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Phemex Astral Trading League Launches $450,000 Pisces Season

APIA, Samoa, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Phemex, a user-first crypto exchange, announces the commencement of the “Pisces” season of its flagship Phemex Astral Trading League, reinforcing its commitment to strategy-driven execution with a massive $450,000 prize pool. This celestial-themed tournament positions Phemex as the premier global arena for traders who prioritize technical precision and disciplined strategy over market speculation.

Phemex Astral Trading League Launches $450,000 Pisces Season
Phemex Astral Trading League Launches $450,000 Pisces Season

The Astral Trading League represents a strategic evolution in professional competition, moving beyond simple volume metrics to honor the multifaceted nature of market mastery. Throughout the Pisces season, which runs from March 16 to April 12, the league evaluates participants through a sophisticated framework that balances capital efficiency with execution consistency. This dual-track structure allows both tactical retail traders and institutional-grade participants to demonstrate their edge within a unified, high-performance ecosystem.

By integrating celestial symbolism with institutional-grade infrastructure, Phemex encourages a “Strategy-First” mental model, where the fluidity and depth of the Pisces season mirror the complexities of the 2026 global markets. The tournament offers a dynamic reward environment where consistent performance across daily, weekly, and monthly cycles is met with significant incentives, further empowered by a gamified layer of discovery that rewards active engagement and platform loyalty.

This initiative is a testament to Phemex’s broader commitment to building a transparent, AI-native financial infrastructure. In an era of increasing market volatility, the Astral Trading League serves as a professional benchmark, providing the tools and the stage for the world’s elite traders to transform their disciplined strategies into tangible success.

About Phemex
Founded in 2019, Phemex is a user-first crypto exchange trusted by over 10 million traders worldwide. The platform offers spot and derivatives trading, copy trading, and wealth management products designed to prioritize user experience, transparency, and innovation. With a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to user empowerment, Phemex delivers reliable tools, inclusive access, and evolving opportunities for traders at every level to grow and succeed.

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

From “Relationship-Driven” to “Algorithmic Parity”: APEC Study Highlights How QLdigits Uses AI to Reshape Global Market Access

SHANGHAI and LOS ANGELES, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The APEC Group on Services (GOS) Plenary Meeting in Guangzhou has formally endorsed a new study examining how high-skill digital services are reshaping global market access. The report, published by APEC Australia, features Shanghai-based technology firm QLdigits as a central global case study on the use of artificial intelligence to reduce traditional barriers in cross-border digital trade.

Digital equality, gender-neutral tech space, human-machine interface, binary code transforming into a glowing path, AI empowering business, overcoming barriers through technology, modern corporate vision, QL Digits, APEC women entrepreneurship.
Digital equality, gender-neutral tech space, human-machine interface, binary code transforming into a glowing path, AI empowering business, overcoming barriers through technology, modern corporate vision, QL Digits, APEC women entrepreneurship.

Titled “Enhancing Women’s Economic Empowerment in APEC through Greater Participation in High-Skill Digitally Delivered Services,” the research analyzes a fundamental shift in international trade dynamics. Aligned with the APEC La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth, the study addresses a long-standing macroeconomic challenge: expanding operations overseas has historically required localized social capital, opaque intermediaries, and extensive offline networks. These factors have consistently created structural disadvantages for emerging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and female entrepreneurs.

The APEC study identifies how AI-native business models are systematically neutralizing these historical frictions by shifting the competitive baseline of cross-border digital trade from traditional relationship-building to algorithmic efficiency and data processing capabilities.

Founder’s Insight: The Democratization of Global Commerce

Arylin Wu, Founder and CEO of QLdigits, provided operational data and strategic insights that directly informed the policy recommendations presented to APEC officials. Her contributions emphasized how technological infrastructure can serve as a great equalizer in global markets.

“The modernization of cross-border digital trade infrastructure is transitioning the market from a relationship-based model to a purely data-driven model,” Wu noted. “When market discovery, multilingual localization, and operational scale are automated through advanced algorithms, the traditional prerequisites of social capital become significantly less relevant. The international market evaluates processing efficiency and cognitive agility, rendering historical biases or background-related barriers increasingly obsolete.”

