• Lexaria’s patented DehydraTECH(TM)-CBD achieved promising results for diabetes control and weight loss in animals during the pre-clinical animal study DIAB-A22-1
• The weight loss drug market was valued at $1.90 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $13.26 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 24.7%
• Many drugs used to control diabetes have produced results in managing obesity, which Lexaria plans to leverage with its DehydraTECH(TM) technology

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX, LEXXW), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, recently announced its intent to conduct a human clinical study to examine its patented DehydraTECH(TM)-processed cannabidiol (“CBD”) for diabetes control and weight loss. The company has already completed a pre-clinical diabetes study in animals, which supports its advancement to human trials for diabetes control and weight loss (https://ibn.fm/YFGIl).

Lexaria had announced in two prior press releases, on March 2 and June 16, that its pre-clinical diabetes study DIAB-A22-1 in obese diabetic-conditioned animals, that DehydraTECH-CBD had achieved the following:

• Lowered blood glucose levels by 19.9% (p<0.05)
• Lowered overall body weight by 7% sustained over eight weeks
• Witnessed a statistically significant increase in locomotor activity (p<0.05)
• Lowered triglyceride levels by more than 25% (p<0.007)
• Lowered blood urea nitrogen levels by 27.9% (p<0.001)

Based on these successful pre-clinical results, the management of Lexaria has decided to undertake a human diabetes clinical study to investigate whether any of these improvements will also be evidenced in humans. Lexaria is currently designing the study, which will be followed by submission to an independent review board to gain necessary approvals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”), managing one’s blood sugar levels is important to avoid diabetes-related conditions, including vision loss, heart disease, and kidney disease (https://ibn.fm/V90mU). Generic CBD studies, mainly conducted in animals, indicate that it may be ineffective in controlling blood sugar. Lexaria hopes to study whether the DehydraTECH-CBD formulation provides additional insight into human blood sugar control. The company is encouraged by DehydraTECH-CBD’s ability to reduce animal blood sugar levels and believes it warrants additional investigation.

The DehydraTECH technology is designed specifically for formulating and delivering lipophilic (fat-soluble) drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”). DehydraTECH increases effectiveness and improves the way these APIs enter the bloodstream. The benefits of ingesting a DehydraTECH-enabled drug or consumer product include the following:

• Speeds up delivery with effects of the product felt in minutes
• Increases bioavailability due to its effectiveness in delivering a drug into the bloodstream
• Increases brain absorption, with animal testing evidencing higher drug quantities delivered across the blood-brain barrier
• Improved drug potency, with more of the drug available to the body, requiring lower dosages
• Reduced drug administration costs, meaning that lower dosages require less drug cost overall
• Mask unwanted tastes and reduces or eliminate the need for sweeteners

The company has also collaborated with the National Research Council (“NRC”), the Canadian government’s premier research and technology organization. DehydraTECH is covered by over 30 granted patents, with more pending worldwide. The patent protection includes formulations for specific delivery of cannabinoids, antiviral drugs, nicotine and more.

Many drugs used to control human blood glucose levels have shown promising weight loss results. The weight loss drug market was valued at $1.90 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $13.26 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 24.7% (https://ibn.fm/jN9UC). The market is growing due to the public’s growing interest in how obesity contributes to other health problems. Lexaria is positioning itself to potentially penetrate this market with its human-based clinical trial of DehydraTECH-CBD and diabetes control.

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

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

• Ucore is engaged in the exploration for and separation and scalable production of REEs in Canada and the US
• Ucore Chairman and CEO Pat Ryan recently presented at the Critical Minerals Institute Summit II, where he discussed the risk mitigation strategies Western countries could execute to disrupt China’s dominance in the REE space
• On its part, and having identified has identified the need and demand for US-based REE refining and processing facilities, Ucore is working on developing, upscaling, and commercializing RapidSX(TM)
• RapidSX(TM) is the company’s transformative advanced column-based solvent extraction technique for separating both light and heavy REEs; it offers numerous benefits over the conventional solvent extraction technique
• Ucore is commissioning its 52-stage RapidSX(TM) Demonstration Plant in Kingston, Ontario

The government of China has consistently increased the total annual mining quota issued to producers of rare earth materials for the past five years: what started at 105,000 tons in 2017, doubled to 210,000 tons in 2022. Still, this uptrend shows no signs of easing, as country earlier this year set the first batch of rare-earth mining for 2023 at 120,000 tons, up by about 20% year-over-year (https://ibn.fm/uIRjY).

