As the AI dominance of Silicon Valley comes under attack from upstarts like DeepSeek, an alliance in Europe is planning to up the ante with its ambition to come up with European-grown alternatives that are as good as or even better than the existing artificial intelligence options.

The project, dubbed OpenEuroLLM, aims to develop next-gen open source Large Language Models to enable the continent to have leaders in the digital age and to make public services across the continent have access to cutting-edge tools that are homegrown. The alliance will create foundation models which support the languages on the continent and will be accessed by public service providers, commercial entities, industrial actors and academia.

More than 20 leading research companies, institutions and HPC (high performance computing) centers on the continent have signed up to this initiative. The project is being led by Jan Hajic, Charles University’s world-famous computational linguist. He will be assisted by Peter Sarlin, who co-founded Silo AI, which was the subject of a $665m acquisition by U.S.-based chipmaker AMD in 2024. Silo AI has the distinction of being the largest private artificial intelligence lab in Europe.

The project has the support of the European Commission and could well be the largest-ever such undertaking by the EU. Salin revealed that OpenEuroLLM is unique because it incorporates actors from across the continent, which is fertile ground for coming up with really groundbreaking innovations that can easily be scaled. He says that this approach is better than having different scattered actors working on different small projects around the continent. This concentrated effort, he adds, can build open AI models for the continent in ways which will facilitate innovation at scale.

Salin said that OpenEuro LLM currently has a $53.2 million budget. It also has commitments of computational power whose monetary value exceeds the cash budget of the alliance.

Funding for the alliance was secured from an EU scheme designed to support investments in technologies deemed to be of strategic importance to the continent. The European Commission has also provided funding. The EU is particularly interested in this project because it aligns with the EU’s objective of fortifying the digital sovereignty of the continent.

The alliance has opted for an open model of AI development so that the data, software and models can be accessed by any interested party that wishes to evaluate it. This approach also makes it easier to tailor the solutions to the needs of specific industries in ways that preserve the cultural and linguistic diversity of the continent.

More such projects are bound to be announced as nationalism in the tech field grows around the world. The need for metals like copper, gold and silver will consequently increase as AI infrastructure is established to actualize the ambitions of different countries and blocs. Companies like McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX) producing these metals are bound to benefit from ever-rising demand.

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

• Public safety technology developer SuperCom has seen a record pace of new contract acquisition in the United States since August as awareness of its electronic monitoring (“EM”) solutions increases
• A new strategic partnership contract with an established multi-state EM service provider is expected to accelerate the growth further, beginning with a focus on the Northeast U.S. region
• SuperCom’s technologies provide a variety of options for the supervision of offenders in the criminal justice system, but the company is particularly focused on enhancing public safety in domestic violence situations
• The company’s acquisition of 20 new U.S. contracts in recent months, including six states where SuperCom had not operated before, unlocks the potential for Americans to have greater peace of mind about reducing repeat domestic violence offenses

Public safety technology innovator SuperCom (NASDAQ: SPCB) is announcing a strategic partnership for placing its electronic monitoring (“EM”) offender tracking solution. The company expects this partnership to further support the rapidly growing adoption of its solutions in U.S. markets.

SuperCom has been expanding into U.S. markets at a record pace for the company, signing 20 new contracts since last August. Six of the contract states are locations where the company’s products haven’t been used before (https://ibn.fm/2Vagt).

The new partnership is with an established multi-state electronic monitoring service provider that has a wide market presence. The collaboration includes an agreement to introduce SuperCom’s advanced PureSecurity Suite EM solutions to both new and existing law enforcement programs in multiple new states, initially targeting high-impact opportunities in the Northeast.

“This partnership reflects the trust placed in SuperCom’s cutting-edge technology and our ability to deliver transformative results,” SuperCom President and CEO Ordan Trabelsi stated in the company’s announcement (https://ibn.fm/ffwwI). “By collaborating with an established industry player, we are further advancing the modernization of electronic monitoring programs across the U.S. … With over 30 years of industry experience, the service provider’s selection of SuperCom’s technology over others can resonate strongly with potential customers.”

SuperCom has focused its marketing strategy on European and North American nations. Growing within the United States has been particularly important because the U.S. prison population rate per 100,000 people is the highest in the world, according to a 2023 study, while a separate report showed a recidivism (repeat offender arrests) rate of about 75% among released prisoners within five years (https://ibn.fm/Z1lP7).

