• E-commerce and conferencing evolution platform developer Nextech AR Solutions has sealed a contract with a multinational company that has been listed as one of Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies over consecutive years
• Nextech also recently announced its acquisition of artificial intelligence innovator Threedy.ai, Inc., which has developed a platform for mass producing 3D images for retailers
• The developments advance Nextech’s opportunities to acquire recurring revenue based on its proprietary LiveX platform
• The global AR market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 43.8 percent by 2028 to $340.16 billion in annual revenues

An agreement announced July 6 between augmented reality (“AR”) digital marketing solutions designer Nextech AR Solutions (CSE: NTAR) (OTCQB: NEXCF) and a multinational company working in the energy and automation space is showcasing Nextech’s ability to deliver large-scale, real-world applications of its platform for brand development and measurable ROI. “The onboarding of another Tier 1 customer is a true testament to our sales team and the solutions we offer global enterprises,” Nextech founder and CEO Evan Gappelberg stated in the news release announcing the contract (https://ibn.fm/dYsTY). “For us, partnerships like this are just the tip of the iceberg. Our menu of offerings allows us to land and then expand into these large organizations who recognize the value of partnering with a seasoned and trusted provider focused on customer success.” Gappelberg noted each new contract provides Nextech with the potential for establishing recurring revenue as the company successfully identifies and fulfills new scopes of work. The multi-year contract with the European-based company listed as one of Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies over consecutive years includes an order worth about CA$340,000 to design and deliver a live broadcast, global summit, across several countries later this year, that will use Nextech’s proprietary LiveX platform with technical, multiple-language support, broadcast services, on-demand access, analytics and software licensing, according to the announcement. It follows on the heels of Nextech’s announcement that it has acquired Silicon Valley-based artificial intelligence (“AI”) company Threedy.ai, Inc., which is providing AR shopping solutions at scale for retailers including Kohl’s, Pier1, and K-Mart Australia (https://ibn.fm/aIMTt). Nextech anticipates the acquisition will help it take its AR and 3D marketing solutions to a scalable mass production state. Analysts at Grand View Research, Inc. predict the global AR market will grow to producing revenues of $340.16 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 43.8 percent between now and then (https://ibn.fm/FbvDM). “People are increasingly adopting the AR-supported online platforms for shopping, education, and social media interactions, among other purposes, for a better immersion experience,” the news release states, adding that innovations in the sector are fueling market growth. The widescale adoption of AR in mobile games and the ubiquitous presence of smartphones and tablets among modern consumers are expected to drive the growth. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.NextechAR.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to NEXCF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/NEXCF

• “Forbes” article notes that $20 million Naturo Group acquisition creates ideal situation for BevCanna expansion
• BevCanna boasts one of most unique, diverse portfolios of beverage and natural health products within both cannabis, plant-based industries
• Combination of two Canadian beverage industry leaders unlocks significant potential for growth

