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$HPQ.ca and Apollon Solar Strengthen Collaboration to Focus on Porous Silicon for Lithium-ion Battery Market $FSLR $SPWR $CSIQ $PYR.ca $XMG.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:44 AM on Monday, January 27th, 2020
  • Announced the extension of the Development Agreement signed in 2017 with Apollon Solar SAS from January 1 to June 30, 2020
  • Biggest change to this fourth renewal is that the Agreement’s main focus is now on manufacturing and value generation associated with the deployment of Porous Silicon in the Lithium-ion batteries market, using Apollon’s patented process to manufacture Porous Silicon Wafers with Silicon Metal (Si) produced by the HPQ PUREVAP™ Quartz Reduction Reactor

MONTREAL, Jan. 27, 2020 — HPQ Silicon Resources Inc.(“HPQ” - “The  Company”)TSX-V: HPQ; FWB: UGE; Other OTC : URAGF; is pleased to announce the extension of the Development Agreement signed in 2017 with Apollon Solar SAS  (“Apollon”) from January 1 to June 30, 2020.  The biggest change to this fourth renewal is that the Agreement’s main focus is now on manufacturing and value generation associated with the deployment of Porous Silicon (PSi) in the Lithium-ion batteries market, using Apollon’s patented process to manufacture Porous Silicon Wafers with Silicon Metal (Si) produced by the HPQ PUREVAP™ Quartz Reduction Reactor (“QRR”).  While the agreement is ongoing, HPQ will have a North American exclusivity over the use of Apollo’s patented process to manufacture Porous Silicon.  If required, the Parties have already agreed to meet in May 2020 to negotiate an extension.

“HPQ and Apollon are consolidating their collaborations in order to take maximum advantage of our pioneering position in the manufacture of Porous Silicon wafers using PUREVAPTM silicon metal.  During 2020, we intend to demonstrate the commercial potential of the technology and Porous material produced” said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO HPQ Silicon. “Silicon Metal’s potential to meet energy storage demand is undeniable and generating massive investments, as well as, serious industry interest, so our timing could not be better.”

POROUS SILICON – AN ADVANCED MATERIAL WITH CURRENT HIGH COST CONSTRAINTS

Porous silicon is a Silicon Metal (Si) structure in which Nanopores have been formed by electrochemical etching.

FE-SEM Images of Porous Silicon electrochemically etched using the Apollon/CNRS process: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a67e2e14-f59e-452a-a4ba-4b08b61ae00a 

Market opportunities for porous silicon are massive, ranging from electronics, batteries, environment, consumer goods, sensors and medicine, to name just a few.  Their high manufacturing cost, since available electrochemical etching processes require electronic grade silicon (9N to 11N) as a raw material, represent a significant barrier to their commercial application.

APOLLON PATENTED LOW-COST PROCESS TO MANUFACTURING POROUS SILICON (PSi) WAFERS

In 2012, Apollon, working in collaboration with France INSA Lyon œœ”) France CNRS (“Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique”), developed and obtained a worldwide patent for a unique low-cost process that uses standard metallurgical Silicon Metal (2N to 4N+ Si) to produce porous Silicon Wafers that can have porous structure sizes of either Microporous (<5nm), Mesoporous (5nm â€“ 50nm) and Macroporous (>50nm) as per end-users requirements.

NDA WITH LITHIUM-ION BATTERY MANUFACTURER LOOKING FOR POROUS SILICON WAFERS

The complement of HPQ and Apollon’s unique capabilities attracted the interest of a next generation Lithium-ion battery manufacturer looking for a potential supplier of porous silicon wafers.  HPQ and partner Apollon, acting as one party, have already signed a non-disclosure agreement (“NDA”) with the battery manufacturer, with discussions and technical information exchanges are now ongoing.  The aim of these discussions is to have the technical specifications required in order to provide the battery manufacturer with the Porous Silicon wafers they are looking for as soon as feasible.  For competitive reasons, the name of the battery manufacturer will remain confidential for the time being.

GLOBAL ENERGY STORAGE MARKET READY TO EXPLODE

A recent report by Wood Mackenzie Power projects that energy storage deployments are estimated to grow 1,300% from a 12 Gigawatt-hour market in 2018 to a 158 Gigawatt-hour market in 2024.  An estimated US$71 billion in investments will be made into storage systems where batteries will make up the lion’s share of capital deployment.

