Category Archives: Technology

HENDERSON, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., (OTCPK:AITX), today announced that Garett Parsons has appointed Steven Reinharz as CEO, CFO and Secretary of AITX. Reinharz is the founder and President of AITXs subsidiaries and the majority and controlling owner of AITX.

I am incredibly proud of AITX and the work that Steve has done to propel the business to where it is today, said Garett Parsons. AITX couldn't be in better hands, and I look forward to providing Steve further guidance as we continue to advance with the best technology, team and customers.

According to AITX, Parsons will continue with AITX as a member of the Board of Directors and a consultant under a three-year agreement.

Garett has been an incredible resource as weve worked together to evolve AITX and solidify our high growth path, said Steve Reinharz, AITX CEO, and President of all subsidiaries. "Im pleased with the work weve done together, the format under which we will continue our business association, and I fully support him on any future endeavors he may pursue outside of AITX.

Reinharz also announced that Mark Folmer has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer of Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), a wholly owned subsidiary of AITX and the main contributing entity. Folmer had previously held the role within the company of Vice President, Security & Industry. Folmer will oversee all of RADs manufacturing, operations, sales and administrative groups while Reinharz will continue to manage R&D and be significantly involved in sales efforts. Im thrilled that Steve has entrusted me with this new role. Under his leadership, RAD has established itself with an incredible team and extraordinary technologies. Im excited to help accelerate RADs expansion and fulfill the mission of becoming a dominant player in this industry, said Folmer.

AITX is hereby announcing that it has begun an external search for candidates to fill the position of Chief Financial Officer for AITX and all subsidiaries. The future CFO will take the lead in evaluating the possibility of stock market uplisting options including to NASDAQ and support financing options. Furthermore this role will accelerate AITXs implementation of a new ERP, support AITXs full-SEC reporting requirements, and lead the due diligence team for future acquisitions explored by AITX. Ideally, we will find candidates with experience with innovative tech companies and major stock markets, Reinharz commented.

We are strengthening our position in being the dominant player in the new industry we are creating. I'm delighted at the caliber, strength and enthusiasm of our leadership team, and all new staff members. I especially acknowledge the resilience of the team members whove been with us since the beginning and have had a hand in grooming our culture and our commitment to quality, Reinharz concluded.

Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD) is a high-tech start-up that delivers robotics and artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex security challenges, and fuel new business ideas at reduced costs. RAD developed its advanced security robot technology from the ground up including circuit board design, and base code development. This allows RAD to have complete control over all of design elements, performance, quality and the users experience of all security robots whether SCOT, ROSA, Wally, Wally HSO, AVA, or ROAMEO. Read about how RAD is reinventing the security services industry by downloading the Autonomous Remote Services Industry Manifesto.

CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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. Statements in this news release other than statements of historical fact are "forward-looking statements" that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the ability of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions to provide for its obligations, to provide working capital needs from operating revenues, to obtain additional financing needed for any future acquisitions, to meet competitive challenges and technological changes, to meet business and financial goals including projections and forecasts, and other risks. Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement(s) and/or to confirm the statement(s) to actual results or changes in Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions expectations.

About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX)

AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITXs RAD and RAD-M companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services, and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staffs and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education and healthcare. To learn more, visit http://www.aitx.ai and http://www.roboticassistancedevices.com, or follow Steve Reinharz on Twitter @SteveReinharz.

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Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions Announces Executive Team Expansion - Business Wire

BUFFALO, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Unifrax, the leading manufacturer of high-performance specialty materials, today introduced its latest proprietary technology, SiFAB Silicon Fiber Anode Battery Technology by Unifrax. SiFAB, currently in advanced testing after years of research and development, has shown promising performance in multiple battery systems. This anode technology enables significantly higher energy density in lithium ion battery systems and has successfully been tested with incremental Si loadings of greater than 40 percent.

SiFAB is Unifraxs first step into silicon fiber for the lithium ion battery manufacturing market, building on its deep history of fiber-based technology and manufacturing. Unifrax, the inventor of specialty ceramic fibers, has a 75+ year track record of developing and supplying engineered inorganic materials at large scale to advanced industries worldwide including electric vehicles, aerospace, and chemical processing. The company expects production to come online in early 2022 with plans to build thousands of tons of long-term manufacturing capacity.

SiFAB is the latest development from our long-standing tradition of using fiber-based technologies to create step change value for our customers, said Chad Cannan, Senior Vice President of Research and Development, Unifrax. This is a unique proposition in the market Unifrax is a large, global manufacturing company introducing game-changing advanced silicon anode materials that can be used in existing manufacturing processes. Our track record and proven ability to develop new and unique technologies will help transform the battery industry with greater energy density, faster charges, and longer lifespans.