According to observers, this increase is due to the need to stabilize the prices of neodymium-iron-boron (“NdFeB”) permanent magnets amid an expected surge in demand as the country pushes for broader adoption of electric vehicles (“EVs”). (NdFeB magnets are critical to the functioning of clean energy technologies like electric vehicle (“EV”) motors and wind turbines, as well as defense systems.)

In response to the higher government quota, state-owned resource developers have announced plans to expand production. The country’s largest player in the rare earth space, China Northern Rare Earth Group, for instance, announced it would invest $1.1 billion (7.8 billion yuan) to convert an existing refining and processing facility into one of the largest in the world (https://ibn.fm/xx9sJ).

Such investments continue to support China’s status as a leader in the production and processing of rare earth elements (“REE”). In fact, according to the Critical Minerals Market Review 2023, published by the International Energy Agency (“IEA”), China accounts for 70% of production and 90% of processing (https://ibn.fm/Z5smw).

Worried about this dominance, which threatens, among others, national security and workforce development, the United States has stepped up its own mining operations and investments, becoming the world’s second-largest producer of REEs. Unfortunately, the country still lacks sufficient refining capacity, so it sends most of its output to China for processing before importing it back. But with China considering prohibiting exports of certain rare-earth magnet technology (https://ibn.fm/5idlI), this dependence poses a massive risk.

“Make no mistake, the battle lines are being drawn as global energy transition is upon us,” said Pat Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF), in his speech delivered at the Critical Minerals Institute Summit II in June (https://ibn.fm/0N1iM). “Massive Chinese investments, especially in the rare earth supply chain, have created a steadfast monopoly. Nationalistic goals that have cornered resources and technology, seriously challenge the innovative and free market solutions of the US and allied countries. What risk-mitigating strategies can the West unilaterally execute for its own needs, allowing entrepreneurial ideas that have led global growth decade after decade to be refocused?”

Ryan’s speech, titled “Risk Mitigating for a North American Rare Earth Supply,” centered around an entrepreneurial theme that has long guided the operations of Ucore: identify demand and then respond with innovation. On its part, Ucore, a company engaged in the exploration for and separation and scalable production of REEs in Canada and the US, identified the need and demand for US-based REE refining and processing facilities and has, ergo, been focusing on developing, upscaling, and commercializing RapidSX(TM), its transformative advanced column-based solvent extraction technique for separating both light and heavy REEs.

RapidSX(TM) is at least three times more efficient than conventional solvent extraction (“CSX”) with a shorter overall processing time and lower construction and operation costs even though both share the same chemistry and unit operational steps. Plus, according to Ucore, the transformative technique results in REE products that are virtually indistinguishable from those made in facilities that use CSX. (CSX is used the world over to commercially separate REEs.)

Ucore is commissioning its 52-stage RapidSX(TM) Demonstration Plant in Kingston, Ontario, announcing June 29 the acquisition of its third feedstock, made up of mixed light REE chemical concentrate, for commissioning trials (https://ibn.fm/nhdsb). “The underway commissioning process at the RapidSX(TM) Commercialization and Demonstration Facility is the single most significant leap in the development of the RapidSX(TM) technology platform and, once completed, will open the pathway to direct commercialization and monetization of Ucore’s business model,” commented Mike Shrider, Ucore Vice President and COO, in the press release.

For more information, visit the company’s website at 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

• “Milestone” uplisting gives company greater access, exposure to the crucial U.S. investment market
• The uplisting has drawn increased focus, credibility to company’s two flagship projects
• Partnership with IBN designed to strengthen First Tellurium’s presence in growing essential metals market

First Tellurium (CSE: FTEL) (OTCQB: FSTTF) is taking key steps that reflect its growth and commitment to explore for — and provide — green and critical metals. Most recently the company announced that it had uplisting to the OTCQB venture market (https://ibn.fm/ZNYik) and had partnered with a veteran corporate communications consulting firm to strengthen the company’s news dissemination (https://ibn.fm/yE468).