The use of EM tracking of suspects and convicted offenders released from incarceration on a supervision agreement is growing in popularity worldwide. Many nations, large and small, are finding value in the cost savings of favoring house arrest over expanded jail space and in supervised re-entry to the community of offenders, thereby gaining a potential rehabilitative benefit from maintaining their normal work, school, and family relations.

The company’s PureSecurity Suite products include the best-of-breed one-piece tracking bracelet that has been branded PureOne and its accompanying mobile app monitoring technology branded PureShield, which are particularly attuned to enhancing public safety in domestic violence situation. Other complementary elements further the suite’s monitoring capabilities for a variety of needs.

Together, PureOne and PureShield use GPS, cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies to discreetly show the location of both the victim and the offender in domestic violence cases. Once boundaries established by the legal system are included in the programming, both law enforcement and potential victims are alerted if zoning breaches occur, using the wide availability of personal smartphones to ease service accessibility.

“SuperCom’s solutions are setting a new standard in the electronic monitoring industry. By displacing incumbent players time after time, we are better positioned to meet the growing demand for scalable and impactful public safety solutions,” Trabelsi stated.

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

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

• Adageis, with its AI-centric software ProActive Care Platform, supports healthcare providers in making the important shift toward effective value-based care models.
• Significantly, the company’s advanced patient healthcare data solutions are designed for seamless implementation across ACOs, CINs, and IPAs, integrating with existing electronic health records (“EHRs”) to identify high-risk patients and care gaps.
• The company helps providers navigate the financial incentives tied to value-based care by tracking performance metrics, as its Patented Risk Engine (“PRE”) enables proactive interventions, reducing costs and improving patient outcomes.

Healthcare providers are under increasing pressure to transition from fee-for-service models to value-based care, where reimbursement is tied to patient outcomes rather than the volume of services rendered. This shift requires robust data analysis to track performance, identify risks, and ensure quality care. Adageis, a forward-thinking healthcare technology company, is tackling these challenges with AI-driven solutions that help providers harness data to improve care efficiency and financial performance.  By integrating with existing health systems, Adageis’s ProActive Care Platform allows providers to make informed decisions that align with value-based care objectives (https://ibn.fm/ed9Pb).

A major hurdle in value-based care is identifying high-risk patients before they require costly interventions. Adageis addresses this with its Patented Risk Engine (“PRE”), which analyzes clinical and demographic data to flag individuals most likely to develop chronic conditions or experience hospital readmissions. By surfacing these insights in real time, providers can intervene earlier, reducing avoidable emergency visits and improving long-term health outcomes. The ability to predict and manage patient risk is critical for accountable care organizations (“ACOs”), clinically integrated networks (“CINs”), independent physician associations (“IPAs”), and other groups that assume financial responsibility for patient populations.

Another challenge in adopting new healthcare technology is interoperability. Adageis designed its platform to integrate directly with widely used EHR systems, including AthenaHealth, Cerner, eClinicalWorks, Allscripts, and Epic. This allows healthcare providers to extract meaningful insights from their existing records without overhauling their workflows. Through an API-driven approach, Adageis helps providers leverage their own patient data more effectively while maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Under value-based payment models, providers earn financial incentives for improving patient health while keeping costs low. However, tracking the performance metrics required to secure these payments can be complex. Adageis simplifies this process by automatically collecting and analyzing key performance indicators, such as hospital readmission rates and chronic disease management success. This ensures that providers can demonstrate compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurer reimbursement requirements.

The ProActive Care Platform’s analytics also provide insights into supply chain efficiency and operational costs, allowing healthcare organizations to optimize resource allocation.

Adageis is part of a growing movement toward using AI and data analytics to support value-based care. As more providers move away from traditional fee-for-service models, the ability to harness real-time data will be critical to success. With value-based care becoming a central priority for health systems and insurers alike, data-driven platforms like Adageis are positioned to play a crucial role in shaping the future of patient care in the current healthcare landscape.