Wu further added, “By making high-skill digital tools more accessible, our goal is not just to streamline market entry, but to empower entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to participate equitably in the Asia-Pacific digital economy and share in its growth.”

Verifiable Industry Evidence and Scale

The APEC committee selected QLdigits based on the quantifiable scale of its technology deployment and its integration within global digital ecosystems. Operating as a certified Google Premier Partner, the firm integrates advanced large language models—including the Gemini API—into its proprietary Cross-border Digital Intelligence SaaS Platform.

This AI-driven infrastructure bridges the “intelligence gap” by providing automated decision-making, global compliance analysis, and precision marketing tools to over 1,000 enterprises, facilitating their seamless expansion into international markets. This verifiable operational scale, which allowed the firm to achieve profitability within its first year of operation, serves as empirical evidence for the APEC study’s thesis on tech-enabled inclusive growth. It proves that cognitive capability has superseded social identity as the primary currency of global commerce.

The finalized study is currently accessible on the APEC Australia Women and Trade in Services portal. It provides member economies with evidence-based policy frameworks derived from the operational realities of firms like QLdigits, aiming to foster a more inclusive, resilient, and standardized cross-border digital trade environment across the Asia-Pacific region.

The full report can be accessed here:
https://www.apec.org.au/_files/ugd/ab46bb_eda8b0b95db24690a2602eff4e52d8bf.pdf 

About Qiliang Digital (QLdigits)

Headquartered in Shanghai, Qiliang Digital (QLdigits) is a leading cross-border digital trade technology firm and a certified Google Premier Partner. The company develops high-skill digital services and intelligent SaaS solutions powered by advanced AI frameworks, dedicated to providing data-driven trade infrastructure that empowers enterprises to scale seamlessly across global markets.

Website: https://qldigits.com/

Alebund Pharmaceuticals Announces Collaboration and License Agreement with R1 Therapeutics for AP306

AP306 is a first-in-class pan-phosphate transporter inhibitor in development for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving dialysis

Alebund grants exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize AP306 outside Greater China to R1 Therapeutics, a newly launched company backed by leading global kidney care providers and life sciences strategic and venture capital investors

The collaboration includes potential milestone payments of up to low triple-digit millions of U.S. dollars and tiered royalties in the low double-digit percentage range based on net sales of AP306 in the licensed territory

Alebund holds a substantial non-dilutive equity interest in R1, with the opportunity to participate in future commercial upside through dividends

SHANGHAI, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alebund Pharmaceuticals (“Alebund” or the “Company”), a leading renal-focused biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it has entered into licensing and equity agreements (the “Agreements”) with R1 Therapeutics, Inc. (“R1”). R1 is a newly launched clinical-stage biotechnology company that recently completed an oversubscribed Series A financing of $77.5M. R1 is backed by major global kidney care providers, DaVita, one of the largest kidney care providers globally, and U.S. Renal Care, the largest privately held dialysis provider in the United States and a syndicate of leading global venture capital investors.

Under the Agreements, Alebund has granted R1 an exclusive license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize AP306 outside Greater China (the “R1 Territory”). As part of the transaction, the aggregate financial terms include development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments of up to low triple-digit millions of U.S. dollars, and Alebund will share in the economics of AP306’s success in the R1 Territory through tiered royalty payments in the low double-digit percentage range on net sales. In addition, Alebund holds a substantial non-dilutive equity interest in R1, with the opportunity to participate in future commercial upside through dividends. R1 will fund and lead the global clinical development of AP306, with Alebund as a collaborative development partner, including a global Phase 2b multi-regional clinical trial (“MRCT”) in the U.S. and China planned to initiate later this year. Alebund and R1 will work together to accelerate the global development of AP306.

Gavin Xia, Ph.D., Co-Founder and CEO of Alebund Pharmaceuticals, commented:

“This collaboration validates the global potential of AP306 and represents an important milestone for Alebund. By partnering with R1, global kidney care providers, and financial investors, we can accelerate AP306’s global development. With the support of R1, DaVita and U.S. Renal Care, we are well-positioned to capture the significant market potential in the United States. We look forward to working with the R1 team to bring this potentially transformative therapy to patients worldwide.”