Upgrading to OTCQB will provide enhanced access and exposure to the U.S. investor base, noted First Tellurium CEO and president. “Upgrading our OTC market listing has been an important, long-term goal of the company,” said Tyrone Docherty. “This milestone gives us far greater access and exposure to the crucial U.S. investment market, allowing us to attract a larger shareholder audience. The OTCQB is recognized as an established public market by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and it offers investors transparent, high-quality trading.”

The move was approved by the OTC Markets Group Inc. in June, and First Tellurium has been trading on the OTCQB under the symbol FSTTF ever since. The uplisting has drawn increased focus and credibility to the company’s two flagship projects: the Colorado-based Klondike tellurium-gold project and the British Columbia-based Deer Horn tellurium-gold-silver-copper project. These two projects are key to First Tellurium’s commitment to supply critical and essential metals, including tellurium, for North American markets. An essential element for the world’s transition to green energy, tellurium is used in high-efficiency cadmium telluride (“Cd-Te”) solar panels, next-generation lithium-ion batteries and thermoelectric devices, which change heat into energy.

In addition, First Tellurium has inked an initial six-month deal with corporate communications consulting experts IBN (InvestorBrandNetwork) to provide corporate communications consulting services and leverage the company’s enhanced outreach tools. The partnership is designed to increase news dissemination coverage and strengthen First Tellurium’s presence in the growing essential metals market.

IBN is a multifaceted financial news and publishing company servicing private and public entities. The company has almost two decades of experience supporting its more than 500 client partners improve communications and increase awareness within the investment community. In that time, IBN has created more than 60 trusted brands and works with 5,000-plus syndication partners to spread invaluable news to millions through its social media, newswire, newsletter, podcast and newsroom channels. “IBN is uniquely positioned to provide First Tellurium with the solutions needed to reach a wide audience of investors, journalists and the general public,” the company stated in the announcement.

First Tellurium’s unique business model is to generate revenue and value through mineral discovery, project development, project generation and cooperative access to untapped mineral regions in Indigenous territory with sustainable exploration.

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

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

• The company offers an approach that gives them a cost-saving edge over other producers in the market
• Preliminary discussions have been made to shortlist engineering firms capable of conducting the necessary SK-1300 technical reports for the company’s newest gold and Ammolite assets – with anticipated completion by the end of FY-2023
• GEMXX is participating in Regulation A financing, and interested investors, shareholders, institutions, and financiers, are urged to visit the company’s website for more information

GEMXX (OTC: GEMZ), a mine-to-market enterprise specializing in gold, gemstone, and jewelry production, recently announced that it has made significant progress in its efforts to finance its gold and Ammolite mining operations. During the last year, GEMXX has made significant strides in its growth plan, with increased shareholder value through acquiring materials and assets that support its goal of becoming fully integrated.

GEMXX has secured 75% of this fiscal year’s mining costs for the company’s gold and Ammolite initiatives. The involvement of new investors and strategic partners has strengthened the company’s financial position and supports its growth plan. This includes expanding GEMXX’s mine and process facility and increasing production to meet global product demand.

“Management is very excited to reach this financing milestone as it will allow the company to operate multiple mine assets at the same time,” said Richard Clowater, GEMXX President (https://ibn.fm/63mfz). “With the Snow Creek gold mine now in full production initial results have met all expectations, we look forward to having a gemstone and gold mine in production at the same time.”

GEMMX’s ambitious growth plan revolves around bolstering its market share through several key initiatives:

• First, GEMXX aims to strengthen its position in current markets by nurturing and expanding existing relationships with customers and partners.
• Second, the company plans to venture into untapped strategic markets by identifying and targeting new areas and establishing a presence in regions with promising growth opportunities.
• Thirdly, GEMXX envisions its growth through acquisitions, aiming to consolidate the market position and capitalize on synergies for enhanced success.

“Significant Strategic Partnerships are being formed that will allow the company to create more awareness of its market position and products it produces and sells around the world,” said Jay Maull, CEO of GEMXX (https://ibn.fm/VW5ll). “We endeavor to keep our stakeholders and shareholders updated as we hit milestones and sign agreements that will help the company reduce costs and increase revenues through partnerships, expansion, and new complementary product lines.”