MASSIVE ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CANNOT BE MET UNLESS SILICON ANODES REPLACE GRAPHITE

The Li-ion battery is the dominant technology in energy storage while graphite, a fairly low energy density material compared to other anode materials, is the dominant anode material in for Li-Ion batteries.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/541a7985-9ceb-4574-a22e-bdfd8ba6cd5f

Presently, silicon metal powders are blended with graphite to make anodes for Li-ion batteries, resulting in less than 10 wt% Si content in Li-ion batteries.  Even with the limited performance improvement achieved to date, demand for Silicon Metal powders is estimated to represent an addressable market of US $ 1B by 20221 expanding at a CAGR of 38.9% between 2019 – 2024.

MANUFACTURING POROUS SILICON POWDERS FOR TRADITIONAL LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

By crushing porous silicon wafers, it should be possible to make a porous silicon powder that, when combined with graphite, could improve the performance of currently available lithium-ion batteries.  Porous silicon wafers (Microporous, Mesoporous and Macroporous) will be manufactured and crushed into powder.  Batteries cycling tests will be carried in order to define and validate the characteristics of the powders produced.

About Silicon Metal

Silicon Metal (Si) is one of today’s strategic materials needed to fulfil the renewable energy revolution presently under way. Silicon does not exist in its pure state; it must be extracted from quartz, one of the most abundant minerals of the earth’s crust and other expensive raw materials in a carbothermic process.

About HPQ Silicon

HPQ Silicon Resources Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ) is developing, with PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX-V: PYR), a high-tech company that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma base processes, the innovative PUREVAPTM “Quartz Reduction Reactors” (QRR), a truly 2.0 Carbothermic process (patent pending), which will permit the One Step transformation of Quartz (SiO2) into High Purity Silicon (Si) at prices that will propagate its considerable renewable energy potential.  The Gen3 PUREVAPTM QRR pilot plant that will validate the commercial potential of the process is scheduled to start during Q1 2020.

HPQ, working with PyroGenesis, is also developing a process that can take the High Purity Silicon (Si) made by the PUREVAPTM and manufacture Spherical Silicon Metal nano-powders for Next Gen Li-ion batteries.  During Q1 2020, the plan is to validate our game changing manufacturing approach using a modified Gen2 PUREVAPTM reactor to produce spherical Silicon Metal (Si) nano-powders samples for industry participants and research institutions’.

Concurrently, HPQ is also working with industry leader Apollon Solar to develop a manufacturing capability that uses the High Purity Silicon (Si) made with the PUREVAP™ to make Porous silicon wafers needed for solid-state Li-ion batteries.  The first Silicon wafer should be ready to be ship for testing to a battery manufacture (under NDA) during Q1 2020.

Finally, with Apollon Solar, we are also looking into developing a metallurgical pathway of producing Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG Si) that will take full advantage of the PUREVAPTM QRR one-step production of Silicon (Si) material of 4N+ purity with low boron count (< 1 ppm).

All in all, HPQ focus is becoming the lowest cost producer of Silicon Metal (Si), High Purity Silicon Metal (Si), Spherical Si nano-powders for Next Gen Li-ion batteries, Porous Silicon Wafers for Solid states Li-ion batteries, Porous Silicon Powders for Li-ion batteries and Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG-Si).

This News Release is available on the company’s CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders. 

Disclaimers:

The Corporation’s interest in developing the PUREVAP™ QRR and any projected capital or operating cost savings associated with its development should not be construed as being related to the establishing the economic viability or technical feasibility of any of the Company’s Quartz Projects.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “in the process” and other similar expressions which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s on-going filings with the security’s regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information contact
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President and CEO Tel (514) 907-1011
Patrick Levasseur, Vice-President and COO Tel: (514) 262-9239
http://www.hpqsilicon.com Email: [email protected] 

[1] Source Marketandmakerts.com

Datametrex $DM.ca Announces $600,000 Renewal Contract with #LOTTE

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 7:12 AM on Monday, January 20th, 2020
  • Secured an additional contract with a division of LOTTE for approximately $600,000
  • Contract is renewal from last year, and it is for 12 months monthly subscription.

TORONTO, Jan. 20, 2020 — Datametrex AI Limited (the “Company” or Datametrex”) (TSXV: DM) (FSE: D4G) is pleased to announce it has secured an additional contract with a division of LOTTE for approximately $600,000. The contract is renewal from last year, and it is for 12 months monthly subscription.

“I am thrilled to start the new year with a large contract from LOTTE. Our team is doing an excellent job servicing LOTTE as they continue to execute on our “land and expand” strategy. Generating more SaaS business is one of our key objectives as it will help to smooth out our lumpier government contracts,” says Marshall Gunter, CEO of the Company.

The Company also wishes to provide an update on the previously announced license sale to GreenInsightz. Given the challenging environment in the sector, GreenInsightz and Datametrex have agreed to rework the purchase terms as follows:

  • $250,000 CAD cash payment
  • 30% of GreenInsightz equity position

About Datametrex

Datametrex AI Limited is a technology focused company with exposure to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning through its wholly owned subsidiary, Nexalogy (www.nexalogy.com).