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

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

• Torr Metals announces a new undrilled discovery at its Kolos Copper-Gold Project, expanding the Sonic Zone to a 12 km² alteration footprint, highlighted by high-grade copper results of up to 1.10% Located just 30 kilometers southeast of Canada’s largest open-pit copper mine, the Kolos Project’s new findings align with the region’s significant copper-gold alkalic porphyry systems like the nearby New Afton and Copper Mountain mines
• The discovery’s strategic proximity to existing provincial and mining infrastructure offers cost-effective exploration and development, promising significant shareholder value as further exploration unfolds

A Legacy of Copper Excellence: Highland Valley

Highland Valley, Canada’s largest open-pit copper mine, exemplifies the immense value of large-scale mining projects. Situated in the heart of British Columbia, Highland Valley has produced vast amounts of copper while contributing significantly to the region’s economy. This iconic mine has proven that robust infrastructure and a prolific geological setting can support decades of profitable operations, inspiring exploration efforts throughout the Quesnel Terrane and beyond.

As global demand for copper grows due to its role in green technologies and infrastructure development, the discovery of new deposits near Highland Valley could further cement Canada’s position as a top mining jurisdiction. In fact, new finds are critical. According to research from S&P Global Market Intelligence, owing to the energy transition and electrification of various sectors, the global copper market could face a significant supply-demand imbalance by 2035, with projected annual deficits potentially reaching 50 million metric tons (Mt). For context, this projected deficit is roughly equivalent to the total amount of copper utilized worldwide throughout the entire 20th century, a period marked by unprecedented industrial expansion.

New discoveries not only bolster the industry but also present economic opportunities for shareholders and local communities.

Pioneering the Future of Canadian Copper-Gold Exploration

Torr Metals (TSX.V: TMET), based in Vancouver, BC, is advancing district-scale projects with strong copper-gold potential. Its flagship Kolos Copper-Gold Project spans 240 km² in the Quesnel Terrane, a region known for hosting world-class porphyry systems. Kolos benefits from its strategic location, just 30 kilometers southeast of Highland Valley and 40 kilometers south of Kamloops, with direct access via Highway 5.

In its latest exploration efforts, Torr Metals made a breakthrough at the Sonic Zone, an area with no prior exploration history. Initial mapping and sampling revealed significant porphyry-style alteration and mineralization equivalent in size to a cluster of undrilled porphyry centers identified over the past year within the southern portion of the project area, marking a transformative step by potentially doubling high priority untested exploration targets at Kolos.

Rapidly Expanding Exploration Potential at the Sonic Zone

The Sonic Zone’s discovery underscores the potential of Torr’s Kolos Project. Key highlights include:

• High-Grade Copper Results: A rock grab sample returned 1.10% copper, emphasizing the area’s untapped exploration potential
• Expanding Exploration Footprint: The zone’s alteration footprint has grown from 2 km² to 12 km², signaling an extensive mineralizing system and confirming the prospectivity of additional high magnetic anomalies yet to be explored in the project area
• Geological Similarities to Major Systems: Alteration patterns and mineralized intrusions mirror features of established copper-gold porphyry systems like New Afton and Copper Mountain

This discovery is particularly promising due to its accessibility. Positioned adjacent to major infrastructure, the Sonic Zone allows for cost-effective exploration, reducing barriers to unlocking its full potential. Malcolm Dorsey, Torr Metals’ President and CEO, emphasized the significance of this find in a recent press release, stating, “The geological and geophysical similarities to nearby high-grade deposits underscore the immense potential for substantial new discoveries to be made in this area.”

Driving Shareholder Value

Torr Metals’ systematic approach combines advanced geological techniques and a commitment to sustainability. By focusing on accessible regions with established infrastructure, the company minimizes exploration risks while maximizing potential returns. The Sonic Zone’s discovery positions Torr Metals to attract increased investor interest as it progresses toward its next exploration milestones.

The Kolos Project’s discoveries highlight the broader potential for untapped resources in Canada’s Quesnel Terrane. With the growing global demand for copper, new findings like the Sonic Zone are essential to supporting the transition to renewable energy and infrastructure development. For Torr Metals, these opportunities offer a pathway to becoming a major player in the copper-gold mining industry, delivering both economic benefits and shareholder value.

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

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

• Healthcare is transitioning attention from general AI to targeted applications like patient risk assessment and workflow optimization to drive higher reimbursements.
• Adageis’s ProActive Care Platform addresses critical targeted areas like tracking revenue and performance from providing high-quality care.
• AI tools like Adageis’ patented Risk Engine enable proactive interventions, reducing costs and improving patient outcomes while increasing overall revenue.
• The company’s platform integrates seamlessly with major electronic health records (“EHR”) systems, in an easy-to-use app for providers.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare, moving from ambitious goals of Artificial General Intelligence (“AGI”) to more targeted, high-impact applications. This transition aligns with the practical demands of the healthcare industry, where solutions need to address specific pain points like patient care gaps, operational inefficiencies and rising costs. As AI becomes more integrated into healthcare, more specific use cases are likely to emerge, in areas such as patient care, medical imaging and diagnosis, research and development, healthcare management, and more.