GEMXX stands out due to its advantages in mining its gold reserves for use in jewelry production – an approach that gives the company a cost-saving edge over other producers in the market. Ammolite, similar to black opal, is a biogenic gem derived from the fossilized shells of Ammonites, a group of extinct marine nautiluses. Both avenues give GEMXX an advantage as a prominent player in the industry – standing out as a leader and producer of high-quality finished jewelry.

GEMXX has also completed preliminary discussions and has shortlisted engineering firms capable of conducting SK-1300 technical reports on both gold and Ammolite assets. Management anticipates the completion of the SK-1300 technical reports on the gold and Ammolite properties will produce a three-fold increase in the company’s proven resource base by the end of FY-2023.

The Company’s Form 1-A to raise up to $6,000,000 at $.40 per share pursuant to the Offering Statement is fully qualified. Shareholders, investors, institutions, and financiers interested in participating in the Reg A financing are encouraged to visit the company’s investor page (https://ibn.fm/iWTf5) or contact company officials for more information (ir@gemxx.com – 702-930-1815).

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

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

• Lexaria recently celebrated the receipt of its 35th overall granted patent worldwide when the USPTO recently awarded US patent #11,700,875, titled “Compositions and Methods For Sublingual Delivery of Nicotine”
• The company described the new patent as “strategically important”
• The patent positions the company to tap into the growing oral nicotine market and offers protection in one of the world’s leading oral nicotine markets
• This patent could also lead to additional subsequent patents from within this family
• Lexaria’s DehydraTECH-nicotine formulation is patent granted for oral nicotine delivery in the US, Canada, and Australia

When Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, announced receipt of an Australian patent on March 8, 2022 (https://ibn.fm/OobWl), its resolve to continue expanding its intellectual property (“IP”), particularly within the oral nicotine sector, received a significant boost. The then-new Australian patent had expanded upon the company’s IP rights to apply its DehydraTECH(TM) technology platform to most oral forms of nicotine. Still, the company intended to continue growing its existing portfolio, expanding IP protection to multiple other jurisdictions.

Motivated, Lexaria filed a new patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) shortly thereafter on March 22. And, more than a year later, the application has proven successful, with the company recently celebrating the receipt of the patent granted, US patent #11,700,875, titled “Compositions and Methods For Sublingual Delivery of Nicotine” (https://ibn.fm/DVIpA).

The new US patent covers various forms and sources of nicotine, including nicotine benzoate, nicotine polacrilex, nicotine citrate, nicotine detartrate, and many others, for use in sublingual delivery formats like oral pouches. And while the title alludes to sublingual delivery, the patent document published by the USPTO discloses that “the terms ‘sublingual’ and ‘buccal’ are used interchangeably… Therefore, the disclose compositions can be absorbed in any manner chosen by the user” (https://ibn.fm/lL2E2).

The new US patent is remarkable and “strategically important” in many ways. First, it is the company’s 35th overall granted patent worldwide and the 13th granted in the United States. Second, a total of 30 claims were awarded within this patent, the highest number of claims accepted by the USPTO in the company’s existing portfolio. And with researchers agreeing that patents with a higher number of claims are better protected and can be an important measure of a patent’s value (https://ibn.fm/HlfrV), the claims increase the value of the new patent and perhaps even the company’s entire IP portfolio.

Third, and as the company wrote in its March 2022 press release, “At times in Lexaria’s history, the granting of a first patent in a new patent family has led to additional subsequent patents from within that same family,” the new US patent could lead to the award of patents within this family in other countries. In fact, this statement was confirmed recently, albeit with a different patent family. In June, Lexaria announced it had been granted a new Canadian patent under Patent Family #8: “Compositions Infused with Nicotine Compounds and Methods of Use Thereof,” the second within this family after the Australian patent granted last year (https://ibn.fm/8jiPZ).

Moreover, the new patent grants IP protection within the United States, one of the world’s leading oral nicotine markets, according to an analysis by the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (https://ibn.fm/cMVAI). The US nicotine pouches market is projected to grow at a 33% CAGR between 2023 and 2030 (https://ibn.fm/Ofpxm).