As Canadian cannabis company BevCanna Enterprises (CSE: BEV) (OTCQB: BVNNF) (FSE: 7BC) expands its infused functional beverage business into the United States, its deliberate, transformative strategy has garnered a mention in a recent “Forbes” article. Titled “BevCanna Expands in the U.S. Infused Functional Beverage Market Upon Acquiring Naturo Group,” the article noted that the $20 million acquisition created an ideal situation for BevCanna to compete more effectively in the traditional functional beverage category (https://ibn.fm/9deLH). The deal, which was announced late last year, “included a proprietary fulvic and humic plant-based mineral formulation authorized by Health Canada to create a naturally black-colored water under Naturo Group’s signature brand TRACE, as well as its 40,000-square-foot facility,” the article stated, “[making] it the first international company to sell black water in the U.S. alongside domestic band, blk Beverages.” Marcello Leone, who is both the founder of Naturo Group and CEO of BevCanna, noted that the combination of the two Canadian beverage industry leaders unlocks significant potential for growth (https://ibn.fm/piE0T). “The synergies between BevCanna and Naturo are exceptionally strong, and each brings complementary strengths to the table,” Leone said. “BevCanna is a leader in the cannabis-infused beverage and nutraceutical industry while Naturo Group’s innovative plant-based mineral beverage and supplement brand, TRACE, and significant manufacturing infrastructure and international distribution networks, form the foundation of an industry-leading health and wellness company.” With the acquisition completed in February 2021, BevCanna now boasts one of the most unique and diverse portfolios of beverage and natural health products within both the cannabis and plant-based industries. The company is the only fully licensed, in-house and white-label beverage manufacturing company that produces and distributes both conventional and cannabis-based CPG products. The launch of TRACE’s “Original Black Water” will “be our big foray into the U.S. market,” said Leone, who also noted that minerals and other plant-based nutrients in the black water have been known to prevent cognitive degeneration and work together to strengthen the immune system. The launch of TRACE will focus primarily on distributing across independent natural and national retailers. In addition to its alkaline and mineral-infused water expansion into the U.S., the company is focusing on launching its cannabis infused beverages across Canada for white label clients and exclusive partner, Keef Brands, which is currently the number-one infused beverage company in the U.S., said BevCanna president Melise Panetta. The Forbes article observed that BevCanna is taking measures to support TRACE’s launch in the United States, including strengthening its manufacturing capabilities to reduce international shipping and actively fostering relations with local brokers. “Plant-based products account for about 13% of total functional water market right now, but we’re going to see over the next four or five years that they will become a pretty sizable portion of the overall category,” Panetta states. “Products like TRACE seamlessly glide right into that space.” TRACE’s plant-based products are sourced from ancient organic compounds, which are highly concentrated sources of trace minerals. Recognized benefits of the Health Canada-approved formulations include improvements to cognitive performance, gut health and immune function, and stimulating the body to better metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. BevCanna Enterprises is a diversified health & wellness beverage and natural products company focused on developing and manufacturing a range of alkaline, plant-based and cannabinoid beverages and supplements for both in-house brands and white-label clients. The BevCanna management team has decades of experience creating, manufacturing and distributing iconic brands that resonate with consumers on a global scale. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.BevCanna.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to BVNNF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/BVNNF

• Ideanomics Chief Scientist and CEO of US Hybrid Dr. Abas Goodarzi recently received the 2021 IEEE PELS Vehicle and Transportation System Achievement Award for his contributions to the advancement of electric powertrains for medium and heavy-duty vehicles
• Dr. Abas is a 38-year veteran in the electric, hybrid, and fuel cell industries
• Prior to his role at Ideanomics, he had worked as an Associate professor at California State University, San Francisco, and later as a Technical Director at General Motors and Senior Scientist at Hughes Aircraft Company

Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) recently announced that its Chief Scientist and US Hybrid CEO, Dr. Abas Goodarzi, had been named the recipient of this year’s IEEE PELS Vehicle and Transportation Systems Achievement Award. Dr. Abas was recognized at the IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference and Expo (“ITEC”), held virtually between June 21-25, 2021, for his contributions to the advancement of electric powertrains for medium and heavy-duty vehicles (https://ibn.fm/tFVKY). Established in 2019 by the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) through its Power Electronics Society (“PELS”), the award is intended to honor and recognize researchers and innovators who have made remarkable technical contributions to the development of power electronics, particularly in the area of vehicle and transportation systems. It is conferred to recipients who satisfy several criteria: advancement of power electronics technology, benefits to the society, sustained impact on the relevant technical community, and the quality of technical achievement and contribution to the field (https://ibn.fm/x3bA6). As an industry veteran with 38 years of experience in the electric, hybrid, and fuel cell industries, Dr. Abas’ contributions and achievements are numerous. The founder of US Hybrid, he previously served as a Technical Director at General Motors (“GM”), where he directed the company’s EV1 powertrain development, and as a Senior Scientist at Hughes Aircraft Company. Prior to his position at GM, he worked as an Associate Professor at California State University, San Francisco. Dr. Abas has co-authored a textbook: Electric Powertrain: Energy Systems, Power Electronics, and Drives for Hybrid, Electric, and Fuel Cell Vehicles. It is this wealth of knowledge that Dr. Abas brings to Ideanomics. “He has done, and continues to do, so much to advance the transition to a zero-emission future in transportation, we are proud to have him as a member of our team to help develop and commercialize industry-changing transportation solutions for now and in the future,” said Ideanomics CEO Alf Poor. The company was pleased to see Dr. Abas’ passion for electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell development recognized with the well-deserved award. Speaking to Stan Osserman, the host of ThinkTech Hawaii’s YouTube Channel, in a 2019 interview (https://ibn.fm/Wvgzl), Dr. Abas’ fervor and passion for electric vehicles (“EVs”) was immediately evident. When asked about his background and how he ended up running US Hybrid, Dr. Goodarzi noted that his education has always leaned towards EVs. “Everything has been all about making the electric motor more compact, to make it more efficient because, the fuel economy, all of the emission reduction is really due to the electric powertrain,” stated Dr. Abas. At the outset, Dr. Goodarzi’s focus on commercial vehicles was due to their predictable nature. He could easily quantify their emission reduction and fuel savings to clients because they were driven for a prolonged and known period. In contrast, passenger vehicles, which had an unpredictable driving schedule. Indeed, this focus and the accompanying revolutionization within this space have led to the well-deserved IEEE PLS award. Dr. Goodarzi, who was honored to have been recognized, noted that the work has just begun. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Ideanomics.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to IDEX are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/IDEX