For further information, please contact:

Jeff Stevens
Email: [email protected]Phone: 647-777-7974

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “likely”, “should”, “would”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “potential”, “proposed”, “estimate”, “believe” or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” happen, or by discussions of strategy.

Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Esports Entertainment Group $GBML Releases Upgraded VIE.GG #Esports Gambling Platform $TECHF $ATVI $TTWO $GAME $EPY.ca $FDM.ca $TNA.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 7:02 AM on Friday, January 17th, 2020
  • Announced the release of the latest version of VIE.gg (https://vie.gg)  the Company’s esports wagering platform
  • Latest upgrade delivers notable new features, including additional betting options such as Fixed Odds, Pari-mutuel, Fantasy and Pool Betting to complement our main P2P option

BIRKIRKARA, MALTA (January 17, 2020) – Esports Entertainment Group, Inc. (GMBL:OTCQB) (or the “Company”), a licensed online gambling company with a focus on esports wagering and 18+ gaming, is pleased to announce the release of the latest version of VIE.gg (https://vie.gg)  the Company’s esports wagering platform.

UPGRADE DELIVERS LATEST FEATURES AND FULL DEVICE ACCESSABILITY

This latest upgrade delivers notable new features, including additional betting options such as Fixed Odds, Pari-mutuel, Fantasy and Pool Betting to complement our main P2P option. 

Furthermore, the upgrade delivers significant content enhancements, including real-time streaming and event coverage.  Finally, the upgrades now make VIE.gg (https://vie.gg) fully compatible with all major desktop, mobile and tablet devices, as well as, their respective operating systems.

Grant Johnson, CEO of Esports Entertainment Group, stated “This is another major milestone for our Company. This is our strongest release ever, with every new feature esports gambling enthusiasts could wish for in a platform. Combined with our unsurpassed transparency as a result of our status as a fully reporting public company, we believe VIE.gg is strongly positioned for success in 2020”.

In delivering this upgrade, Esports Entertainment Group partnered with Askott Entertainment, a Vancouver based software development company that has been building award-winning online betting and daily fantasy software since 2013.

This press release is available on our Online Investor Relations Community for shareholders and potential shareholders to ask questions, receive answers and collaborate with management in a fully moderated forum https://agoracom.com/ir/EsportsEntertainmentGroup

RedChip investor relations Esports Entertainment Group Investor Page: 
http://www.gmblinfo.com

ABOUT ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Esports Entertainment Group, Inc. is a licensed online gambling company with a focus on esports wagering and 18+ gaming. Esports Entertainment offers bet exchange style wagering on esports events in a licensed, regulated and secure platform to the global esports audience at vie.gg.  In addition, Esports Entertainment intends to offer users from around the world the ability to participate in multi-player mobile and PC video game tournaments for cash prizes. Esports Entertainment is led by a team of industry professionals and technical experts from the online gambling and the video game industries, and esports. The Company holds a license to conduct online gambling and 18+ gaming on a global basis in Curacao, Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Company maintains offices in Malta and Warsaw, Poland. Esports Entertainment common stock is listed on the OTCQB under the symbol GMBL.  For more information visit www.esportsentertainmentgroup.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. The safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 protects companies from liability for their forward-looking statements if they comply with the requirements of the Act.

Contact:

Corporate Finance
+356-2757-7000 (Malta)
[email protected]

Media & Investor Relations Inquiries
AGORACOM 
[email protected]
http://agoracom.com/ir/eSportsEntertainmentGroup

U.S. Investor Relations 
RedChip 
Dave Gentry
407-491-4498
[email protected]

INTERVIEW: $HPQ.ca Moves One Nano Step Closer To #Silicon For #Li-Ion #Batteries $FSLR $SPWR $CSIQ $PYR.ca $XMG.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:47 AM on Thursday, January 16th, 2020

Gen2 PUREVAP™ Proof of Concept Test Demonstrates Capacity to Produce Spherical Nano Powders From Silicon Metal for the Lithium-Ion Battery Market – $HPQ.ca Silicon Resources $FSLR $SPWR $CSIQ $PYR.ca $XMG.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:09 AM on Wednesday, January 15th, 2020
  • PUREVAPTM Gen2 reactor was modified to test if it could produce Nano-powders
  • A key milestone was reached when the proof of concept test successfully produced spherical nano-powders from silicon metal as raw material, with a primary size <500 nanometre (<0.5 µ)

MONTREAL, Jan. 15, 2020 —HPQ Silicon Resources Inc.(“HPQ” - “The Company”)TSX-V: HPQ; FWB: UGE; Other OTC : URAGF; (“HPQ”) would like to update shareholders on progress made by HPQ and PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX-V: PYR) (“PyroGenesis”) regarding manufacturing Silicon Metal (Si) nano-powders for next generation Lithium (Li-ion) Si batteries.

