Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 8:51 AM on Wednesday, March 31st, 2021
Received up to $2 Million in funding from the Ontario Together Fund to accelerate commercial production of the BioCloud units.
To date $1.2 Million has been received from the Ontario Together Fund. In order to receive the final balance of $800,000 certain conditions are required to be met, which includes the increase of manufacturing capacity to 20,000 units per month.
Confirming that it has met the conditions precedent for the final $800,000 in funding
TORONTO , March 31, 2021 – Kontrol Technologies Corp.(CSE: KNR) (OTCQB: KNRLF) (FSE: 1K8) (” Kontrol Technologies ” or ” Kontrol ” or ” Company “) is pleased to provide an update on its manufacturing capacity as it relates to various milestones for the Ontario Together Fund.
As a follow up to the press release dated February 4 th , 2021, CEM Specialties Inc. (” CEMSI “), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kontrol Technologies, received up to $2 Million in funding from the Ontario Together Fund to accelerate commercial production of the BioCloud units. To date $1.2 Million has been received from the Ontario Together Fund. In order to receive the final balance of $800,000 certain conditions are required to be met, which includes the increase of manufacturing capacity to 20,000 units per month.
The Company will deliver a final package to the Ontario Together Fund in the next week, confirming that it has met the conditions precedent for the final $800,000 in funding, including the required manufacturing capacity. Manufacturing capacity is the ability to manufacture a certain number of units per month and is not a sales forecast. The final $800,000 funding balance is issued at the discretion of the Ontario Together Fund following the Company’s submission.
“As we initiated commercial production, we have made continuous improvements to the manufacturing of BioCloud,” says Paul Ghezzi , CEO of Kontrol. “Some of these improvements relate to a reduction in sizing of internal systems, reduction of electronic boards and overall streamlining of installation. This is part of the normal process of moving from individual prototypes to commercial production. We have done so in a short period of time with great effort from the entire team.”
“We have made great progress with BioCloud manufacturing,” says Jeff Stewart , CEO of OES Inc. “Through our internal capacity and the addition of manufacturing capacity with our Ontario based strategic manufacturing partners we are pleased to be able to deliver up to 20,000 units per month in manufacturing capacity.”
Global Supply Chain
Currently the global supply chain for the majority of components used in the manufacturing of BioCloud appears to be stabilizing. However, lead times on electronic components and semi-conductors, which are subject to competition from the automotive and mobile industry, have been a challenge. The Company reviews the global supply chain with its manufacturing partner OES Inc. on a routine basis. The Company has no control over potential delays and lead times in the global supply chain.
“I am proud of our team which has worked tirelessly to design and develop a technology with the primary goal of assisting in the reduction of transmittance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants through earlier detection,” says Gary Saunders , President of Kontrol BioCloud. “In addition to vaccines, technologies which can provide early alerting systems are important to help us create safer spaces and get back to normal across the global economy.”
BioCloud Reagent and Antibodies
The BioCloud unit operates to detect SARS-CoV-2, and other viruses, bacteria and fungi from the air through the use of continuous air sampling and a biological response process. The primary component which makes up the BioCloud proprietary reagent is a specifically formulated combination of antibodies. The antibodies, which are purchased from third party manufacturers, are combined, and tested by independent labs for the reaction to and detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The Company’s patented antibody cooling chamber utilizes a Peltier element technology to ensure accurate and controlled temperatures are maintained for the entire life cycle of the antibodies. In addition, the Company deploys refrigerated packaging to ensure a specific temperature range is maintained during transportation and shipping of its reagent and antibodies.
