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HPQ Silicon Lands First Commercial Battery Order—Silicon Anodes Break Into European Drone Market

Posted by Alavaro Coronel at 5:51 PM on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026

When a company moves from lab validation to a paid commercial order, something fundamental has shifted. HPQ Silicon $HPQ / $HPQFF and its partner Novacium have secured their first commercial battery order from a European drone manufacturer, marking a clear transition from development to revenue. This is not a test or pilot. It is a paid order using next-generation silicon-based batteries that recently delivered over 7,000 mAh in testing, offering higher capacity than traditional graphite batteries.

The order signals a move from promising technology to real-world use. Backed by up to $3 million in Canadian federal funding, HPQ is advancing toward commercial scale with batteries designed to deliver higher energy capacity and longer flight times, while supporting deployment in standardized battery pack formats. The batteries are certified for global transport and have demonstrated strong durability through repeated charge cycles, reinforcing readiness for real-world deployment.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Commercial Milestone: First paid commercial battery order secured, marking the shift from R&D to revenue generation

High Performance: Batteries delivered over 7,000 mAh in April 2026 testing, placing them among top performers in their category

Drop-In Solution: Designed to work within existing drone systems, allowing immediate performance improvements without redesign

Proven Durability: Maintains strong performance through repeated use, addressing a key challenge for silicon battery adoption

Global Ready: Certified for international shipping, enabling deployment across multiple markets

Government Backing: Up to $3 million federal funding supports production scale-up and highlights strategic importance

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

For years, silicon-based batteries have promised higher performance but struggled to translate into real-world products. Many technologies achieved strong lab results but failed under repeated use or required costly redesigns. That is why graphite batteries have remained dominant despite lower performance.

HPQ’s approach changes that. By integrating silicon-based materials into formats that work with existing manufacturing and systems, the company removes a major barrier to adoption. Customers do not need to redesign their products. They can upgrade performance immediately.

That advantage is already being demonstrated. The European drone manufacturer did not need to modify its systems. It was able to adopt the new battery packs and gain longer flight time right away. This is the difference between a technology concept and a usable product.

Demand for longer flight time is increasing across commercial, industrial, and defense drone markets, while traditional battery solutions are approaching their limits. Technologies that can deliver better performance without added complexity are well positioned to capture that demand.

Government support reinforces this direction. Federal funding for production scale-up signals growing strategic importance, while also supporting the path toward larger-scale manufacturing.

“Projects like HPQ Silicon’s strengthen Canada’s ability to manufacture components for high-performance batteries, and are creating a world-class battery ecosystem.” – The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

WORDS FROM THE CEO

“We went from discussions to delivering next-generation batteries in about a month. That’s what happens when the product fits into existing systems. We’re not asking customers to redesign anything—we’re giving them more energy in the same format. And this order is commercial. It’s paid. We’ve moved from ‘will it work’ to ‘we have delivered.’” – Bernard Tourillon

INVESTOR TAKEAWAY

HPQ Silicon has reached a key inflection point. The company now has global shipping certification, government support for scaling production, and its first commercial battery order, all within a short timeframe.

Its battery solutions are designed for immediate use across multiple markets, including Europe and North America, without requiring major system changes. As production expands, the company is positioning itself to meet increasing demand for higher-performance energy storage.

Performance is no longer theoretical. The batteries have demonstrated strong capacity and durability in testing and are now being used in a commercial application.

This marks the shift from a development story to a commercialization story, with early revenue, validated performance, and a clear path toward scale.

 

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BEYOND THE MIC – Nextech3D.AI Reaches Cash Flow Positivity and Discusses Growth Strategy With Fortune 500 Customer Base

Posted by Alavaro Coronel at 3:48 PM on Monday, April 20th, 2026

In a recent long form video interview with AGORACOM (see link at the end of this article), Nextech3D.AI Corporation CEO Evan Gappelberg walked investors through one of the most significant transformations in the company’s history—a journey from a challenging operating period to cash flow positive operations, while building a customer base that includes global organizations such as Google, Microsoft, Oracle and Netflix.

For small-cap AI companies, the path to profitability is often difficult. Nextech3D.AI has now reached cash flow positive operations, alongside reporting strong gross margins, revenue growth, and a unified event platform serving more than 1,000 customers worldwide.

AGORACOM Beyond The Mic Feature Article Issued On Behalf of Nextech3D.AI Corporation

April 20, 2026 

From Survival Mode to Cash Flow Positive

The transformation didn’t happen overnight. Two years ago, Nextech3D.AI was navigating a challenging environment as a public company.

“We got very, very disciplined, and very, very focused on AI, and we made it through the storm,” Gappelberg explained.

The company announced it is cash flow positive, with full implementation of cost savings measures expected by May 1st. Achieving cash flow positivity marks a significant milestone, particularly in the AI sector where many companies continue to operate at a loss.

The company has indicated that these operational changes are expected to result in approximately $400,000 in annualized cost savings.

“This isn’t about survival anymore,” Gappelberg said. “This is about being cash flow positive, taking control of our business, and really controlling our destiny.”

The AI-Driven Productivity Shift

Productivity gains at Nextech3D.AI highlight the company’s focus on AI-enabled efficiency. Gappelberg noted that advances in AI tools have significantly improved how work is completed internally, reducing timelines for certain tasks.

“Every week or two, Microsoft updates Office 365 with new AI functionality,” he explained. “The learning curve is steep, but the key to AI is the prompt.”

These operational improvements are reflected in recent performance. The company has reported strong gross margins and year-over-year revenue growth in recent periods, which management attributes in part to improved efficiency.

