LEADING EDGE MATERIALS' INVESTOR UPDATE AND SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES
LEADING EDGE MATERIALS' INVESTOR UPDATE ON SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES
Vancouver, June 22, 2025 – Leading Edge Materials Corp. (' Leading Edge Materials ' or the ' Company ') (TSXV: LEM) (Nasdaq First North: LEMSE) (OTCQB: LEMIF) provides an investor update on significant activities.
Overview - Becoming a European CRM producer
Concerns about critical raw materials - security of supply, supply chain resilience and defence requirements - have been recurring themes at conferences attended by the Company in recent months, with Heavy Rare Earth Elements ('HREEs') and natural graphite frequently mentioned; geopolitical uncertainty is the new norm and it is driving partnership, collaboration and greater levels of support for mining.
On June 17, 2025, the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan was announced focused on 'diversifying the responsible production and supply of critical minerals, encouraging investments in critical mineral projects and local value creation, and promoting innovation' in the G7, and with partners beyond, working together and 'to swiftly protect our economic and national security''.
At the EIT Raw Materials Summit in March, graphite and defence were frequent mentions on the first day, with widespread calls for more action, now the Critical Raw Materials Act is in force, and the need for more money.
Against this backdrop, LEM's Critical Raw Materials ('CRMs') portfolio is very well positioned and the Company is working on becoming a European CRM producer.
Norra Kärr is a globally significant source of HREEs with the economic advantage of valuable industrial minerals, specifically nepheline syenite; a production start within 3–4 years is in reach. In parallel, we are evaluating the restart of production from the fully built and permitted Woxna Graphite mine.
On exploration, and possibly future production, we have strengthened our position in Romania, with Leading Edge Materials Romania ('LEMR') being granted ownership and operational permits for the Avram Iancu mine by CNCAN (National Commission for Control of Nuclear Activities) under the supervision of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM).
This is significant recognition of the funds invested and commitment made by the Company in country and gives us real 'owner-operator' autonomy over a deposit described as 'one of the most important deposits [historically] in operation in Bihor (IAEA report, November 1997) and noted for uranium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc mineralization (IMWA Symposium 2007: Water in Mining Environments, May 2007).
Norra Kärr – Application progresses
On 8 April, the CEO was invited to Solvay's inauguration of a new production line for rare earth permanent magnets ('REPM') in France. Solvay is partnering with emerging mining and recycling players to accelerate the establishment of a robust, reliable, and sustainable supply chain, crucial for Europe's competitiveness and industrial and technological sovereignty. The essential creation of a European rare earth supply chain was again the theme of Solvay's presentation at The Rare Earth Industry Association ('REIA') Conference in Montreal last week.
In recent months, the Company's application for a new Exploitation Concession ('Bearbetningskoncession'), 25-year mining lease has been out for consultation. The County Administrative Boards (CABs) of Jönköping and Östergötland have now communicated that they, at this time, cannot approve the Environmental Impact Assessment ('EIA') submitted by the Company's Swedish subsidiary GREENNA Mineral AB. The CABs state that additional data and analysis are needed.
The decision and statement from the CABs tell us that we have some additional work to do describing the impact of the project, with an emphasis on water, cultural values and impact on other forms of land use. Obviously, these are crucial topics that must be addressed properly in our application. It should be noted that while the CABs reject our application as it currently stands, they also offer us the opportunity to supplement it. The Company's Swedish environmental permitting team is already reviewing the comments from the CABs in detail, and we believe that we will be able to respond with supplementary information to our application to the satisfaction of the CABs and other stakeholders.
Developing Norra Kärr is of the utmost importance not only for Sweden, but for Europe. Geopolitical tensions and unstable global trade flows mean that it is more important than ever to produce HREEs in Sweden. That will enable us to extract metals that are essential to both achieving a complete energy transition and secure our defences.
Europe relies heavily on China for its imports of HREEs. China dominates all stages of the rare earth elements supply chain from mining to permanent magnet manufacturing. The speed at which China can build new production is awe inspiring, and, with an established industrial base decades in the making, it has the ability to innovate beyond anything Europe can dream.
Europe is compelled to change its ways, think and act radically differently to have a secure future.