GEN2 PUREVAPTM USED TO SYNTHESIZE SPHERICAL NANO POWDERS (SIZE <0.5 µ) FROM SILICON (Si)

The PUREVAPTM Gen2 reactor was modified to test if it could produce Nano-powders.  A key milestone was reached when the proof of concept test successfully produced spherical nano-powders from silicon metal as raw material, with a primary size <500 nanometre (<0.5 µ).

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images taken of the spherical nano-powders produced by the GEN2 PUREVAPTM

Image A is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e54d3d4f-276e-473a-b2f3-b336cdeb0698

Image B is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8c8a42a-3c2b-4e5e-86e3-d958f60c2523

SPHERICAL NANOSCALE SILICON POWDERS KEY TO HIGHER ENERGY DENSITY LI-ION BATTERIES

Spherical Silicon Metal Nano-Powders have been identified as a key factor that will allow the manufacturing of high-performance Li-ion batteries using Silicon Metal (Si) anodes needed to deliver on the research promises of an almost tenfold (10x) increase in the specific capacity of the anode, inducing a 20-40% gain in the energy density of Li-ion batteries.  Current manufacturing methods for Silicon Metal Nano-Powders are expensive, not very scalable and not commercially feasible with US$ 30,000/kg1 selling prices.  HPQ and PyroGenesis are working to change that with our new approach.

MASSIVE ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CANNOT BE MET UNLESS SILICON ANODES REPLACE GRAPHITE

The Li-ion battery is the dominant technology in energy storage while graphite, a fairly low energy density material compared to other anode materials, is the dominant anode material in for Li-Ion batteries.

A graph accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a443d48f-5db8-4da0-8072-dd53ea4317e3

Present anode technology limits the use of Silicon Metal (Si) powders to a blended form with graphite, resulting in less than 10 wt% Si in Li-ion batteries.  This explains the limited performance improvement achieved to date.

A recent report by Wood Mackenzie Power projects that energy storage deployments are estimated to grow 1,300% from a 12 Gigawatt-hour market in 2018 to a 158 Gigawatt-hour market in 2024.  This is why, even at these low content levels, demand for Silicon Metal powders is estimated to represent an addressable market of US $ 1B by 20222 expanding at a CAGR of 38.9% between 2019 – 2024.

HPQ AND PYROGENESIS WELL POSITIONED TO ASSUME FIRST MOVER ADVANTAGE IN THE MARKET

Building upon the success of the modified Gen2 PUREVAP™ proof of concept test, PyroGenesis is designing additional process improvements to the modified Gen2 PUREVAP™ Reactor in order to demonstrate the commercial potential of the high yield, low cost process we are developing to produce Spherical Silicon Metal (Si) nano-powders for the Li-ion batteries markets.

This represents a unique multibillion-dollar business opportunity that could subsequently lead to the wide scale adoption of our Material in the battery market.  If this occurs, HPQ and PyroGenesis would then be well positioned to assume a dominant market position.  In Q1 2020, the plan is to have the fully modified Gen2 PUREVAPTM reactor operational to validate that our approach both works and is scalable while also producing samples for industry participants and research institutions.

“PyroGenesis has a long the track record of taking high-technology projects from proof of concept to global commercial scalability, so if anybody has the knowhow to use the silicon metal produced by HPQ PUREVAP™QRR and make spherical Silicon Metal (Si) nano-powders for use as high-capacity anode materials in the next generations Li-ion batteries, it is them,” said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO HPQ Silicon. “Silicon Metal’s potential to meet energy storage demand is undeniable and generating massive investments, as well as, serious industry interest, so our timing could not be better.”

“We are delighted by the PUREVAP™ Gen2’s recent test results from which it has established a very important proof of concept for the production of spherical nano powders for the Lithium-ion batteries market,” said M. P Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis Canada Inc. “The success of this testing paves the way for an interesting business opportunity for both PyroGenesis and HPQ. The goal is to significantly increase the performance of Li-ion batteries, currently in demand, using silicon metal (Si) anodes, at a competitive cost. The potential from the battery and energy storage markets alone is estimated, on first review, to be quite significant.”

About Silicon Metal

Silicon Metal (Si) is one of today’s strategic materials needed to fulfil the renewable energy revolution presently under way. Silicon does not exist in its pure state; it must be extracted from quartz, one of the most abundant minerals of the earth’s crust and other expensive raw materials in a carbothermic process.