• Two of Predictive Oncology’s four subsidiaries are constructing new Good Manufacturing Practices laboratories to offer additional services to customers
• With its new GMP lab, Soluble Biotech will provide customers formulations that can go directly to clinical trials, as well as manufacture proprietary media used in its chromatography kits
• TumorGenesis will use its GMP lab to produce its proprietary media that tricks tumor cells into growing outside the body the same as inside the body in addition to producing proteins and other biological products used in diagnosing, treating, and modifying tumor cells

On the heels of raising $21.34 million and three of its companies participating in the popular Biotechnology Innovation Organization (“BIO”) conference, Predictive Oncology (NASDAQ: POAI) continued its busy month with more substantive developments from its subsidiaries. The Minneapolis-based company, which develops and offers a suite of products and services across its portfolio companies focused on drug development and targeted cancer treatments, announced that two of its four subsidiaries, Soluble Biotech and TumorGenesis, are expanding their services with the construction of new GMP (good manufacturing practices) laboratories (https://ibn.fm/UWoLK). From its facilities in Birmingham, Alabama, Soluble Biotech specializes in formulation solutions and stability services used for vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and biologics. The GMP facility ramps up these services so the company can rapidly provide clinical-trial-ready formulations to its customers. Dr. Larry DeLucas, VP of Operations at Predictive Oncology, said he expects the new GMP capabilities to “significantly increase [the company’s] potential customer base and lead to multiple long-term collaborations.” Interestingly, the lab news arrived less than two weeks after the BIO conference, an event that typically leads to dozens of proposal requests for Soluble Biotech’s services, even before the expanded offerings (https://ibn.fm/To6tz). The lab will also be used to produce the proprietary media used in Soluble Biotech’s chromatography kits. The kits are used by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for highly selective removal of endotoxins, toxins inside bacterial cells released upon cell disintegration, as part of the final purification process ahead of clinical or animal studies. Headquartered in the biotech hotbed of Salem, Massachusetts, TumorGenesis will use its new lab to produce media as well, amongst other things. The company’s unique media tricks cancer cells, more specifically cancer and breast cancer cells, into acting in a petri dish (ex-vivo, outside the body) just like they would in vivo (inside the body). In this way, the cells can be tested to help oncologists make better informed decisions on what treatment may improve patient outcomes. The media can also be used in cancer cell editing to produce proteins and other biological products used in diagnosing, treating, and modifying tumor cells. The lab is a synergistic addition to TumorGenesis’ mission to advance leading edge personalized cancer medicine and drug discovery methods. According to Predictive Oncology Senior VP of Research and Development Richard Gabriel, the company scaling into GMP production of media means that “[TumorGenesis] will be able to meet the needs of researchers who are exploring ways to use the cancer cell’s own mechanisms to produce a target, expressed protein or biological target.” Going forward, investors will be on the lookout for developments in the construction, qualifications and commissioning of the new labs as significant value adds to both subsidiaries and the parent company. From there, the interest will fall into how the GMP facilities translate to additional revenue and profits. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Predictive-Oncology.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to POAI are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/POAI