Highlighting Sweden's role in CRMs, Sweden's Energy, Business and Industry Minister Ebba Busch recently stated that 'Sweden has unique opportunities to be and remain a strong player in global mineral politics. We have the most sustainable mining industry in the world – ethically sustainable, environmentally sustainable, and with good working conditions.'
The Company is developing and will manage Norra Kärr with social acceptance and transparency towards the local community as its primary considerations. The new application for mining license represents a reduction of 65 percent in land area compared to the old application which was initially approved in 2013. Chemical processing of the HREE-rich eudialyte concentrate will take place at an existing industrial location, and not on site. With the elimination of chemical processing, the Company has largely addressed stakeholder concerns about pollution risk to Lake Vättern.
The changes to the application are in response to the public's concerns to the old application. This is what responsible mining companies do, they listen. Proposed activities at site are now similar to those of a quarrying operation; similar to what already exists around Lake Vättern. Our target is to make products from 100% of what we extract, HREE-rich eudialyte concentrate and industrial mineral nepheline syenite being the two most critically important.
Looking ahead, a Swedish mining license (sw. Bearbetningskoncession) is decided by the Chief Mining Inspector. If the Chief Mining Inspector and CABs disagree about an application, the Government can then make the decision. Our objective is to provide supplementary information and explanation on the sufficiency of our enhanced application to the full satisfaction of the CABs, so that the development of Norra Kärr can progress unimpeded.
Alongside the mining lease process, Pre-feasibility ('PFS') workstreams are underway. Testwork has now been completed on nepheline syenite and aegirine to determine their mineralogy, chemical composition, and leachate chemistry. The promising results are being used to determine possible market segments and specifications that can be achieved, potential demand and pricing, to be included in an updated PFS economic model for Norra Kärr. The Company envisages the PFS will be completed in Q1 2026.
Woxna Graphite Mine – Potential Restart
The Company is collaborating with an engineering consultant on updating the in-house production restart study, originally completed in 2022. We have initiated crushing testwork on Woxna ore to explore improved liberation and preservation of graphite flakes. Additionally, metallurgical testwork is planned to evaluate potential upgrades to the processing plant, aimed at optimizing performance.
Our objective is to produce a high-quality, high-grade flake graphite concentrate. We continue to receive inbound enquiries and remain optimistic about Woxna's future prospects.
This ongoing workstream will support the development of a new business plan, which could facilitate future project financing discussions and potentially unlock access to Swedish or EU public funding.
Bihor Sud – Major Milestone
Exploration activities at the Bihor Sud project have continued steadily, bolstered by the addition of four new geologists who joined the team in January. Recent work has included underground mapping, diamond drilling, geophysical surveys, core logging, and sampling. To accelerate progress, the Company plans to change drilling contractors within the next one to two months.
The Company remains focused on defining a large-scale, mineable mineral resource at Bihor Sud, particularly within gallery G2, where exploration is targeting promising zinc-lead-copper-silver mineralization. Results to date have been encouraging and highlight the project's strong potential for a significant polymetallic discovery.
A major milestone was the granting of ownership and operational permits for the Avram Iancu mine. Historical mining and exploration at this site have left behind hundreds of kilometres of galleries and underground workings. In addition to ongoing work at G2, the Romanian team has initiated preliminary investigations at Avram Iancu. They successfully located the entrance to a 3-kilometre tunnel observed to be in good condition. Based on historical reports, this tunnel connects with up to 15 kilometres of workings and zones containing massive sulphides in carbonate-replacement deposits with primary copper-bearing minerals—including chalcocite and bornite.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Leading Edge Materials Corp.
Kurt Budge, CEO
For further information, please contact the Company at:
info@leadingedgematerials.com
www.leadingedgematerials.com
About Leading Edge Materials
Leading Edge Materials is a Canadian public company focused on developing a portfolio of critical raw material projects located in the European Union. Critical raw materials are determined as such by the European Union based on their economic importance and supply risk. They are directly linked to high growth technologies such as lithium-ion batteries and permanent magnets for electric motors, wind turbines and defense applications. The portfolio of projects includes the 100% owned Woxna Graphite mine (Sweden), 100% owned Norra Kärr Heavy Rare Earth Elements project (Sweden), and the 51% owned Bihor Sud Nickel Cobalt exploration alliance (Romania).