This transformational material presents numerous opportunities throughout the lithium ion battery ecosystem, with applications spanning personal devices, energy storage, electric vehicles, and the broader industrial market. SiFAB represents another addition to our robust electric vehicle and battery solutions portfolio which includes AGM separator materials, large format lithium ion glass separators, interstitial thermal runaway barriers, and battery compartment fire protection systems, added John Dandolph, President and CEO, Unifrax.

Unifrax will be available during the 2021 International Battery Seminar and Virtual Exhibit March 911, 2021, to discuss SiFAB technology with interested attendees.

About Unifrax

Unifrax develops and manufactures high performance specialty materials used in advanced applications including high-temperature industrial insulation, electric vehicles, energy storage, filtration, and fire protection, among many others. Unifrax products are designed with the ultimate goal of saving energy, reducing pollution, and improving safety for people, buildings and equipment by delivering on our commitment to our customers of greener, cleaner, safer solutions for their application challenges. Unifrax has 37 manufacturing facilities operating in 12 countries and employs 2,700+ employees globally. More information is available at http://www.unifrax.com. For updates, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

About Clearlake

Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. is an investment firm founded in 2006 operating integrated businesses across private equity, credit and other related strategies. With a sector-focused approach, the firm seeks to partner with experienced management teams by providing patient, long-term capital to dynamic businesses that can benefit from Clearlakes operational improvement approach, O.P.S. The firms core target sectors are industrials, technology and consumer. Clearlake currently has approximately $30 billion of assets under management and its senior investment principals have led or co-led over 300 investments. The firm has offices in Santa Monica and Dallas. More information is available at http://www.clearlake.com and on Twitter @ClearlakeCap.

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Unifrax, Backed by Clearlake Capital, Announces Lithium Ion Battery Anode Technology Coming Early Next Year - Business Wire

One of the best-known modern technologies owes its name and logo to a Viking-era king with a bad tooth: a quarter century ago, two engineers hatched the idea for the moniker "Bluetooth" over beers.

At the end of the 1990s, Sven Mattisson, a Swedish engineer working at telecom group Ericsson, and Jim Kardach, an American employed by Intel, were among those developing the revolutionary technology.

In 1998, at the dawn of the "wireless" era, the two men were part of an international consortium that created a universal standard for the technology first developed by Ericsson in 1994.

But prior to that, they had struggled to pitch their wireless products.

Intel had its Biz-RF wireless programme, Ericsson had MC-Link, while Nokia had its Low Power RF. Kardach, Mattisson and others presented their ideas at a seminar in Toronto in late 1997.

"Jim and I said that people did not appreciate what we presented," Mattisson, now 65 and winding down his career at Ericsson, recalled in a recent interview with AFP.

The engineer, who had travelled all the way to Canada from Sweden for the one-hour pitch, decided to hang out with Kardach for the evening before flying home.

"We received a lukewarm reception of our confusing proposal, and it was at this time I realised we needed a codename for the project which everyone could use," Kardach explained in a long account on his webpage.

- 'Chauvinistic story'

To drown their sorrows, the two men headed for a local Toronto bar and ended up talking about history, one of Kardach's passions.

"We had some beers... and Jim is interested in history so he asked me about Vikings, so we talked at length about that," said Mattisson, admitting that his recollection of that historic night is now somewhat foggy.

Kardach said all he knew about Vikings was that they ran "around with horned helmets raiding and looting places, and that they were crazy chiefs."

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Mattisson recommended Kardach read a well-known Swedish historical novel about the Vikings, entitled "The Long Ships".

Set in the 10th century -- "a chauvinistic story" about a boy taken hostage by Vikings, says Mattisson -- one name in the book caught Kardach's attention: that of the king of Denmark, Harald "Bluetooth" Gormsson.

- Unification

An important historic figure in Scandinavia in the 10th century, the king of Denmark's nickname is said to refer to a dead tooth, or, as other tales have it, to his liking for blueberries or even a simple translation error.

During his reign, Denmark turned its back on its pagan beliefs and Norse gods, gradually converting to Christianity.

But he is best known for having united Norway and Denmark in a union that lasted until 1814.

A king who unified Scandinavian rivals -- the parallel delighted those seeking to unite the PC and cellular industries with a short-range wireless link.

And the reference to the king goes beyond the name: the Bluetooth logo, which at first glance resembles a geometric squiggle, is in fact a superimposition of the runes for the letters "H" and "B", the king's initials.

Low-cost and with low power consumption, Bluetooth was finally launched in May 1998, using technology allowing computer devices to communicate with each other in short range without fixed cables.

The first consumer device equipped with the technology hit the market in 1999, and its name, which was initially meant to be temporary until something better was devised, became permanent.