Krishna Polu, M.D., Co-Founder, President and CEO of R1 Therapeutics, commented:

“We are thrilled to launch R1 with the backing of world-class investors who share our conviction in the potential of AP306 to fundamentally change how hyperphosphatemia is managed. AP306 represents a new mechanistic approach – blocking the active transport of phosphorus rather than relying on traditional phosphate binding – and the Phase 2a data published in Kidney International Reports demonstrate compelling efficacy and tolerability. We look forward to advancing the global Phase 2b program in collaboration with Alebund and bringing AP306 to patients around the world.”

About AP306

AP306 is a first-in-class pan-phosphate transporter inhibitor in development for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving dialysis. Unlike conventional phosphate binders, AP306 works by inhibiting the active transport of phosphorus through three key phosphate transporters (NaPi-IIb, PiT-1, and PiT-2) in the gastrointestinal tract, representing a fundamentally new mechanism of action for managing hyperphosphatemia. AP306 was originally discovered by Chugai Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. and subsequently licensed to Alebund Pharmaceuticals, which has conducted clinical development of the compound, including a completed Phase 2a study in hemodialysis patients. Results published in Kidney International Reports demonstrated significant reduction in serum phosphate levels with good safety and tolerability. Data from the Phase 2a study has also been presented at the 61st European Renal Association (ERA) Annual Congress.

About R1 Therapeutics

R1 Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of first-in-class therapies for patients with kidney disease. Its lead program, AP306, targets hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis, a condition associated with serious bone and cardiovascular complications and poorer outcomes when phosphate remains uncontrolled. AP306 is a first-in-class pan-phosphate active transport inhibitor designed to block three key phosphate transporters in the gut, with the potential to deliver rapid and effective phosphate lowering with a significantly reduced treatment burden. R1 has licensed exclusive global rights outside Greater China to AP306 from Alebund Pharmaceuticals and is advancing a global Phase 2b development program. R1 launched with an oversubscribed $77.5 million Series A financing in March 2026 co-led by Abingworth, DaVita Venture Group, and F-Prime, with participation from Curie.Bio, SymBiosis, and U.S. Renal Care. For more information, visit www.r1therapeutics.com and follow R1 on LinkedIn.

About Alebund Pharmaceuticals

Alebund Pharmaceuticals is a global leading renal-focused biopharmaceutical company with a vertically integrated platform encompassing R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization. The Company possesses the most comprehensive innovative renal portfolio in terms of indication coverage, with seven drug candidates and one commercialized product (Mircera®) targeting a broad range of renal indications including CKD complications (hyperphosphatemia, renal anemia), IgA nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease, FSGS, and ADPKD. Alebund holds global rights for its core pipeline assets, including AP301 (a best-in-class oral phosphate binder currently in global Phase 3), AP306, AP303 (a first-in-class dual PPAR agonist with FDA Orphan Drug Designation for ADPKD), and AP308 (a first-in-class IgA protease). The Company has completed construction of its manufacturing facility in Yangzhou, China, and has established a dedicated in-house commercialization team in China.

About DaVita

DaVita (NYSE: DVA) is a health care provider focused on transforming care delivery to improve quality of life for patients globally. As a comprehensive kidney care provider, DaVita has been a leader in clinical quality and innovation for more than 25 years. DaVita cares for patients at every stage and setting along their kidney health journey-from slowing the progression of kidney disease to helping support transplantation. This includes ensuring they are supported at home, in dialysis centers, in the hospital and in skilled nursing facilities. As of December 31, 2025, DaVita served approximately 295,000 patients at 3,242 outpatient dialysis centers, of which 2,657 centers were located in the United States and 585 centers were located in 14 other countries worldwide. DaVita has reduced hospitalizations, improved mortality, helped improve health access and worked collaboratively to propel the kidney care community to adopt a higher quality standard of care for all patients, everywhere. To learn more, visit DaVita.com/About.