A Customer Base That Validates the Business Model

Nextech3D.AI’s unified event platform serves a global customer base, including large enterprise organizations. The company’s platform integrates registration, ticketing, engagement tools, and analytics into a single system.

“It’s not easy to land them,” Gappelberg emphasized. “You have to get through their legal department… that’s hard work.”

The company has also reported 50 new customer contracts in early 2026, reflecting continued demand for its platform.

The Upsell Strategy: Expanding Within Existing Customers

Gappelberg described the company’s growth strategy as expanding its relationship with existing customers by offering additional services across its platform.

“They’re already buying,” he explained. “It’s not like we’re asking them to buy something they don’t buy.”

Many enterprise customers currently use the company for specific services, creating opportunities to expand into additional areas over time.

CEO Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is

Gappelberg has also increased his personal ownership in the company, purchasing 500,000 shares in the open market. According to company disclosures, this brings his total ownership to more than 30 million shares.

Blockchain Ticketing: Production-Ready

Nextech3D.AI’s blockchain ticketing infrastructure, including fiat checkout and a custodial wallet, is now production-ready.

“If you went to a blockchain ticketing event, you wouldn’t know,” Gappelberg explained. “You pay with your credit card… we accept fiat currencies.”

The company says this capability is designed to support enterprise and partner integrations while simplifying the user experience.

The 3D Modeling Segment

While the interview focused primarily on the event platform, Gappelberg noted that the company’s 3D modeling business continues to generate opportunities.

“Every year… we get a large opportunity that shows up,” he said.

The company continues to engage in discussions with potential customers for larger-scale projects.

The Road Ahead: From Cash Flow Positive to Growth

For Gappelberg, achieving cash flow positive operations represents a starting point.

“Going cash flow positive is not the finish line. It’s the starting line,” he said.

The company is now focused on scaling its business, supported by its unified platform, growing customer base, and AI-driven operational model.

Investor Takeaway

Nextech3D.AI now presents a different profile within the small-cap AI space: a company with a global customer base, strong recent margins, and cash flow positive operations.

The opportunity lies in expanding within its existing customer base while continuing to add new customers.

As the company moves forward, the key focus shifts from stabilization to execution—demonstrating the ability to grow while maintaining financial discipline.

TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO GO TO: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfL457LW0vdLfUsxUKlol_YZ1jWObS8HN

AGORACOM Beyond the Mic is Powered by AGORACOM’s AI Content Agents.

Nextech3D.AI Corporation Is A Client Of AGORA Internet Relations Corp. https://agoracom.com/ir/Agoracomupdates/forums/discussion/topics/796135-DISCLAIMER-AND-DISCLOSURE/messages/2399000

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Nextech3D.ai’s Cash Flow Positive Moment – How AI Optimization Is Lowering Costs and Opening the Door to Scale

Posted by Alavaro Coronel at 8:50 AM on Friday, April 17th, 2026

When a small-cap AI company crosses the cash flow positive line while serving customers that include Google, Microsoft, Netflix and Oracle, it’s not just a milestone—it’s a signal that the business model is starting to work. Nextech3D.ai just announced it has reached cash flow positive operations, targeting approximately $400,000 in annual cost savings once fully implemented by May 1, 2026, while also reporting strong recent growth and margin expansion.

The company has also announced 50 new customer contracts early in 2026, confirmed its blockchain ticketing infrastructure is now production-ready, and disclosed that CEO Evan Gappelberg purchased another 500,000 shares in the open market. Together, these developments point to a company transitioning from restructuring toward disciplined growth.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Binary ON: Nextech3D.ai is at or near cash flow positive, with full cost-saving implementation expected by May 1, 2026.
  • Record Economics: The company has recently reported 95% gross margins and 59% year-over-year revenue growth, reflecting improved operating efficiency.
  • Fortune 500 Validation: Serving more than 1,000 customers worldwide, including global organizations such as Google, Microsoft, Oracle and Netflix.
  • 50 New Deals: Secured 50 new customer contracts worth approximately $230K since January 2026, with increasing deal sizes.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

The event technology industry has historically required large teams and complex systems to operate at scale. Nextech3D.ai is working to simplify that model by building an AI-first event operating system designed to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

By combining AI-driven automation with platform consolidation across Eventdex, Map D, and Krafty, the company is reducing operational complexity while maintaining product development and delivery.

The result is a leaner operating structure supported by high-margin software and a growing base of enterprise customers, positioning the company to scale without proportional increases in cost.

MARKET CONTEXT

The global events industry continues to evolve as organizers look for more efficient, integrated solutions to manage registration, ticketing, engagement, and analytics.

Nextech3D.ai’s unified platform combines these functions into a single system, while its blockchain-based ticketing infrastructure – now production-ready with fiat checkout and a custodial wallet – aims to reduce friction and support broader adoption.

Management believes this integrated approach can expand monetization opportunities while supporting enterprise and partner use cases.

CEO COMMENTARY

“Becoming cash flow positive is a defining inflection point for Nextech3D.ai. It confirms our AI-driven operating model is working – and it gives us the leverage to scale. We’ve rebuilt the company into a lean, high-velocity, AI-first platform business, and we believe we’re now positioned to accelerate disciplined growth through our unified event technology stack and production-ready blockchain infrastructure.”

— Evan Gappelberg, CEO and Director

INVESTOR TAKEAWAY

Nextech3D.ai is moving from a restructuring phase toward a growth phase. The company has reached cash flow positive operations, is serving more than 1,000 customers globally, and has recently demonstrated strong margins and revenue growth.