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How beers and Vikings gave Bluetooth technology its name - Yahoo Finance Australia

CALGARY, AB, March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Exro Technologies Inc. (TSXV: EXRO) (OTC: EXROF) (the "Company" or "Exro"), a leading clean technology company which has developed a new class of power electronics for electric motors and batteries is delivering an integrity statement from the Chief Executive Officer, Sue Ozdemir.

"This morning we have seen our company stock react to a report that was in no way affiliated with Exro or its management team. This report was full of inaccuracies, innuendos, and outright distortions in what appears to be a short seller attack on the company. It is unfortunate that this attack is to the detriment of our valued partners and shareholders who have stood beside us on our growth plan.

We will not take this report lightly and will be preparing a detailed response in the next 48 hours against these claims to highlight this cynical attempt to hurt a real and thriving company, its shareholders and the integrity of the market.

I want to personally reassure our valued partners and shareholders that we continue to maintain the highest degree of integrity at Exro and embed it within our company culture. We remain very confident about our patented technology, our business plan and organizational design, and the value of the products we can bring to market.

My commitment and belief in Exro are unshaken. I stand by the company and my entire career is a representation of my focus to building real business value and executing on deliverables to the market. We are well positioned, with working capital to execute on our milestones and become a leader in power electronics technology."

Regards,

Sue Ozdemir, CEO of Exro Technologies

About Exro Technologies Inc.

Exro is a clean technology company pioneering intelligent control solutions in power electronics to help solve the most challenging problems in electrification. Exro has developed a new class of control technology that expands the capabilities of electric motors, generators, and batteries. Exro enables the application to achieve more with less energy consumed.

Story continues

Exro's advanced motor control technology, the Coil Driver, expands the capabilities of powertrains by enabling two separate torque profiles within a given motor. A major advancement in the sector, dynamic motor configuration enables efficiency optimization for each operating mode resulting in reduction of energy consumption. The controller automatically selects the appropriate configuration in real time so that power and efficiency are intelligently optimized.

For more information visit our website at http://www.exro.com.

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/exro-technologies-inc

Twitter https://twitter.com/exrotech

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/exrotech/

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sue Ozdemir, Chief Executive Officer

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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

Cision

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SOURCE Exro Technologies Inc.

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Exro Technologies Inc. - Integrity Statement from the CEO - Yahoo Finance

TAMPA, Fla. & NETANYA, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Neurolief, an innovator in neurotechnology, announces the company has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its Relivion system. Relivion is the first non-invasive multi-channel brain neuromodulation system for at home treatment of acute migraine, a debilitating neurological disease impacting 39 million people and resulting in 1.2 million emergency department visits annually.

The FDA clearance of the Relivion non-invasive device is an important event for those suffering from migraines, as it is the only neuromodulation technology thus far that has demonstrated statistically significant efficacy in providing complete freedom of migraine symptoms within 2 hours after treatment, in a sham-controlled clinical trial, said Stewart J. Tepper, MD, Professor of Neurology at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, who was the principal investigator on the pivotal international trial. Patients will now have access to a highly effective, easy-to-use, non-invasive, and drug free therapeutic option that will help them regain control of their lives.

Relivion, which is worn as a headset, offers precise, personalized care to patients by delivering unparalleled stimulation to six branches of the occipital and trigeminal nerves via three adaptive output channels. This allows for the release of neurotransmitters in the brainstem and modulation of brain networks associated with control of pain.

The FDA marketing clearance is based on the results of a multi-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Forty-six percent (46%) of the patients in the active group reached complete pain freedom compared to only 11.8% of patients in the control group. Seventy five percent (75%) of patients in the active group reached complete freedom of Most Bothersome Symptom (MBS, which is defined as either phonophobia, photophobia, or nausea), within 2 hours following treatment, compared to 46.7% in the control group. Complete freedom of migraine symptoms (freedom from pain as well as freedom from MBS) at 2 hours after treatment was significantly higher in the active group than in the control group (47.2% ver. 11.1%). Pain relief was also significantly higher in the active group than in the control group at 2 hours after treatment (60% vs. 37%). No serious adverse events were reported. Patients started using either the Relivion or a placebo device with lower treatment intensity, at the onset of their migraine episode for up to one hour. Patients were able to treat several migraine episodes during the course of the trial. The study, RIME, was conducted at leading clinical centers in the US and Israel and evaluated the safety and efficacy of the device with 131 patients who met the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) criteria of migraine with or without aura.