Additional Information
The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out above, on June 22, 2025, at 23:30 Vancouver time.
Leading Edge Materials is listed on the TSXV under the symbol 'LEM', OTCQB under the symbol 'LEMIF' and Nasdaq First North Stockholm under the symbol 'LEMSE'. Svensk Kapitalmarknadsgranskning ('SKMG') is the Company's Certified Adviser for the Nasdaq First North Growth Market (Stockholm) and may be contacted via email ca@skmg.se or by phone +46 (0)8 913 008.
Reader Advisory
This news release may contain statements which constitute 'forward-looking information', including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words 'may', 'would', 'could', 'will', 'intend', 'plan', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'estimate', 'expect' and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, changes in the Company's intended use of proceeds from the Private Placement, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
19 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
From Exploration to Execution: New Gold Player Emerges in One of Canada's Premier Mining Districts
NEW YORK , June 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- Gold's meteoric rally, fueled by waning confidence in U.S. fiscal policy and soaring inflation, has not only pushed prices past the historic US$3,300 per ounce mark in early 2025 but also opened the door to even more ambitious forecasts. Some analysts now predict a climb to US$4,000 within the next 12 to 18 months. With this in mind, gold-focused equities and Canadian gold producers are gaining renewed attention for offering high leverage to rising bullion prices within a stable jurisdiction known for quality deposits and operational reliability. Among these, LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) ( LaFleur Profile) stands out with its fully permitted gold mill situated in Canada's most prolific gold-producing region — a combination that aligns perfectly with today's market demands, providing investors both near-term production potential and exposure to the upside of surging gold. LaFleur Minerals is laser focused on positioning itself as a strong contender in a space known for quality gold-mining operations, including Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) (TSX:ABX), Royal Gold (NASDAQ: RGLD), Nicola Mining (TSXV: NIM) (OTCQB: HUSIF ) and ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF). Gold-focused stocks, particularly those tied to Canadian producers, are drawing fresh interest for their strong leverage to rising gold prices and their presence in a secure, resource-rich jurisdiction known for dependable operations. LaFleur Minerals is an emerging near-term producer strategically positioned in Québec's prolific Abitibi Gold Belt — Canada's largest gold-producing region. The company is gaining attention in the junior gold space due to its Swanson Gold Project, which hosts the advanced resource-stage Swanson gold deposit. LaFleur Minerals is on the cusp of transforming its operational footprint with the restart of the fully refurbished and permitted Beacon Gold Mill and producing gold at Canadian dollar costs. Click here to view the custom infographic of the LaFleur Minerals editorial. A Dramatic Rise Driven by declining trust in U.S. fiscal policy and rising inflation, gold's rapid ascent has propelled prices up to US$3,200 per ounce level as of early 2025, and many believe this is just the beginning. Projections now suggest gold could reach US$4,000 soon. The dramatic rise from US$2,500 to US$3,000 in only 210 days, marking the fastest increase of its kind on record ( highlights the strength and momentum behind the ongoing gold rally. Leading financial institutions are raising their gold price projections, with Goldman Sachs forecasting a rise to US$3,700 by the end of 2025 and reaching US$4,000 by mid-2026 ( JPMorgan is also predicting gold will hit the US$4,000 mark, attributing this expected increase to strong central bank demand, which is averaging approximately 710 tonnes in net purchases each quarter ( With this in mind, gold-focused stocks — particularly those tied to Canadian producers — are drawing fresh interest for their strong leverage to rising gold prices and their presence in a secure, resource-rich jurisdiction known for dependable operations. Standing out among these producers is LaFleur Minerals, which owns the fully permitted and recently refurbished Beacon Gold Mill located in Canada's most productive gold region and mining town. This strategic positioning offers investors a compelling mix of near-term production readiness and exposure to the continued upside of a bullish gold market. From Explorer to Producer LaFleur Minerals is an emerging near-term producer strategically positioned in Québec's prolific Abitibi Gold Belt. With 100%-owned assets and a focus on near-term cash flow, LaFleur is advancing its flagship Swanson Gold Deposit, an advanced resource-stage property with more than 36,000 meters of historical drilling and strong development potential. In addition, a key component to LaFleur's near-term production strategy is its fully permitted and recently acquired Beacon Gold Mill. The mill is located just 50 kilometers from the Swanson Project. Purchased in 2024 following approximately US$20 million in upgrades by its previous