With new customer contracts in 2026, blockchain ticketing now operational, and a unified platform strategy in place, the company is positioning itself to scale more efficiently.

For investors, the key shift is clear: the focus is moving from cost reduction toward sustainable growth built on an AI-driven operating model.

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HPQ Silicon’s 7,000 mAh Breakthrough – Could This Be The Battery Industry’s Four-Minute Mile?

Posted by Alavaro Coronel at 5:55 PM on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026

When a company reports results that suggest it can do what others have not widely demonstrated, markets pay attention. HPQ Silicon Inc.’s $HPQ / $HPQFF GEN4 21700 cells just crossed 7,030 mAh at 0.55V lower cutoff – a level that, to the company’s knowledge, has not been widely reported in publicly available data for an industrial-format cell under comparable conditions.

This reflects more than just capacity, including the ability to cycle under extended voltage conditions in testing that would typically result in significant degradation in conventional lithium-ion batteries, with less than 2% degradation over 70 cycles. HPQ Silicon, backed by up to $3 million in Canadian federal funding and exclusive North American rights to Novacium’s silicon-anode technology, is now advancing toward commercialization, with the CEO stating the company is in discussions with drone manufacturers, military groups, and e-mobility partners.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Voltage Breakthrough:
0.55V cutoff may provide approximately 5% more usable energy based on internal estimates, typically inaccessible in lithium-ion cells operated at conventional cutoffs.

Cycle Stability:
Less than 2% degradation over 70 cycles at extended voltage — described by the company as a performance level not commonly observed under similar conditions.

Production Pathway:
HPQ is advancing a production plan with capacity in the range of approximately 600,000 21700 cells annually, with discussions underway with drone, military radio, and e-bike manufacturers.

Government Backing:
Up to $3M federal grant from Natural Resources Canada supports HPQ’s first battery production facility in Canada and is intended to help strengthen domestic supply chains.

Federal Support:
Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources has previously stated: “Projects like HPQ Silicon’s strengthen Canada’s ability to manufacture components for high-performance batteries and are creating a world-class battery ecosystem.”

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

The battery industry faces significant performance constraints. Conventional graphite anodes in 21700 cells are commonly reported in the ~5,000 mAh range. Silicon-enhanced cells from leading developers are reported in the ~6,000–6,500 mAh range. But there’s a second problem that receives less attention: every lithium-ion battery carries energy below the commonly used ~2.5V cutoff. Go below that threshold with graphite, and you risk transforming a rechargeable battery into a single-use cell because the material can degrade rapidly. The industry has largely lived with this constraint for years.

HPQ’s GEN4 silicon-anode material is designed to operate in this lower-voltage region. By cycling down to 0.55V with under 2% degradation over 70 full charge-discharge cycles in testing, the company reports that it has accessed energy that is typically not utilized. The company states that internal calculations indicate this could translate to about 5% more runtime from the same physical battery under comparable conditions. For a military drone operating at the edge of its range, this could be meaningful for performance and runtime. For an electric bike commuter, it could mean additional range without adding weight. For defense contractors, it represents a potential alternative high-performance option in a segment where performance differentiation is important.

The timing is notable. Canada has announced large-scale spending programs targeting domestic industrial capacity and clean-energy infrastructure. The U.S. is reshoring critical supply chains. Europe is seeking additional non-Asian battery materials. HPQ holds exclusive North American rights to commercialize its GEN3 and GEN4 silicon-based anode materials with Novacium. The company is focusing on applications where performance, supply-chain security, and operational advantage can support premium positioning: drones, military radios, handheld power tools, and stationary energy storage.

CEO Bernard Tourillon:

“What we’ve demonstrated isn’t just higher capacity — it’s a new operating mode for our cells under test conditions. We can access energy that conventional batteries typically leave on the table, and we’re doing it with cycle stability that holds up over dozens of charge-discharge cycles. The phone’s ringing. We’re in discussions with drone manufacturers, defense departments, and niche mobility players who are evaluating exactly what we’ve built. We’ve gone from ‘Can it work?’ to ‘How fast can you scale?'”

INVESTOR TAKEAWAY

HPQ Silicon has reported a significant test milestone. The 7,030 mAh result at extended voltage is not presented as a one-off curiosity — it is described by the company as a performance level not widely reported in publicly available data for industrial 21700 cells under comparable conditions.

These results are based on internal testing and have not been independently verified, and may not be representative of commercial performance. Federal funding helps support the path toward scaled production. Early interest and testing discussions in high-value verticals indicate potential commercial pathways.

The company’s exclusive North American license with Novacium and domestic production strategy align with government priorities around supply-chain security and critical materials independence. With an initial production pathway defined and a stated roadmap toward commercialization, HPQ is positioning its battery initiative as a developing commercialization story entering its next phase.

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HPQ Silicon’s GEN4 Battery Performance – The Supercar Engine Moment For Lithium-Ion Cells

Posted by Alavaro Coronel at 4:30 PM on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026

When a company demonstrates battery performance that only a small number of others have reached, it suggests progress beyond early research and toward real-world applications. HPQ’s latest GEN4 battery cells deliver more than 6,600 mAh on average, with a peak of 6,696 mAh, placing them among the highest-performing cells of this size ever reported. These are fully built 21700-format cells, rather than lab-scale test samples.

HPQ, working with its R&D partner Novacium, is now operating within this upper tier of battery performance globally. It also has support of up to $3 million from the Canadian government to help scale production. The next step is translating performance into commercial opportunities.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Top-Level Results: These batteries reach performance levels achieved by only a small number of companies worldwide.