But beyond the United States, and given that the company’s DehydraTECH-nicotine formulation is also patent granted for oral nicotine delivery in Canada and Australia, with numerous applications pending in other jurisdictions, Lexaria is ideally positioned to tap into the growing global oral nicotine market. Analysts at Market Research project the global nicotine pouches market to grow at a 13.4% CAGR between 2023 and 2029, reaching a value of $11.91 billion at the end of the forecast period, up from $4.69 billion in 2022 (https://ibn.fm/yickc).

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

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

• FEXD understands the changing dynamics and the growing preference for digital payments
• Through its aggressive yet strategic acquisition approach, FEXD is offering solutions that make it easy to move money across borders
• By prioritizing developing nations and creating systems and infrastructure unique to the needs of customers in these countries, FEXD is addressing the issue of gross unmet mobile needs
• This reflects the company’s commitment to its mission and to creating shareholder value

Fintech Ecosystem Development (NASDAQ: FEXD), a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”), is focused on the changing consumer landscape and how digital payments are shaping the way people transact. In response, the company is pushing for the creation and proliferation of much-needed scalable access to systems and infrastructure that facilitate cashless payments, ultimately playing an integral role in advancing a cashless society, both in the U.S. and around the world.

According to Pew Research, it was estimated that, in 2022, two-fifths of Americans used no cash. Additional studies showed that 11% of U.S. adults have stopped using cash, up from 5% five years ago, with the average number of cash payments falling from 26% in 2019 to 20% in 2021. Already, 64% of Americans believe that all payments will become electronic at some point in their lifetime, while for those under 50, the figure stands at 70% (https://ibn.fm/Q1VBA).

The growing preference for digital payments is clear, and nothing new, but it still has huge opportunities for the future. The company, through its aggressive yet strategic acquisition approach, is building a global network of mobile money platforms, applications, technologies, products, and services, that together make it easy and highly efficient to move money across borders to almost any corner of the world. Currently, the company services more than 50 currencies, with customers enjoying low conversion costs, further adding to the product’s accessibility.

For the longest time, developing nations have gotten shortchanged, first with gross unmet mobile money needs and the high cost of sending money to these locations. FEXD is committed to addressing these issues, prioritizing these developing nations, and creating systems and infrastructure unique to customers’ needs in these countries. Its development of proprietary technologies and applications has kept FEXD ahead of the curve, and by doing so, it is helping advance a cashless society well beyond the West and beyond what the West currently considers the norm.

“We’re committed to supporting the progress of developing countries and cultures,” notes FEXD’s website.

“We have a keen understanding of market needs in many regions of the world where cellphones are in wide use, but mobile money services are not yet available,” it reads.

FEXD understands technology’s potential in advancing societies, hence its commitment to leveraging it, particularly in the financial sector. It remains committed to its mission to create and grow a global financial services ecosystem to address unmet mobile money needs. So far, all its efforts have embodied that commitment. This reflects the company’s obligation to create shareholder value and uphold what defines it as a company.

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

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

• D-Wave, VINCI Energies, and QuantumBasel’s work will include using D-Wave’s annealing quantum computers and quantum hybrid solvers to create a series of quantum-hybrid applications
• VINCI Energies is exploring the capabilities of quantum computing over classical computing methods for building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system design
• D-Wave’s Leap(TM) quantum cloud service delivers immediate, real-time access to the company’s Advantage(TM) Quantum Computer and quantum hybrid solver service, with enterprise-class performance and scalability

D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services, focused on delivering customer value via practical quantum applications, has announced a collaboration with QuantumBasel and VINCI Energies, an accelerator of environmental and digital transition, to explore quantum solutions for industrial construction. QuantumBasel and VINCI Energies will work on the research and development of a series of quantum-hybrid applications – which will use D-Wave’s annealing quantum computers and quantum hybrid solvers through the Leap(TM) quantum cloud service – to provide VINCI Energies with real-time access to quantum solutions.

“Construction projects feature a multitude of optimization challenges that can contribute to cost overruns and delayed building completions when not adequately addressed. We believe today’s quantum-hybrid technologies can help solve these computationally complex problems to drive efficiencies and streamline building processes and look forward to working with VINCI Energies and uptownBasel to bring quantum to the construction industry,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave (https://ibn.fm/jt271).