owner, the Beacon Mill has a processing capacity of more than 750 tonnes per day and is being prepared for restart by the end of this year. The mill positions LaFleur to not only process its own ore from its Swanson Gold Project but also generate revenue through custom milling of nearby gold deposits, which the region is flush with. This vertical integration marks a significant shift for LaFleur, from an explorer to a near-term gold producer in a tier 1 mining jurisdiction with considerable upside potential. Drilling and Permitting LaFleur Minerals is quickly gaining attention in the junior gold space due to its Swanson Gold Project. The Swanson deposit hosts an NI 43–101-compliant resource of 2.113 million tonnes at 1.8 g/t gold, containing 123,400 ounces in the Indicated category, plus 872,000 tonnes at 2.3 g/t gold for 64,500 ounces in the Inferred category ( These figures represent an 8% increase in Indicated ounces and a remarkable 626% increase in Inferred ounces compared to past estimates, highlighting the property's compelling upside. Looking ahead, LaFleur will launch a significant diamond drilling campaign in Q3 2025, comprising a minimum of 5,000 meters of diamond drilling at several promising gold targets at the Swanson Gold Project with the goal to increase resources to more than one million ounces of gold. In parallel, LaFleur has commenced permitting for a substantial 100,000–tonne surface bulk sample from the Swanson gold deposit, averaging an estimated grade of 1.89 g/t gold, which can be concentrated to higher grade for shipping and milling economics, equating to roughly 6,350 ounces, or about 3% of the current resource ( With samples being processed at the nearby Beacon Mill, this initiative is aimed at generating early cash flow, delivering vital metallurgical data and advancing the project's economic evaluation ( Near–Term Gold Production LaFleur Minerals is on the cusp of transforming its operational footprint with the restart of the fully refurbished and permitted Beacon Gold Mill near Val–d'Or, Québec. Purchased from Monarch Mining under Canada's CCAA process in late 2024, this strategically located processing plant differentiates LaFleur by allowing the company to process its own Swanson Gold Project material and deliver custom milling services to nearby deposits ( The Beacon Mill is nestled within the Abitibi Gold Belt in Val-d'Or, Quebec , which hosts more than 100 historical and active mines in close proximity ( The mill's location positions it perfectly for efficient ore transport, enabling LaFleur to fast–track bulk sample processing and full-scale ore milling, which is especially vital as the company advances toward bulk sample permitting and eventual mining at Swanson , with intent to generate meaningful cash flow by year-end into 2026. Acquired through an arm's length asset purchase agreement, the transaction was financed with CA$250,000 in cash and CA$850,000 in equity, with court approval received in October 2024 . Monarch had suspended operations in September 2022 , when gold traded in the CA$1,800/ounce range, maintaining the mill in care and maintenance after contributing CA$20 million in restoration. The facility features a Merrill-Crowe cyanidation circuit, a 27.5 m × 69 m processing building, extensive water and tailings basins, and robust electrics driven by a 4,000 kVA transformer. In early 2025, LaFleur initiated a detailed restart program using ABF Mines and environmental consultants to conduct site inspections, develop a parts inventory and complete geotechnical and tailings storage facility assessments; the company plans to return the mill to full operation by early 2026 ( Restart costs are expected to be in the CA$5–6 million range over a six- to eight–month period, with an aim to begin processing mineralized content by the end of 2025 and generating initial annual production of up to 30,000 ounces ( This path to production highlights the low-risk, low-restart cost factor and immense upside potential as the LaFleur pivots years ahead of other players in the region. The timing could not be better. With gold prices reaching US$3,200 /oz, the economics of near–term production are compelling. This asset gives LaFleur a competitive head start, potentially placing it at least five years ahead of peers still in exploration mode. The Beacon Mill metamorphoses LaFleur into a producer, offering a pathway to revenue, regional cooperation through custom milling agreements and derisked operational scaling. In addition to processing bulk sample material, the mill's capacity opens doors to third-party contracts. This potential stream of incremental revenue would not only improve cash flow but also enhance relationships with nearby exploration companies and communities. From an investor's standpoint, the strategic value of Beacon seems clear. The facility offers economies of scale, redevelopment of an existing asset and immediate scalability without the typical delays associated with permitting greenfield mill sites. It also complements the Swanson resource. The interconnection of project and mill underscores a vertically integrated model that enhances project economics and puts the company on a production trajectory in a tier 1 jurisdiction. In addition, having a fully permitted Beacon Gold Mill offers LaFleur an amazing opportunity to expand