Built For Real Use: The cells are made in a standard commercial format, showing compatibility with existing battery manufacturing processes.

Driven By Customers: The move to larger battery sizes reflects what buyers are asking for.

Focused Market Entry: Early use cases include drones, military equipment, and specialized electronics where performance matters most.

Government Backing: Federal funding is supporting commercialization efforts.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Most batteries today still depend on materials and supply chains based in Asia. Higher-performance batteries in this category are limited and often not available in large quantities.

HPQ’s silicon-based material aims to address this by offering higher performance in a format that works with existing manufacturing processes. The company is focusing on markets where longer battery life or lighter weight directly creates value.

At the same time, governments are pushing to build local battery supply chains. HPQ is positioned within this trend, with funding support and growing interest from potential customers in sectors like drones and defense.

CEO COMMENTARY  

“Reaching an average above 6,500 mAh, with a peak of 6,696 mAh, using a material that has not yet been fully optimized, confirms we have an industrially viable, high-performance solution advancing within our commercialization pathway. To our knowledge, this level of capacity ranks among the highest reported for an industrial 21700-format cell.”said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon. 

INVESTOR TAKEAWAY

HPQ is moving beyond early testing. Previous versions already showed strong performance over time, and this latest version pushes capacity into a range achieved by only a few global players.

For investors, this strengthens HPQ’s position in ongoing discussions with potential customers. It also shows a clearer path from development to revenue, supported by government funding and a plan to scale production.

There are still risks around securing customers and funding expansion, but the company now has a strong product, backing, and a focused strategy.

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ESGold Approaches Production With Gold Near Record Highs

Posted by Alavaro Coronel at 5:16 PM on Thursday, March 12th, 2026

“We are building EsGold into Canada’s next producing mining company” CEO Gordon Robb

A COMPANY MOVING STRAIGHT TO FULL BUILD-OUT

With gold trading near record highs, investors are paying closer attention to small cap companies moving toward production rather than simply talking about long-dated development plans. ESGold Corp. (ESAU: CSE  | ESAUF: OTCQB) says it is now funded to advance its fully permitted Montauban Gold-Silver Project in Quebec toward a planned 1,000 tonne-per-day tailings reprocessing operation, replacing its earlier staged approach of starting at 500 tpd and expanding later. 

Management says that the shift reflects a stronger cash position, higher precious metals prices, and the goal of moving directly to continuous full-capacity operations rather than pausing after an initial start-up phase. ESGold has also stated that Montauban is under construction, fully permitted, and anticipated to begin production in 2026.

STRONGER CAPITAL POSITION, BIGGER EXECUTION PLAN

The heart of the story is that ESGold is no longer talking about building in stages. Gordon Robb said the company now has “just north of C$20 million” in cash, alongside a previously announced C$9 million Ocean Partners facility, which management says supports the move to a full 1,000 tpd build-out from the outset. 

That matters because Montauban’s September 2025 updated PEA outlined preliminary economics that included a 60.3% after-tax IRR, C$24.27 million after-tax NPV (5%), less than two-year payback, and C$103.73 million in projected life-of-mine revenue using US$2,900 gold and US$31.72 silver. 

TAILINGS FIRST, EXPLORATION NEXT

What differentiates ESGold is that the initial production plan is based on historical tailings already at surface rather than new underground mining. That gives Montauban a different development profile than many traditional junior mining stories, which often require years of drilling, permitting, and infrastructure work before production is even visible. ESGold’s strategy is to move toward production first, then use that operating base to support broader growth if execution goes to plan.

At the same time, the company is not presenting Montauban as just a tailings story. ESGold’s integrated 3D model identified a mineralized corridor extending to roughly 900 metres depth and more than 2 kilometres of strike, and the company followed that by expanding its land package to 417 claims covering about 20,618 hectares, or 206 square kilometres. ESGold is now conducting a 70 km² ANT survey and preparing for hard-rock drilling.

OUTLOOK: PRODUCTION PATH PLUS DISTRICT-SCALE UPSIDE

For investors, this interview sharpens the ESGold thesis. Montauban is being positioned as a dual-track story: a planned near-term production path from surface tailings and a broader district-scale exploration opportunity beneath and around a historic mining camp. That combination is what gives the story more weight than a typical single-asset junior with only long-dated optionality.

As with all pre-production mining companies, execution, financing, timing, and commodity-price risks remain. But with a fully permitted project, construction underway, announced funding support, and a growing technical case for a larger mineralized system, ESGold is trying to move Montauban from redevelopment concept to operating platform in a much stronger metals environment.

Watch the full interview with CEO Gordon Robb to hear why ESGold believes Montauban can combine a planned path to production with meaningful exploration upside in Quebec.

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HPQ Closes $3M Financing And Resets Novacium Structure As Battery And Hydrogen Technologies Move Toward Commercialization

Posted by Alavaro Coronel at 5:43 PM on Thursday, March 5th, 2026

When a development-stage technology company raises new capital while simplifying the governance structure of a key technology partner, it can signal a shift in how management plans to advance its programs. In this case, that transition is defined by HPQ Silicon closing a fully subscribed $3 million non-brokered private placement, while simultaneously finalizing its increased ownership and revised governance framework at Novacium SAS.

