• The outlook for both copper and gold in the coming year is highly optimistic, supported by robust demand trends and supply dynamics.
• Aston Bay is positioned to play a critical role in the anticipated growth of these metals.
• Looking ahead to 2025, Aston Bay plans to expand its exploration activities.

The outlook for both copper and gold in the coming year is highly optimistic, supported by robust demand trends and supply dynamics. This bodes well for companies operating in the space, including Aston Bay Holdings (TSX.V: BAY) (OTCQB: ATBDF), a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for high-grade critical and precious metal deposits.

Copper, a backbone metal of green energy, is projected to experience growth, with its demand bolstered by the global green-energy transition and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (“EVs”). By 2025, copper prices are forecast to reach $15,000 per metric ton (https://ibn.fm/l4PDL), reflecting increased consumption for renewable-energy infrastructure and EV components. Supply constraints, including declining ore grades and limited new mining projects, are expected to contribute to a significant supply-demand imbalance.

The global shift toward renewable energy, including wind and solar installations, heavily relies on copper’s unparalleled conductivity and durability. As the world invests in electric grids, EV-charging infrastructure and energy-storage solutions, copper demand is expected to surge dramatically.

Gold prices are coming off a year of historic highs and are projected to continue their upward trajectory in 2025, with several financial institutions forecasting significant increases. Estimates from Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and Citigroup predict prices reaching $3,000 per ounce by the end of the year, reflecting a bullish sentiment driven by ongoing economic uncertainties and strong central-bank purchases (https://ibn.fm/UNk90). Analysts attribute this optimism to factors such as inflation concerns, geopolitical instability and increased investor appetite for safe-haven assets.

The metal’s role as a hedge against economic instability remains central to its value proposition. Moreover, the ongoing energy transition is expected to maintain industrial demand for gold, particularly in electronics and renewable-energy technologies.

Aston Bay, a junior exploration company focused on high-grade copper and gold exploration, is positioned to play a critical role in the anticipated growth of these metals. The company’s flagship project, the Storm Copper Project, a joint initiative by Aston Bay and American West Metals, in Nunavut, Canada, has made significant advancements in 2024 and is poised for further progress in 2025.

The Storm Copper Project has gained attention for its promising assay results and high-grade copper mineralization. Spring/summer 2024 marked another successful exploration season that identified extensive copper zones, demonstrating the project’s potential as a major contributor to global copper supply.

The partnership between Aston Bay and American West Metals combines technical expertise and resources to advance the known deposits toward development. As exploration continues, the companies aim to confirm the commercial viability of these deposits. Aston Bay and American West are working together on the Storm Project property, having formed a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture. According to the agreement, Aston Bay maintains a free carried interest until the decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study.

Looking ahead to 2025, Aston Bay plans to expand its exploration activities, looking to replicate the success of Storm with its Epworth Copper Project, also located in Nunavut, where surface samples have yielded up to 61% copper with 5600 g/t silver as well as cobalt, zinc and gold. The company is also exploring the high-grade (up to 62.51 g/t Au) Buckingham Gold Vein and critical-metals prospects in central Virginia. These are among the benefits that Aston Bay is eyeing as it focuses on exploring for high-grade critical and precious-metal deposits in both Canada and the United States.

As the world continues its transition toward cleaner energy and heightened economic resilience, gold and copper are poised for strong performance in 2025. Both metals will benefit from robust demand driven by global economic trends, technological advancements and supply constraints. Aston Bay stands ready to capitalize on these opportunities. With its focus on high-grade projects and sustainable exploration practices, the company is well-positioned to contribute to the burgeoning demand for copper and gold, ensuring it remains a key player in the resource sector.

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

• Thumzup Media’s advertiser base expanded from 183 to 554 in the first ten months of 2024, with targets estimating 1,000% increase through 2025.
• The company’s advertising technology platform has already been adopted by a wide range of businesses across multiple verticals, including local retailers and national consumer brands.
• Thumzup also announced engagement of Tedras Global Solutions, and principal Courtney Doutherd, to spearhead AI integration and accelerate growth and adaptation of its ad-tech platform.
• Doutherd brings over 25 years of experience in AI, software engineering, and program management, having led projects for SpaceX, Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM.
• The partnership reflects Thumzup’s mission to empower businesses and consumers with advanced social media advertising tools.