About HPQ Silicon

HPQ Silicon Resources Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ) is developing, with PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX-V: PYR), a high-tech company that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma base processes, the innovative PUREVAPTM “Quartz Reduction Reactors” (QRR), a truly 2.0 Carbothermic process (patent pending), which will permit the One Step transformation of Quartz (SiO2) into High Purity Silicon (Si) at prices that will propagate its considerable renewable energy potential.  The Gen3 PUREVAPTM QRR pilot plant that will validate the commercial potential of the process is scheduled to start during Q1 2020.

HPQ, working with PyroGenesis, is also developing a process that can take the High Purity Silicon (Si) made by the PUREVAPTM and manufacture Spherical Silicon Metal nano-powders for Next Gen Li-ion batteries.  During Q1 2020, the plan is to validate our game changing manufacturing approach using a modified Gen2 PUREVAPTM reactor to produce spherical Silicon Metal (Si) nano-powders samples for industry participants and research institutions’.

Concurrently, HPQ is also working with industry leader Apollon Solar to develop a manufacturing capability that uses the High Purity Silicon (Si) made with the PUREVAP™ to make Porous silicon wafers needed for solid-state Li-ion batteries.  The first Silicon wafer should be ready to be ship for testing to a battery manufacture (under NDA) during Q1 2020.

Finally, with Apollon Solar, we are also looking into developing a metallurgical pathway of producing Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG Si) that will take full advantage of the PUREVAPTM QRR one-step production of Silicon (Si) material of 4N+ purity with low boron count (< 1 ppm).

All in all, HPQ focus is becoming the lowest cost producer of Silicon Metal (Si), High Purity Silicon Metal (Si), Spherical Si nano-powders for Next Gen Li-ion batteries, Porous Silicon Wafers for Solid states Li-ion batteries, Porous Silicon Powders for Li-ion batteries and Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG-Si).

This News Release is available on the company’s CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders. 

Disclaimers:

The Corporation’s interest in developing the PUREVAP™ QRR and any projected capital or operating cost savings associated with its development should not be construed as being related to the establishing the economic viability or technical feasibility of any of the Company’s Quartz Projects.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “in the process” and other similar expressions which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s on-going filings with the security’s regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information contact
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President and CEO Tel (514) 907-1011
Patrick Levasseur, Vice-President and COO Tel: (514) 262-9239
http://www.hpqsilicon.com Email: [email protected]

1 Source: Quotation from a producer (Confidential), Media article
2 Source Marketandmakerts.com 

Image A SEM X 75000 Resolution

Nano-powder picture taken with a SEM and a resolution X 75,000
Image B SEM X 100000 resolution

SEM Image of Nano-powders taken with X 100,000 resolution
IMAGE C – Energy density of anode materials

Graph representing The Energy Density of anode materials for batteries

Source: GlobeNewswire (January 15, 2020 – 8:00 AM EST)

News by QuoteMedia
www.quotemedia.com

From the #AI arms race to adversarial AI – SPONSOR: Datametrex AI Limited $DM.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 1:01 PM on Tuesday, January 14th, 2020

SPONSOR: Datametrex AI Limited (TSX-V: DM) A revenue generating small cap A.I. company that NATO and Canadian Defence are using to fight fake news & social media threats. The company announced three $1M contacts in Q3-2019. Click here for more info.

From the AI arms race to adversarial AI

  • The AI arms race is on, and it’s a cat and mouse game we see every day in our threat intelligence work
  • As new technology evolves, our lives become more convenient, but cybercriminals see new opportunities to attack users

(Image credit: Pixabay) By Michal Pěchouček

The AI arms race is on, and it’s a cat and mouse game we see every day in our threat intelligence work. As new technology evolves, our lives become more convenient, but cybercriminals see new opportunities to attack users. Whether it’s trying to circumvent antivirus software, or trying to install malware or ransomware on a user’s machine, to abusing hacked devices to create a botnet or taking down websites and important server infrastructures, getting ahead of the bad guys is the priority for security providers. AI has increased the sophistication of attacks, making it increasingly unpredictable and difficult to mitigate against.

Increased Systematic Attacks

AI has reduced the manpower needed to carry out a cyber-attack. As opposed to manually developing malware code, this process has become automated, reducing the time, effort and expense that goes into these attacks. The result: attacks become increasingly systematic and can be carried out on a larger, grander scale.

Societal Change and New Norms

Along with cloud computing services, the growth of AI has brought many tech advancements, but unless carefully regulated it risks changing certain aspects of society. A prime example of this is the use of facial recognition technology by the police and local government authorities. San Francisco hit the headlines this year when it became the first US city to ban the technology.