Adageis is a preeminent healthcare technology company, reshaping patient care through flexible AI-centric software solutions for healthcare systems and providers in an easy-to-use application driving higher revenue. The company delivers solutions specifically tailored to healthcare providers, Accountable Care Organizations (“ACOs”), and Clinically Integrated Networks (“CINs”). Its powerful and patented AI-centric ProActive Care Platform integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, making it an ideal partner for organizations navigating the shift toward value-based care.

Adageis’ approach aligns with some of the most promising AI applications in healthcare, including:

• Patient Data Analytics for Risk Identification
  Adageis’ Patented Risk Engine analyzes patient data to identify high-risk individuals, enabling early interventions for chronic diseases or complications. This targeted approach reduces hospital readmissions and improves overall population health.
• Revenue Tracking and Forecasting
  Tracking revenue across multiple providers is a challenge, but AI simplifies it. Adageis’ platform ensures that medical practices have an up-to-date view of their value-based care revenue and performance.
• Clinical Decision Support
  By integrating with leading EHR systems like Epic and Cerner, Adageis delivers actionable insights at the point of care. These tools enhance decision-making without disrupting workflows.
• Administrative Task Automation
  Beyond patient care, Adageis optimizes administrative functions like supply chain management and resource allocation, directly impacting a provider’s bottom line.
• Continuous Patient Monitoring
  Adageis’ proactive efficiency tools enable real-time monitoring, ensuring that patients receive timely interventions between visits. This approach reduces emergency department utilization and improves patient satisfaction.

Value-based care emphasizes quality and outcomes over service volume, but achieving this shift requires advanced tools. Adageis offers a suite of AI-driven solutions that help providers meet value-based care metrics while improving patient outcomes. The company’s Value-Based Care Engine transforms care delivery by enabling providers to focus on high-risk patients and prioritize interventions. These capabilities help healthcare systems reduce costs, forecast and drive revenue, optimize care delivery, and align with payer incentives.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the shift from AGI to specific use cases will accelerate. Companies like Adageis are leading the charge, demonstrating how AI can address real-world challenges with precision and efficiency.

By prioritizing targeted solutions, Adageis not only transforms care delivery but also sets a benchmark for innovation in the industry. With its unique offering and proven ability to deliver tangible results, the company offers a compelling case for how AI can redefine healthcare—one specific use case at a time.

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

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

• The projects, totaling 25.577 MW, will be developed as community solar initiatives, with SolarBank managing the construction, operation and maintenance of the projects.
• The projects will use U.S.-manufactured equipment, aligning with Qcells’ investment in domestic solar production, while incentives from New York’s NY-Sun Program will further enhance the projects’ viability.
• Qcells is investing nearly $2.8 billion USD into boosting U.S. domestic solar manufacturing and innovation to support and accelerate the U.S. clean energy transition.

Disseminated on behalf of SolarBank Corporation

SolarBank (NASDAQ: SUUN) (CSE: SUNN) (NEO: SUNN) (FSE: GY2), a premier developer and owner of renewable and clean energy projects, specializing in distributed and community solar initiatives throughout Canada and the U.S., has sealed a $49.5 million USD transaction with Qcells, one of the world’s leading clean energy companies, for the acquisition of four ground-mount solar power projects that are under development in upstate New York (https://ibn.fm/A9JcD).

The projects, collectively generating 25.577 MW of solar energy, mark a significant collaboration between SolarBank and Qcells, underscoring a shared commitment to clean energy solutions. The Gainesville, Hardie, Rice Road, and Hwy 28 projects, are part of SolarBank’s ongoing initiative to develop ground-mount solar power sites. SolarBank originated the sites and facilitated their development through a completed Coordinated Electric System Interconnection Review (“CESIR”).

Once operational, these projects will function as community solar initiatives. This model allows renters and homeowners to subscribe to the projects and earn credits on their electricity bills based on the clean energy generated. This approach democratizes access to renewable energy without requiring individual installations. Community solar projects like these play an essential role in addressing energy accessibility and affordability, particularly in regions where installing solar panels on individual properties may not be feasible.