Thumzup (NASDAQ: TZUP), an emerging leader in social media branding and marketing solutions, reported a robust 202% growth in the number of advisers subscribing to its proprietary ad-tech platform, with over 500 advertisers joining since the beginning of the year. According to a recent press release, Thumzup has grown from 183 advertisers to 554 as of Oct. 31, 2024, underscoring the platform’s escalating appeal across diverse business sectors and the company’s innovative approach that enables businesses and brands to pay customers and fans cash through Venmo and PayPal for their posts on social media (https://ibn.fm/BzUqO).

“Our platform’s capability to engage consumers directly through social media and reward them for their endorsements has met with enthusiastic response from a wide spectrum of businesses,” stated Thumzup CEO Robert Steele. “This includes retailers, restaurants, home furnishings, clothes, coffee shops and consumer brands in beverages and breakfast cereals. The Thumzup platform is continuing to resonate with advertisers, and we are thrilled by the continued adoption of our platform.” The company aims to increase its advertiser base by 1,000% or more than 5,000 subscribers through 2025.

With a goal of democratizing the multi-billion dollar social media branding and marketing industry through its unique approach, Thumzup also announced a strategic partnership with Tedras Global Solutions, LLC and its principal, Courtney Doutherd, a globally recognized software engineer and artificial intelligence expert (https://ibn.fm/MC9F5). Under the terms of the partnership, the company will integrate state-of-the-art AI into its flagship ad-tech platform, marking a bold step toward redefining social media advertising.

Doutherd brings over 25 years of proven experience in AI, software engineering and program management, to lead Thumzup’s AI initiatives. With a career that includes contributions to industry leaders like SpaceX, Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM, Doutherd’s leadership will help ensure that the Thumzup platform can undergo unparalleled scalability and personalization, leveraging groundbreaking AI frameworks and large-scale systems to drive transformative growth.

Commenting on the partnership, Steele underlined that the company was very excited to welcome Doutherd to the team as his vast expertise should accelerate the execution of the Thumzup vision to deliver next-generation technology to consumers and businesses. The partnership underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing s shareholder value through continued technological innovation that can help Thumzup stand out as a unique provider of personalized marketing solutions that offer businesses a way to connect directly to their audience while rewarding users for authentic engagement.

Highlights of the strategic partnership include:

• Advanced AI integration will enhance platform performance by improving recruiting, training and support of gig economy salespeople, advertisers and users.
• Introduction of a unique and democratized approach to social media advertising by allowing brands to easily pay consumers for their posts.
• Doutherd’s leadership will help the company deliver rapid innovation and remain at the forefront of ad-tech advancements.

“Integrating advanced AI capabilities will not only streamline our platform’s operations but also significantly broaden our market reach and effectiveness, accelerating our growth and efficiencies to enhance the platform experience for both advertisers and creators,” Steele added. “This milestone establishes a robust foundation for our ongoing growth and innovation, solidifying Thumzup as a leader in the social media advertising landscape.”

The Thumzup app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

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

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

• Unique in its space, the multi-club European football (soccer) ownership model proposed by Brera Holdings was praised as having “a social conscience” by a BBC Sport report.
• The company announced it was enhancing its professional sports team portfolio by becoming the majority owner of Italian Professional Football Club SS Juve Stabia SpA, “The Second Team of Naples.”
• The acquisition agreement for an ~52% stake in the historic Italian Serie B football club based in Naples, Italy will be completed by December 31.
• An SEC filing revealed that JPMorgan Chase & Co. owns approximately 5.3% of the issued share capital of the company, indicating potentially more capital support and increased market visibility.

Brera Holdings (NASDAQ: BREA), an Ireland-based publicly traded company focused on multi-club ownership of international football (soccer) teams, is having a busy few weeks before the end of the year. According to a recent 24/7 Market News report (https://ibn.fm/PGpQe), active developments included a new team added to its portfolio, a feature article in BBC Sport highlighting their unique business model, and a Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filing that reveals more details about its ownership.

