HPQ Silicon Inc. Secures €1 Million RAPID Funding for the METAGENE™ Green Hydrogen Initiative

HPQ Silicon Inc. (TSX‑V: HPQ, OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08) announced on 27 October 2026 that its strategic partner, NOVACIUM SAS, together with Axel’One and AD‑VENTA, has been awarded a €1 million grant from the French Defence Innovation Agency (AID) and the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) under the RAPID programme (Support Scheme for Dual‑Use Innovation). The funding, which represents the maximum 80 % subsidy rate offered by the programme, is intended to advance the METAGENE™ project, a collaborative effort to develop a self‑contained, high‑pressure green hydrogen production station that employs a solid, non‑hazardous metallic fuel.

Project Scope and Funding Structure

  • Technology Readiness Level (TRL): The METAGENE™ project seeks to lift the technology from TRL 3 to a target TRL 5‑6 within a 30‑month horizon, starting 1 September 2026.
  • Budget: €1.2 million, of which €960 k is covered by the RAPID subsidy.
  • Duration: 30 months, with the first tranche of the grant disbursed in September 2026.

The partnership is led by NOVACIUM SAS, a French deep‑tech company with a portfolio in green engineering of materials for energy. Axel’One and AD‑VENTA contribute complementary expertise in material synthesis and process integration, positioning the consortium to deliver a robust demonstration of green hydrogen production that could be scaled for industrial deployment.

Implications for HPQ Silicon Inc.

HPQ Silicon Inc., a Canadian mining entity with a focus on quartz exploration and silicon/nano‑silicon production, leverages its material expertise to support the METAGENE™ initiative. The company’s engagement in this dual‑use technology underscores its commitment to sustainable energy solutions while diversifying its revenue streams beyond traditional mining operations.

With a market capitalization of approximately 56.6 million CAD and a 52‑week low of 0.12 CAD, the company’s share price has been buoyed by recent announcements that highlight its involvement in high‑tech, environmentally responsible projects. The price‑earnings ratio of 1.52 further suggests that investors are valuing the company on its potential to capitalize on emerging clean‑energy markets.

Strategic Outlook

The RAPID award not only provides immediate financial support but also signals confidence from French defence and research agencies in the consortium’s technical concept. For HPQ Silicon Inc., participation in the METAGENE™ project offers:

  • Technological diversification: Transition from raw material extraction to value‑added clean‑energy manufacturing.
  • Market access: Entry into the growing European green hydrogen sector, with potential for export of technology or partnership agreements.
  • Brand enhancement: Association with a high‑profile, dual‑use innovation programme that aligns with global sustainability trends.

As the project progresses, HPQ Silicon Inc. and its partners will monitor milestones related to process scalability, safety validation, and regulatory compliance, positioning themselves to secure further investment or commercial agreements in the evolving hydrogen economy.

The company’s website, www.hpqsilicon.com , provides ongoing updates on project developments and investor relations, reinforcing transparency and engagement with stakeholders.