• Emaginos is projecting more than $6.5 million in first year of operation; that number is projected to reach almost $27 billion a decade later based on company assumptions
• Gallup poll reports barely half of those surveyed were satisfied with the overall quality of education
• Market demand is high for a scalable solution that will produce profoundly better results for existing funds invested

Emaginos is a REG-A public company (please see website if interested in investing) in the business of transforming K-12 public education. A well-known adage states that actions speak louder than words, and in the case of Emaginos, whose business model is projected to capture up to 40% of the total K-12 education market within the next decade based on company assumptions, the volume of the company’s actions is high. Take a look at the projected financials Emaginos is sharing as it prepares to enter change the education landscape (https://ibn.fm/zsaFv). Currently, the company reports there are 130,930 K-12 public schools with an estimated 50.8 million children enrolled and 3.2 million teachers employed. Public-school expenditures total around $612.7 billion. That’s a lot of students, teachers and money — all working together in efforts that are often disappointing. In fact, the Gallup poll’s annual poll regarding Americans’ satisfaction with U.S. education in 2019 — the last year not impacted by COVID-19 — just 51% of those surveyed were satisfied with the overall quality of education that students in kindergarten through grade 12 receive (https://ibn.fm/g924J); Gallup noted that, since 2005, that number averages 45%, with less than half of those polled happy with public education. Clearly there is room for improvement. “Market demand is high for a scalable solution that will produce profoundly better results for existing funds invested,” the company states. “The United States government has identified effective education as one of the critical elements in address the current financial and unemployment crisis.” Detailed growth projections for Emaginos’ share of the market start with the company implementing its proprietary Discovery Learning System in only 10 schools — pilot schools located in 10 different school districts. An estimated 5,110 students and teachers will be involved, and the company is projected to see $6,522, 218 in annual gross revenue. As districts experience the powerful changes that the Emaginos system delivers, those numbers are estimated to increase dramatically. In only 10 years, the company believes it will be operating in 9,000 schools, with more than 21,000,000 teachers and students involved, resulting in almost $27 billion gross revenue, or between 35% to 40% of the total K-12 education market. The first company with an actionable plan to transform and improve public schools rather than replace them, Emaginos will evoke this change without any additional funding, facilities or staff. In fact, in many cases, school districts may actually save money as they subscribe to and implement the Emaginos platform. For more information about Emaginos and to learn about investment and shareholder opportunities, visit www.Emaginos.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Emaginos are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/Emaginos

• Conference will play host to 15 leading blockchain-focused companies in addition to leading industry experts
• Following the highly successful LD Micro Invitational, a three-day microcap conference held between June 8-10, 2021
• LD Micro Invitational’s organizers have opted to make all presenting companies’ video calls available for three months