The company announced that it was moving forward with its plans to expand its multi-club ownership professional sports team portfolio by becoming the majority owner of Italian Professional Football Club SS Juve Stabia SpA, an historic Italian Serie B football club based in Naples, Italy, celebrating 117 years of tradition. The move was covered by financial and sporting outlets, as well as by the Italian media, christened “The Second Team of Naples.”

Brera and Juve Stabia signed a binding term sheet to enable the company to make a majority acquisition designed to reinforce the club’s sporting competitiveness in Serie B and beyond, alongside current majority owner XX Settembre srl and Club President Andrea Langella (https://ibn.fm/ZKPX0). The share purchase agreement and initial closing will be completed by December 31, 2024. Brera and XX Settembre have agreed to an approximate 52-48 strategic shareholding over three phases through March 31, 2025.

“After a thorough analysis and negotiations with leading Serie B clubs, Brera Holdings is extremely proud to invest in Juve Stabia, an important club with an ideal partner in President Andrea Langella,” said Brera Executive Chairman Daniel McClory, Founder and majority shareholder. “Competing in the vibrant Naples metropolitan area, home to 3.5 million people with an unparalleled tradition of top-caliber football, makes Brera’s investment in Juve Stabia especially strategic.”

The Juve Stabia investment was also covered by a detailed feature article on BBC Sport, which highlighted Brera’s history and future plans, its portfolio, and the story of Chris Gardner – part of Brera’s team – and his real-life struggle as depicted in the Hollywood blockbuster “The Pursuit of Happyness” (https://ibn.fm/jpetI).

Gardner, now a motivational speaker and philanthropist, is part of an eclectic team at Brera, the BBC Sport report says. The team includes, in various roles, former footballers Giuseppe Rossi and Goran Pandev, luxury executive Massimo Ferragamo, MLS founder Alan Rothenberg and a number of high-profile banking and financial experts.

With a global portfolio of emerging football and other sports clubs, Brera is unique in the multi-club space, operating based on a model “with a social conscience,” the BBC report added. Operating globally across Africa, Europe and Asia, Brera is dedicated to integrating cultural and social impact with professional sports, prioritizing innovation and community-focused approaches in sports management.

“You are giving the opportunity to folks who don’t have that kind of money to say, ‘I want to participate, I believe in the concept, I believe in the vision, I want to be a part of it’. That’s bigger!” Gardner added.

Within the span of the same week, Brera also filed a Form 6-K with the SEC, stating that on December 10, 2024, JPMorgan Chase & Co, in accordance with the Irish Companies Act, held an aggregate interest in 351,400 Class B Ordinary Shares of the company, or approximately 5.3% of the issued share capital of the company as of July 19, 2024. The investment reflects JPMorgan’s belief in the long-term potential of Brera’s innovative multi-club sports ownership model and its global expansion strategy, potentially leading to improved support for ongoing acquisitions, better access to capital and enhanced visibility on the market.

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

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

• GolfLync has been downloaded more than 170,000 times across all platforms to date.
• Variety is key to improving your golf skills and GolfLync can help you find different courses with unique challenges to further advance your skills.
• Matching and playing with the right partners can enhance your experience and offer valuable insights.
• Practice and persistence, even off the course, can lead to incredible achievements and greater enjoyment, as illustrated by professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau’s recent hole-in-one challenge.

Every golf course has its own story—a mix of terrain, wind patterns, and hazards that challenge even the most seasoned players. For golfers looking to elevate their skills, embracing these differences is crucial. Beyond technique, improvement comes through experience. The GolfLync app, from SportLync, Inc., the ultimate social platform for golfers, makes exploring new venues and forming golfing connections easier than ever, helping golfers grow their game while having fun.

No two courses are alike, one of the things that makes golf endlessly exciting. From lush fairways to desert landscapes, every venue tests your adaptability and creativity. Experiencing diverse greens isn’t just about taking in beautiful surroundings; it’s about refining your strategy and learning to master different elements of the game.

