold Mill, and establishing a foundation for a “disciplined, capital-efficient mill restart” through the verification of historical drilling and evaluation of the recommissioning work.

LaFleur successfully completed a $7.8 million financing effort to fully fund the restart of gold production at the mill (https://ibn.fm/mb3Pu). The company’s leadership has ongoing progress with ERM (Environmental Resources Management) and the Canadian National Railway (“CN”) to relocate a segment of the existing rail line through both the Swanson Property and the Beacon Gold Mill site near Val d’Or, Quebec, to then add a dedicated rail spur to facilitate efficient loading and transport of material to the permitted mill, improving the overall economics of operations over time.

An agreement to that end would reduce future hauling costs, decrease pollutants and support increased safety with less truck traffic through villages, optimizing the company’s operations and providing it a significant economic benefit.

LaFleur is working to increase Beacon Gold Mills throughput to 1,000 tpd but aims to further expand its capacity at some point to the 3,000 tpd to 4,000 tpd range, depending on capital requirements, depicting the notable expansion and scalability potential of this exceptional asset. The company also launched a metallurgical testing program this month for material obtained from diamond core drilling at Swanson, with the evaluation work to be performed by SGS Canada in February and March.

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.

• Rail Vision confirmed the completion of its previously announced transaction to acquire a 51% ownership interest in Quantum Transportation.
• The company noted that Quantum Transportation’s intellectual property adds a new dimension to the company’s portfolio.
• RVSN’s core technology has attracted attention and adoption beyond R&D demonstrations.

Improving railway safety and operational efficiency remains a critical priority as global rail networks face increasing traffic, aging infrastructure and heightened safety expectations. With this priority in mind, Rail Vision (NASDAQ: RVSN) recently announced that it has successfully completed a strategic acquisition that expands its technological capabilities and long-term innovation potential. Rail Vision is an early commercialization-stage technology company developing unique rail-specific detection systems designed to improve safety and operational performance across global railway networks through advanced sensing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven analytics.

Rail Vision confirmed the completion of its previously announced transaction to acquire a 51% ownership interest in Quantum Transportation, which holds an exclusive sublicense to advanced quantum error correction technologies relevant to transportation and rail applications. In connection with the acquisition, Rail Vision issued 2,982,710 ordinary shares, representing approximately 4.99% of its outstanding share capital as of the date of signing the acquisition agreement and prior to issuance, to former Quantum Transportation shareholders in exchange for 55,249 of Quantum Transportation’s ordinary shares, representing a 51% ownership of Quantum Transportation. This share issuance secured majority control of the quantum-focused entity, which is now a majority-owned subsidiary of Rail Vision.

Alongside the share exchange, Rail Vision extended a convertible loan facility of up to $700,000 to support Quantum Transportation’s operations and development, with the loan bearing an annual interest rate of 8% and disbursed in tranches according to development needs and agreed terms. The acquisition supports Rail Vision’s long-term strategic goal of exploring the integration of quantum-AI intellectual property with its existing rail-safety technologies, with the potential over time to create technological synergies that may enhance product capabilities, accelerate innovation and support long-term value for both stakeholders and customers.

Rail Vision noted that Quantum Transportation holds an exclusive sublicense for rail technologies and platforms under an innovative pending quantum error correction patent application originally owned by Ramot, the technology transfer company of Tel Aviv University, adding a new dimension to the company’s intellectual property portfolio. Quantum error correction is a foundational discipline in quantum computing, enabling more reliable and scalable quantum systems by mitigating the impacts of noise and errors that quantum bits (qubits) experience during computation. This addition of quantum-based capabilities aligns with broader industry trends toward integrating advanced computing methods with real-time data analysis and decision support systems in complex operational environments like railways.

This transaction positions Rail Vision to leverage Quantum Transportation’s expertise in areas such as quantum-AI computing research and error correction algorithms, which could have application beyond rail safety into other high-value segments of transportation technology.