The projects will also benefit from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (“NYSERDA”) incentives under the NY-Sun Program. These incentives are designed to accelerate the adoption of solar energy and reduce installation costs, enhancing the financial viability of renewable energy projects.

The partnership also highlights Qcells’ ongoing investment in the U.S. solar supply chain. With a commitment of $2.8 billion USD to onshore production, Qcells aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing, from solar panel components to finished products.

Qcells is a subsidiary of South Korea’s Hanwha Solutions and is widely recognized for its established reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance, high-quality solar cells and panels, portfolio of intelligent storage systems, and growing international pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects. The company is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and operates diverse international manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Malaysia and South Korea.

“At Qcells, we are dedicated to delivering clean, affordable energy solutions to communities nationwide and around the globe,” said Jin Han, Corporate Officer, Head of Distributed Energy at Qcells North America. “With a commitment of nearly $2.8 billion, we are working hard to onshore production of the solar supply chain from ingots and wafers to cells and finished panels. Each step we take strengthens domestic solar manufacturing, drives the clean energy transition and brings us closer to a sustainable future for all.”

Under the terms of the agreement, SolarBank’s responsibilities extend beyond the sale of the projects. The company will oversee their construction through engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) agreements, and will retain operational management post-completion. This integrated approach ensures project quality and long-term performance.

The deal also aligns with SolarBank’s strategic focus on leveraging U.S.-based manufacturing to advance clean energy projects. “I am extremely pleased to have entered into this transaction with Qcells. Qcells is making a substantial investment in U.S. domestic manufacturing for solar panels and SolarBank is excited to be supporting them in developing these four projects using made in the USA equipment,” said Dr. Richard Lu, Chief Executive Officer of SolarBank.

This transaction is part of a broader trend toward renewable energy adoption as companies like SolarBank and Qcells innovate to meet growing energy demands sustainably. With its extensive renewable energy expertise, SolarBank already has an impressive portfolio of renewable energy initiatives including more than 100 megawatts of developed capacity and a pipeline exceeding one gigawatt.

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

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

There are several risks associated with the development of the Projects. The development of any project is subject to required permits, the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements for Qcells, the risks associated with the construction of a solar energy project. In addition, governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar energy projects, which could result in future projects no longer being economic. Qcells will pay the purchase price for the Projects, and construction costs under the EPC agreements, in stages. If Qcells does not obtain the necessary financing, the Company is obligated to reacquire the projects subject to retention of an initial payment. This report contains forward looking information. Please refer to https://ibn.fm/G76GJ for additional discussion of the assumptions and risk factors associated with the projects and statements made in this report.

• Electronic monitoring (“EM”) technology developer SuperCom is celebrating expansion in the United States at a record pace
• EM tracking technology has become a popular alternative to incarceration for criminal justice officers dealing with domestic violence cases, because the EM option promotes cost savings for taxpayers and rehabilitation for domestic violence offenders
• SuperCom President and CEO Ordan Trabelsi underscored the company’s progress with data he discussed in a recent LD Micro Conference interview with SEQUIRE Spotlight
• SuperCom has also been focusing on the expansion of its products and services in Europe, where contracts have included public safety monitoring projects in Romania, Finland, Estonia, and Sweden

A report issued last month on a study of domestic partner homicides within the Latino community noted that “in 2020, for all race and ethnicity groups, when the relationship of victims to homicide suspects was known, the suspects were current or former intimate partners of female (50.0%) and male victims (7.9%),” and that among Latinos / Hispanics jealousy was a factor for approximately half of male victims and an eighth of female victims (https://ibn.fm/2tjOe).

Included with other recent year-end findings about violence levels in communities throughout the world (https://ibn.fm/U8Mz4, https://ibn.fm/3FPTR), the data serve as a reminder of the importance of providing strategies to combat domestic violence and prevent it from recurring.

Israel-based tracking technology developer SuperCom (NASDAQ: SPCB) is at the forefront of new innovations in products designed to help law enforcement officials establish safeguards against recurrent intimate partner violence that may escalate with fatal results.

“If somebody hits their wife or if a wife hits her husband, the police … if they see damage on the body, they’ll put a bracelet on immediately before there’s even a conviction because the bracelet is lightweight, long battery life, it doesn’t intrude or interfere in your life … and it basically enforces that the person doesn’t come close to the victim anymore — enforces the restraining order, essentially,” SuperCom President and CEO Ordan Trabelsi said during an interview with the SEQUIRE Spotlight chat host at last year’s LD Micro 17th Annual Main Event Conference (https://ibn.fm/j4We6).