HPQ Silicon, a Québec-based advanced materials and process development company, intends to use the capital to support general working capital, advance a matching $3 million NRCan-supported silicon-based battery materials program, and continue development of its hydrogen technologies, while the Novacium restructuring is designed to support access to targeted funding programs in France and Europe. Together, these developments provide the company with additional capital and a simplified governance structure as it continues advancing its technology platforms.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • $3M Financing Closed: HPQ raised $3M CAD byissuing approximately 18.18 million units.
  • NRCan Program Advancement: Participation in the NRCan-supported silicon battery materials program requires HPQ to incur eligible costs before reimbursement.
  • Novacium Governance Update: Ownership in Novacium increased to 36.8%, while HPQ converted its Category P priority share into common shares, simplifying governance.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

Energy transition technologies and advanced materials development often require significant capital and long development timelines. As electrification expands and demand grows for higher-performance batteries and alternative energy systems, companies are exploring new materials and delivery technologies designed to improve performance and reliability.

Through Novacium, HPQ is advancing silicon-based anode materials. According to previously reported testing results released by the company, Novacium’s GEN3 silicon-based anode batteries demonstrated more than 1,000 charge cycles and approximately a 30% cumulative energy gain compared with graphite-based benchmark batteries under reported testing conditions.

Novacium is also advancing METAGENE, a hydrogen technology platform focused on enabling on-demand energy generation. HPQ holds exclusive North American rights related to that technology through its partnership structure with Novacium.

During the interview, management stated it believes the company now has clearer visibility on potential commercialization pathways, including specialized battery applications, partner-financed fumed silica production facilities, and hydrogen deployments aligned with remote energy needs and critical-minerals development.

The $3M financing, completed with an investor outside Canada, is intended to provide working capital and allow the company to continue advancing its development programs while pursuing potential partnerships, government support, and commercial opportunities.

CEO BERNARD TOURILLON

“We’ve reached the point where the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants structure just doesn’t work anymore. We believe we know where our revenues are going to come from, and we needed to stop thinking quarter to quarter and fund the plan.”

INVESTOR TAKEAWAY

For investors, the interview outlines management’s view that the financing and Novacium governance changes provide additional capital and structural clarity as HPQ advances its technology platforms.

The private placement supports continued work on the NRCan-supported silicon-anode battery materials program, while also supporting hydrogen technology development and general corporate initiatives.

At the same time, Novacium’s simplified governance structure may help align the company with potential European energy and innovation funding programs, while HPQ’s ownership position in Novacium increases to 36.8%.

Management also indicated that fumed silica commercialization may be pursued through partner-financed plant structures, which could allow HPQ to focus its capital on battery materials and hydrogen technologies.

Overall, management believes the company is positioned to continue advancing its technologies as it works toward potential commercialization opportunities across its battery materials and hydrogen platforms.

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BEYOND THE MIC – Nextech3D.AI Corporation Q3 Results, 95% Margins And AI Event Roll‑Up Strategy

Posted by Alavaro Coronel at 10:05 AM on Friday, February 20th, 2026

In a recent long form video interview with AGORACOM (see link at the end of this article)… Nextech3D.AI Corporation (CSE: NTAR | OTCQB: NEXCF | FSE: 1SS) CEO Evan Gappelberg walked investors through what he believes is a true turning point for the company: a successful pivot out of 3D modeling and into AI-powered event technology, underpinned by Q3 numbers and an AI-enabled M&A-driven roll‑up strategy in a rapidly modernizing events industry.

Gappelberg discussed how Nextech3D.ai has doubled its customer base to more than 1,000 organizations, added hundreds of Fortune 500 relationships through acquisitions such as Krafty Labs (an enterprise virtual and in‑person engagement platform), and launched Nextech Event AI – a unified, AI-driven operating system that brings together registration, ticketing, floor plans, experiential engagement and AI matchmaking (automated software that uses algorithms to match attendees with relevant contacts) into one environment.

AGORACOM Beyond The Mic Feature Article

February 20, 2026

Background / Context

The interview centers on Nextech3D.ai’s strategic pivot away from lower‑margin 3D modeling work and into software‑driven, AI‑powered event technology.

Key elements discussed include:

  • Completion of the move out of the 3D modeling contract business, including work for Amazon
  • Refocus on higher‑margin software and events
  • Acquisitions of Eventdex and Krafty Labs (referred to in the interview as “Krafty”), both event technology platforms
  • Launch of Nextech Event AI, which integrates Eventdex (registration/ticketing), Map D (interactive floor plans and navigation) and Krafty Labs (experiential engagement) into a single operating system for events

Gappelberg repeatedly frames Q3 as an “inflection point,” not just a good quarter, with the pivot now complete and early results beginning to show up in the numbers.

Key Topics Discussed

Breakout Q3 Financial Performance

The company reported:

  • 59% year‑over‑year revenue growth in Q3
  • 20% sequential revenue growth – the second consecutive quarter of 20% quarter‑over‑quarter growth
  • 95% gross margins, up from 41% a year earlier

Gappelberg notes that sustaining 20% sequential growth for two quarters means the trend is more than a one‑off. He also stresses that these Q3 results do not include any contribution from the Krafty Labs acquisition, which closed on January 2, 2026.

On the margin side, Gappelberg says he asked his CFO multiple times to reconfirm the 95% figure, given how unusual it is. He explains the jump as a combination of:

  • Exiting the lower‑margin 3D modeling contract with Amazon
  • Pivoting into software and events
  • Layering AI automation on top of those platforms to reduce cost of delivery

He adds that under “normal conditions” margins might be in the 80–85% range, and that AI provides the incremental uplift toward the 90s.