Rail Vision has built its reputation in the global rail industry with advanced sensor-based detection platforms that combine electro-optical imaging, thermal cameras and machine learning algorithms to detect and classify obstacles and other operational risks on and around rail tracks in real time. The company’s MainLine system is engineered to provide long-distance situational awareness of up to two kilometers ahead of a moving locomotive, even under challenging visibility or weather conditions. In parallel, the company’s ShuntingYard solution is optimized for short-range detection and for operational use cases in rail yards, depots and shunting areas together. These capabilities deliver real-time visual alerts to operators and support improved situational awareness, contributing to reduced collision risk and enhanced operational efficiency through proactive monitoring and data-driven insights.

Rail Vision’s core technology has attracted attention and adoption beyond R&D demonstrations. For example, the company’s MainLine systems were deployed by national rail operators following successful evaluations, showcasing its ability to deliver real-world improvements in hazard detection, operational safety and maintenance planning. These systems enable early warning and response strategies that reduce unplanned downtime and support more reliable scheduling, key factors for rail operators managing extensive passenger and freight networks.

The company’s efforts in protecting and monetizing its intellectual property portfolio have also progressed alongside its early commercial activities. Rail Vision received a patent from the European Patent Office for an AI-based railway collision avoidance system that uses electro-optical imaging and deep learning techniques to identify hazards ahead of moving trains. This patent builds on earlier protection secured in jurisdictions including the United States, Japan and India, strengthening its competitive position in the rail technology sector.

Rail Vision’s historical trajectory highlights its transition from a development-stage company to a technology provider with commercial deployments, growing intellectual property portfolio, and now strategic diversification into advanced computing areas through the Quantum Transportation acquisition. The company focuses on combining robust hardware with sophisticated AI software, enabling real-time scene interpretation and automated alerting capabilities that support both safety and predictive maintenance. As these technologies evolve, the integration of next-generation computing methodologies has the potential to support more advanced functionalities, including improved predictive modeling and decision support for autonomous rail operations.

The completed strategic acquisition marks an important milestone for Rail Vision as it seeks to broaden its technological base and expand potential applications in transportation and safety. By aligning quantum-AI research with its established rail safety systems, the company is positioning itself at the intersection of data science, advanced analytics, and practical safety solutions that address complex challenges faced by rail operators worldwide.

For more information, visit www.RailVision.io.

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

Paid Promotional Disclosure

This press release constitutes a paid promotional communication. Rail Vision has engaged a third-party service provider to provide investor awareness and promotional services, including the dissemination of this press release, and has paid a fee for such services. Rail Vision exercises editorial control over the content of this press release but does not control how, when, or to whom the information is distributed by such third party.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Rail Vision. Investing in Rail Vision’s securities involves significant risks, and readers are encouraged to review Rail Vision’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission available at www.sec.gov before making any investment decision.

About Rail Vision Ltd.

Rail Vision is a development stage technology company that is seeking to revolutionize railway safety and the data-related market. The company has developed cutting edge, artificial intelligence based, industry-leading technology specifically designed for railways. The company has developed its railway detection and systems to save lives, increase efficiency, and dramatically reduce expenses for the railway operators. Rail Vision believes that its technology will significantly increase railway safety around the world, while creating significant benefits and adding value to everyone who relies on the train ecosystem: from passengers using trains for transportation to companies that use railways to deliver goods and services. In addition, the company believes that its technology has the potential to advance the revolutionary concept of autonomous trains into a practical reality. For more information, please visit https://www.railvision.io/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act and other securities laws. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith. For example, forward-looking statements in this press release include how the acquisition of Quantum Transportation positions Rail Vision to leverage Quantum Transportation’s expertise in areas such as quantum-AI computing research and error correction algorithms, which could have application beyond rail safety into other high-value segments of transportation technology, Rail Vision’s transition to a technology provider with commercial deployments, how the integration of next-generation computing methodologies have the potential to support more advanced functionalities, including improved predictive modeling and decision support for autonomous rail operations, how Rail Vision seeks to broaden its technological base and expand potential applications in transportation and safety and how the integration of next-generation computing methodologies have the potential to support more advanced functionalities, including improved predictive modeling and decision support for autonomous rail operations. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks detailed in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. Rail Vision is not responsible for the contents of third-party websites.