The bracelet Trabelsi described is the company’s best-of-breed PureOne tracking device, which pairs with the company’s PureShield mobile app alert technology — parts of the PureShield Domestic Violence Monitoring platform developed by SuperCom to notify law enforcement officers as well as potential domestic violence victims if a supervised individual trespasses boundaries established by that order.

“This gives the victims the confidence to actually complain and say that there’s something wrong going on,” Trabelsi said.

SuperCom has been expanding into new markets at a record pace for the company, signing 20 new contracts since last summer and establishing a presence in six states where the company’s products hadn’t been used before (https://ibn.fm/edXt2).

Aside from the obvious benefit of helping to protect someone from further abuse by an intimate partner, electronic monitoring (“EM”) of domestic violence suspects serves society by providing a less expensive alternative to taxpayer-sustained jails for restricting the suspect’s movements. In addition, the discreet use of EM supervision provides a potential rehabilitative effect by allowing the suspect to continue with employment or education and, to the extent allowed by the restraining order, to maintain a parenting role or other relationships within a family.

SuperCom’s recent focus has been to increase the presence of its products and services in Europe as well as the United States.

“We just won a project in Romania of over $33 million. We’re tracking up to 15,000 offenders every month, so over the course of a six-year project, we can help up to a million victims,” Trabelsi said. “And we’re in Finland and Estonia and Sweden and the U.S. and Canada. We continually win more and more projects around the world as we expand our business.”

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

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

• Proprietary R&D is led by a world-class team of medicinal chemists and industry veterans, ensuring innovative product development.
• A first-to-market product, unbuzzd addresses a fast-expanding consumer category, with 300% growth expected by 2030.
• Lucid-MS, a potential multi-billion-dollar asset, represents a significant breakthrough in the treatment of demyelinating diseases, supported by an expedited regulatory pathway.
• Strategic equity and royalty agreements with Celly Nutrition for consumer-focused alcohol misuse treatments provide an additional revenue stream.
• Quantum BioPharma is strategically positioned in two high-growth sectors: hangover remedies and MS therapeutics.

Quantum BioPharma (NASDAQ: QNTM) (CSE: QNTM) is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative solutions to address neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, as well as alcohol misuse. The company’s portfolio includes groundbreaking therapeutic candidates such as Lucid-MS, a patented compound targeting multiple sclerosis, and consumer-focused products like unbuzzd(TM), a novel alcohol detoxification beverage. Through strategic investments and a focused R&D model, Quantum BioPharma seeks to deliver meaningful health improvements while maximizing shareholder value.

The company’s vision is to revolutionize healthcare solutions for underserved markets, guided by a mission to enhance lives through science and innovation. By leveraging its expertise in medicinal chemistry and product commercialization through joint ventures, Quantum BioPharma aims to make significant strides in its targeted sectors.

Quantum BioPharma is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Lucid-MS

Lucid-MS is Quantum BioPharma’s flagship therapeutic candidate for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (“MS”). This new chemical entity (“NCE”) is the result of over 14 years of preclinical research and has demonstrated the potential to stop and even reverse myelin degradation, a known cause of MS. Unlike current treatments, Lucid-MS offers a neuroprotective approach without immunosuppression, addressing a critical unmet need in the MS market.

With nearly one million people in the U.S. living with MS and over 2.8 million cases globally, Lucid-MS targets a vast market with significant demand for better treatment options. In December 2024, Quantum BioPharma announced promising news from its ongoing phase 1 trial of Lucid-MS – a safety review committee recommended starting the dosing of the trial’s second cohort. Lucid-MS represents a transformative opportunity in the treatment of demyelinating diseases. The company is leveraging an expedited regulatory pathway to reach patients faster and has indicated that a phase 2 clinical trial is likely on the horizon.

Celly Nutrition and unbuzzd(TM)

Quantum BioPharma’s product portfolio is anchored by unbuzzd, a dietary supplement in both powder stick and 12 oz. RTD beverage formats, developed by Quantum and licensed to Celly Nutrition, designed to accelerate alcohol metabolism and restore mental alertness within minutes. This clinically tested first-to-market solution utilizes a proprietary blend of extracts, vitamins, and minerals to reduce blood alcohol concentration (“BAC”) and improve cognitive function post-alcohol consumption. Launched in August 2024, unbuzzd is part of a growing consumer market for hangover remedies, but unique with its effectiveness in rapidly reducing BAC.