This is a major milestone both for Neurolief and the migraine community. Relivion offers a new paradigm for doctors treating migraine patients, reducing the dependence on pharmaceutical products and invasive procedures while keeping doctors informed of the patients progress, said Chris Richardson, Neuroliefs Chairman. It also demonstrates our commitment to becoming the leader in neuromodulation therapy, and allows a springboard to advance this technology in the future for other neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Relivion previously received CE Mark certification, which indicates it conforms with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold in Europe, as a treatment device for migraine, and is in preparation for the market launch. Last year, RelivionDP for the treatment of major depressive disorder received Breakthrough Device designation from the FDA. Neurolief plans to file the application for major depressive disorder by 2022. Other neurological and neuropsychiatric indications, including ADHD and insomnia, are also being explored.

About MigraineMigraine is a common neurological disease affecting 39 million men, women and children in the US, resulting in 1.2 million emergency department visits each yeari. Causing severe throbbing or pulsing pain, migraines are headaches that are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, mood changes, fatigue and extreme sensitivity to light, sound or smell, among other potential symptoms. Prior to a migraine attack, approximately half of all patients experience a phase called prodrome, which may include constipation, low mood or fatigue, among other symptoms, and approximately 20% of all patients experience an aura phaseii, which involves visual, sensory, motor or verbal disturbances that may be disabling. More than 90% of sufferers are unable to work or function normally during their migraine, and while most migraines last several hours, they can persist for days.

About NeuroliefDedicated to bringing relief to patients suffering from chronic neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, Neurolief is creating a digital therapeutics platform of wearable clinically proven neuromodulation solutions. This technology, which is made to be worn like a headset, is intended to offer safe, highly effective treatment options that work with current pharmaceutical therapies or may provide an alternative to these therapies. It is designed to concurrently neuromodulate major neural pathways in the head, thereby affecting brain regions that are involved in the control and modulation of pain and mood . Neuroliefs technology is currently being utilized for patients with migraine and being studied for patients with major depression. The company plans to pursue investigation of additional indications in the future, such as Insomnia, ADHD and additional chronic pain and neuropsychiatric disorders. The company is based in Israel, with US operations in Tampa, FL and is made up of highly experienced professionals with a proven track record in neurosciences, neuromodulation technology and the neurotech devices industry.

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____________________ i https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/ ii https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-with-aura/multimedia/migraine-aura/vid-20084707

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Relivion Wearable Brain Neuromodulation Technology Cleared by FDA for the Treatment of Migraine - Business Wire

In just two decades, China sent people into space, built its own aircraft carrier and developed a stealth fighter jet. Now the worlds youngest superpower is setting out to prove its capabilities once more this time in semiconductors.

At stake is nothing less than the future of the worlds No. 2 economy. Beijings blueprint for chip supremacy is enshrined in a five-year economic vision, set to be unveiled during a summit of top leaders in the capital this week.

Its a multi-layered strategy both pragmatic and ambitious in scope, embracing aspirations to replace pivotal U.S. suppliers and fend off Washington while molding homegrown champions in emergent technologies.

China wants to build a coterie of technology giants that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Intel Corp. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), conferring the same priority on that effort as it accorded to building atomic capability.

While the specifics of that endeavor wont emerge for months, comments by government officials, Party mouthpieces like the Peoples Daily and state think tanks provide important clues about the envisioned road map.

The approach entails making do over the next five years or so with aging semiconductors, which are adequate for electric cars and even military applications but cant run advanced smartphones and similar devices. That buys China time to focus on fields like so-called third-generation chipmaking not yet dominated by any particular country, and Beijing hopes to create an array of indigenous giants in areas including machinery, software and new materials.

The ultimate goal is to groom local alternatives to global linchpins like Cadence Inc. and Synopsys Inc. in design software and Europes ASML Holding NV in chipmaking gear.

Semiconductors are a crucial sector in the information era that will lead the future of economic development, Science and Technology Minister Wang Zhigang said at a press conference last week. At the same time, China will strive to achieve self reliance and strengthen our own capabilities.

Chinas efforts have gained urgency because the Biden administration is escalating a battle against what it calls techno-autocracies. That could extend or even expand blacklistings that have banned key transactions with corporations from Huawei Technologies Co. to ByteDance Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd.

To a country that imports $300 billion of chips annually, a worsening global shortage drives home the risk of relying on potentially hostile suppliers for the building blocks of everything from artificial intelligence to sixth-generation networking and autonomous vehicles.

It will take years for local companies to match foreign counterparts in manufacturing and design expertise, during which theres no ready answer to the dominance of Japanese and American names in chipmaking equipment. Companies in China will still only supply 35% of the countrys domestic demand by the end of this decade, IDC analyst Mario Morales estimates.

Theyll also have to contend with Washington. The U.S. signaled it intends to go ahead with a Trump administration-proposed rule to secure the technology supply chain next month, a move that gives the Department of Commerce broad authority to prohibit transactions involving foreign adversaries like China.

