Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has successfully completed a non-brokered private placement, raising approximately $3 million CAD through the issuance of 18,181,819 units at a price of $0.165 CAD per unit, indicating strong institutional investor support [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The private placement consists of units, each comprising one common share and one non-transferable common share purchase warrant, with warrants exercisable at $0.25 CAD for 24 months post-closing [3]. - The offering is expected to close around February 27, 2026, pending necessary approvals from the TSX Venture Exchange [2]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be allocated for general working capital, accelerating the execution of the Silicon-Based Battery Material pilot plant project, and continuing the development of hydrogen-based projects [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - HPQ Silicon Inc. is focused on advanced materials technology, particularly in the production of high-purity silicon and silica for energy storage and industrial applications [1][5]. - The company is collaborating with Novacium to develop next-generation silicon-based anode materials and is also working on clean-hydrogen and waste-to-energy technologies [5][6]. - HPQ aims to become a low-cost, zero-CO₂ producer of fumed silica and high-purity silicon, positioning itself to capture growth opportunities in energy storage and clean hydrogen markets [6].

Separately, joint venture partner purchases 50 kg of fumed silica for advanced testingMONTREAL, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Inc. (“PyroGenesis” or “the Company”) (TSX: PYR) (OTCQX: PYRGF) (FRA: 8PY1), the leader in ultra-high temperature processes and engineering innovation, and a plasma-based technology provider to heavy industry & defense, confirms receipt of successful results from a US-based independent testing lab. The lab confirmed that the fumed silica produced by the Company’s fume ...

Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has achieved a significant operational milestone with the first purchase order for 50 kilograms of fumed silica, indicating progress from technical validation to commercial engagement [4][6]. Company Developments - HPQ's subsidiary, HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. (HSPI), received a purchase order from a strategic industrial partner for fumed silica produced using the Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot plant [1][2]. - The FSR was operated in semi-continuous mode, generating critical data for scaling up to a proposed 1,000 tonne-per-year facility [3][4]. - Independent laboratory testing confirmed that the fumed silica meets the necessary specifications for commercial applications [5][6]. Industry Context - Fumed silica is a high-value material used in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and construction, serving critical functions such as thickening and reinforcing agents [7]. - Traditional production methods are energy-intensive, while the FSR technology aims to provide a more efficient, plasma-based production method using quartz as feedstock [8][12]. Technical Validation and Future Steps - The successful operation of the FSR in extended production runs supports the engineering viability of the plasma-based approach [9]. - The formation of a joint venture under the non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) is contingent upon successful third-party testing and validation [10][11]. - The company is focused on aligning technical performance, engineering scalability, and market demand before finalizing commercial commitments [11].

Core Viewpoint - PyroGenesis Inc. is set to build a commercial fumed silica reactor for USD 20 million in collaboration with HPQ Silicon Inc. and a joint venture partner, aiming to produce 1,000 tonnes per year of fumed silica [1][2][3] Company Overview - PyroGenesis is a leader in ultra-high temperature processes and engineering innovation, specializing in plasma-based technology for heavy industry and defense [1][14] - The company has a 35-year history in plasma technology and is involved in various sectors including aluminum, aerospace, and environmental services [14] Joint Venture Details - A non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed to form a joint venture (JV) for the fumed silica production plant [1][2] - The fumed silica reactor (FSR) will be financed by the JV partner, with terms yet to be finalized [2][3] - The JV will operate the system with the goal of selling fumed silica at market prices, and HSPI will charge a royalty for each kilogram sold [3][5] Production and Technology - The FSR will convert quartz into fumed silica in an eco-friendly process without harmful chemicals, expected to be delivered within 12 months of JV formation [6][11] - The technology aims to lower capital and operating costs, reduce CO2 emissions, and simplify logistics by producing fumed silica at a single location [13] Market Context - Fumed silica is widely used in various products, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials, serving as a thickening and anti-caking agent [12] - The demand for fumed silica is expected to grow, positioning the JV to capture opportunities in the advanced materials market [16]

Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a strategic partner to develop a commercial-scale fumed silica production plant with a capacity of 1,000 tonnes per year, valued at approximately US$20 million (C$27.3 million) [1][2]. Company Overview - HPQ Silicon Inc. is focused on innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, with a wholly owned subsidiary, HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. (HSPI) [1][2]. - The company aims to establish a commercial model for fumed silica production that can be replicated across multiple sites as demand increases [5][11]. Project Details - The proposed project involves forming a jointly owned operating company to build and operate the fumed silica facility, which will utilize HSPI's proprietary plasma-based Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) technology developed by PyroGenesis Inc. [2][4]. - The strategic partner has secured project financing and will fund the construction of the facility [2][3]. Financial Structure - HSPI is expected to receive recurring royalties on each kilogram of fumed silica sold under an offtake arrangement with the strategic partner, although specific terms are yet to be agreed upon [4][5]. - This structure is designed to align the interests of HSPI and HPQ with long-term production performance while maintaining a capital-efficient profile [4][5]. Technical Validation - The completion of final agreements is contingent upon ongoing third-party testing and validation of fumed silica produced by HSPI's existing FSR pilot plant [6][8]. - Production samples have been delivered for testing to both the strategic partner and an independent laboratory in the U.S. to confirm the chemical and compositional characteristics required for commercial applications [6][8]. Market Context - Fumed silica is a critical industrial material used in various applications, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food products, paints, coatings, sealants, and construction materials, due to its role as a thickening, anti-caking, and reinforcing agent [12].

Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has increased its equity interest in Novacium SAS from 28.4% to 36.8%, reflecting a strategic move to enhance value participation as Novacium's technologies progress towards commercialization [1][5][11]. Transaction Details - The transaction involves HPQ acquiring an additional 8.4% interest in Novacium for a total consideration of C$4,033,425 (€2,500,000) through the issuance of common shares at a deemed price of C$0.18 per share [2][3]. - HPQ will issue a total of 22,407,916 common shares to three shareholders as part of this transaction [3]. Strategic Implications - The increased ownership is seen as a way to enhance HPQ's economic exposure to future upside while maintaining a disciplined investment approach [6][9]. - This move strengthens HPQ's participation in international revenues and royalty flows, particularly important given Novacium's portfolio of interdependent process technologies [7][8]. - The transaction is expected to improve alignment around intellectual property stewardship and commercialization strategy, reducing exposure to fragmented licensing and competing regional priorities [8][9]. Corporate Development Perspective - The increased stake enhances HPQ's flexibility regarding future strategic partnerships and value-realization paths while maintaining a disciplined capital deployment strategy [9]. - Management believes this transaction reduces execution risk by aligning HPQ more closely with Novacium's founders and technical leadership [9]. Technology Portfolio Expansion - Novacium represents a strategically important extension of HPQ's technology portfolio, focusing on multiple high-value platforms including battery materials, hydrogen systems, and circular-economy solutions [10][14]. - The company is developing silicon-based high-performance battery materials and hydrogen generation systems, which align with HPQ's broader energy-transition focus [15][16]. Execution Capabilities - Novacium's technical leadership and execution capabilities are considered key differentiators, allowing HPQ to extend its technical reach without duplicating infrastructure [18][19]. - The collaboration is expected to support execution across battery and hydrogen initiatives, reinforcing a partnership built around shared objectives and long-term value creation [20].

Fumed silica is now confirmed as being commercial grade 150 by multiple labs.MONTREAL, Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Inc. (“PyroGenesis” or “the Company”) (TSX: PYR) (OTCQX: PYRGF) (FRA: 8PY1), the leader in ultra-high temperature processes and engineering innovation, and a plasma-based technology provider to heavy industry & defense, confirms, further to a recent press release from the Company’s client HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ”), receipt by the Company of additional independent verification o ...