VINCI Energies will explore the capabilities that quantum computing offers in addressing quality improvement (i.e. shorter compute time and lower costs) of generated HVAC network solutions. VINCI Energies, QuantumBasel, and D-Wave have reached a stage where they have two model formulations that will be used for experimentation during the early stages of the second phase.

Dr. Reinhard Schlemmer, Member of the Board of VINCI Energies, explained that his company designs and builds facilities that help improve daily life and mobility for all, with a constant eye on sustainability and environmental responsibility. “We believe that today’s quantum technology can play a key role in ensuring optimal and efficient construction and operation of buildings and are eager to use D-Wave’s quantum solutions in support of that effort,” he added.

D-Wave’s Leap(TM) quantum cloud service delivers immediate, real-time access to the company’s Advantage(TM) Quantum Computer and quantum hybrid solver service, with enterprise-class performance and scalability. Leap(TM) allows customers to develop quantum hybrid applications for use cases in manufacturing, logistics, financial services, life sciences, materials science, retail, and transportation. It helps businesses accelerate solutions to their complex computing problems.

With the Advantage(TM) Quantum Computer, D-Wave has incorporated two decades of experience and over ten years of customer feedback to create the first quantum computer designed for business applications. This innovative platform features a new processing architecture with over 5,000 qubits and 15-way qubit connectivity – 2.5 times more connections and more than double the number of qubits than its previous generation annealing quantum computer.

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. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the use of D-Wave’s annealing quantum computers and quantum hybrid solvers in this collaboration, the potential of today’s quantum hybrid technologies to help solve the identified problems and the potential impact of solving such problems, and the role of today’s quantum technology in the construction and building sectors. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, various factors beyond management’s control, including the risk that these projects may not be completed successfully or at all; general economic conditions and other risks; our ability to expand our customer base and the customer adoption of our solutions; risks within D-Wave’s industry, including anticipated trends, growth rates, and challenges for companies engaged in the business of quantum computing and the markets in which they operate; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us; risks related to the performance of our business and the timing of expected business or financial milestones; unanticipated technological or project development challenges, including with respect to the cost and/or timing thereof; the performance of our products; the effects of competition on our business; the risk that we will need to raise additional capital to execute our business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the risk that we may never achieve or sustain profitability; the risk that we are unable to secure or protect our intellectual property; volatility in the price of our securities; the risk that our securities will not maintain the listing on the NYSE; and the numerous other factors set forth in D-Wave’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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.

• XESP’s Digital Engagement Engine(TM), uses smart technology to manage meaningful online interactions clients have with their target market
• The technology tailors content and dynamically connects to an audience in a way that was previously only possible through face-to-face interactions
• Recent published report indicates that the future of marketing is conversational and that spending on conversational commerce channels is projected to grow to almost $300 billion by 2025, up from $41 billion in 2021

The future of marketing is conversational, according to a recent State of Conversational Commerce Report. The report, which surveyed 8,000 consumers from Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK, showed that 88% of respondents would engage in a two-way conversation with a brand about a product. Moreover, the report revealed that most respondents are more comfortable than ever interacting with brands, especially when they feel they are getting value (https://ibn.fm/2iIfL).

Also known as conversational marketing, conversational commerce is changing how consumers shop as well as how they relate and interact with brands. It is characterized by interactive, people-driven conversations that support the entire customer experience journey, from brand awareness to post-purchase.

As more and more consumers embrace two-way conversations with brands, conversational marketing automation is set to grow and evolve. Experts, for instance, predict that business owners will extend the use of virtual agents (chatbots) beyond what had become the norm. Historically, chatbots were used for website navigation, answering basic product questions, and forwarding prospects to the sales department. “Business owners are starting to use intelligent chat for more than basic product questions or site navigations. Instead, customers and prospects engage with conversational AI as part of mid-to-low funnel communications,” reads an article in Spiceworks (https://ibn.fm/JX0l8).