GolfLync helps you discover these unique venues. Whether you’re traveling for business or seeking a weekend challenge, GolfLync connects you to courses and players who make every round memorable.

Also, golf is more than an individual pursuit. Playing with new partners can unlock hidden potential in your game. Whether it’s a tip to help you perfect your backswing or advice on navigating a tough par 5, the camaraderie and shared expertise among golfers can often lead to breakthroughs in your performance.

With over 170,000 downloads to date across all platforms, GolfLync makes finding the perfect partners seamless. Its matchmaking algorithm connects golfers based on skill level, location, and interests. Build lasting friendships while improving your game, making every round an opportunity to grow.

Players know that improving your golf skills isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence first and foremost. A fun illustration of the “practice makes perfect” strategy shows that persistence pays off, even for the pros. Over two weeks, pro golfer Bryson DeChambeau attempted the unthinkable—hitting a hole-in-one by launching a golf ball over his house onto a backyard putting green. His determination finally paid off when the ball landed perfectly, creating a viral moment that inspired golfers everywhere (https://ibn.fm/yDKGr).

Ready to start your own journey? Download GolfLync today and experience the joy of exploring new venues, connecting with partners, and unlocking your full potential on the green. Remember, every great shot starts with a bit of inspiration—and the right tools to make it happen.

You can download the GolfLync app using the following text-anchored links:

• Android: GolfLync – Apps on Google Play
• iPhone: GolfLync

For more information about GolfLync, visit GolfLync, download the app, and connect with community on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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

For additional investor information, visit SportLync Investment.

• Battery metals are critical components of lithium-ion batteries, which power EVs, energy-storage systems and an array of consumer electronics.
• Gartner projects that by the close of 2025, 85 million EVs will be in use globally.
• Renforth Resources, a junior exploration company, exemplifies the value of a battery-focused metals business model.

The rise of renewable energy and electric vehicles (“EVs”) has driven unprecedented demand for battery metals, including nickel, cobalt, copper and lithium. Companies adopting a battery-metals-focused business model, such as Renforth Resources (CSE: RFR) (OTCQB: RFHRF), are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this transformative shift. This approach not only provides strategic exposure to high-growth markets but also contributes to the broader push toward decarbonization and sustainable energy solutions.

Battery metals are critical components of lithium-ion batteries, which power EVs, energy-storage systems and an array of consumer electronics. A focused battery-metals approach allows companies to streamline operations, optimize resource allocation and efficiently target high-demand markets. By concentrating on metals such as nickel and cobalt, businesses align themselves with key supply chains driving the clean-energy transition.

This strategy also enhances a company’s long-term viability. According to a forecast from Gartner, by the close of 2025, 85 million EVs — including cars, buses, vans and heavy trucks — are expected to be in use globally (https://ibn.fm/MwknZ). Demand for battery metals is set to grow exponentially. Additionally, governments worldwide are investing in green infrastructure, further increasing the need for reliable sources of battery materials. This context offers immense opportunities for companies that can position themselves as reliable suppliers to meet this rising demand.

The benefits of a battery metals model include the following:

• Market stability and growth: Battery metals enjoy stable demand supported by clear growth trajectories in EVs and renewable energy. This provides a predictable revenue stream and long-term market opportunity.
• Sustainability: Battery-focused mining companies contribute to reducing carbon emissions by enabling the production of cleaner energy technologies. This enhances their appeal to environmentally conscious investors and stakeholders.
• Technological advancements: The need for innovative extraction and processing methods can lead to operational efficiencies and competitive advantages in the metals sector.
• Geopolitical relevance: As governments seek to secure local supply chains for critical materials, battery-metals companies often benefit from incentives and strategic partnerships.

Renforth Resources exemplifies the value of a battery-focused metals business model. With its flagship Malartic Metals Package property in Quebec, Renforth is advancing exploration for nickel, cobalt, copper and other battery metals. This vast property spans nearly 330 square kilometers and is situated in a jurisdiction renowned for mining-friendly policies and infrastructure.