SRAX (NASDAQ: SRAX) a digital marketing pioneer focused on providing consumer data management services, has announced that it will be hosting the inaugural Sequire Blockchain Conference on July 15, 2021 (https://ibn.fm/3WTkI). The single-day event, which is set to be take place between 11:30am ET – 5:30pm ET, will play host to over 15 leading blockchain and crypto-focused companies, followed by keynotes with some of the industry’s leading experts. In addition to educating attendees about the various commercial possibilities in the blockchain industry, the conference will also seek to assist participants in unlocking new investment opportunities within the sector. Boasting a network of over five million influential, forward-thinking investors and shareholders as well as 183 publicly listed corporate subscribers, the Sequire platform has established a strong reputation as a venue where investors can congregate to learn, share, and network on a wide range of industry related topics. In that vein, SRAX and Sequire have devised an extensive conference series designed to offer added value to their budding investor community. “We are excited to kick off our conference series and to provide our Sequire clients a platform to reach a large audience of both retail and institutional investors,” stated SRAX CEO and Founder Christopher Miglino in relation to Sequire’s conference series. “Community is a very important part of Sequire, and both virtual and in person events are an integral part of the investor community we are building.” Sequire’s conference series was inaugurated by the Sequire Cannabis Conference in April 2021. Most recently, the series has continued with the 2021 LD Micro Invitational (https://ibn.fm/Xw1bT), a prominent three-day virtual investor conference, held on June 8 – 10, 2021. In addition to featuring over 190 microcap companies, including the best performing companies from the LD Hall of Fame, the event also played host to a myriad of influential keynote speakers, including the likes of Jaime Rogozinski, Rishi Khanna, Matt Hulsizer, Laurie Segall & Liz Claman. Following the conference, LD Micro Invitational’s organizers have opted to make all the presenting companies’ video calls available to the general public to view for a three-month period. The corporate presentations as well as the keynote addresses can be viewed at https://ldmicrojune2021.mysequire.com/. Sequire’s extensive and diverse conference series ranks amongst the various strategies employed by parent company SRAX to augment and streamline their operations over the past few months. Other measures undertaken by the Company include naming entrepreneur and 2020 presidential candidate Brock Pierce to the Company’s board of directors, as well as divesting an equity stake in TI Health (formerly known as SRAXmd). As illustrated by the recent LD Micro Invitational conference’s success, and with Sequire’s popularity rising to new heights among both corporate issuers and investors alike, SRAX stands well poised for continued growth. Additional details on Sequire’s Blockchain Conference, including registration details, can be found at https://blockchain21.mysequire.com/. For more information, visit the company’s websites at www.SRAX.com and www.MySequire.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SRAX are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SRAX

• Health and wellness product marketer HempFusion Wellness, Inc. is seeing a renewed optimism for a healthy lifestyle amid the ongoing difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including a resumption of international orders from lockdown countries
• The company recently announced the expansion of its products through subsidiary Probulin Probiotics, which now has a distribution channel in Ireland and expectations of broader reach into the European Union
• HempFusion Wellness sees its probiotics advances as a way of making in-roads for its CBD products in otherwise reluctant markets worldwide, using its focus on regulatory compliance to build brand confidence
• Co-founder and CEO Jason Mitchell recently discussed the company’s history and the challenges plus benefits of regulatory compliance in an appearance on the Hemp Barons podcast

As Ireland experiences a growing surge in interest in cannabidiol (“CBD”) products, the government is working to ensure compliance with its laws by individuals and small companies, particularly where ingestible food-type substances are concerned. A short webinar presented by The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (“FSAI”) June 24 discussed the legal situation governing the sale of cannabis/hemp products as food in the European Union and specifically in Ireland, with a Q&A session to help resolve any questions about the complex legal requirements in the arena (https://ibn.fm/aFR8u). Health and wellness supplement innovator HempFusion Wellness (TSX: CBD.U) (OTCQX: CBDHF) (FWB: 8OO)  has made compliance with regulatory standards for hemp-derived products worldwide one of its chief priorities, opening doors to outlets for its products through major food and drug retail stores and physician pipelines while many other CBD companies without that focus have been left to search for alternative entries into the competitive marketplace. The company recently announced its product entry to the Irish marketplace through Boots Ireland, a pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer affiliated with the Walgreens Boots Alliance global enterprise (https://ibn.fm/QUYuF), which carries the wholly owned HempFusion subsidiary Probulin Probiotics, LLC. HempFusion’s products include OTC items like topicals designed to meet consumer needs for pain relief, eczema, acne and wound care, as well as CBD tinctures, creams and targeted support capsules for sleep, stress and balanced energy. Probulin Probiotics was launched by HempFusion co-founder and CEO Jason Mitchell in 2013 to provide product solutions for gut health support and skin care. Mitchell described his journey as an entrepreneur in a June 29 Hemp Barons podcast, noting his transformation from a staunch just-say-no approach to cannabinoids in medicine, to an avid advocate for hemp-based wellness solutions, as a result of his own health experiences. “Probiotics are … a valuable area,” Mitchell told podcast host Joy Beckerman (https://ibn.fm/vOx4E). “It’s also an area where it helps you digest your food, it helps you with absorption of nutrients. The gut microbiome is involved in immune function. There’s just so many different things that we underestimate. Even in emotional health, there’s a gut-brain connection.” Mitchell summarized, “For me, helping people understand how important probiotics are was more about my inspiration because of my condition — not because probiotics cured my condition — but instead (it led me to) say, ‘Hey, take care of your gut, because if you don’t, if your gut fails you the rest of your body fails.’ … And I want to encourage people to do it right.” Mitchell and Beckerman also extensively discussed the regulatory journey CBD dietary supplements, as well as OTC cosmetic topicals, have taken under guidance from the U.S. federal government, given HempFusion’s strict emphasis on compliance with legal frameworks. “The fact is, it’s really fun to do it right, because it’s challenging. And then when you see the consumer response that they get the result they want, and that you did it correctly … they’re going to have a tremendous amount of trust in you and have longevity in their support of your brand,” Mitchell said. “And so that’s why we did it. We create this brand loyalty by virtue of doing it right.” The company’s efforts to sustain confidence in its brand have resulted in the resumption of business in international markets (and entry into Ireland) following the struggles associated with the era of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. “To see them coming back alive gives me encouragement,” Mitchell said. “Not just for my company. … It’s just that people are starting to come back out, feel safe, secure. People are healthy.” For more information, visit the company’s website at www.HempFusion.com/corporate-information. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to HempFusion are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CBDHF