The product’s innovative formulation sets it apart as the only clinically tested, effective dietary supplement beverage targeting alcohol detoxification. Its multi-channel distribution strategy includes direct-to-consumer sales through e-commerce platforms, retail partnerships, and on-premise marketing initiatives. Quantum BioPharma’s focus on consumer education and strategic partnerships positions unbuzzd for significant growth within the expanding hangover remedy market.

Market Opportunity

Quantum BioPharma operates in sectors with significant growth potential. The global market for hangover remedies was valued at $2.05 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 14.8%, reaching $6.2 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. This growth is fueled by increasing consumer demand for effective alcohol detoxification solutions and rising awareness of products like unbuzzd.

Similarly, the global multiple sclerosis market is projected to grow from $28.2 billion in 2022 to $41 billion by 2033, driven by advancements in treatment options and an increasing prevalence of MS cases worldwide.

Quantum BioPharma’s dual focus on consumer health products and high-value therapeutics uniquely positions it to capitalize on these opportunities. Its strategic investments and innovative R&D pipeline provide a competitive edge in addressing unmet needs in both markets.

Leadership Team

Zeeshan Saeed, CEO and Co-Founder of Quantum BioPharma, has extensive experience in international capital markets and a proven track record of successfully assisting startups in raising initial funding. Under his leadership, Quantum BioPharma has developed a robust portfolio of innovative products and strategic investments.

Gerry David, Director and Co-Chair of Celly Nutrition, brings decades of experience in consumer-packaged goods (“CPG”) and is best known for his tenure as CEO of Celsius Holdings. During his leadership, he increased the company’s valuation by 35-fold, surpassing $9 billion. His expertise in scaling product distribution programs has been instrumental to Quantum BioPharma’s strategic initiatives.

John Duffy, CEO of Celly Nutrition, has over two decades of leadership experience in the Coca-Cola system, where he served as Vice President of National Sales. His expertise in customer management and sales strategy is driving the success of unbuzzd’s market rollout.

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

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

• D-Wave bookings for fiscal year 2024 will exceed $23 million, marking at least a 120% increase compared to fiscal year 2023, an increase driven in part by first-ever customer purchase of a D-Wave(TM) Advantage annealing quantum computing system.
• The company also announced the successful completion of a $150 million “at-the-market” (“ATM”) equity offering, contributing to a current cash balance of approximately $320 million.
• The Advantage quantum computer purchase represents an expansion of the company’s revenue model as a result of broadening its go-to-market offering to include on-premises system sales.
• CEO Dr. Alan Baratz emphasized that the company believes the world is quickly recognizing the near-term usefulness and value of D-Wave’s quantum systems.

D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS) (“D-Wave”), a leader in quantum computing systems, software and services, and the first commercial provider of quantum computers, reported a 120%+ increase in bookings for fiscal year 2024 compared to 2023 figures. According to a company news release, bookings for fiscal year 2024 exceed $23 million, an increase driven by several major milestones including the first-ever customer purchase of a D-Wave Advantage annealing quantum computer (https://ibn.fm/9aHB5).

Bookings during Q4 of fiscal year 2024 will be at least $18 million, an increase of approximately 500% over prior fiscal year 2023 Q4 bookings of $3 million. The company ended fiscal year 2024 with a record cash position of approximately $178 million in cash.

In addition, D-Wave recently announced the successful completion of a $150 million ATM equity offering (the “ATM Program”). The $150 million ATM Program commenced on January 15th and ended on January 21st, with an average per share price of $6.10, representing a $0.22 per share, or 3.7%, premium over the Volume Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) of D-Wave’s common stock during the same timeframe. The company’s current cash balance is approximately $320 million, which the company believes provides the capital necessary to fully execute its operating plan to sustained profitability and positive cash flow.

The D-Wave Advantage system is the world’s largest quantum computer with more than 5,000 qubits and 15-way connectivity. The first customer purchase of the system highlights the growing adoption of D-Wave’s annealing quantum technology and represents a significant expansion in the company’s revenue model as a result of broadening its go-to-market offering to include on-premise system sales.