AI As An Engine For Efficiency And Scale

Gappelberg spends considerable time describing how AI changes the economics of Nextech3D.ai’s business. In his words, AI allows the company to:

  • Turn a team of 40 into a team of 4 by giving a small group an “army of AI agents” to automate work that previously required dozens of employees
  • Compress roadmap timelines – projects that used to take six to twelve months and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in development can now be built substantially faster and cheaper
  • Automate large parts of coding, platform rebuilding and routine workflows

The core idea is automation: using AI to eliminate manual, repetitive work that limits scale and inflates costs. Gappelberg argues that manual processes have historically capped how big businesses could grow; AI removes much of that constraint.

AI‑Enabled M&A And The Event Tech Roll‑Up

Nextech3D.ai has executed roughly a dozen acquisitions over the last five years. Historically, those deals brought along:

  • Founders
  • Key employees
  • Development teams with associated salaries and overhead

Today, Gappelberg says, Nextech3D.ai can approach M&A differently because it has built an internal AI capability and a small corporate team – he likens it to a “SEAL Team 6” – that goes into acquired businesses to:

  • Automate key workflows
  • Optimize platforms
  • Strip out excess overhead

By relying more on internal AI expertise and less on large inherited teams, Nextech3D.ai believes it can:

  • Acquire event‑tech businesses primarily for their customer bases and platforms
  • Reduce the number of people required to run those businesses post‑acquisition
  • Turn acquired units into “lean, money‑making machines” that generate cash flow rather than absorbing it

Gappelberg confirms the company is actively looking at additional M&A opportunities to further consolidate the AI event tech space.

Nextech Event AI And The All‑In‑One Event Platform

The interview also highlights Nextech Event AI, the company’s newly launched unified event operating system, built to integrate:

  • Eventdex – registration, ticketing, badges, and AI matchmaking
  • Map D – interactive floor plans and spatial visualization
  • Krafty Labs – virtual and in‑person experiential engagement

The platform is designed as a single enterprise environment for Fortune 500 customers and government agencies, with modules that include:

  • Blockchain‑enabled ticketing (ticketing systems that use blockchain technology to reduce fraud and enable programmable rules on secondary sales)
  • Krafty Credits and a full credit system, now expanded at the corporate level as Nextech Credit – a dollar‑denominated internal currency that allows enterprises to buy credits once and spend across Eventdex, Map D and Krafty Labs
  • Floor‑plan mapping and venue navigation
  • Ticketing, badging and mobile apps
  • Experiential and engagement programs for teams and attendees

Gappelberg emphasizes that large enterprises want one platform, not five vendors, for events and engagement, and that this unified approach is a key reason Nextech3D.ai is winning larger contracts.

AI Matchmaking: Fixing The Traditional Conference Experience

A major portion of the conversation focuses on how AI is being applied to improve the attendee experience at conferences and trade shows.

Gappelberg and host George Tsiolis describe the familiar problem: attendees receive a lanyard and a list of exhibitors, then “walk around hoping” to bump into someone relevant – a process Tsiolis likens to “1980s dating.”

Nextech3D.ai’s answer is AI matchmaking, which:

  • Uses data on interests, profiles and objectives to match attendees, exhibitors and sponsors in a targeted way
  • Identifies the people an attendee is most likely to do meaningful business with
  • Automatically schedules meetings and books them directly on attendees’ calendars
  • Reduces the odds that a trip produces only one “good deal” – or none at all

All of this is delivered through a mobile app, embedded into the company’s broader event suite. Gappelberg argues that once attendees experience AI‑driven matchmaking, they are unlikely to return to events that lack it.

Customer Base, Pipeline And Enterprise Momentum

Through Eventdex, Map D and Krafty Labs, Nextech3D.ai now has:

  • More than 1,000 customers across associations, corporates and other organizers
  • Roughly 400 Fortune 500 relationships, inherited largely through Krafty Labs

While specific names are mostly under confidentiality until contracts are finalized, Gappelberg references:

  • Global technology giants such as Google, Netflix, Meta, Oracle and Microsoft as existing Krafty Labs clients (consistent with prior company disclosures)
  • Major banking customer BNP Paribas (mis‑spoken in the interview as “BMP Parabas”) as one recently announced enterprise client, with 3–5 more large accounts expected to be disclosed once contracts are signed
  • Active discussions with U.S. government agencies that host hundreds of events per year

He notes that:

  • The pipeline entering Q4 is “larger, stronger and more enterprise‑focused” than at any time in company history
  • The current quarter (Q4, ending March 31) is already about halfway complete and is tracking to be better than Q3’s 59% growth, with larger deal sizes and longer‑term commitments

Gappelberg also points out that inbound interest has grown, and that the company must selectively prioritize opportunities, especially large‑scale government and enterprise deployments.

The Role Of Customer Success And Human Touch

Despite heavy use of AI, Nextech3D.ai still invests in human customer success.

Key points from the interview:

  • The company runs a dedicated customer success team that grew to five people with the addition of Krafty Labs staff
  • This team focuses on supporting the more than 1,000 customers already on the platforms
  • While AI can assist with support, Gappelberg believes that “decision‑making typically still happens between two humans,” particularly at the enterprise level

This mix of automation and human engagement is positioned as part of the company’s strategy to maintain service quality while scaling.

Founder Skin In The Game

Gappelberg underscores his alignment with shareholders by:

  • Stating he is the single largest shareholder in Nextech3D.ai
  • Highlighting that he purchased approximately 550,000 shares in November at around $0.14 per share on the open market
  • Mentioning he is “seriously considering” buying more, given where he sees the share price relative to the underlying business performance

He frames the current situation as a “ground floor” opportunity in a turnaround story, noting that investors are often skeptical of turnarounds and may wait too long to participate.