the Beacon Gold Mill to higher capacity using cash flow from current gold production without having to go through the permitting processes that any new mill would require, involving three to five years in permitting processes and costs. Integrated Strategy, Key Transition LaFleur's clear timeline — from asset closing in October 2024 to restart planning and permitting in Q1–Q2 2025, toward anticipated production in early 2026 — reflects a highly structured execution strategy that positions the company as a potential near-term gold producer with robust upside. LaFleur's methodical approach aligns with its broader strategy: blend resource growth via systematic drilling with infrastructure-led delivery through an adjacent mill. Ongoing exploration, including airborne geophysics, IP surveys and geochemical sampling, has also identified more than 50 new drill targets, laying groundwork for resource expansion. This integrated strategy positions LaFleur to make the key transition from explorer to producer. By mid–2025, the company aims to process the Swanson bulk sample at Beacon and commence mill restart, generating initial revenues and funding further development. Once full-scale operations begin, production could yield over 30,000–40,000 ounces per annum, given the mill's capacity ( In today's gold market, which is marked by elevated prices and investor focus on low-risk jurisdictions, LaFleur stands out for its balance of scalability, infrastructure and sustainability. Its dual promise of exploration upside and near-term value capture via bulk sampling and mill access makes it appealing to investors seeking exposure to a responsibly managed and strategically advanced gold project. Quality Gold Operations As gold prices continue their historic rally and investor interest intensifies, leading companies across the mining sector are making bold moves to capitalize on favorable market conditions. From global producers ramping up output to royalty firms securing high-potential assets and juniors advancing exploration and development, these gold-focused entities are strategically positioned to deliver value. Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) (TSX:ABX) is advancing its global portfolio of gold assets ( The company reported that its gold production of 758,000 ounces was "at the top end of guidance," with the "the average realized gold price for the quarter of $2,898 per ounce, up 40% from the prior year, support[ing] stronger margins despite ongoing expansion work at Pueblo Viejo and planned maintenance at Nevada Gold Mines — initiatives that will position both mines for a stronger output next quarter and the rest of the year." In addition, Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow noted that Barrick has significantly advanced several key growth projects. Royal Gold (NASDAQ: RGLD) is reporting that its wholly owned subsidiary, RGLD Gold AG, has entered into a gold purchase agreement and a separate net smelter return royalty agreement for all metals produced from the Warintza Project in southeastern Ecuador for total cash consideration of US$200 million ( Warintza is indirectly owned and operated by Solaris Resources Inc. The strategic acquisition of the stream and royalty will provide Royal Gold shareholders exposure to a world-class resource with long life and large-scale production potential as well as a project with an accelerated development timeline operated by an experienced team and significant long-term growth potential from large areas of interest. Nicola Mining (TSXV: NIM) (OTCQB: HUSIF) has received a multiyear, area-based exploration permit that allows the company to conduct extensive exploration on its wholly owned Treasure Mountain Silver Project, a fully permitted silver mine in British Columbia ( The company also has received a 10-year mining lease extension for Treasure Mountain under its M-239 permit. The extension, which is valid through April 26, 2032 , and receipt of the MYAB permit positions the company to leverage both mining and exploration options. Treasure Mountain consists of an historic underground silver mine with a resource estimate in accordance with CIM definition standards and exploration upside to the north and west of the historic mine. ESGold (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) a fully permitted, preproduction gold and silver company, is reporting that with concentrate testing underway, Humphrey Spirals installed, and major data releases imminent, the company is entering a pivotal month of execution ( With construction now steadily advancing, the company confirms the successful installation of the Humphrey Spirals, which is a core component of the gravity separation circuit that will be used to process historical tailings and recover gold, silver and mica concentrate at its Montauban location. "This milestone establishes the foundation for the plant's initial production throughput, with equipment capable of supporting up to 1,000 tonnes per day (TPD)," the company stated. These developments reflect the strength and adaptability of the gold mining sector as companies at every stage and level — from exploration to production — take decisive steps to expand resources, enhance operational capacity and position themselves for long-term growth. With gold prices holding near record highs, these strategic advancements underscore the sector's readiness to capitalize on the current market and deliver continued value to shareholders. For more information about LaFleur Minerals, visit LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) About NetworkNewsWire NetworkNewsWire ("NNW") is a specialized communications platform with a focus on financial news and content distribution for private and public companies and the investment community. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers : (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries ; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact ; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers ; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, NNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today's market, NNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. NNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge. For more information, please visit Please view full terms of use and disclaimers on the NNW website applicable to all content provided by NNW, wherever published or re-published: NetworkNewsWire is powered by IBN DISCLAIMER: NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is the source of the Article and content set forth above. References to any issuer other than the profiled issuer are intended solely to identify industry participants and do not constitute an endorsement of any issuer and do not constitute a comparison to the profiled issuer. The commentary, views and opinions expressed in this release by NNW are solely those of NNW. Readers of this Article and content agree that they cannot and will not seek to hold liable NNW for any investment decisions by their readers or subscribers. NNW is a news dissemination and financial marketing solutions provider and are NOT registered broker-dealers/analysts/investment advisers, hold no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. The Article and content related to the profiled company represent the personal and subjective views of the Author, and are subject to change at any time without notice. The information provided in the Article and the content has been obtained from sources which the Author believes to be reliable. However, the Author has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of the Author, NNW, or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. This Article and content are not, and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security or course of action; readers are strongly urged to speak with their own investment advisor and review all of the profiled issuer's filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission before making any investment decisions and should understand the risks associated with an investment in the profiled issuer's securities, including, but not limited to, the complete loss of your investment. NNW HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE. This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and NNW undertakes no obligation to update such statements.
Globe and Mail
20 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Botpress Raises $25M Series B to Scale AI Agent Infrastructure
MONTREAL, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Botpress, a platform for building and deploying AI agents, today announced it has raised $25 million USD in Series B funding. The round was led by FRAMEWORK with participation from Inovia Capital, Deloitte Ventures, HubSpot Ventures, Decibel, and existing investors. The new capital will enable Botpress to accelerate platform development, expand global customer support, and scale the company's engineering and go-to-market teams from its headquarters in Quebec. 'Botpress is a powerful end-to-end agentic AI platform built for production at scale,' said Jim Texier, Partner & CTO at FRAMEWORK. 'In a world moving rapidly toward autonomous, LLM-native systems, Botpress empowers builders to create, deploy and monitor intelligent agents and conversational AI. I believe this is the future of Human-AI and AI-AI interactions — and Botpress is leading it.' Solving AI Agent Infrastructure Botpress was founded to address the infrastructure challenges that prevent most companies from moving AI agents into production. While large language models have unlocked new capabilities in reasoning and language understanding, deploying reliable agents still requires significant supporting infrastructure. 'AI agents will replace entire categories of software over the next decade, but most of the infrastructure required to run these agents safely at scale is still missing,' said founder and CEO Sylvain Perron. 'We've spent the last several years building that missing infrastructure layer so companies can run real agents in production today, not just prototypes.' 'Deloitte Ventures was impressed with the Botpress team's agility to deliver an automation offering that unlocks the power of AI through customizable agentic workflows,' says Jon Wolkin, Managing Director at Deloitte Ventures. 