• Greenhouse production continues to be the no. 1 tool for reducing initial operational costs.
• The report analyzed five years of data to identify key trends in the cannabis cultivation market.
• The average cost to grow a pound of dried flower was $396 for warehouse cultivation sites, only $233 for greenhouse sites.

According to a recent five-year study of the cannabis industry, greenhouse production is a leading choice for cannabis cultivation companies (https://ibn.fm/yULMF). The report, published by “Cannabis Business Times,” reaffirms the business strategy of Hero Technologies (OTC: HENC), a cannabis company that is focused on growing into a multistate, vertically integrated entity with strong cultivation and dispensary assets. “Greenhouse production continues to be the no. 1 tool for reducing your initial and operational costs for a 52-week production facility, as illustrated in this year’s report showing a decrease in indoor and increase in greenhouse cultivation sites,” states the “2020 State of the Industry” report. “Nearly a third of greenhouse cultivators also report average production costs of less than $100 per pound of dried flower, compared to 11% of indoor cultivators.” The report carefully analyzed five years of data to identify key trends in the cannabis cultivation market. Key findings from the report include the consistent move from warehouse, or inside, cultivation to greenhouse, or outdoor, cultivation; a trend toward bigger operations and more facilities; and the average cost comparison to grow a pound of dried flower between greenhouse and warehouse sites. “The year-over-year percentage changeshowing where people grow cannabis —warehouse/indoors, greenhouse or outdoors — was negligible when comparing 2019 to 2020,” the report noted. “When looking further back in time, the number of people growing cannabis in warehouses has decreased by 20 percentage points since the first ‘State of the Cannabis Cultivation Industry’ study in 2016, when a vast majority (80%) of participants grew indoors compared with 60% in this year’s study. Meanwhile, the number of participants growing in greenhouses and outdoors has increased steadily over the years, with some variations.” The report went on to observe that “most participants operate single cannabis growing operations (59%), but examining five years of data reveals trends toward larger facilities and more grow sites. In 2016, 66% grew in a single facility/location. Between 2016 and 2020, the number of participants indicating they grow in two or more facilities/grow sites increased from 32% to 41%. “The number of cultivators growing in five or more sites jumped by 5 percentage points compared with the first year of the study, moving from 6% to 11%,” the report continued. “In addition, the number of cultivators who have 80,000 sq. ft. or more of production space has increased by 12 percentage points comparing the 2016 to 2020 studies, and now nearly a fifth of study participants (19%) indicate they grow in facilities that size or larger.” The trend toward greenhouse cultivation is understandable when looking at the bottom line. The report noted that, in 2020, the average cost to grow a pound of dried flower was $396 for warehouse or indoor cultivation sites, and more than $150 less — or $233 — to grow the same amount in a greenhouse. These numbers are welcome news for Hero Technologies, which has a majority stake in BlackBox Systems and Technologies LLC, an aeroponic cannabis cultivation system that provides optimal conditions in greenhouses to enhance photosynthesis and produce large flowering plants. The system addresses some of today’s most relevant challenges with cannabis cultivation by featuring robust odor-control systems, proprietary zero-waste growing systems, and the lowest carbon footprint of any industry standards. Hero Technologies Inc. is a cannabis company working toward a vertically integrated business model. The company’s strategic business plan includes cannabis genetic engineering, space for both medical and recreational cannabis cultivation, production licenses, distribution licenses, consumer packaging, and retail and dispensary operations that make the company a multistate operator. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.HeroTechnologiesInc.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to HENC are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/HENC