Employees work at a factory run by Renesas Semiconductor Co. in Beijing, in May last year. | REUTERS

The United States and its allies should utilize targeted export controls on high-end semiconductor manufacturing equipment to protect existing technical advantages and slow the advancement of Chinas semiconductor industry, the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, headed up by former Google chairman Eric Schmidt, recommended to Biden and Congress this week.

The situation faced by Huawei, the countrys largest technology firm by revenue, underscores the leverage Washington wields. Once the worlds biggest smartphone-maker, Huawei was forced to sell its Honor division and run at close to minimum production capacity after it lost access to chips from the likes of TSMC under American regulations.

It just stimulates the Chinese community to accelerate their internal developments and eventually they may come out even stronger, said Luc Van den hove, president of the Imec research center in Leuven, Belgium, which focuses on innovation in semiconductor technology. And I think thats certainly a risk of trying to keep the two worlds further apart.

Beijing had set aside at the start of its last five-year plan around 1 trillion yuan ($155 billion) for potential investment in semiconductors over five to 10 years, according to McKinsey. It will now continue to bankroll research and investment in coming years, Wang said last week. That should galvanize the much larger influx of private capital needed to produce genuine breakthroughs.

Its an approach thats worked before for the internet, where a mix of government and private capital helped build the likes of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing Inc. In February, the state-backed Global Times reported smartphone-makers Xiaomi Corp. and Oppo had acquired stakes in Jiangsu Changjing Electronics Technology Co., exemplifying the sort of private-sector involvement Beijings counting on.

When it comes to the chips, we will see more support relative to private firms, because they play a bigger role in those sectors, said Wendy Leutert, GLP-Ming Z. Mei Chair of Chinese Economics and Trade at Indiana University.

In the meantime, up-and-comers such as Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) and Tsinghua Unigroup can help tide the country over a deficit of mobile processors, memory and telecom modules should Washington close off supply routes.

They will mainly operate mature processes of 14 nanometers and older, sufficient for all but the most exacting applications such as smartphones, high-performance computing and graphics processors. Meanwhile, global leader TSMC is ramping up for mass production of 3 nm chips in 2022, about five or six generations ahead.

At the same time, theyll act as focal points for the countrys most capable brains to work on stop-gap measures such as advanced packaging that can improve chip computing power in the absence of more sophisticated U.S. technology. The hope is that such fine-tuning will buy time for the homegrown development of advanced technologies, such as in 7-nanometer chips and silicon design software.

A man visits a booth operated by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) at an exhibition in Shanghai in October. | REUTERS

Some of the key local players in that space include Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment Co. and Naura Technology Group Co., who are working on equipment that can someday replace ASMLs extreme ultra-violet lithography or EUV machines a prerequisite for any advanced chipmaking.

Local startups like Empyrean are trying to replicate the similarly indispensable software tools licensed by Synopsys and Cadence, employed by most of the worlds chip designers from Intel on down. Even in the commoditized realm of memory, a subsidiary of state-backed Tsinghua Unigroup is spending billions on mass production to challenge Samsung Electronics Co. and Micron Technology Inc.

President Xi Jinping has pledged an estimated $1.4 trillion through 2025 for technologies ranging from wireless networks to AI. A big chunk of that is geared toward semiconductors.

Chinese firms such as Tsinghua will be responsible for building half the worlds 30-odd new fabrication plants, or fabs, in the next two years alone. Its already spending 2.4 times more than the U.S. on semiconductor equipment, much of it made by American companies, Morales wrote in a report.

The bet is that Chinas corporations will be able to compete if they accelerate research into burgeoning, adjacent fields like AI and quantum computing now.

Thats where third-generation chips come in. Those are mainly made of materials such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride, can operate at high frequency and in higher power and temperature environments, and have broad applications in fifth-generation radio frequency chips, military-grade radar and electric vehicles.

The country may secure first-mover advantage, even if traditional silicon-based semiconductors will continue to account for the vast majority of global use for the foreseeable future, Citigroup analysts have said.

U.S.-based Cree Inc. and Japans Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. are just beginning to grow such business, while Chinese rivals such as Sanan Optoelectronics Co. and state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corp. have made inroads.

The countrys other chipmakers, which include SMIC, Will Semiconductor Ltd. and National Silicon Industry Group Co., benefit more broadly from the state support.

The investment commitment that China is making ensures that the Chinese semiconductor ecosystem will continue to play an important role in the progress of our industry and the overall IT market, said IDCs Morales.

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China eyes next-generation chip technology to take on global rivals - The Japan Times

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. If you need to take a break from technology this weekend, there will be a lineup of events to occupy your time as part of the National Day of Unplugging.

The organization curating the unplugging events across the country will host a scavenger hunt Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Little Free Libraries locations across Staten Island. Those who sign up ahead of time will be tasked with locating all the Little Free Libraries sites and solving the clues provided for the hunt.