On forward communication, he reiterates that management will follow regulatory guidance around when and how Q4 numbers can be released. Nextech3D.ai has previously attempted to publish preliminary quarterly figures and received regulatory pushback; this time the company intends to seek explicit permission before issuing any early Q4 update.

Strategic Significance

From Survival To Inflection Point

Gappelberg ties the company’s current position back to the broader small‑cap environment over the last bear market cycle. While many peers did not make it through, he argues Nextech3D.ai:

  • Survived a difficult funding and market backdrop
  • Used the period to pivot away from lower‑margin 3D modeling into AI‑driven event technology
  • Continued “building and building” when others pulled back

In this context, Q3 is framed as:

  • The starting gun for the company’s next phase
  • Evidence that the pivot is translating into measurable revenue growth and margin expansion
  • The beginning of what he describes as a “powerful, new and sustainable growth curve” built around AI and events

Positioning In A Large And Changing Market

The interview situates Nextech3D.ai within:

  • A global event industry Gappelberg pegs at roughly US$1 trillion
  • A broader global event technology and online ticketing market that management has previously referenced at around US$80–85 billion

He argues that:

  • Remote work and AI‑driven automation are increasing demand for in‑person experiences, as people seek more face‑to‑face interaction
  • Live events are likely to grow in importance over the next five years as a counter‑balance to automation and virtual work
  • Nextech3D.ai’s focus on AI event tech, experiential engagement and unified operating systems positions it ahead of this shift

Profitability, Margins And Cash Flow Potential

With 95% gross margins reported in Q3 and a stated internal goal (from prior disclosures) of targeting around 90% gross margins longer‑term through automation and standardization, Nextech3D.ai is explicitly leaning into a high‑margin, software‑first model.

Gappelberg’s description of the AI‑assisted M&A playbook – acquire event‑tech assets, apply automation, remove excess headcount and run them lean – is framed as a way to:

  • Increase recurring, platform‑based revenue
  • Maintain or expand margins
  • Build a portfolio of cash‑generating event‑tech properties under the Nextech Event AI umbrella

While no specific profitability timelines are given in the interview, the combination of sequential growth and margin expansion is positioned as the path toward stronger operating results.

Conclusion

For investors, the interview presents Nextech3D.ai as an AI‑first event technology company emerging from a multi‑year pivot with:

  • A consolidated platform strategy in Nextech Event AI
  • More than 1,000 customers and hundreds of Fortune 500 relationships
  • Q3 metrics, including 59% year‑over‑year revenue growth, second consecutive 20% sequential growth quarter, and 95% gross margins
  • A focus on using AI to both grow revenue (through AI matchmaking and unified event solutions) and sharply reduce costs (through automation and AI‑enabled integration of acquisitions)
  • Founder‑CEO ownership and ongoing share purchases signaling conviction in the turnaround

Gappelberg characterizes Q3 as the beginning of Nextech3D.ai’s “comeback.” With Krafty Labs now integrated, Nextech Event AI launched, and additional enterprise and government contracts in the pipeline, upcoming quarters will give investors more data on how durable this new growth curve really is.

TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO GO TO: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfL457LW0vdLfUsxUKlol_YZ1jWObS8HN 

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Nextech3D.ai Reports 59% Q3 YoY Revenue Growth as AI First Model Gains Traction With Google and Netflix Among Clients

Posted by Alavaro Coronel at 8:04 AM on Friday, February 20th, 2026

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Growth Surge: Q3 2026 revenue climbed to $468,000, up 59% year-over-year and 20% sequential, marking the second straight quarter of 20%+ quarter-over-quarter growth.
  • Margin Profile: Gross margins reached 95% (up from 41% a year ago), reflecting a shift toward higher-margin offerings within the company’s event-tech focus.
  • Event OS: Now unifies Eventdex, Map D and Krafty Labs into one AI-powered operating system for registration, ticketing, floor plans, matchmaking, engagement and blockchain payments.
  • Fortune Footprint: The company now serves 1,000+ customers and ~400 Fortune 500 relationships, with enterprise deals expanding across tech, banking and government.
  • AI Leverage: Management reports replacing larger teams with smaller teams backed by AI agents, using automation with the goal of making roll-up M&A and platform integration more economically attractive.

 

When a company shows it can reposition a legacy business into a more efficient AI-enabled platform with software economics, it can represent a meaningful shift. In its Q3 2026 results, Nextech3D.ai reported 59% year-over-year revenue growth, 20% sequential growth and 95% gross margins, all while advancing a strategic pivot away from lower-margin 3D modeling into a unified AI-powered event technology stack. Nextech3D.ai, now positioning itself as an AI-focused live event and engagement platform integrating Map D, Eventdex and Krafty Labs, is targeting the $80+ billion global event tech and online ticketing markets with a single, data-driven operating system. With the acquisition of Krafty Labs, the launch of Nextech Event AI, and a customer base that’s doubled to more than 1,000 accounts including hundreds of Fortune 500 relationships, management believes the business is entering a different phase of its growth trajectory than the one investors saw just a year ago.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

The traditional event industry often runs on manual workflows, disconnected point solutions and analog networking. Attendees may wander show floors hoping for “one good deal,” organizers may juggle multiple vendors, and enterprises can face bloated cost structures for outcomes that are hard to measure and harder to repeat. Even as events represent a roughly $1 trillion global industry, much of that spend still flows through systems that resemble earlier-generation processes – lanyards, paper badges and serendipity instead of data, automation and intent.