'Our investment in this technology aligns with Deloitte's focus and capabilities in servicing clients' emerging needs to scale quickly with agentic AI solutions.' Rapid Growth Driven by Production Deployments Since launching its cloud platform in 2023, Botpress has seen strong growth in both customer adoption and production deployments. The company's revenue has grown significantly over multiple consecutive quarters, with thousands of customers now running live agents across industries including customer support, fintech, IT services, consumer technology, and more. "We're excited about how Botpress helps businesses move from experimenting with AI agents to actually deploying them," said Adam Coccari, Managing Director at HubSpot Ventures. "Many companies can build agent prototypes, but getting them to work reliably with existing business systems is where most efforts stall. Botpress has built the infrastructure and connections that bridge this gap, and their integration with HubSpot enables our customers to deploy agents that easily connect with their CRM and existing workflows." About Botpress Botpress is a platform for building and deploying AI agents. Founded in Quebec, Canada, Botpress provides the infrastructure layer that allows companies to deploy autonomous agents safely, reliably, and at scale. Start building today at A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Globe and Mail
20 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
SEALSQ, ColibriTD, and Xdigit Announce Plan to Develop a Breakthrough Quantum Computing Based Solution Set to Revolutionize Semiconductor Wafer Yields for Sub-7nm Nodes
Geneva, Switzerland, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- By addressing IR Drop at sub-7nm nodes, the solution can significantly boost wafer yields, potentially saving manufacturers millions in production costs; improving yield from 50% to 80% on a single wafer could cut per-chip costs by nearly half. SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) ("SEALSQ" or "Company"), a company that focuses on developing and selling Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products, together with ColibriTD, a pioneer in Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS) platforms, and Xdigit, a specialized semiconductor design company with expertise in secure microcontrollers and IR Drop (voltage drop across power distribution networks) mathematical modeling, today announced a plan to develop a breakthrough solution set to revolutionize semiconductor wafer yields for sub-7nm nodes, a pivotal milestone in their collaboration within the SEALSQ Quantum Lab. The partners have agreed on a six-month detailed roadmap to build the foundations of a groundbreaking innovation for the semiconductor industry. The solution aims to significantly improve wafer yield for advanced semiconductor designs at nodes below 7nm by addressing IR Drop issues. It features an advanced mathematical modeling of IR Drop and leverages quantum computing's unparalleled ability to solve the resulting complex Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). The development of such advanced solution addresses the semiconductor industry's urgent need for innovation as traditional methods falter at smaller nodes, and it parallels aggressive advancements in quantum computing, such as IBM's plan to build a fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029. IBM's milestones, including the development of the Quantum Loon chip in 2025 to test advanced quantum error correction architectures, underscore the rapid maturation of quantum capabilities that make solutions like those from SEALSQ, ColibriTD, and Xdigit both feasible and timely. Tackling the Sub-7nm Challenge As the semiconductor industry drives toward sub-7nm nodes, critical for next-generation AI, automotive, and IoT applications, IR Drop has emerged as a significant bottleneck. Traditional methods to control IR Drop, while effective for larger nodes, are increasingly inadequate for these ultra-small geometries. At 7nm and below, yield losses can exceed 50%, due to increased wire resistance and quantum effects like tunneling, dramatically increasing chip development costs and delaying time-to-market. The collaborative quantum-based approach from SEALSQ, ColibriTD, and Xdigit harnesses the computational power of quantum algorithms to model and optimize power distribution networks with unprecedented precision. Xdigit's expertise in IR Drop mathematical modeling enhances the accuracy of PDE solutions, enabling chip designers to predict and mitigate voltage fluctuations effectively. By solving PDEs that govern IR Drop dynamics, the solution ensures robust performance and higher production yields, allowing SEALSQ and Xdigit to deliver chips at sub-7nm nodes with yields far surpassing industry norms, reducing costs and accelerating innovation. Strategic Benefits for the Semiconductor Industry The implications of this technology are transformative: Higher Yields, Lower Costs: By addressing IR Drop at sub-7nm nodes, the solution can significantly boost wafer yields, potentially saving manufacturers millions in production costs. For example, improving yield from 50% to 80% on a single wafer could cut per-chip costs by nearly half, making advanced chips more accessible for AI, automotive, and consumer electronics. Accelerated Development Cycles: Optimized designs reduce the need for costly iterations, enabling faster time-to-market for next-generation technologies. Scalability for Future Nodes: The quantum-driven approach, bolstered by Xdigit's modeling expertise, is adaptable to even smaller nodes (e.g., 3nm and beyond), future-proofing semiconductor