Focus Graphite Inc. Announces Strategic Joint Development Initiative with Forge Nano

Ottawa, Ontario – April 9, 2026 – Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS; OTCQB: FCSMF; FSE: FKC0), a Canadian developer of high‑grade flake graphite deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence, and industrial applications, today announced the signing of a Joint Product Development Agreement (JPDA) with Forge Nano Inc., a leading U.S. semiconductor equipment and advanced materials company. The collaboration focuses on evaluating Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) coating technology on natural graphite sourced from Focus’s Lac Knife project in Quebec.

Technical Objectives and Expected Outcomes

The JPDA is designed to generate near‑term performance data on ALD‑coated natural graphite. Specific targets include:

  • Enhanced battery life through improved surface stability and reduced side‑reaction pathways.
  • Fast‑charging capability by minimizing interfacial resistance and promoting uniform current distribution.
  • Durability in dual‑use applications, ensuring consistent performance in both commercial and defence contexts.

Forge Nano’s expertise in ALD, a precision coating process that deposits sub‑nanometer films with atomic control, is expected to unlock new performance envelopes for graphite anodes. By leveraging the natural quality of Lac Knife graphite and applying state‑of‑the‑art deposition techniques, the partnership aims to create a product that meets the rigorous demands of next‑generation lithium‑ion batteries and other high‑energy‑density applications.

Strategic Significance for Focus Graphite

The Lac Knife property, located in Quebec, represents a high‑grade flake graphite deposit that aligns with the global shift toward advanced battery chemistries. Historically, Focus Graphite has positioned itself as a developer of graphite resources suitable for a broad spectrum of uses, from consumer electronics to defence systems. This joint development:

  • Accelerates technology validation by partnering with a company that has a proven track record in semiconductor and battery coating technologies.
  • Reduces time‑to‑market for graphite‑based battery materials, positioning Focus to capitalize on the growing demand for high‑performance energy storage solutions.
  • Adds value to the company’s asset base by potentially increasing the resource’s commercial viability through advanced material processing.

Market Context

On April 8, 2026, Focus Graphite’s share price closed at CAD 0.375, reflecting market anticipation of the company’s exploration and development activities. The 52‑week high of CAD 0.76 (achieved on November 2, 2025) and the 52‑week low of CAD 0.08 (on May 29, 2025) illustrate the volatility typical of resource‑focused securities. Despite a negative price‑earnings ratio of –11.64, the company’s market capitalization of approximately CAD 38.97 million underscores investor interest in its exploration pipeline.

Forward‑Looking Perspective

By integrating Forge Nano’s ALD technology with Lac Knife graphite, Focus Graphite is positioning itself at the nexus of resource development and advanced materials innovation. The collaboration is expected to:

  • Provide compelling data that could inform future capital allocation and partnership decisions.
  • Strengthen Focus’s competitive edge in a market where battery performance and durability are decisive.
  • Create a pathway for potential commercial production of coated graphite anodes, opening new revenue streams.

Investors and analysts should monitor the progress of the JPDA, particularly the results of early‑stage coating trials and performance metrics. Success in this partnership could set a precedent for similar collaborations across the graphite and battery material sectors, reinforcing Focus Graphite’s strategic trajectory toward becoming a leading supplier of high‑quality graphite for demanding applications.