This was seen as a huge victory – the technology carried far more risks than benefits and question marks over inaccuracy and racial bias were raised. AI technology is not perfect and is only as reliable and accurate as the data that feeds it. As we head into a new decade, technology companies and law makers need to work together to ensure these developments are suitably regulated and used responsibly.

Changing the way we look at information

We’re now in the era of fake news, misinformation and deep fakes. AI has made it even easier to create and spread misleading and fake information. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that we increasingly consume information in digital echo chambers, making it harder to access unbiased information. 

While responsibility lies with the tech companies that host and share this content, education in data literacy will become more important in 2020 and beyond. An increasing focus on teaching the public how to scrutinise information and data will be vital.

More Partnerships to Combat Adversarial AI

In order to combat the threat from adversarial AI, we hope to see even greater partnerships between technology companies and academic institutions. This is precisely why Avast has partnered with The Czech Technical University in Prague to advance research in the field of artificial intelligence

Avast’s rich threat data from over 400 million devices globally have been combined with the CTU’s study of complex and evasive threats in order to pre-empt and inhibit attacks from cybercriminals. The goals of the laboratory include publishing breakthrough research in this field and to enhance Avast’s malware detection engine, including its AI-based detection algorithms.

As we head into a new decade AI will continue to impact and change technology and society around us, especially with the increase in smart home devices. However, despite the negative associations, there’s a lot more good to be gained from artificial intelligence than bad. 

Tools are only as helpful as those who wield them. The biggest priority in the years ahead will be cross-industry and government collaboration, to use AI for good and prohibit those who attempt to abuse it.

Source: https://www.techradar.com/nz/news/from-the-ai-arms-race-to-adversarial-ai

Spyder Cannabis $SPDR.ca Announces Corporate Update and Expansion Plan $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:47 AM on Monday, December 23rd, 2019
  • Spyder has two current Development Permits in Calgary, Alberta to build cannabis retail stores and has received the building permit for one of the two locations
  • The second building permit has been submitted and awaiting approval

Vaughan, Ontario–(December 23, 2019) – Spyder Cannabis Inc. (TSXV: SPDR) (“Spyder Cannabis” or the “Company“), an established Canadian cannabis accessory and an alternative to smoking retailer, provides an update to the corporate business development. Founded in 2014 Spyder is an established chain of three high-end alternative to smoking stores and two cannabis accessory stores in Ontario, with locations in Woodbridge, Scarborough, Burlington, Niagara Falls and Pickering. The Spyder brand is defined by its high-quality proprietary line of e-juice, liquids and exclusive retail deals, dispensed in uniquely designed stores creating the optimal customer experience. Spyder is building off this leading retail, distribution and branding platform by pursuing expansion into the legal cannabis market.

Spyder has two current Development Permits in Calgary, Alberta to build cannabis retail stores and has received the building permit for one of the two locations. The second building permit has been submitted and awaiting approval.

Two weeks ago the government of Ontario announced it will abandon the current lottery system for cannabis retail and move towards an open licensing system beginning January 6, 2020. Store authorizations will be issued starting in April, at the rate of 20 per month. Spyder will be submitting applications on January 6, 2020 for some of the stores currently operating. These stores are already built out and Spyder does not expect major renovations will be required to conform to the Ontario specifications for licenced stores.

Spyder is currently pursuing other locations in Ontario for aggressive expansion of its scalable retail platform.

The Company’s common shares will resume trading on the TSXV at market open on December 24, 2019

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

For more information, please contact:

Spyder Cannabis Inc.
Dan Pelchovitz
President & Chief Executive Officer
Contact: Investor Relations
Phone: 1-888-504-SPDR (1-888-504-7737)
Email: [email protected]

Cautionary Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the satisfaction of the closing conditions contemplated under the Agreement. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. Risk factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by forward-looking information include, among other things: the TSX Venture Exchange declining to accept the transaction, the landlord not consenting to the Lease Assignment, changes in tax laws, general economic and business conditions; and changes in the regulatory regulation. The Company cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51039

$HPQ.ca Silicon Closes Non-Brokered Private Placement $FSLR $SPWR $CSIQ $PYR.ca $XMG.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:36 AM on Monday, December 23rd, 2019
  • Closed a non-brokered private placement of 3,000,000 units at $0.07 per Unit for gross proceeds of $210,000
  • “Manufacturing Silicon (Si) samples for emerging Li-ion batteries opportunities identified during the latter part of 2019 required additional investments.  This financing gives us the flexibility needed to accelerate our battery related R&D efforts in early 2020,” said Bernard Tourillon, President & CEO of HPQ Silicon.

MONTREAL, Dec. 23, 2019 — HPQ Silicon Resources Inc.(“HPQ” - “The Company”) TSX-V: HPQ; FWB: UGE; Other OTC: URAGF; announces that it closed a non-brokered private placement of 3,000,000 units (“Unit”) at $0.07 per Unit for gross proceeds of $210,000.