manufacturing as Moore's Law continues to evolve. Enhanced Security for Quantum-Resistant Microcontrollers A critical benefit of improved IR Drop control is enhanced resistance to side-channel attacks, a growing concern for secure microcontrollers used in IoT, automotive, and defense applications. Precise power distribution minimizes unintended electromagnetic emissions and power fluctuations that attackers exploit to extract cryptographic keys. SEALSQ's expertise in post-quantum cryptography, exemplified by its QS7001 platform, combined with this new solution enables the development of microcontrollers that are both quantum-resistant and exceptionally robust against physical attacks, reinforcing SEALSQ's leadership in cybersecurity. A Quantum Leap Forward 'This collaboration with ColibriTD and Xdigit marks a turning point for the semiconductor industry,' said Carlos Moreira, CEO of SEALSQ. 'By leveraging quantum computing and Xdigit's advanced IR Drop modeling to solve challenges at 7nm and below, we're addressing a critical barrier to advanced manufacturing and paving the way for more secure, cost-effective chips. Xdigit's expertise strengthens our ability to deliver high-yield, high-security solutions for AI, automotive, and IoT applications.' 'Quantum computing opens the door to an unprecedented level of modeling and simulation,' said Fabrice Siracusa, CEO of Xdigit. 'It enables us to accelerate and optimize design phases, delivering first-time-right circuits and significantly improving yields, especially for technologies at 7nm and below. By combining our expertise in ASIC design and secure IPs with the power of quantum algorithms, we are shaping a new era in semiconductor innovation.' Looking Ahead The SEALSQ Quantum Lab, launched in December 2024, is at the forefront of integrating quantum-safe technologies into real-world applications. The collaboration with ColibriTD and Xdigit builds on SEALSQ's plan on investing up to $20 million in quantum startups and establishment of several partnerships, including Hedera and its parent company WISeKey International Holdings (Nasdaq: WKEY), to secure blockchain and IoT ecosystems. Following the six-month development period, the demonstration will showcase a proof-of-concept that could reshape semiconductor manufacturing, with commercial deployment targeted for 2026. For more information on SEALSQ's quantum-resistant solutions and the SEALSQ Quantum Lab, visit About ColibriTD ColibriTD is a quantum computing innovator specializing in Quantum-as-a-Service platforms. Its technology bridges noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) systems and future fault-tolerant quantum computers, enabling industries to solve complex problems in aerospace, energy, and beyond. About Xdigit Xdigit is a specialized semiconductor design company delivering silicon-proven analog and mixed-signal IPs, including high-resolution ADCs, and custom ASIC solutions for secure and mission-critical applications. With expertise in advanced IR Drop mathematical modeling, Xdigit addresses power integrity challenges through collaborative validation with industry partners, ensuring robust solutions without overstatement. Through its participation in the SEALSQ Quantum Lab with SEALSQ and ColibriTD, Xdigit is validating quantum-enhanced IR Drop solutions targeting silicon-proven results for sub-7nm nodes. About SEALSQ: SEALSQ is a leading innovator in Post-Quantum Technology hardware and software solutions. Our technology seamlessly integrates Semiconductors, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), and Provisioning Services, with a strategic emphasis on developing state-of-the-art Quantum Resistant Cryptography and Semiconductors designed to address the urgent security challenges posed by quantum computing. As quantum computers advance, traditional cryptographic methods like RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are increasingly vulnerable. SEALSQ is pioneering the development of Post-Quantum Semiconductors that provide robust, future-proof protection for sensitive data across a wide range of applications, including Multi-Factor Authentication tokens, Smart Energy, Medical and Healthcare Systems, Defense, IT Network Infrastructure, Automotive, and Industrial Automation and Control Systems. By embedding Post-Quantum Cryptography into our semiconductor solutions, SEALSQ ensures that organizations stay protected against quantum threats. Our products are engineered to safeguard critical systems, enhancing resilience and security across diverse industries. For more information on our Post-Quantum Semiconductors and security solutions, please visit Forward-Looking Statements This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning SEALSQ Corp and its businesses. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business strategy, financial performance, results of operations, market data, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include SEALSQ's ability to continue beneficial transactions with material parties, including a limited number of significant customers; market demand and semiconductor industry conditions; and the risks discussed in SEALSQ's filings with the SEC. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by SEALSQ with the SEC. SEALSQ Corp is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