About U.S. Renal Care

U.S. Renal Care, the largest privately held and fastest-growing dialysis provider in the nation, partners with nephrologists to care for more than 37,000 people living with kidney disease across 32 states in the U.S. Since 2000, U.S. Renal Care has been a leader in clinical quality, innovation, and operational excellence – delivering the best experience and outcomes for its patients. Visit USRenalCare.com to learn more.

Investor & Media Contact:
Alebund Pharmaceuticals
IR@alebund.com

G-P Gia™ Wins H3 HR Advisors HCM Technology Signal Award for AI Maturity

BOSTON, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — G-P (Globalization Partners), recognized as the undisputed leader in global employment by industry analysts, today announced that G-P Gia was named the winner of H3 HR Advisors HCM Technology Signal Award for AI Maturity.

Each Signal Award highlights a provider whose HCM technology demonstrates a clear and observable pattern in one of ten areas that are deeply relevant to organizations in 2026. This AI Maturity category recognizes where AI is being applied as a practical and trusted capability, embedded in real workflows.

“G-P Gia reduces the complexity of global employment and global HR compliance so companies can scale teams anywhere with confidence,” said Nat Natarajan, COO at G-P. “Winning the Signal Award for AI Maturity reinforces the real impact we’re delivering for customers every day. At G-P, we’ve moved past the AI hype and are setting a new standard for how global teams are built and managed.”

G-P Gia is agentic AI for global employment and global HR compliance. Built on over a decade of global compliance expertise, 100,000+ vetted articles and 1,500+ government sources, Gia provides guidance HR leaders can trust. Gia streamlines hundreds of the most complex global HR tasks, from generating locally compliant employment documents and policies to providing real-time compliance alerts.

“At H3 HR Advisors, the Signal Awards reflect our perspective on what truly

matters in HR technology right now and where the industry is heading,” said Steve Boese, co-founder, H3 HR Advisors. “These recognitions highlight the providers delivering real impact for organizations today while helping shape the future of work through practical, meaningful innovation.”

The Signal Award builds on G-P Gia’s recent honors from Lighthouse Research & Advisory for Best Advance in Practical AI, further cementing G-P’s position at the forefront of AI-driven global employment. Together, these accolades underscore G-P’s leadership in delivering functional, high-impact AI solutions that solve the most complex challenges in global HR.

Learn more about how G-P is advancing the future of work and global employment here: www.g-p.com

About G-P

G-P (Globalization Partners) is the recognized leader in global employment, ranked No. 1 in every industry analyst report. G-P’s global employment platform delivers everything companies of all sizes need to manage the full employee lifecycle with its trusted Global HR Agent, G-P Gia, and AI-powered Employer of Record (EOR) and Contractor products. G-P supports teams in 180+ countries with more than a decade of global employment experience, the largest team of in-country HR, legal, and compliance experts, and its unmatched proprietary knowledge base.

G-P: Global Made Possible ™

To learn more, please visit: g-p.com or connect with us via LinkedIn, X, Facebook or check out our Blog.

O’food Sponsors Korean Speech Contest at University of Toronto

– About 450 Participants Attend University of Toronto Speech Contest
– O’food Provides K-Food Products to Promote Korean Language and Culture

SEOUL, South Korea, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A Korean speech contest held at the University of Toronto on the 14th drew about 450 participants, with Daesang’s global K-food brand O’food sponsoring the event and providing products including kimchi ramyun, seaweed, and gochujang.

Daesang O'food sponsored K-food products for the Korean speech contest held at the University of Toronto on the 14th.
Daesang O’food sponsored K-food products for the Korean speech contest held at the University of Toronto on the 14th.

The 2026 Korean Speech Contest, marking its 20th anniversary this year, was held at the Earth Sciences Centre at the University of Toronto. The event drew about 450 participants, including roughly 300 contestants who advanced through preliminary rounds across four divisions, including high school and university categories.  

The contest was jointly organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Toronto, the Korean Education Centre in Canada, the Centre for the Study of Korea, and the Department of East Asian Studies at the University of Toronto.