The purchase of an on-premise system provides the customer complete access to all aspects of the Advantage quantum computer, including the ability to modify system parameters and integrate the system in ways that were previously unavailable. The move comes as D-Wave has seen a growing demand for on-premise quantum systems from research centers, academic institutions, HPC centers, and leading-edge businesses looking to accelerate competitive differentiation, bolster national security, and explore how quantum computing can address challenges resulting from AI’s escalating power consumption.

The on-premise infrastructure offering is complementary to D-Wave’s Leap(TM) quantum cloud service, an approach that the company believes will continue to be preferred by many application-focused customers. 

According to Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, the company believes it is evident that the world is quickly recognizing the near-term usefulness and value of D-Wave’s quantum systems. “With remarkable growth in bookings, our first Advantage system sale and an increasing number of customer applications moving into production, in our view, D-Wave is clearly driving the commercialization of quantum computing,” Dr. Baratz said. “While others remain in the research and development mode, we are delivering incredibly powerful technology and products to customers today, helping them tackle their tough computational problems faster, better and with less energy.”

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

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

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may not be indicative of future results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, various factors beyond management’s control, including the risks set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release in making an investment decision, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We undertake no duty to update this information unless required by law.

• Copper’s unique properties make it indispensable in modern technology.
• Aston Bay, a publicly traded mineral exploration company, is dedicated to discovering high-grade copper and gold deposits in North America.
• Aston Bay’s exploration and development efforts are crucial to meeting the escalating demand driven by the global shift towards sustainable energy and technology.

As the global community intensifies its commitment to sustainability, the demand for essential resources such as copper has surged. This versatile metal is integral to numerous technologies that underpin a sustainable future, from renewable energy systems to electric vehicles. Ensuring a consistent and ecologically responsible supply of copper is paramount, and companies such as Aston Bay Holdings (TSX.V: BAY) (OTCQB: ATBHF) are pivotal in this endeavor.

Copper’s unique properties, including its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability and resistance to corrosion, make it indispensable in modern technology. Its applications span an array of uses:

• Renewable energy: Copper is a critical component in wind turbines, solar panels and energy storage systems, facilitating efficient energy generation and distribution.
• Electric vehicles (“EVs”): EVs require significantly more copper than traditional vehicles, with applications in batteries, wiring and charging infrastructure.
• Infrastructure: The expansion of smart grids and the modernization of electrical infrastructure heavily rely on copper for efficient energy transmission.

According to the International Copper Association, global copper reserves are estimated at 870 million tonnes, with annual demand around 28 million tonnes. Current resources are projected to exceed 5,000 million tonnes, indicating substantial availability to meet future needs (https://ibn.fm/Sq73J).

Aston Bay, a publicly traded mineral exploration company, is dedicated to discovering high-grade copper and gold deposits in North America. Their strategic projects include the Storm Copper Project, the Epworth Copper-Silver-Cobalt Property, and discoveries in Virginia.

Aston Bay’s Storm Copper Project is located on Somerset Island in Nunavut, Canada. This project features strata-bound and structurally hosted copper mineralization within dolomitic sediments. Notably, hypogene copper mineralization is present at the surface and extends to depths of at least 100 meters, comprising minerals such as chalcocite, bornite, covellite and chalcopyrite.

The company’s Epworth Copper-Silver-Cobalt Property is also situated in Nunavut. With this recently acquired property, Aston Bay aims to replicate the success of the Storm Copper Project. The presence of high-grade copper, silver and cobalt positions this property as a potential contributor to the supply of critical metals essential for sustainable technologies.

In addition, Aston Bay is evaluating various opportunities in Virginia. The company has identified high-grade, orogenic-style gold veins and significant copper-zinc-cobalt mineralization, highlighting the potential for domestic sources of these vital metals.

Looking forward, the importance of securing reliable sources of copper cannot be overstated. Aston Bay’s exploration and development efforts are crucial in meeting the escalating demand driven by the global shift towards sustainable energy and technology. The company’s commitment to responsible exploration ensures that the environmental impact is minimized, aligning with global sustainability goals. By focusing on high-grade deposits, Aston Bay aims to provide efficient and economically viable sources of copper, contributing to the stability of the supply chain.

Copper’s role in advancing sustainable technologies underscores the necessity for continued exploration and development. Aston Bay stands at the forefront of this mission, with projects poised to contribute to the copper supply essential for a sustainable future. Their strategic initiatives not only support the growing demand but also exemplify the responsible practices required in modern mineral exploration.

For more information, visit AstonBayHoldings.com.

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