The Malartic project’s Victoria and Lalonde targets have shown significant mineralization in recent exploration efforts. By prioritizing these high-potential areas, Renforth is positioning itself to supply materials critical for battery production. The company’s focus on battery metals aligns it with the accelerating clean-energy transition and offers diversification from traditional gold-focused exploration.

A battery-metals-focused business model is not just a response to market trends but a proactive strategy to lead in the transition to sustainable energy. By focusing on high-demand materials, companies can secure their place in a rapidly growing market while contributing to global decarbonization efforts. Renforth Resources, with its emphasis on battery-metals exploration in Quebec, showcases the potential of this approach. Its Malartic Metals Package property stands as a promising asset that could play a vital role in meeting future demand for critical materials. As the world pivots to cleaner energy, Renforth is well-positioned to benefit from the rising tide of battery-metals demand.

For more information, visit www.RenforthResources.com.

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

• Local, regional and national governments around the world are increasingly pursuing electronic monitoring (“EM”) of offenders as a means of reducing costly and often damaging incarceration
• Latvia’s parliament recently moved a series of amendments into law that advances the country’s use of electronic monitoring (“EM”) as a tool for courts and law officers to supervise criminal suspects while allowing them to be free from incarceration
• Israel-based SuperCom is an innovator in advanced electronic monitoring (“EM”) solutions and is building a growing list of clients in Europe and the United States
• The company has a track record of over 50 governments and 100,000 individuals served, and has added several new contracts during the past year
• EM monitoring is increasingly popular for preventing domestic violence (“DV”), as it helps set boundaries for DV suspects and alerts potential victims and authorities when those boundaries are at risk of being violated. Its success relies on the use of advanced technologies to ensure effectiveness

Electronic monitoring (“EM”) technology developer SuperCom (NASDAQ: SPCB) has built a worldwide reputation with its PureSecurity suite, which is used for dependable court-supervised tracking of qualifying offenders.

Bracelets, equipped with GPS and RFID capabilities, along with associated advanced technologies and solutions, have gained widespread use among court and law enforcement officials as a means of virtually detaining individuals within the community rather than behind jail bars. The bracelets can be used to ensure that probationers or suspects awaiting court decrees can be supervised while free from custody to ensure that the individuals remain confined at home or that their movements remain limited according to parameters established by law officers.

SuperCom is focused on continuing to grow its client list in North America and Europe. The company’s leadership has announced several new contracts during the past year, many of them related to domestic violence monitoring, and is particularly pleased with the $32 million project in Romania that is set to monitor about 15,000 offenders over the course of six years (https://ibn.fm/Bihmt).

SuperCom also extended its congratulations to Latvia’s parliament Saeima earlier this year as it worked to combat domestic violence through the integration of electronic monitoring services (https://ibn.fm/nE8v3), a process advanced with the final reading of proposed amendments into the Criminal Procedure Law last month, which could lead to the EM monitoring of an estimated average of 400 suspects per year, according to the amendments’ authors (https://ibn.fm/L2OZF).

“Our solutions create positive social impact and improve public safety worldwide. That is a fact,” SuperCom President and CEO Ordan Trabelsi said during a presentation of his company’s achievements last October at the LD Micro 17th Annual invitational micro-cap conference (https://ibn.fm/CJIRA). “We see this (impact) over and over in various regions,” he said. “We’re helping save the lives of potential victims. We’re aiding to eradicate domestic violence, we’re increasing public safety and well-being. … We probably have more units in domestic violence than any other player out there.”

SuperCom’s GPS technology is waterproof and has a battery life of up to one year, eliminating the need for continuous daily recharging. Its sleek design improves on the bulky ankle monitors worn in other programs, making it possible for EM supervised individuals to move about in society without being stigmatized by obvious law enforcement devices while attempting to be productive at home and work.