The Company continues to review various antibodies from third party manufacturers with the goal to reduce the costs of BioCloud consumables and create a large supply pool to choose from as part of its overall supply chain management.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 8:44 AM on Wednesday, March 31st, 2021
Announce the closing of its previously announced acquisition on February 23, 2021 of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the entities that collectively comprise the business of 180 Smoke
Vaughan, Ontario–(March 31, 2021) – Spyder Cannabis Inc. (TSXV: SPDR) (“Spyder” or the “Company“), an established Canadian cannabis and vape retailer, is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced acquisition on February 23, 2021 of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the entities that collectively comprise the business of 180 Smoke (“180 Smoke“), a dominant vape retailer in Canada. On March 30, 2021, the Company purchased all of the shares of 180 Smoke (the “Acquisition“) from CRHC Holdings Corp. (the “Seller“), on a cash-free basis (after post-closing adjustments), for nominal consideration. Additionally, the Company secured a strategic institutional investor to lead the acquisition of all the existing debt of 180 Smoke owing to an affiliate of the Seller.
Dan Pelchovitz, President & CEO of Spyder, commented, “We are extremely excited to welcome 180 Smoke to the Spyder team, which undoubtedly strengthens our management and operating teams bringing strong retail processes and expertise to Spyder. The acquisition of 180 Smoke significantly accelerates the development of Spyder’s cannabis and vape retail growth strategy, providing access to an iconic brand name, an established platform, and a loyal customer base. We are excited by the prospects ahead of us and executing on our immediate cannabis retail expansion plans in Ontario.”
Transaction Highlights
180 Smoke is a leading Canadian vape product retailer that has been widely regarded as the gold standard for vape store operations and customer service. 180 Smoke sells high-quality e-cigarettes, vaporizers and other nicotine-related products.
The Acquisition is expected to immediately increase Spyder’s consolidated revenue with the addition of 180 Smoke’s nicotine vape sales, franchise revenue and other wholesale and distribution revenue which generated approximately $12.9 million in unaudited net revenue with gross margins of 50% during the year ended December 31, 2020.
180 Smoke has a team of 91 employees who will continue to operate 180 Smoke’s 18 brick and mortar vape retail locations, 8 franchises, and its corporate head office and distribution warehouse, following the closing of the Acquisition.
180 Smoke’s current customer base includes 92,481 in-store accounts, 98,052 online accounts, as well as 235 specialty wholesale vape B2B accounts.
Immediately after closing, Spyder expects to integrate its 2 brick and mortar vape retail stores with those of 180 Smoke’s to leverage the acquired know-how and intellectual property, including retail store design and layout, standard operating procedures, administrative systems and customer support, human resources and staff training, and accounting.
Synergies are also expected between 180 Smoke’s existing customer base with Spyder’s cannabis business.
Spyder will have the ability to utilize its wholly-owned subsidiary’s Retail Operator License issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to convert some of 180 Smoke’s existing vape retail locations to licensed cannabis dispensaries by obtaining a Retail Store Authorization from the AGCO for such store.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 8:11 AM on Tuesday, March 30th, 2021
Oasis Digital Studios together with McCartney Multimedia, Inc. are excited to reveal that award winning artist Shannon ( www.theshannongallery.com ), is bringing her exclusive collection of globally renowned paintings and music, featuring major celebrities and rock ‘n’ roll icons to the Non-Fungible Token (NFT) collector market through Oasis Digital Studios.
TORONTO and VANCOUVER, BC and ERIE, Pa. and LOS ANGELES, March 30, 2021 – Liquid Avatar Technologies Inc. (CSE: LQID) (OTC: TRWRF) (FRA: 4T51) (“Liquid Avatar Technologies” or the ” Company “), a global blockchain, digital identity and fintech solutions company together with ImagineAR Inc. (CSE: IP) (OTCQB: IPNFF), an Augmented Reality platform company, announces that Oasis Digital Studios (“Oasis”) together with McCartney Multimedia, Inc. are excited to reveal that award winning artist Shannon ( www.theshannongallery.com ), is bringing her exclusive collection of globally renowned paintings and music, featuring major celebrities and rock ‘n’ roll icons to the Non-Fungible Token (NFT) collector market through Oasis Digital Studios.