Positioned ahead of the curve, Electronic Servitor Publication Network (OTCQB: XESP) developed its Digital Engagement Engine(TM) technology to disrupt the market by helping clients maintain control of their content while dynamically engaging their audiences. The Digital Engagement Engine(TM) makes content marketing and, by extension, conversational marketing exponentially effective. The tech stack can identify the narrowest of niches within a target market and target leads with great accuracy. It tailors content to address audience members’ precise interests and needs and dynamically delivers it to them right when they need it.

The Digital Engagement Engine uses smart technology – a combination of automation, cutting-edge data analysis, unique data management, and a modern workflow built on a microservices architecture – to manage all meaningful online interactions clients have with their target market. Going beyond omnichannel marketing, it meets individuals within the target market right where they are – from social media platforms to company websites – and digitally replicates face-to-face interactions. The technology thus helps brands develop real connections with their target customers. But that’s not all.

“The Digital Engagement Engine overlays with the [conversational marketing and omnichannel content publication] tools to ensure that you are having a co-created conversation that is meaningful to the individual user rather than a one-size-fits-all,” explained XESP CEO Peter Hager in an interview with Spotlight Network (https://ibn.fm/qfr7K). “That meaningful interaction drives a greater relationship with your audience and trust. Ultimately, it drives greater growth in your organization and, very simply put, replicates what you do face-to-face. And if we can do that online, which the Digital Engagement Engine helps you do, you’re going to produce better results.”

Companies are increasingly aware of the trends in conversational marketing and are taking steps to capitalize on intelligent chat technology and other conversational commerce channels, which have been shown to simplify brand interactions. Accordingly, Statista projects that global spending on conversational commerce channels will grow to about $290 billion by 2025, up from $41 billion in 2021 (https://ibn.fm/uUM84). With its revolutionary tech stack, Electronic Servitor Publication Network is well positioned to tap into this growth.

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

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

• Forbes reports that “2023 travel trends show no slowdown”
• SHRG’s MyTravelVentures offers members full access to exclusive deals across the travel industry
• The company just wrapped up an exclusive premium resort getaway to Cancun, Mexico

As travel spending continues to trend upward, Sharing Services Global (OTCQB: SHRG) wholly owned subsidiary, MyTravelVentures, celebrated a milestone: the company just completed its first-ever Venture Trip at the Sensira Resort and Spa in Cancun, Mexico (https://ibn.fm/61KkX). MyTravelVentures is a subscription-based travel company that offers access to wholesale travel savings, and the company is looking to strengthen its position as the travel space grows.

According to a recent report from the U.S. Travel Association, total travel spending In May improved to 1.4% above May 2022 levels and was up 5.5% year-to-date through May 2023 (https://ibn.fm/smQ5K). In addition, air travel demand remained above May 2022.

Furthermore, Forbes is reporting that, even with continuing inflation, layoffs and a potential recession, “2023 travel trends show no slowdown” (https://ibn.fm/hcBzc). According to the July 1, 2023, article, “Despite the challenges that came with traveling last year, Americans still intend to travel in 2023. A resounding 87% of survey respondents expect to travel at least as much as they did in the prior year, with 49% selecting that they expect to travel more.

“This is especially true among younger respondents, with 59% of those between the ages of 18 to 26 planning to travel more in 2023,” the report continued. “This is impressive considering 45% of respondents traveled once or twice in 2022, with 42% traveling three or more times in 2022. All types of trips remain popular for the coming year, though visiting with friends and family leads the list. Over half of respondents expect to take leisure trips to see loved ones. Road trips, beach vacations and trips to celebrate life events or milestones such as a birthday or anniversary were also popular vacation options.”

This is the ideal climate for MyTravelVentures to prosper and grow. The company’s subscription-based membership plan, which is available for a recurring monthly fee with no contracts or commitments, offers members full access to exclusive deals across the travel industry. These deals represent savings of up to 65% on a variety of services, including flights, hotels, transportation and events; the plan even includes nontravel-related services such as retailer discounts, cash-back programs and telehealth services.

Even more exciting are the company’s curated, all-inclusive group vacation packages. These exclusive Venture Trips offer premium resort getaways with immersive experiences. The inaugural Venture Trip wrapped up earlier this year, with participants enjoying a luxurious multiday getaway in Cancun, Mexico, at the Sensira Resort and Spa. The memorable Mexico vacation included premier dining experiences, premium spa and resort amenities, and organized activities at the resort and nearby beaches.