“Manufacturing Silicon (Si) samples for emerging Li-ion batteries opportunities identified during the latter part of 2019 required additional investments.  This financing gives us the flexibility needed to accelerate our battery related R&D efforts in early 2020,” said Bernard Tourillon, President & CEO of HPQ Silicon.  â€œBeing able to attract this level of unsolicited investor interest, during the worst period of the year to raise hard cash funding, gives us great confidence about 2020 as we strive to deliver the critical Silicon material required by the surging Li-ion battery market in 2020 and beyond.”

Placement Terms:  Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share and one (1) common share purchase warrant (“Warrant”) of the Company.  Each Warrant will entitle the Subscribers to purchase one common share of the capital stock of the Company at an exercise price of $ 0.10 for a period of 36 months from the date of closing of the placement. Each share issued pursuant to the placement will have a mandatory four (4) month and one (1) day holding period from the date of closing of the placement.  The Placement is subject to standard regulatory approvals.

In connection with the placement the Company will pay cash finder’s fee of $15,358 to StephenAvenue Securities Inc. (“StephenAvenue”) of Toronto, Ontario.  The Company will also issue 219,400 warrants to StephenAvenue.  Any share purchased through the exercise of the warrants has the mandatory four (4) month and one (1) day holding period from the date of closing of the placement and each warrant gives StephenAvenue the right to purchase one (1) common share at $0.10 for 36 months following the closing of the Placement. 

Mrs. Noëlle Drapeau, HPQ Corporate Secretary and a Director has subscribed for 100,000 Units.  Following the completion of the Private Placement, Mrs. Drapeau will beneficially own or exercise control or direction over, directly or indirectly, 1,778,416 Common Shares, representing approximately 0.77% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company.

The participation of Mrs. Drapeau in the Private Placement constitutes a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”) and Policy 5.9 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions of the Exchange. In connection with this related party transaction, the Company is relying on the formal valuation and minority approval exemptions of respectively subsection 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the portion of the Private Placement subscribed by Mrs. Drapeau does not exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The Board of directors of the Company has approved the Private Placement, including the participation of Mrs. Drapeau therein, with Mrs. Drapeau abstaining with respect to his participation.

About Silicon

Silicon (Si) is one of today’s strategic materials needed to fulfil the renewable energy revolution presently under way. Silicon does not exist in its pure state; it must be extracted from quartz, one of the most abundant minerals of the earth’s crust and other expensive raw materials in a carbothermic process.

About HPQ Silicon

HPQ Silicon Resources Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ) is developing, with PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX-V: PYR), a high-tech company that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma base processes, the innovative PUREVAPTM “Quartz Reduction Reactors” (QRR), a truly 2.0 Carbothermic process (patent pending), which will permit the One Step transformation of Quartz (SiO2) into High Purity Silicon (Si) at prices that will propagate its considerable renewable energy potential.  The Gen3 PUREVAPTM QRR pilot plant that will validate the commercial potential of the process is scheduled to start during Q1 2020.

HPQ, working with PyroGenesis, is also developing a process that can take the High Purity Silicon (Si) made by the PUREVAPTM and manufacture Nano-Structure Silicon powders for Next Gen Li-ion batteries.  Starting in Q1 2020, the plan is to validate our game changing manufacturing approach using a modified Gen2 PUREVAPTM reactor to produce Nanoscale Structure Silicon (Si) powders samples for industry participants and research institutions’.

Concurrently, HPQ is also working with industry leader Apollon Solar to develop a manufacturing capability that uses the High Purity Silicon (Si) made with the PUREVAP™ to make Porous silicon wafers needed for solid-state Li-ion batteries.  The first Silicon wafer should be ready to be ship for testing to a battery manufacture (under NDA) during Q1 2020.

Finally, with Apollon Solar, we are also looking into developing a metallurgical pathway of producing Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG Si) that will take full advantage of the PUREVAPTM QRR one-step production of Silicon (Si) material of 4N+ purity with low boron count (< 1 ppm).

All in all, HPQ focus is becoming the lowest cost producer of Silicon (Si), High Purity Silicon (Si), Nano-Structure Silicon powders for Next Gen Li-ion batteries, Porous Silicon Wafers for Solid states Li-ion batteries, Porous Silicon Powders for Li-ion batteries and Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG-Si).

This News Release is available on the company’s CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders. 