After a storybook career in music, Shannon immersed herself in her paintings, receiving accolades for her artwork, including creating the famed five US postage stamp tribute to the Rocky series on the 20th anniversary of the release of the United Artists’ Oscar winning motion picture, Rock y, in November of 1996 at New York City’s Planet Hollywood. In 1998, Shannon was awarded the title of “The World’s Greatest Beatles Artist” by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, England . A meeting between Chief Executive of The Beatles’ Apple Corps, Neil Aspinall and Shannon , in 1999, became one of her most influential and rewarding encounters as Mr. Aspinall’s encouragement and comments that Shannon was Creating The Beatles within the correct guidelines proved a most positive and priceless gift.
Utilizing her innovative eye, strong sense of design and inspiring creativity, Shannon has developed and perfected her painting style and, in the process, has amassed legions of loyal fans around the world. Starting this May, Shannon , represented by Oasis and McCartney Multimedia, will begin dropping a limited series of AR enhanced NFTs showcasing a selection of her unique and photorealistic artwork to collectors. A pre-sale list has been established at www.oasisdigitalstudios.com
“I am truly excited to share my artwork to the global NFT community through my friendship and partnership with Ruth and Oasis ,” commented, artistShannon “ NFTs represent a new opportunity for music and art fans to enjoy my work wherever they are instantly, without walls or borders.”
From Hollywood legends to movie posters, creative directorships, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and The Hard Days Night Hotel that sports over 100 of her Beatles paintings, Shannon has been a prominent fixture on the music and artwork scene to celebrities, institutions, dignitaries and fans alike. With numerous awards, citations, teaching and directorships, Shannon and her work are recognized globally by her photorealistic style of painting.
A few of Shannon’s accomplishments include, with more at her website and Oasis :
1991 Shannon wins her first of many Blue Ribbons for her art:
Shannon wins first place in Beatles Art Contest in New York City which leads her down the path of “Beatles”.
1994 Shannon meets Bill Heckle and Ray Johnson from The Cavern:
Shannon attends a Beatles Convention in Connecticut hosted by Bill Heckle and Ray Johnson , from The Cavern Club.
Bill Heckle commented that the importance of Neill Aspinall within my abilities to paint The Beatles is a very strength-worthy and was a pivotal accolade to Shannon receiving the “keys to the city” to paint their likenesses from the Lord Mayor of Liverpool in 1998.
Paves way for Bill Heckle to emerge as the Number-1 source for Shannon’s later on arrival into Liverpool – which fetched her the title, “The World’s Greatest Beatles Artist”.
Shannon starts to paint illustrations for Warner Brothers. She works with the management companies of many stars including Garth Brooks and Van Halen .
1996 Shannon gets a Stallone Stamp of Approval:
Shannon’s art receives the most gratifying of accolades, the enthusiastic support and approval of celebrities themselves, and those within the industries in which they have achieved notoriety.
One such celebrity, Sylvester Stallone , expressed his sincere appreciation and overwhelming support to Shannon personally moments after unveiling a five-postage stamp tribute to the Rocky series on the 20th anniversary of the release of the United Artists’ Oscar winning motion picture, Rocky, in November of 1996 at New York City’s Planet Hollywood. Shannon worked with Sly again, on the development of the movie poster for “DRIVEN”.
All Shannon postal stamp designs receive national and international recognition.
1997 Shannon starts her custom paint line with Hamer Guitars:
Through a good friend, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick’s recommendation, Shannon’s art recognition leads her to work with Hamer Guitars. Shannon’s work includes many custom painted guitars including:
~ No Doubt’s “I’m Just A Girl” guitar (Spotlighted on MTV with Gwen Stefani ). ~ Rick Nielsen’s Coronado and Dream Police guitars. ~ “Uncle Pepper” (Sgt. Pepper Anniversary Guitar)
1998 The World’s Greatest Beatles Artist
Shannon wins prestigious awards in the fields of fine art and jumps the Atlantic Ocean and catches the attention of the UK audience.
Shannon is dubbed “The World’s Greatest Beatles Artist” by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool .
In 2000 a millennium celebration, complete with fireworks, Shannon’s artwork is projected on the great buildings of Liverpool .