Core Insights - HPQ Silicon Inc. has undergone a strategic realignment in 2025, focusing on the commercialization of advanced materials and technologies, particularly in fumed silica, battery materials, and hydrogen production [1][2][3] Fumed Silica Development - The Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) has progressed from pilot commissioning to industrial validation, demonstrating the ability to produce fumed silica in a single, lower-energy, and lower-carbon process [5][6][7] - Key achievements include successful pilot-scale production and independent confirmation of the material's equivalence to commercial products, supporting the premise of a streamlined manufacturing route [6][7] - The global demand for fumed silica is increasing, particularly in energy storage and advanced materials, positioning HPQ favorably in the market [8][9] Battery Materials Initiative - HPQ advanced its silicon-based anode materials through a partnership with Novacium SAS, achieving significant performance milestones in commercially sized lithium-ion cells [10][11] - The GEN3 silicon-based anode materials demonstrated over 1,000 charge cycles with at least 30% better capacity retention compared to leading graphite-based cells [10] - The launch of the HPQ ENDURA+ battery platform and successful certification for commercial distribution mark a transition from R&D to commercial production [13][14] Hydrogen Production Initiatives - HPQ is developing the METAGENE™ hydrogen production platform, which converts industrial by-products into hydrogen, expanding its technology portfolio into clean hydrogen production [17][18] - The initiatives are at earlier stages of commercialization but have confirmed technical viability and strategic relevance for decentralized energy systems [19][20] Strategic Focus and Partnerships - HPQ has increased its equity interest in Novacium to strengthen long-term alignment and exposure to battery materials and hydrogen technologies [22][24] - The company has clarified its exclusive licensing agreement with Novacium to enhance commercialization pathways for its technologies [23] Conclusion and Future Outlook - HPQ concluded the Quartz Reduction Reactor (QRR) program to reallocate resources towards initiatives with clearer commercialization timelines, reflecting a disciplined approach to capital allocation [25][26][27] - As HPQ enters 2026, the focus will be on advancing technologies that have reached readiness and evaluating commercial scale-up opportunities to generate sustainable long-term value [28][29]

Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has achieved UN 38.3 certification for its high-performance lithium-ion cells, marking a significant step in its commercialization strategy and enabling global shipping and industrial adoption of its products [1][3][4]. Regulatory Compliance - The UN 38.3 certification confirms that HPQ's lithium-ion cells meet international safety and transport requirements, validating their design robustness and quality standards [2][7]. - The certification allows HPQ to ship ENDURA+ cells to customers and industrial partners across North America and internationally, facilitating commercial discussions and supply agreements [8]. Product Specifications - The HPQ ENDURA+ line includes two formats: 18650 (4,000 mAh) and 21700 (6,000 mAh), both offering high energy density (>300 Wh/kg) and approximately 1,000 charge-discharge cycles [9]. - The cells have successfully passed all eight mandatory UN 38.3 tests, ensuring they can withstand various stress tests such as altitude simulation, thermal cycling, and shock [6][15]. Industrial Strategy - HPQ aims to produce up to 1.5 million cells per year through its partnership with Novacium SAS, utilizing established third-party production lines to scale its operations [10]. - The company is preparing for UL1642 certification, which is necessary for commercial deployment in the U.S. market, with most related tests already completed internally [11]. Company Overview - HPQ Silicon Inc. is focused on innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, including next-generation silicon-based anode materials and clean-hydrogen technologies [12][13].

Core Insights - HPQ Silicon Inc. has successfully closed a non-brokered private placement of 6,170,442 common shares at a price of $0.1625 per share, raising gross proceeds of $1,002,696.83 [1] - The funds will be used to advance the commercialization of HPQ's core technology platforms, including Fumed Silica Reactor, HPQ ENDURA+™, and METAGENE™ [4][6] Private Placement Details - All securities issued under the private placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the closing date [2] - HPQ will pay commissions by issuing 333,303 warrants to CI Investment Services Inc., with each warrant allowing the purchase of one common share at an exercise price of $0.18 for 48 months [3] Management Participation - Bernard Tourillon, the Chairman, President, and CEO, subscribed for 615,384 common shares, representing an investment of $99,999.90, increasing his ownership to approximately 5.29% of the company's shares [4][5] Technology Development Focus - The company is focusing on client-driven commercial scale-up opportunities and revenue generation pathways through its Fumed Silica Reactor [6] - HPQ ENDURA+™ aims to commercialize lithium-ion cells and advance silicon-based anode material programs [6] - The METAGENE™ platform is focused on developing autonomous green hydrogen production technology [6] Strategic Vision - Tourillon expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute its near-term priorities and create long-term value, emphasizing the importance of the funds in maintaining momentum and advancing milestones [7] - HPQ Silicon is positioned to capture growth opportunities in energy storage, clean hydrogen, and advanced materials markets, which are essential for achieving global net-zero goals [10]