Nextech3D.ai is aiming to provide an alternative: a software-first, AI-enabled event operating system where registration, ticketing, navigation, matchmaking, engagement and payments are designed to operate on a single stack. Eventdex handles registration and logistics, Map D delivers interactive floor plans and spatial analytics, and Krafty Labs adds experiential and in-person engagement – all now connected into Nextech Event AI and its “semantic brain” architecture using OpenAI LLMs and Pinecone, as disclosed by the company. Management’s strategy is that a small, specialized team of AI-focused staff can acquire, integrate and automate event platforms, reduce headcount-heavy overhead, and work to convert them into higher-margin, cash-flow-generating modules.

Timing may be an important factor. Enterprises and government agencies are under pressure to rationalize tech stacks, manage costs and demonstrate ROI on travel and events, while employees increasingly seek in-person experiences to complement remote work. At the same time, AI tools are increasingly capable of supporting more complex tasks – from AI matchmaking that can help pre-book meetings, to always-on AI event assistants, to automated workflows that management believes can help improve the economics of legacy event software. Nextech3D.ai positions itself at that intersection, with sequential growth already visible in recent quarters and a pipeline that its CEO states is stronger and more enterprise-focused than at any point in the company’s history.

CEO EVAN GAPPELBERG:

“We didn’t just survive the last bear market – we used it to rebuild the company around AI and events. While others pulled back, we kept building, and now we believe you can see the impact in our numbers and in our pipeline. We’ve gone from lower-margin 3D production to a leaner, higher-margin AI event platform, and we intend to keep using automation and M&A in an effort to turn more event tech assets into scalable, cash-flow-generating businesses. As I keep buying stock myself, it’s because I believe this is just the start of a much larger potential growth opportunity.”

INVESTOR TAKEAWAY

For investors, this interview and the latest filings indicate that Nextech3D.ai’s story is evolving from 3D modeling cycles with a single flagship customer toward a recurring, software-driven event platform with what management views as structural advantages on both revenue and cost. Two consecutive quarters of 20% sequential growth, 59% year-over-year expansion and 95% gross margins indicate that the company’s pivot is beginning to show up in reported financials. Combined with a doubled customer base, hundreds of Fortune 500 relationships and expanding AI modules (matchmaking, assistants, blockchain ticketing, mobile, AR navigation), the platform offers multiple potential paths for higher contract values and deeper customer engagement.

The key risk remains execution: scaling enterprise delivery, integrating acquisitions like Eventdex and Krafty Labs, and sustaining growth in a competitive AI and event-tech landscape. However, the current mix of higher-margin economics, increasing enterprise adoption, a management-reported expanding pipeline and a CEO increasing his own ownership supports the view of Nextech3D.ai as a potential AI-focused consolidator in a fragmented market. For investors considering small-cap AI exposure with existing customers, reported margins and a defined operating thesis, this represents a turnaround story that is now being reflected in both narrative and disclosed numbers, while still carrying the usual risks associated with early-stage growth companies.

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HPQ Marks First Paid Fumed Silica Order With 50 kg Pilot Batch

Posted by Alavaro Coronel at 7:56 AM on Friday, February 20th, 2026

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW?

  • Paid Purchase Order: Management confirms the 50 kg fumed silica order is paid, with material produced and shipment logistics underway.
  • Pilot Plant Function: The facility is performing its intended role — demonstrating scalable material production rather than prioritizing immediate revenue generation.
  • Application Objectives: Management indicates that internal work and independent laboratory testing support that the material meets the goals for the intended application.
  • Due Diligence Relevance: The batch is framed as a meaningful component of the technical due diligence process tied to a potential joint venture.
  • Operational Data: Pilot plant runs are now informing more detailed assumptions, including practical considerations such as shifts, staffing, and location-dependent cost factors.
  • Market Signaling: Management notes that milestones such as paid production runs may influence how other parties evaluate ongoing discussions.

When a pilot plant progresses from demonstrating production capability to fulfilling a paid purchase order, the discussion naturally shifts from technical feasibility to real operating performance. HPQ Silicon management confirms the company has received a purchase order for 50 kilograms of fumed silica, has produced the material, and is now finalizing shipment logistics as the counterparty determines where the batch will be sent. Management explicitly states the order is paid, while underscoring an important distinction for investors: pilot plants are designed to validate commercial-scale production and generate operating data, not serve as near-term profit centers. The batch is described as part of the technical due diligence process associated with a potential joint venture, with management noting that successful material production is a necessary condition for advancing discussions. Internal testing and independent laboratory testing are described as supporting that the material meets the objectives required for the intended application.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

Management emphasizes that pilot plants are not structured as profit-driven operations. Their purpose is to demonstrate that commercially valuable material can be produced and to provide the data required for designing larger-scale facilities. The discussion highlights that once systems are functioning, producing a single larger batch becomes more operationally efficient than multiple small runs. Management also indicates that a significant portion of current activity is concentrated on the joint venture process, describing both HPQ Silicon and its technical partner as heavily engaged in technical evaluation, operational analysis, and commercial discussions.

INVESTOR TAKEAWAY

The significance of the paid 50 kg batch is primarily technical and strategic rather than financial. The milestone reflects pilot plant validation, supports customer-side application testing, and contributes to the refinement of detailed operating assumptions required for potential commercial expansion. As described by management, the project remains positioned within an active due-diligence phase rather than a finalized commercial rollout.

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