“We couldn’t be more excited about our first Venture Trip in Cancun,” said MyTravelVentures vice president Dave Dove. “It was the ultimate getaway. We had over 50 members in attendance, an amazing resort, a 10-course meal at the Galerie des Sans restaurant, a poker night and so much more. And the best part, hands down, was connecting with such a diverse and fun community of people.”

Sharing Services Global Corporation is a publicly traded diversified company dedicated to maximizing shareholder value through the acquisition and development of innovative companies, products and technologies. The Sharing Services combined platform leverages the capabilities and expertise of various companies that market and sell products direct to the consumer.

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

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

• Lexaria Nutraceutical Corp. will keep Lexaria’s overall strategy of maximizing the company’s patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology in various markets, excluding pharmaceutical, nicotine, and cannabis molecules
• Lexaria Pharmaceutical Corp.’s licensing was amended so as to solely focus on pharmaceutical formulations excluding nicotine
• Lexaria announced in early May that its nicotine trial, NIC-H22-1, had completed dosing with results expected in the near future
• NIC-H22-1 is anticipated to intercede the oral nicotine pouch market, which had a global value of $2.33 billion in 2020, and is expected to grow to $21.84 billion by 2027

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX, LEXXW), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, recently announced the incorporation of a new wholly-owned subsidiary under the name Lexaria Nutraceutical Corp. (LEXX Nutra). LEXX Nutra will keep with Lexaria’s overall strategy of maximizing the company’s patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology in various markets. Lexaria has issued an exclusive, perpetual license to LEXX Nutra, allowing the use of DehydraTECH to create consumer packaged goods and/or intermediate ingredients composed of molecular compounds except those associated with nicotine or cannabis (https://ibn.fm/jZ9lF).

LEXX Nutra is also prohibited from using the licensing agreement for the manufacturing of any pharmaceutical product. Lexaria’s other wholly-owned subsidiary, Lexaria Pharmaceutical Corp. (LEXX Pharma), has had its licensing amended so that its sole focus is on manufacturing pharmaceutical products composed of any molecule except nicotine-associated molecules.

Lexaria additionally announced at the beginning of May that its human oral nicotine study, NIC-H22-1, has completed dosing. Data amalgamation and analysis have been ongoing, and Lexaria expects to be able to release results in the coming weeks. NIC-H22-1 is a human pharmacokinetic randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study conducted in a minimum of 36 human volunteers that currently smoke cigarettes. The global oral nicotine pouch market was valued at $2.33 billion in 2020 and is growing at a CAGR of 30.7%, expected to result in a value of $21.84 billion by 2027 (https://ibn.fm/W4wPf).

Lexaria is focused on the ongoing research and development efforts of product candidates across multiple segments, including hypertension, oral nicotine, antivirals, epilepsy, human hormones, PDE5 inhibitors, and more. The company’s DehydraTECH was designed to formulate and deliver fat-soluble drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients to increase effectiveness and improve how active pharmaceutical ingredients enter the bloodstream. The major benefits of ingesting a DehydraTECH-enabled drug or consumer product include the following:

• A faster delivery time, with effects felt in minutes
• Increased bioavailability, with more of the drug entering the bloodstream
• Increased brain absorption, with animal testing that suggests a significant improvement in the quantity of the drug being delivered across the blood-brain barrier
• Improved drug potency, with more of the ingested product being made available to the body, requiring lower dosages for the desired outcome
• Reduced drug administration costs, with lower dosages, meaning less cost overall
• The masking of unwanted tastes, which eliminates the use of unnecessary sweeteners

DehydraTECH is covered by 35 granted patents, with several pending worldwide, with more granted patents anticipated in the future. Lexaria’s DehydraTECH is suitable for a wide range of product formats – including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, consumer packaged goods, and over-the-counter capsules, pills, tablets, and oral suspensions. The new incorporation of LEXX Nutra will allow the wholly-owned subsidiary to utilize DehydraTECH, or sublicense the use of DehydraTECH in various markets.

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

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