• CYBN continues to demonstrate good progress with its preclinical activities on its novel drug programs, report observed
• Stifel also notes selecting indications with large patient pools, an understated market size, and potential for multiple synergies across development and distribution
• Report incorporates both CYB001 and CYB004 into valuation

As Cybin (NEO: CYBN) (OTCQB: CLXPF), a biotechnology company focused on progressing psychedelic therapeutics, continues to develop its multimolecule strategy, people are paying attention. A recent Stifel report raised Cybin’s price target by C$12, up from C$4 to C$15, and maintained the company’s speculative buy rating (https://ibn.fm/HLcxX). “CYBN continues to demonstrate good progress with its preclinical activities on its novel drug programs, including CYB004, with the announcement of two chosen indications, Social Anxiety Disorder (‘SAD’) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (‘GAD’), some of the most common mental illnesses in the U.S,” the investment firm reported in its release. “We note CYB004 is a 2nd generation deuterated psychedelic molecule, offering strong potential for IP protection and a long period of outsized returns, in our view. “Currently, management expects CYB004 to enter Phase 1 clinical trials H1/22 with further research likely needed before determining whether to combine SAD and GAD into one clinical trial at the outset or to separate the two early on,” the report continued. “We now include CYB004 in our valuation for the first time, raising our target from $11 to $15, and reiterate our SPEC BUY rating given the large disconnect with the market, offering an attractive entry point.” As key points for its decision, Stifel pointed to the company selecting indications with large patient pools, a potentially understated market size, and the potential for multiple synergies across development and distribution. “CYBN has selected Social Anxiety Disorder (‘SAD’) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (‘GAD’) as the initial target indications for its novel and proprietary psychedelic molecule CYB004,” the report stated. “SAD and GAD affect 3–7% of the U.S. population, putting both indications in line with the prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder, in our view, and representing a large potential patient pool.” Stifel pointed out that the global pandemic potentially increased these numbers, “with management indicating a 3-fold increase and the CDC suggesting symptoms of an anxiety or depressive disorder increased from 36.4% to 41.5% during the Aug. 2020–Feb. 2021 period (already in the height of the pandemic) with the percentage of those reporting an unmet mental health care need increased from 9.2% to 11.7%.” As for market size, the report noted that “whilemanagement indicated a potential global market size of ~US$4b for both indications combined, we believe the opportunity could be markedly higher. We note these estimates are based on the patient population seeking treatment with first-line therapy utilizing SSRI/SNRI antidepressants. However, we believe a majority of the patient population either does not seek treatment or does not receive appropriate treatment. . . . Hence, should CYB004 prove to be a more effective alternative with less side effects, its addressable market size could be larger than what we see currently.” Finally, Stifel also observed thatpatients dealing with anxiety commonly also have psychiatric co-morbidities with up to 80% of GAD patients also suffering from another mood disorder during their lifetime. “More specifically, we believe there could be a 50–60% probability that patients suffering from an anxiety disorder also have Major Depressive Disorder (‘MDD’). This could be a reason why antidepressants became a first-line treatment. Given CYBN’s primary drug candidate (‘CYB001’) focuses on MDD, we believe there are considerable drug development synergies where both clinical trials could share information, distribution/marketing channels, and have an overall higher chance of success,” the report stated. “We are incorporating CYB004 into our valuation for the first time through a 10-year, 2-stage DCF analysis with main assumptions including: successful launch FY28, pricing in-line with CYB001 & Spravato at ~$53k, addressing only the most severe anxiety cases, terminal growth of 2% and discount rate of 25%,” the report concluded. “As a result, our target increases from $11 to $15. SPEC BUY.” Cybin Corp., a leading biotech company focused on progressing psychedelic therapeutics, is on a mission to revolutionize mental health care. The company is focused on progressing psychedelic therapeutics by utilizing proprietary drug-discovery platforms, innovative drug-delivery systems, novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens for psychiatric disorders. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Cybin.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to CYBN are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CYBN