Those who wish to participate must register ahead of time to get all the details. Participants will be required to wear masks and follow social distancing protocols.

If participants cant make it Saturday, many of the libraries will keep their clue up until the following Friday.

The National Day of Unplugging is an annual campaign that promotes a 24-hour respite from technology on the first weekend in March. For more than a decade, schools, religious institutions and businesses have participated.

For more information, visit NationalDayofUnplugging.com.

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Need a break from technology? Participate in a National Day of Unplugging scavenger hunt - SILive.com

FARMINGTON, Conn., March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: HRZN) ("Horizon" or the "Company"), a leading specialty finance company that provides capital in the form of secured loans to venture capital backed companies in the technology, life science, healthcare information and services, and sustainability industries, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Highlights

Full Year 2020 Highlights

"Despite one of the more challenging years, we managed our investment portfolio and capital through 2020 to position ourselves to generate strong results and continue expanding our portfolio as we enter 2021," said Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Horizon. "Although our fourth quarter NII of $0.21 per share was impacted by low origination volume in the third quarter, as well as by lower income from prepayments, we did originate nearly $77 million of new loans during the fourth quarter which we expect to provide a strong foundation to generate additional NII in the first quarter of 2021. We are also pleased to maintain our regular monthly distributions of $0.10 per share through June for our shareholders, a testament to the strong earnings power of our growing portfolio and our proactive portfolio management strategy."

"In addition, during the quarter, we made significant progress in successfully exiting several underperforming loans. While this had an impact on realized losses, our portfolio at the end of the year reflects an enhanced credit profile as we enter 2021," continued Mr. Pomeroy. "With the liquidity on our balance sheet, a strong backlog and pipeline of attractive opportunities, and a high market demand for venture debt, we believe we are well situated to take advantage of compelling investment opportunities and to continue delivering attractive returns for our shareholders."

Fourth Quarter 2020 Operating Results

Total investment income for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 was $10.1 million, compared to $13.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. The year-over-year reduction in total investment income is primarily due to lower interest income on investments resulting from a lower debt investment portfolio due in part to the challenging economic and operating environment.

The Company's dollar-weighted annualized yield on average debt investments for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 13.0% and 17.6%, respectively. The Company calculates the dollar-weighted annualized yield on average debt investments for any period measured as (1) total investment income (excluding dividend income) during the period divided by (2) the average of the fair value of debt investments outstanding on (a) the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding the first day of the period and (b) the last day of each calendar month during the period. The dollar-weighted annualized yield on average debt investments is higher than what investors will realize because it does not reflect expenses or any sales load paid by investors.

Net expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 were $5.9 million, compared to $6.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily due to a $0.6 million reduction in performance-based incentive fees.

Net investment income for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 was $3.9 million, or $0.21 per share, compared to $6.5 million, or $0.43 per share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2019.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2020, net realized loss on investments was $18.6 million, or $0.99 per share, compared to net realized loss on investments of $0.3 million, or $0.02 per share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2019.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2020, net unrealized appreciation on investments was $17.1 million, or $0.91 per share, compared to $0.6 million, or $0.04 per share, for the prior-year period.

Full Year 2020 Operating Results

Total investment income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $46.0 million, an increase of 6.7% compared to $43.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Horizon's dollar-weighted annualized yield on average debt investments for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 14.6% and 16.7%, respectively.

For the full year ended December 31, 2020, net investment income was $20.7 million, or $1.18 per share, compared to net investment income of $20.5 million, or $1.52 per share, in the prior year.

For the full year ended December 31, 2020, net realized loss on investments was $14.7 million, or $0.84 per share, compared to net realized loss on investments of $4.2 million, or $0.31 per share, for the full year ended December 31, 2019.

For the full year ended December 31, 2020, net unrealized appreciation on investments was $0.3 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to net unrealized appreciation on investments of $3.2 million, or $0.24 per share, for the full year ended December 31, 2019.

Portfolio Summary and Investment Activity

As of December 31, 2020, the Company's debt portfolio consisted of 34 secured loans with an aggregate fair value of $333.5 million. In addition, the Company's total warrant, equity and other investments in 70 portfolio companies had an aggregate fair value of $19.1 million. Total portfolio investment activity for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows:

($ in thousands)

For the Three Months EndedDecember 31,

For the Full Year EndedDecember 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Beginning portfolio

$ 311,750

$ 281,519

$ 319,551

$ 248,441

New debt investments

76,913

65,548

198,561

200,832

Less refinanced debt investments

(17,500)

Net new debt investments

76,913

65,548

198,561

183,332

Investment in controlled affiliate investment

1,311

1,900

Principal payments received on investments

(4,485)

(4,300)

(24,829)