Her Fab-4 Fame secures her the position of creating over one hundred paintings for the first-ever Beatles themed hotel, appropriately called, “Hard Day’s Night Hotel”.
The hotel opened its doors in 2008.
1999 Shannon is asked to play The Cavern Club in the UK for the first time:
This is the world-famous spot where The Beatles and many other bands started out.
2004 Shannon creates a 10-foot guitar for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame CEO, Terry Stewart , asks Shannon to paint a giant guitar for the RARHOF. Joining her, representing other giant guitars, is Keith Richards , Peter Max , Yoko Ono , and other celebs.
2006 Over 100 Paintings for A Beatles Hotel:
Over 110 Shannon paintings grace the walls of The Beatles’ only hotel in the world.
2006 Shannon signs with King Features Syndicate (Betty Boop/ Popeye):
Shannon signs a deal to create a motorcycle collectible she presented to Vice President of King Features Syndicate American Licensing and friend, Ita Golzman .
These motorcycles would later be called PHANTASY CHOPPERS®.
2007 Shannon is asked to create The Sgt Pepper 40th Anniversary guitar:
Shannon gets a call from Hamer Guitars to help create a guitar celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Sgt. Pepper for Cheap Trick’s performance at the Hollywood Bowl.
The event is celebrated worldwide and the guitar, simply called, “Uncle Pepper” is born.
It is still showcased during every performance as Cheap Trick plays their hit song, “The Flame”.
2007 Shannon receives Platinum Album from Cheap Trick:
Shannon is awarded a Platinum Album from Cheap Trick for her artwork for the band over the years. Presenter is CEO of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Terry Stewart .
2008 Titled, Official Artist for The Cavern Club of Liverpool, England .
2009 Inducted into The Cavern Hall of Fame ( Liverpool, England ).
2011 Shannon becomes Art Director for a London -based John Lennon play:
Playwright, Sandy Marshall contacts Shannon to be his Art Director for the play, “And In The End”. The John Lennon story, which opened in London and starred Valentine Pelka (Highlander TV Series, The Pianist, Under the Tuscan Sun)
2013 Yoko Ono applauds Shannon for her portrait titled, “The Ono Lisa”:
Shannon meets with Yoko Ono to discuss her paintings and work for The Beatles. Yoko is overwhelmed by Shannon’s portrait of her.
2014 Shannon designs the stages for “The 50th Anniversary of The Beatles Coming toAmerica.”:
Shannon is the Art Director and Set Designer for The Beatles 50th Anniversary Concerts at the Apollo Theater, The Hard Rock, and The Town Hall. The Beatles were celebrated all over the USA , and Shannon was asked to design all three stages in NYC.
2016 “The Rolling Stones” are unveiled by Shannon and John Lennon’s sister:
A 6 foot by 5-foot painting of The Rolling Stones playing The Cavern Club in 1963 was unveiled in January by Shannon and dear friend, John Lennon’s half-sister Julia Baird .
2018 Shannon is asked to reinvent the Hard Day’s Night Hotel:
The Hard Day’s Night Hotel celebrates its 10th anniversary. Shannon is asked to reinvent and update the hotel’s interior.
2019 Shannon signs on as Art Director for “Woodstock Experience /WE2019”
50-years since Woodstock and the new 2019 celebration sees Shannon as Art Director for “Saloon Studios Live” in West Jefferson, North Carolina .
2019 Shannon’s art appears in the new movie “The Cavern Club – The Beat Goes On”
Shannon’s art is apparent as you walk through The Cavern in Liverpool, England . From John, Paul, George, and Ringo to Mick, Keith, Brian, Charlie, and Bill… Shannon is a staple in Liverpool and the new Cavern Club movie shows off her talents.
2020 Shannon signs on with “Saloon Studios Live” as Creative Director:
Saloon Studios is an indoor/outdoor live concert platform, recording studio, and movie set in North Carolina . The complex looks like a set from “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”.