• The buyer loaded an initial 200.52 barrels of heavy crude and paid WTI pricing of $70.91 per barrel of crude oil produced at the company’s Asphalt Ridge facility
• Samples of the Asphalt Ridge crude are being sent to Quadrise Fuels International Plc in the UK for assessment to determine if it is suitable for the British company’s proprietary technology
• Petroteq and Greenfield are working with a local drilling fluids company for the identification of customers for the clean sand produced for use as a potential frac sand

Petroteq Energy (TSX.V: PQE) (OTC: PQEFF), an oil company focused on developing and implementing its proprietary oil extraction and reclamation technologies, has announced that the oil it produced at its Asphalt Ridge facility (the POSP) at the beginning of June 2021 has been sold and handed over to its buyer (https://ibn.fm/nJIYR). According to a company press release, the buyer paid West Texas Intermediate (‘WTI”) pricing of $70.91 per barrel, resulting in a net realized price of $57.91 per barrel after removing transportation costs of $13 per barrel. Due to trucking weight limitations, the buyer was only able to load 200.52 barrels of the10.2° API heavy crude produced at Asphalt Ridge. Commenting on the oil acquisition, George Stapleton, Petroteq COO, stated, “The fact that we were able to receive WTI pricing for the oil produced by the POSP demonstrates that the heavy, sweet (low sulfur) oil produced from Utah’s tar sands will likely command a premium price relative to other heavy oils. There also appears to be a market for our produced sand, which is a bonus.” The clean sands produced by the POSP can potentially be used as frac sand. Petroteq and Greenfield Energy, a 50/50 joint venture between TomCo Energy plc (AIM: TOM) and Valkor LLC, are currently working with a local drilling fluids company to identify customers for these clean sands. To date, the fluids company has taken an initial 40 tons and is expected to take an additional 700 tonnes over the coming weeks. Proceeds from this sand sale are expected to total approximately $15-$20 per ton. To further explore market opportunities for its produced oil, Petroteq is preparing a sample of its produced oil to ship to Quadrise Fuels International Plc in the UK. The purpose is to assess if the heavy, sweet oil produced by the POSP will be suitable for Quadrise’s MSAR(R) technology, a low viscosity oil-in-water emulsified synthetic heavy fuel oil obtained by mixing heavy residual oils with water and specific chemicals in a proprietary formulation. The sample is expected to leave the U.S. by the end of June 2021. Testing will be taking place following its arrival in the UK. Petroteq is engaged in developing and implementing its patented, proprietary technology that allows for the environmentally safe extraction of heavy oils from oil sands, oil shale deposits, and shallow oil deposits while also expanding operations at the Asphalt Ridge facility. The source is nearer the surface and avoids the risk found in traditional drilling. Unlike traditional fracking, Petroteq’s technology focuses on heavy oil, which is currently in high demand. Most refineries are required to take a mixture of heavy and light oils, allowing them to provide a wide range of products, but Petroteq is uniquely positioned to help satisfy the heavy-oil gap. Petroteq’s green technology uses a small, modular footprint, which produces no greenhouse gases, does not require high temperatures, leaves only clean dry sand, and could be used to help unlock heavy oil deposits worldwide. Despite setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the global oil demand is expected to rise to 104 million barrels per day (mb/d) by 2026, increasing 4% over 2019 totals (https://ibn.fm/xwP3w). To meet the oil growth demand, the supply will need to rise by 10 mb/d by the IEA’s projected date. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Petroteq.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to PQEFF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/PQEFF