(17,369)

Early pay-offs

(30,644)

(23,773)

(121,429)

(94,321)

Accretion of debt investment fees

815

986

3,895

3,865

New debt investment fees

(938)

(905)

(2,353)

(2,669)

New equity

240

Warrants received in settlement of fee income

978

Proceeds from sale of investments

(134)

(2,137)

(8,335)

(4,548)

Dividend income from controlled affiliate investment

1,013

118

2,236

Distributions from controlled affiliate investment

(715)

Net realized loss on investments

(17,672)

(302)

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Horizon Technology Finance Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results - PRNewswire

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Quantum Loophole, Inc., an innovative developer of first-of-its-kind Gigawatt-scale master planned data center cities, today announces that the former CEO of CyrusOne, Gary Wojtaszek, has joined its Board of Directors, affirming the companys mission and approach to data center development to meet the massive industrial size and scale required to successfully navigate todays highly-competitive data center market.

Prior to joining Quantum Loopholes Board of Directors, Wojtaszek served as the CEO of CyrusOne, a $12B data center technology real estate investment trust (REIT) that serves Fortune 1000 companies worldwide, including technology giants Alibaba, Amazon, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, and Tencent. Under Wojtaszeks leadership, he developed the data center strategy at Cincinnati Bell, which resulted in the acquisition of CyrusOne, at the time a very small regional data center provider in Texas. Wojtaszek grew CyrusOne into one of the largest global data center REITs with 45 facilities across the US, Latin America, Europe, and entered into a strategic relationship with GDS, which is the largest data center company in China. He led the REIT conversion and IPO spin-off of CyrusOne, which turned a $525M investment into a $12B company, creating one of the most successful data center companies in the industry.

Im excited to join Quantum Loopholes Board of Directors under the leadership of Josh Snowhorn, a pioneer and serial entrepreneur who after joining Terremark as one of the first employees, helped launch CyusOne and founded EdgeMicro before starting this current venture, comments Gary Wojtaszek, Quantum Loophole Board Member. The data center industry is growing quickly; however, it is under tremendous pricing pressure. Most data center designs being deployed today are too costly and inefficient and will be challenged to meet the computing power needs required to support the shift towards AI focused data centers. By contrast, Joshs approach to building data center cities that are ethically planned with sustainable power practices is groundbreaking. His approach of marrying massively scaled facilities with shared resource allocation should result in the lowest cost data centers in the country and Im excited to be a part of this team, which will reshape the way data centers are planned, deployed, and managed.

Wojtaszek joins an esteemed group of Directors and Advisors including Director Mike Benham, former energy trader with Vitol, a competitive race car driver, and Quantum Loophole Investor; Director Tom Daly, a Quantum Loophole investor, global internet infrastructure professional and advisor at Fastly; and Director Tom Natelli, CEO of privately held real estate investment and development concern, Natelli Communities and Quantum Loophole investor. In addition to the Board of Directors, Quantum Loopholes Executive Advisory Board includes Jay Adelson, serial entrepreneur and investor known for his work founding and running game-changing companies such as Equinix, Digg, Revision3, SimpleGeo, Opsmatic, Center Electric, and Scorbit; and Craig Weick, executive director, colocation and connectivity with the CME Group.

It is an honor to welcome Gary Wojtaszek to our Board of Directors and we very much look forward to the opportunity to work with him again. It is truly a testament to our vision of bringing a new wave of environmentally and socially responsible data centers to market through master planned data center developments delivering Gigawatt levels of critical power, adds Josh Snowhorn, Founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Quantum Loophole. Its exciting to compile such a talented management team, and now our Board, with such esteemed experience, know-how, and enthusiasm. We are all very much looking forward to evolving the data center market by creating efficiencies and improving performance, all the while aligning our industry with best practices for sustainability and innovative technologies that will transform the industrys approach to development for years to come.

Founded in 2020, Quantum Loophole recently announced that it has closed a highly successful initial seed series round of funding. Houlihan Lokey is serving as the exclusive financial advisor to the company. For more information about Quantum Loophole visit: http://www.quantumloophole.com.