2020 Shannon receives a Creative Director seat with the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum.
2020 Shannon signs dealwith Bill Wyland Galleries in Hawaii .
“I am blown away at the opportunity to work with Shannon on the digital / NFT version of her globally celebrated art, as I have been a fangirl of hers forever. Collaborating with Shannon and Oasis gives us an opportunity to bring her work to the worldwide digital collector audience in a brand-new era and a brand-new way” said Ruth McCartney , Digital Diva, and founder of McCartney Multimedia.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 8:02 AM on Tuesday, March 30th, 2021
Incremental, near-term recurring revenue stream from support services
Announced that it has established an ATAK Centre of Excellence in Ottawa.
The centre will facilitate customer requirements for integration into the U.S. battlefield management application known as ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit).
Ottawa, Ontario–(March 30, 2021) – KWESST Micro Systems Inc. (TSXV: KWE) (OTCQB: KWEMF) (“KWESST” or “the Company”) today announced that it has established an ATAK Centre of Excellence in Ottawa. The centre will facilitate customer requirements for integration into the U.S. battlefield management application known as ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit).
ATAK is an Android geospatial and situational awareness system that provides users with a drop-down menu of approved operational applications for shared situational awareness. It is the pre-eminent system used by more than a dozen U.S. government agencies and many NATO allies and partner nations.
As mentioned in the Company’s announcement of March 16th, 2021, KWESST was officially sponsored by U.S. military authorities to integrate certain of the Company’s networked soldier applications into ATAK. In conjunction, the U.S. military provided KWESST with specialized software necessary for this work.
“Since then, we have received many requests from government agencies and defence contractors in Canada and overseas to assist them with integrating their current or new applications into ATAK and providing through-life support,” said Jeff MacLeod, KWESST President and CEO. He added that, “We are already engaged with a number of customers and have many others in the queue. As a result we are ramping up a dedicated practice for this and leveraging our expertise in ATAK integration.”
The Company stated that its ATAK Centre of Excellence is a natural extension of its core business around digitizing applications “at the tactical edge” for shared situational awareness and targeting. KWESST’s other applications include its TASCS system and its related Integrated Fires Module (IFM) application, currently being delivered to a major U.S. military customer.
“Apart from the revenue potential, this further positions KWESST as a leader in the digitization of land forces at the tactical level, pushing critical information and high-value applications to the individual soldier on the ground and back up through the chain of command,” said MacLeod. “This continues to be a key missing link in the modernization of soldier systems.”
The Company added that digitization of land forces at the tactical level is happening now and happening everywhere. One market study(1) projects it to be worth more than $15B CAD by 2024. “To our knowledge, KWESST is the only Canadian company with the credentials, official U.S. military sponsorship, specialized software and the experience to facilitate ATAK integration,” said MacLeod.
The Company stated that its ATAK Centre of Excellence can assist government and industry clients with end-to-end ATAK application development, facilitate approval with U.S. ATAK authorities, and provide ongoing support. “We believe that this can contribute incrementally to our 2021 revenue plan, with recurring support revenue growth in out-years,” concluded MacLeod.
Under the Agreement, Valeo will be responsible for medical and commercial activities for an initial 8 year period.
How Significant Is This Market?
At present, almost 4 million Canadians are living with asthma a serious health issue affecting all age groups. Patients with severe asthma live in fear of potential exacerbations which remain highly prevalent even with today’s most advanced therapies. The Canadian market for asthma medication exceeds $700M annually.
What Does The CEO of Valeo say about the deal?
“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Novartis to launch these two asthma drugs in the coming weeks. Commercializing Enerzair ® Breezhaler ® and Atectura ® Breezhaler ® will immediately position Valeo as one of the leading Canadian respiratory companies providing first in-class and best in-class asthma therapies. The Canadian asthma maintenance market exceeds $700M annually,” said Steve Saviuk , CEO of Valeo. “This partnership is perfectly aligned with Valeo’s vision and mission of building a Canadian anchor pharmaceutical company by driving therapeutic innovation to patients in need. We look forward to building a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Novartis that will help both companies fulfill their respective missions.”
Sit Back, relax and watch this powerful interview with Steve Saviuk , CEO of Valeo.
