HPQ Silicon Increases Equity Stake in Novacium SAS, Strengthening Global Exposure and Short and Medium-Term Value Creation

• This stake increase, at an unchanged valuation, strengthens HPQ’s strategic partnership with Novacium and participation in future global revenues.

• Novacium expands HPQ’s technology portfolio across battery materials, hydrogen systems, and circular-economy solutions, supported by an experienced technical team capable of advancing multiple platforms toward market deployment.

MONTREAL, Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: HPQ, OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08), a technology company driving innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, announced that it has increased its equity interest in Novacium SAS (“Novacium”) by an additional 8.4%, raising its ownership from 28.4% to 36.8%.

The transaction, which is at arm's length, is being carried out in accordance with the terms of the agreement entered into on February 2, 2026, with the other shareholders of Novacium.

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Under the terms of this agreement, HPQ's interest in the capital stock of Novacium will increase by an additional 84 shares, representing an 8.4% interest in the outstanding capital stock of Novacium, for a total consideration of C$4,033,425 (€2,500,000).

HPQ will pay the consideration through the issuance of common shares in its capital-stock, issued at a deemed price of C$0.18 per share. HPQ will issue to the Shareholder 1, 11,203,958 common shares, to Shareholder 2, 5,601,979 common shares and to the Shareholder 3, 5,601,979 common shares, for a total of 22,407,916 shares.

All shares issued in connection with this transaction will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day following the closing date of the transaction. This agreement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the applicable regulatory authorities.

Strengthening Global Exposure and Long-Term Value Capture

HPQ’s decision to increase its ownership in Novacium SAS to 36.8% reflects a deliberate strategy to enhance short and medium-term value participation as Novacium’s technologies progress toward commercialization.

This investment reflects a disciplined capital allocation decision rather than a tactical adjustment, said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc.

Advancing a Multi-Platform Technology Portfolio

Novacium represents a strategically important extension of HPQ Silicon Inc.’s technology portfolio, providing depth, execution capability, and international reach across multiple high-value platforms.

HPQ’s increased participation reflects the strength of our collaboration and the progress we have made together, said Jed Kraiem, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Novacium SAS.

About Novacium SAS

Novacium is an innovative technology startup founded in 2022 in France. It is an engineering and R&D company dedicated to energy-related materials, with specialization in silicon and hydrogen. Novacium is developing two technologies: a new silicon-based anode material that significantly increases Li-ion battery capacity, and a standalone hydrogen-generation system for civilian and military applications using a proprietary silicon–aluminum alloy fuel.

About HPQ Silicon

HPQ Silicon Inc. is a Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange industrial issuer focused on innovation in advanced materials and critical process development. In partnership with its research and development partner Novacium — of which HPQ is a shareholder — the Company is advancing next-generation silicon-based anode materials (Gen3) for batteries, commercializing its ENDURA+ lithium-ion cells, and developing breakthrough clean-hydrogen and waste-to-energy technologies, for which HPQ holds exclusive North American rights.

HPQ is also pursuing proprietary technologies to become a low-cost, zero-CO₂ producer of fumed silica with technical support from PyroGenesis Inc.. Together, these initiatives position HPQ to capture growth opportunities in the energy storage, clean hydrogen, and advanced materials markets essential to achieving global net-zero goals.

For more information, please visit https://hpqsilicon.com/.