O’food sponsored a variety of K-Food products for the event, allowing participants and visitors to experience Korean food culture firsthand. The sponsored products included O’food Kimchi Ramyun, Chung Jung One Olive Oil Seasoned Seaweed, O’food Gochujang, and Gochujang for Tteokbokki.

In particular, O’food Kimchi Ramyun, launched in October last year, stands out for using fresh kimchi from Korea’s leading kimchi brand Jongga instead of the freeze-dried powders or flakes commonly used in conventional ramyun. This approach delivers a crunchy texture and deep fermented flavor. The product lineup includes two varieties: ‘Real Kimchi Ramyun Noodle Soup’, featuring a spicy soup base, and ‘Real Fiery Kimchi Stir-fried Ramyun’, a stir-fried noodle version made with gochujang. Both products are currently available at major retailers in Canada, including Costco and Loblaws.

Daesang stated that the sponsorship was part of its global brand initiatives aimed at expanding engagement with North American Gen Z consumers as interest in Korean culture continues to grow worldwide. By supporting an educational event where students studying Korean gather, the company aims to help participants naturally experience Korean food culture, foster a positive perception of Korea, and introduce the appeal of K-Food.

Seungin Jung, Head of Global Discovery Business Organization at Daesang, said, “As interest in the Korean language and K-culture continues to grow, it is meaningful to be part of an event that brings together students who are learning Korean. We will continue to promote the appeal of K-Food and introduce Korean food culture to the world through partnerships with various global cultural and educational programs.”

Meanwhile, Daesang also supported ramyun products for another campus event at the University of Toronto on the 6th, continuing to expand engagement with young consumers through activities at major Canadian universities. The company is also conducting outdoor advertising and digital marketing campaigns locally and plans to expand sampling and experiential marketing at major retailers and university communities to strengthen the presence of K-Food brands in Canada.

About Daesang Corporation 

Founded in 1956, Daesang Corporation is one of the world’s largest producers of fermented food products, with decades of expertise in food manufacturing. The company has grown into a leading global Korean food company through internationally recognized brands such as Jongga and O’food, offering a broad product portfolio that includes Kimchi, sauces, ready-to-eat meals, and more. Headquartered in South Korea, Daesang operates manufacturing subsidiaries in the United States, Poland, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. For more information, visit www.daesang.com/en.

About O’food

O’food is a global Korean food brand serving up creative experiences and fresh inspiration, making Korean cuisine easy to enjoy anytime, anywhere. With its Korean Twist, O’food is winning hearts and taste buds all around the world while reimagining Korean food for today’s consumers. With a diverse portfolio spanning sauces, seaweed, and ready-to-eat meals, O’food exports its products to more than 80 countries, expanding everyday access to K-food for consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.ofoodglobal.com/

Surge Announces Former Berkshire Hathaway Energy Executive Mr. Richard Weech Joins the Board as an Independent Director

West Vancouver, British Columbia – Newsfile Corp. – March 17, 2026 – Surge Battery Metals Inc. (TSXV: NILI) (OTCQX: NILIF) (FSE: DJ5) (the “Company” or “Surge“) is pleased to announce that former Berkshire Hathaway Energy executive, Mr. Richard Weech, has joined the Board of the Company as an Independent Director.

Mr. Weech is an executive professional with a thirty-five-year record of leading and contributing to high-achieving organizations delivering superior results in a variety of diverse leadership, financial, and operating roles in public and private businesses. He has extensive experience in leading and building businesses, developing people, raising capital, strategic planning, business development, joint venture structuring and risk management. Before his retirement in 2022, Mr. Weech spent 2014 through July 2022 responsible for leading the Berkshire Hathaway Energy subsidiaries, BHE Investments and BHE Renewables, through significant asset and financial growth that included developing and evaluating lithium extraction opportunities. Mr. Weech holds the CA, CPA, CFA professional designations and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction from the University of Alberta.

Mr. Weech commented: “I am excited to join the Surge Board of Directors and contribute to the successful development of a world class lithium critical mineral opportunity.”

