Pilot-Scale Production Achieves Core Specifications Supporting Proposed Joint VentureMONTREAL, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: HPQ, OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08), a technology company driving innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, announces that its subsidiary, HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. (“HSPI”) [2], has received a first purchase order for 50 kilograms of fumed silica from the strategic industrial partner previo ...

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]

New commercial milestone reached, lab scale results fully replicatedMONTREAL, Jan. 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: HPQ, OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08), a technology company driving innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, is pleased to announce that it has recently received independent verification of its most recent test results from a potential customer, under LOI [1]. These results confirmed that the fumed silica p ...

Core Insights - The 2025 Federal Budget of Canada introduces $141 billion in new spending aimed at enhancing domestic industrial capacity, expanding clean-energy infrastructure, and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation technologies [1][2][3] Group 1: Government Support and Strategic Alignment - The budget emphasizes productivity, clean manufacturing, and Canadian supply resilience, signaling a commitment to support innovators in turning research and development into industrial reality [2][3] - HPQ's core technology pillars—Fumed Silica, HPQ ENDURA+ Batteries, and METAGENE™ Hydrogen—are aligned with the government's goals for clean industrial projects [3][10] Group 2: Fumed Silica Production - HPQ's proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor technology allows for the transformation of quartz into fumed silica without toxic feedstocks, supporting the goal of reshoring high-value materials to North America [5][11] - The budget's Productivity Super-Deduction and focus on clean-power infrastructure will facilitate HPQ's establishment of domestic production, reducing reliance on imports from the U.S., China, and Europe [5][6] Group 3: Energy Storage Solutions - The budget's Defence Industrial Strategy and Buy Canadian procurement rule create strong demand for domestic energy storage solutions, aligning with HPQ's ENDURA+ GEN3 silicon-anode lithium-ion cells currently in industrial testing [7][8] - HPQ ENDURA+ batteries offer higher energy density and longer cycle life, making them suitable for various sectors including defense, telecommunications, and grid storage [8] Group 4: Hydrogen Production - Hydrogen is identified as a critical component of Canada's clean-economy transition under the budget's Climate Competitiveness Strategy, positioning HPQ to manufacture and deploy its METAGENE™ hydrogen production technology [9][10] - METAGENE™ technology allows for on-demand, low-carbon hydrogen production, aligning with Ottawa's clean-fuel and industrial decarbonization goals [9][10] Group 5: Future Industrial Landscape - The 2025 Federal Budget represents a significant shift from policy ambition to industrial execution, with new investment tools designed to anchor clean-technology manufacturing in Canada [10] - HPQ is well-positioned to leverage these measures to enhance its industrial capacity and contribute to the country's clean technology landscape [10][11]

Core Insights - PyroGenesis Inc. reported its Q2 2025 financial and operational results, highlighting significant milestones in its strategic objectives, including advancements in the commercialization of its fumed silica reactor process and achieving approved supplier status with a leading aerospace company for titanium metal powder [2][3][5]. Financial Highlights - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $3 million, a decrease of 23.6% compared to Q2 2024, with a net loss of $2.9 million and a modified EBITDA loss of $2.1 million [5][12][37]. - Gross margin improved to 56%, reflecting a 27-point (93%) year-over-year increase, driven by a favorable sales mix and operational efficiencies [5][17]. - The revenue backlog as of August 6, 2025, stood at $51.1 million, with 83% in U.S. dollars, indicating future revenue recognition potential [5][14]. Production and Sales Highlights - The company operates in three main business verticals: Energy Transition & Emission Reduction, Commodity Security & Optimization, and Waste Remediation, each contributing to its strategic goals [4][5]. - Significant projects included a $9.3 million coke-oven gas valorization project completed for Tata Steel, enhancing production efficiency and environmental outcomes [6]. - A contract worth approximately $600,000 was signed for developing a solution to address plastic waste in Europe, expanding the company's relationship with a major environmental services client [8]. Strategic Developments - The company is focused on cost optimization and innovation to enhance the efficiency of its plasma technologies, with ongoing discussions in various hard-to-abate industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals [2][5][41]. - The recent sale of a plasma torch to Constellium marks a significant step in the company's momentum within the aluminum sector, reflecting the growing interest in its technology for decarbonization efforts [2][5]. Research and Development - R&D costs for Q2 2025 were $0.4 million, an increase attributed to higher materials and equipment costs for prototype development [26][27]. - The company is engaged in multiple testing and development projects, including plasma-based solutions for glass recycling and metal manufacturing, indicating a strong pipeline for future commercialization [70][72]. Market Outlook - The company anticipates continued growth opportunities as heavy industries increasingly commit to electrification and carbon reduction initiatives, supported by favorable government policies [44][46]. - The strategic focus on a diversified technology ecosystem positions the company to address the evolving needs of various industries facing regulatory and operational challenges [45][56].

Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. is making significant progress in its proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot project, with recent SEM analysis confirming the scalability and material quality of its production process [1][3][4]. Company Updates - The independent SEM analysis received by the company validates the success of Phase 1 Tests 4 and 5, indicating a successful transition from lab-scale to semi-continuous pilot-scale manufacturing [2][3]. - The SEM results demonstrate that the materials produced replicate lab-scale properties at a larger scale, with improved process control and material quality [4][7]. - Phase 2 testing is set to begin in early August 2025, focusing on replicating and validating surface area metrics achieved at lab scale, which is crucial for sample qualification with commercial partners [5]. Industry Context - The FSR project aims to develop a low-carbon, plasma-based fumed silica production method, contrasting with traditional high-temperature processes that generate significant CO₂ and chlorine byproducts [6][8]. - The global demand for fumed silica is projected to reach USD 3.54 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.46%, indicating a strong market opportunity for HPQ's innovative process [8].

Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has successfully closed a non-brokered private placement financing, raising a total of $907,979.58, which reflects strong market confidence in the company's value proposition despite challenging market conditions [1][4]. Financing Details - The company closed an additional 1,886,331 units at a price of $0.18 per unit, contributing to a total of 5,044,331 units issued [2]. - Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, with an exercise price of $0.25 for a period of 48 months [3]. - The financing was completed at a nearly 9% premium, indicating positive market sentiment [4]. Shareholder Meeting Results - Approximately 18.25% of the issued and outstanding common shares were represented at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 26, 2025 [6]. - All nominees for election as directors were elected with high approval rates, ranging from 98.57% to 99.50% [7]. - Shareholders also approved the reappointment of Forvis Mazars S.E.N.E.R.L as the auditor of HPQ Silicon [7]. Company Overview - HPQ Silicon Inc. is focused on innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, aiming to achieve net-zero goals through partnerships with technology leaders [10]. - The company is developing proprietary technologies for low-cost manufacturing of fumed silica and high-purity silicon, as well as innovative hydrogen production processes [13].

Core Insights - HPQ Silicon Inc. has successfully completed Phase 1 Test 5, achieving significant advancements in the production of fumed silica, which is a critical material for various applications [1][3][7] Group 1: Production Milestones - The company has successfully implemented a semi-continuous feedstock feeding protocol in its proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot plant, marking a key step towards commercial validation [2] - The production and collection of material in the dedicated product recovery unit (baghouse) were successfully replicated during this phase [2] Group 2: Quality Improvements - Material analysis from the Leading Global Fumed Silica Manufacturer (LGFSM) confirmed a 20-fold scale-up of the Fumed Silica Reactor, validating the transition from lab to pilot scale and from batch to semi-continuous production [3] - Carbon-based impurities in the produced fumed silica were reduced by 85%, while other impurities saw reductions ranging from 50% to 86% [6] - The material's surface area increased by 57%, indicating a substantial enhancement in product performance characteristics [6] Group 3: Future Testing and Goals - Phase 2 testing will focus on further improving the material's surface area, with the goal of achieving BET surface areas up to 300 m²/g [4] - The company is optimistic about overcoming remaining technical challenges to achieve the targeted surface area range with the FSR [5]

Core Insights - HPQ Silicon Inc. has received positive feedback validating its Fumed Silica Reactor technology and process, which will help optimize material quality for upcoming tests [1][2] - A leading global fumed silica manufacturer confirmed that the material produced by HPQ's proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor is indeed fumed silica, marking a significant milestone for the scalability of this technology [2][4] - The collaboration with PyroGenesis Inc. has streamlined the feedback loop for testing and analysis, allowing for quicker material assessments and process optimizations [3] Company Developments - HPQ Silicon has gained access to testing facilities of a major fumed silica manufacturer, enhancing its validation efforts for the Fumed Silica Reactor technology [4] - The company is experiencing strong demand for its non-brokered private placement, with subscriptions exceeding $540,000 [5] - A creditor has opted to settle outstanding debts of $101,700 in shares rather than cash, with the Board approving the issuance of 565,000 Units at a price of $0.18 per Unit [7][8] Technology and Market Position - The Fumed Silica Reactor technology is positioned to disrupt conventional production methods and meet growing market demand for fumed silica [4] - HPQ Silicon is focused on becoming a low-cost manufacturer of fumed silica while promoting sustainability and supply chain traceability [11][13] - The company is also developing innovative processes for hydrogen production and silicon-based anode materials for battery applications [13]

Core Viewpoint - PyroGenesis Inc. has successfully developed fumed silica samples through its Fumed Silica Reactor pilot plant, which have passed client testing, indicating progress in their collaboration with HPQ Silicon Inc. and its subsidiary Polvere [1][4][6] Group 1: Company Developments - PyroGenesis is engaged in the development and construction of a Fumed Silica Reactor for HPQ's subsidiary, Polvere, which has recently received confirmation that the fumed silica samples produced have met client test protocols [1][5] - The testing of the fumed silica samples was expedited, with results communicated within five days, showcasing the client's advanced in-house testing capabilities [4] - Upcoming test phases for the Fumed Silica Reactor will focus on process optimization and ensuring product quality during scale-up from lab to pilot production [5][6] Group 2: Industry Context - Fumed silica is a widely utilized industrial material found in numerous everyday products, serving as a thickening and anti-caking agent [6] - PyroGenesis' work on fumed silica aligns with its broader strategy of enhancing commodity security and optimizing material production techniques, which are critical for global heavy industry [7] - The company operates within three verticals: Commodity Security & Optimization, Energy Transition and Emission Reduction, and Waste Remediation, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable industrial solutions [7][8]