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

• The electronic monitoring (“EM”) industry sector has gained increased attention as a viable means to provide courts and law enforcement valuable new options for supervising offenders
• EM’s alternative to incarceration is seen as a cost-saving measure that reduces recidivism while being responsive to community safety concerns, and this has led to financial growth in the industry
• SuperCom, a growing EM technology developer, has reported a number of key contract wins this year in North America and Europe for its PureSecurity platform and associated services, largely based on its ability to target domestic violence prevention through EM supervision
• A recent report by Simply Wall St noted that SuperCom has been optimizing its cash use, showing improved Return On Capital Employed (“ROCE”), and improvement in the company’s profit margin

GPS tracking technology developer SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB) is gaining attention for its improving profitability amid the company’s heightened focus on court and police client electronic monitoring (“EM”). The company’s superior EM solutions allow dependable supervision of qualifying offenders while freeing them from expensive physical custody.

Simply Wall St noted in a recent article on SuperCom’s financial performance that the company’s Return On Capital Employed (“ROCE”), a metric evaluating how much pre-tax income a company earns on capital invested in its business, shows that SuperCom has already moved into positive territory for its earnings on its capital.

“Interestingly, the capital employed by the business has remained relatively flat, so these higher returns are either from prior investments paying off or increased efficiencies,” the article states, while also acknowledging that the company’s current liabilities have decreased in relation to its total assets as evidence of fundamental improvements (https://ibn.fm/SeC1g).

“Our gross profit margin improved dramatically to 50.1% from 37.7% in the prior year period,” SuperCom President and CEO Ordan Trabelsi stated in the company’s report on Q3 finances last month (https://ibn.fm/DamqX). “Looking ahead, we remain focused on executing our strategy by delivering cutting-edge solutions, deepening relationships with existing clients, and entering new markets.”

The company has put effort into optimizing its cash use for greater efficiency in employing its capital, while boosting sales in North America and Europe. SuperCom offers a unique all-in-one field-proven RFID & GPS tracking technologies product suite known as PureSecurity, tailored to the public safety sector.

The platform is enhanced by monitoring services that complement the technology and are adapted for domestic violence prevention, EM supervision of people on probation or house arrest, and other security needs.

Its technology provides improvements over legacy ankle monitor products with solutions designed to be worn discreetly with long battery life so that they don’t continually require a recharge. They also provide the potential for EM tracking on a three-dimensional plane, which is useful in metropolitan areas where residences and business offices may occupy elevated facilities within a building, and tracking movements between multiple floors is desirable rather than simply following someone on a two-dimensional map.

“Some people, especially in Manhattan, live in a certain area, so you want to make sure they’re actually in the building and in their home, not just in the building,” Trabelsi said in an interview earlier this year with the Your Advantage Play podcast (https://ibn.fm/1lWt1). “If someone’s a sex-offender and they need to stay in their house, and there is a huge building with thousands of people, it doesn’t help just to track that they’re in the building.”

SuperCom’s base of operations in Israel draws on the education and mindset inherent among the nation’s residents in defensive technologies, giving the company an added advantage in the EM security sector.

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

The 10th edition of the Blockchain Africa Conference, hosted by Bitcoin Events, took place on November 20, 2024, at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Tshwane, South Africa. This landmark event brought together over 411 attendees from 22 countries, representing diverse sectors, including financial institutions, software development, academia, and government.

With a theme centered on Africa’s unique opportunities in blockchain, the conference featured 37 speakers, 19 sessions and 3 workshops, delivering a rich blend of insights, learning and networking opportunities. Since its inception in 2015, the Blockchain Africa Conference has evolved from exploring blockchain hype to showcasing its real-world applications, attracting 10,900 attendees from 160 countries to date.

Key Highlights

Inspiring Keynotes

The event’s keynote speakers included:

• Charles Hoskinson, Founder and CEO of IOHK, who emphasized blockchain’s potential to revolutionize finance, governance and education in Africa.
• Stafford Masie, Former CEO of Google Africa, who provided insights into Bitcoin’s proof-of-work mechanism and its transformative applications.
• Ernest Mbenkum, Founder of Interstellar Inc., who explored the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (“PAPSS”) and its role in driving economic integration across Africa.