About Quantum Loophole

Quantum Loophole disrupts data center development. The companys first-of-its-kind Gigawatt-scale, master planned data center city development approach uniquely addresses the scalability, connectivity and cost-efficiency challenges of todays large-scale deployments. Powered by innovative energy, fiber and access control systems, Quantum Loopholes master plan communities take the guesswork out of adding needed data center capacity, allowing hyperscalers, HPC and colocation providers to speed go-to-market capabilities. Incorporating renewable energy, land and water improvements offers an environmentally sound approach that reduces the overall carbon footprint while fully enabling powered land to bare metal server capabilities with the highest level of connectivity, reliability and security. For more information, please visit http://www.quantumloophole.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains, and our officers and representatives may from time to time make, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our plans for data center cities, sustainable growth and community-mindedness, ability to manage pricing pressure, and similar statements.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, economic and financial conditions, including volatility in interest and exchange rates, commodity and equity prices and the value of financial assets, land prices, power pricing volatility, capital and/or credit market availability, the adequacy of our cash flow, strategic actions, the occurrence of hostilities, political instability or catastrophic events, changes in customer demand, the extent to which we are successful in gaining new long-term relationships with customers, and the level of service failures that could lead customers to use competitors' services, developments and changes in laws and regulations, including increased regulation of the power and data infrastructure industry through legislative action and revised rules and standards, among others.

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

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Gary Wojtaszek, Former CEO of $12 Billion Data Center Technology REIT CyrusOne, to Join Quantum Loophole Executive Board - Business Wire

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Elys Game Technology, Corp. (Elys or the Company) (Nasdaq:ELYS) (NEO:ELYS)(BER:3UW), an interactive gaming and sports betting technology company, today commented on the status of legislation, Bills C-218 and C-13, to legalize single-event sports betting in Canada. The Company is continuing to monitor legislative developments regarding Bill C-218 that passed on February 17th with overwhelming bi-partisan support by a margin of 303 votes in favor to 15 votes against. Bill C-218 is now proceeding to hearings before the Justice Committee. Meanwhile, Bill C-13, an Act to Amend the Criminal Code, a similar bill regarding the legalization of single-event sports betting, is anticipated to be taken up by the House of Commons in the near future with additional hearings set for March 9th and 11th.

Both of the proposed bills concern changes to the federal criminal code aimed at decriminalizing single-event sports betting. The proposed changes would allow provinces and territories to regulate and license single-event sports betting, potentially paving the way for lucrative opportunities for private businesses and service providers to access a legalized market in Canada.

We are quite encouraged by the strong bi-partisan support that Bill C-218 received. Although there are a number of steps to be cleared before laws are enacted and an active open market can develop, this vote is another significant step towards being able to offer a safe and regulated product to the millions of sports and esports fans in Canada, stated Michele (Mike) Ciavarella, Executive Chairman of Elys Game Technology, Corp. We expect that Canadian laws could emulate the open market approach taken in Europe over the past two decades. Regulation allows the government to open up the market and secure industry jobs for Canadians, as well as provide competitive wagering for Canadian players across the country. While this legislative process develops in Canada, Elys expects to continue to play an important role in assisting current Canadian operators and businesses to prepare their i-gaming and sports betting offerings through our well-established industry experience.

About Elys Game Technology, Corp.

Elys Game Technology, Corp., is a B2B global gaming technology company operating in multiple countries worldwide, with B2C online and land-based gaming operations in Italy. In Italy, Elys offers its clients a full suite of leisure gaming products and services, such as sports betting, e-sports, virtual sports, online casino, poker, bingo, interactive games and slots.

The Companys innovative wagering solution, services online operators, casinos, retail betting establishments and franchise distribution networks. The Company has completed the product regulatory requirements to commence B2B operations in the United States.

Additional information is available on our corporate website at http://www.elysgame.com.

Investors may also find us on Twitter @ELYS_gaming.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified by the use of the words could, believe, anticipate, intend, estimate, expect, may, continue, predict, potential, project and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements and include statements regarding strong bi-partisan support for the proposed Canadian legislation to legalize single-event sports wagering in Canada, allowing provinces and territories to regulate and license single-event sports betting, potentially paving the way for lucrative opportunities for private businesses and service providers to access a legalized market in Canada, if the bill is passed, allowing the government to open up the market and secure industry jobs for Canadians, as well as provide a safe and regulated product for Canadian players across the country and playing an important role in assisting current Canadian operators and businesses to prepare their i-gaming and sports betting offerings. These forward-looking statements are based on managements expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the Companys ability to offer single-event sport betting products and the discretion to manage single-event sport betting to Canadians as contemplated by the legislation, having strong bi-partisan support to pass the legislation, the legislation, if passed, allowing provinces and territories to regulate and license single-event sports betting as expected, potentially paving the way for lucrative opportunities for private businesses and service providers to access a legalized market in Canada as expected, allowing the government to open up the market and secure industry jobs for Canadians, as well as provide a safe and regulated product for Canadian players across the country as expected, and the Company playing an important role in assisting current Canadian operators and businesses to prepare their i-gaming and sports betting offerings through our well established industry experience as expected, the duration and scope of the COVID-19 outbreak worldwide, including the impact to the state and local economies, and the risk factors described in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and its subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

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Elys Game Technology Comments on the Status of Legislation to Legalize Single Event Sports Betting in Canada - Business Wire