Disclaimers: The Corporation’s interest in developing the PUREVAP™ QRR and any projected capital or operating cost savings associated with its development should not be construed as being related to the establishing the economic viability or technical feasibility of the Company’s Roncevaux Quartz Project, Matapedia Area, in the Gaspe Region, Province of Quebec.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “in the process” and other similar expressions which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s on-going filings with the security’s regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information contact
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President and CEO Tel (514) 907-1011
Patrick Levasseur, Vice-President and COO Tel: (514) 262-9239
Email: [email protected]

VIDEO: Lomiko Metals $LMR.ca Is Well Positioned To Supply #Graphite to North American Giga Factories $CJC.ca $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:31 AM on Thursday, December 19th, 2019

As 2019 comes to a close, sit back and watch CEO Paul Gill provide a compelling year-end recap. With a high grade graphite resource already in place, growing and situated in North America, Lomiko Metals (LMR:TSXV) believes it is on the verge of becoming a supplier to multiple gigafactories being built in North America to support the electric vehicle boom.

ExtraClass disrupting Indian #EdTech space SPONSOR: BetterU Education Corp. $BTRU.ca $ARCL $CPLA $BPI $FC.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 1:22 PM on Monday, December 16th, 2019
SPONSOR:  BetterU Education Corp. aims to provide access to quality education from around the world. The company plans to bridge the prevailing gap in the education and job industry and enhance the lives of its prospective learners by developing an integrated ecosystem. Click here for more information.

ExtraClass disrupting Indian EdTech space

  • Google-KPMG report states the biggest barrier in the adoption of online courses in India is the unavailability of quality content at affordable prices.

By: ANI

New Delhi [India], Dec 16 (ANI/Digpu): Aditi Mishra, a class 12 student is determined to get admission into the prestigious Delhi University, which is known for its high admission cut-offs.

Aditi belongs to a small village of Ballia district in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. One of the problems, which the students from small towns and villages face is the lack of quality education.

One day, her friend recommended ExtraClass. She instantly fell in love with the app and how its teachers make even the most difficult concepts simple for students.

ExtraClass was founded by Delhi University alumni, Jaideep and Parteek Solanki in late 2018 and eventually registered as a private limited company by the same name “Extraclass EdTech Pvt Ltd.”, which offers comprehensive educational content along with real-time doubt solving on its app-based platform.

Parteek Solanki, CEO of Extraclass, is a cost accountant by profession and has previously worked with Indigo Airlines.

“High quality at affordable prices made Indigo one of the largest airline carriers in India. I always thought why we couldn’t do the same with online education, that’s where the inspiration came from!” said Parteek Solanki.

A 2017 Google-KPMG report states the biggest barrier in the adoption of online courses in India is the unavailability of quality content at affordable prices.

“Using technology as an enabler we at ExtraClass are trying to remove this barrier by providing courses at affordable prices,” said Jaideep, COO, Extraclass.

In the pre-revenue stage, the biggest motivating factor for the Extraclass team is when thousands of students from various parts of India regularly send thank you notes, explaining how the app has brought a positive change in their lives, by providing quality content at their fingertips.

ExtraClass app provides high-quality video classes, notes, practice tests, as well as doubt sessions for the students.

The Content is prepared by a team of expert teachers who also resolves students’ doubts. The App is currently available for class 10 to 12 CBSE board.

With a 4.8 rating, ExtraClass app has been consistently ranked as a top app on iOS and was trending 2 on Google play-store in September2019.

Moreover, the startup boasts of having more than 200,000 students on their platform in less than a year.

“80 per cent of the students come from tier2, tier3 cities and small towns. To tap the large vernacular language audience, we have to ensure our content is available in multiple languages for various state boards” said Parteek.

So far, ExtraClass has only created content in Hinglish (EnglishHindi) for class 10 and 12 and is looking forward to adding new classes and launch content in other regional languages as well.

Students in tier2, tier3 cities and small towns have access to high-speed internet; however, they don’t have deep pockets to pay for expensive online courses.

Extraclass comes as a saviour and provides free online classes to millions of school-going students in India.

Founders at ExtraClass EdTech are not worried about monetising for the moment.

“Monetisation can wait till we grab a major chunk of market share from the established players. “Low infrastructure cost and a larger student base will help us leverage on the economics of scale and the ExtraClass courses will be priced very aggressively, based on a pull model,” said Jaideep.

Extraclass is currently bootstrapped and yet shown strong traction which is hard even for many VC funded startups in EdTech space.

As a result of which, renowned VC firms like Mayfield Funds is showing interest in them. With several e-learning apps like Byju’s, Toppr, Unacademy and Vedantu, it’s tough to survive in a competitive world without any funding.

Looking at the overwhelming journey of the ExtraClass, external funds can surely add speed to their goals and who knows we may be looking at another unicorn in the making.

Source:https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/263409704/extraclass-disrupting-indian-edtech-space