Interactive Workshops

The workshops delved into critical aspects of blockchain:

1. Tokenizing Real-World Assets: Led by Sean Emery and Stephen Pratt, this session examined regulatory frameworks and practical case studies.
2. Mastering Automated Trading: Jurgen Kuhnel demonstrated how to set up and optimize trading strategies using cutting-edge platforms.
3. Financial Inclusion in Fintech: Dr. Allan Davids and Julian Kanjere presented on open payment systems fostering equity and inclusion.

Diverse Attendee Demographics

The conference’s attendees hailed predominantly from Africa (91.73%), with South Africa leading at 85%. A significant portion of the participants were professionals, including C-level executives (23%) and directors (15%).

Networking and Exhibitions

The exhibition floor featured startups and established companies showcasing innovative blockchain solutions. The event concluded with a Cocktail and Networking Event, sponsored by ChainUp, fostering meaningful collaborations and connections among attendees.

Continued Engagement

For those who missed the event, session recordings and further details are available on the Blockchain Africa website and YouTube channel. Visit blockchainafrica.co for more information.

Acknowledgements

Bitcoin Events extends its gratitude to all sponsors, partners and participants who contributed to the success of Blockchain Africa Conference 2024. With its sights set on the future, the conference remains committed to driving blockchain adoption and innovation across Africa.

The Chief Digital and AI office at the Pentagon has launched a rapid fielding effort to pave the way for different initiatives geared at expediting the DoD’s adoption of AI capabilities. Different units within the Pentagon will work together on an initial four AI pilot projects looking into how generative AI can be integrated into DoD enterprise management and warfighting use cases.

These four pilot projects form part of the Pentagon’s wider plan to leverage emerging technologies, so that major enablers in the Department of Defense and those who fight wars can benefit from the advantages that these technologies are capable of.

Dr. Radha Plumb, the Chief Digital & AI officer at the DoD, emphasized how important it was for the department to leverage artificial intelligence. She was speaking at the launch of the pilot projects seeking to integrate AI into the department. Plumb stated that the U.S. government and the private sector within the country had established the country as a leader in AI. However, she added adversaries like Russia, China, North Korea and Iran were also accelerating their adoption of AI, and that presented national security concerns for the U.S.

Because of those national security risks, Plumb revealed that the Defense Department was putting all hands on deck to make sure that America maintained its lead in the nascent AI field. She emphasized that the private sector had always given America the lead in innovation, and the DoD was looking to tap that resourcefulness for the benefit of national security.

The pilot projects being undertaken will help in the shaping of policy and standards while facilitating the rapid adoption of cutting-edge technologies within the department. The pilot projects will also make it possible to quickly scale AI adoption in addition to transforming how the Pentagon looks at software development and deployment.

The Artificial Intelligence Rapid Capabilities Cell (or “AI RCC”) has identified 15 use cases cutting across enterprise management and warfighting on which the four pilot projects will focus. These include cybersecurity, decision support, command and control, software development, among other use cases. The 15 use cases weren’t randomly selected; rather, a task force established last year in August identified different ways in which generative AI capabilities could be used within the DoD. The selected use cases are taken from the recommendations of that task force.

The success of these initiatives hinges on access to the necessary infrastructure and resources to support the rapid development and deployment of AI technologies. While one may immediately think of Silicon Valley companies in this context, other entities like McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX) play a key role in extracting minerals that are vital in the AI industry. Without these metals, the growth of the AI industry would be significantly hindered since new AI chips and data centers wouldn’t be made or constructed otherwise.

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

• In the hospitality industry, AI has emerged as a game-changer, addressing challenges such as staffing shortages, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction
• A standout example of AI’s impact on hospitality is the recent partnership between Future Hospitality Ventures and Bear Robotics
• The groundbreaking partnership is rooted in the shared vision of making hospitality operations more efficient, scalable and guest friendly

Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is redefining industries worldwide, marking its territory as an essential driver of innovation, efficiency and enhanced customer experiences. Businesses across sectors have already leveraged AI in an array of ways. As technology continues to evolve, their applications are expanding from predictive analytics to advanced robotics, changing how companies operate and interact with their audiences.

In the hospitality industry, AI has changed the game. When it comes to challenges such as staffing shortages, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, the mandate is to innovate or die. A recent partnership between Nightfood Holdings (OTCQB: NGTF) subsidiary, Future Hospitality Ventures Holdings (“FHV”) Inc., and Bear Robotics exemplifies how businesses are capitalizing on AI to transform guest experiences and improve operational dynamics in the hospitality sector (https://ibn.fm/I7yNg).

Players in the hospitality industry are benefiting massively from AI’s capabilities. Those that don’t should expect to face insurmountable challenges meeting rising customer expectations and managing operational complexities while at a technological disadvantage.

Here is how AI is revolutionizing the sector:

• Enhanced guest experiences: AI tools, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, provide instant responses to guest inquiries, handle bookings and offer recommendations, creating a seamless interaction from pre-arrival to post-checkout.
• Operational efficiency: Smart algorithms optimize inventory, staffing and energy use, reducing waste and lowering costs. For example, AI can predict room occupancy trends and adjust pricing dynamically, maximizing revenue.
• Addressing labor shortages: In a sector heavily reliant on human labor, AI-driven robotics diminish staffing expenses and unpredictability. From automating room service deliveries to handling repetitive kitchen tasks, robots enhance efficiency while freeing up human employees to focus on personal interactions.

A standout example of AI’s impact on hospitality is the recent partnership between Future Hospitality Ventures and Bear Robotics. This collaboration aims to bring AI-powered robotics to the forefront of hospitality operations, blending innovative technology with guest-centered service.

Bear Robotics is renowned for its AI-driven robots that handle tasks such as food delivery and bussing in restaurants, streamlining operations and enhancing service speed. The company recently celebrated a major achievement as its AI-powered serving robot, Servi Plus, won the prestigious Public Design category at the iF Design Award 2024. This accolade, earned among over 11,000 global entries, underscores the company’s leadership in innovation and design (https://ibn.fm/E527a). In addition, the company secured a significant $60 million investment from LG Electronics, making LG its largest shareholder. This partnership highlights LG’s strategic shift toward growth sectors like robotics and AI following its exit from the smartphone market (https://ibn.fm/xqAB3). The partnership with Future Hospitality will extend these capabilities into broader hospitality environments, including hotels, resorts and event venues. By integrating AI-driven robotics, hospitality providers can address staffing challenges, reduce operational inefficiencies and elevate the guest experience.

The announcement emphasizes that the partnership is driven by a shared urgency to automate hospitality operations, making them more efficient and guest-friendly, as businesses risk falling behind or shutting down without scalable solutions. The robots are designed not to replace human workers but to complement them, allowing staff to focus on creating meaningful connections with guests while the robots handle repetitive or labor-intensive tasks. By doing this, AI not only helps the overall experience, but remains competitive in a sector that will ultimately leave businesses behind if they do not adapt.

“FHV is committed to advancing innovation within the hospitality sector,” said FHV president Sonny Wang, who noted that the collaboration marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to redefine the U.S. hospitality industry, beginning in Greater Los Angeles and with plans to expand nationwide. “Our partnership with Bear Robotics will redefine operational efficiency and service delivery, setting new standards for the industry. We look forward to implementing these AI-powered solutions in a dynamic and evolving market.”

As the hospitality industry continues to recover from global disruptions, AI is playing a pivotal role in shaping its future. The integration of AI-driven robotics, as exemplified by FHV and Bear Robotics, highlights how technology can address pressing challenges while creating opportunities for growth and innovation. In a world where customer expectations are constantly evolving, embracing AI is no longer optional—it’s essential. The hospitality businesses that adopt and integrate these technologies today will not only survive along with the others that integrate but lead the way in defining the experiences of tomorrow.

Nightfood Holdings is a forward-thinking holding company dedicated to identifying and capitalizing on explosive market trends within the hospitality, food services, consumer packaged goods and commercial real estate sectors. The company’s mission is to create unparalleled upside potential in industries ripe for innovation and growth by leading newly emerging categories and seizing opportunities in markets undergoing transformational upheaval.

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

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