In connection with the appointment of Mr. Weech to the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company has received the resignation of Mr. Ted O’Connor. The Company wishes to thank Mr. O’Connor for his contribution as a director and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

The company is also granting a total of 5,000,000 stock options, exercisable for a period of five years, at an exercise price of $0.60 cents a share to certain directors, officers, and consultants.

Qualified Person

Alan J. Morris, MSc, CPG of Spring Creek, Nevada, Geological Advisor to the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical aspects of this news release.

About Surge Battery Metals Inc.
Surge Battery Metals Inc., a Canadian-based mineral exploration company, is at the forefront of securing the supply of domestic lithium through its active engagement in the Nevada North Lithium Project. The project focuses on development of high-grade lithium energy metals in Nevada, USA, a crucial element for powering battery electric storage and electric vehicles. With a primary listing on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada and a listing on the OTCQX Market in the USA, Surge Battery Metals Inc. is strategically positioned as a key player in advancing lithium exploration.

About Evolution Mining Limited
Evolution Mining is a leading, globally relevant gold miner. Evolution operates six mines, comprising five wholly-owned mines – Cowal in New South Wales, Ernest Henry and Mt Rawdon in Queensland, Mungari in Western Australia, and Red Lake in Ontario, Canada, and an 80% share in Northparkes in New South Wales.

About Nevada North Lithium LLC
Nevada North Lithium LLC owns the Nevada North Lithium Project southeast of Jackpot, Nevada about 73 km north-northeast of Wells, Elko County. The first three rounds of drilling at the project identified a strongly mineralized zone of lithium bearing clays occupying a strike length of more than 4,300 meters and a known width of greater than 1,500 meters. Highly anomalous soil values and geophysical surveys suggest there is potential for the clay horizons to be much greater in extent. The Nevada North Lithium Project has a pit-constrained Inferred Resource containing an estimated 11.24 Mt of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) grading 3010 ppm Li at a 1,250-ppm cutoff. The recently completed PEA for the project reported an after-tax NPV8% US $9.17 Billion and after-tax IRR of 22.8% at $24,000/t LCE and an OPEX of US $5,243/t LCE.

On behalf of the Board of Directors
“Greg Reimer”

Greg Reimer,
Director, President & CEO

Contact Information
Email : info@surgebatterymetals.com
Phone : 604-662-8184
Website: surgebatterymetals.com

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Neither the 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.

This document may contain certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target, “plan” or “planned”, “possible”, “potential”, “forecast”, “intend”, “may”, “schedule” and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities including lithium and nickel, the accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals including approvals of title and mining rights or licenses and environmental, local community or indigenous community approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure or water, changes in laws, rules and regulations including in the United States, Nevada or California or any other jurisdiction which may impact upon the Company or its properties or the commercial exploitation of those properties, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for Cdn$ or other currencies, fluctuations in the market for lithium related products, changes in exploration costs and government royalties, export policies or taxes in the United States or any other jurisdiction and other factors or information. The Company’s current plans, expectations, and intentions with respect to development of its business and of its Nevada properties may be impacted by economic uncertainties arising out of any pandemic or by the impact of current financial and other market conditions (including US government subsidies or incentives) on its ability to secure further financing or funding of its Nevada properties. Such statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon several assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, environmental (including endangered species, habitat preservation and water related risks) and social risks, contingencies, and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

e-STORAGE to Deliver 2.5 GWh Battery Energy Storage System Supporting U.S. Data Center Power Demand

KITCHENER, ON, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Canadian Solar Inc. (the “Company” or “Canadian Solar”) (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced that e-STORAGE, its energy storage solutions business, has entered into supply agreement with a major U.S. utility for a 500MW/2,493 MWh DC battery energy storage system (BESS) project, supporting data center grid infrastructure and resiliency.

Under the agreement, e-STORAGE will supply approximately 500 SolBank 3.0 containers. The battery cells used in the system will be manufactured by Canadian Solar through its global manufacturing network. Shipments are expected to start in March 2027 and be completed by July 2027.

The project highlights Canadian Solar’s contribution to addressing the sharp increase in electricity demand driven by AI and hyperscale data center development. By strengthening regional grid capacity, it supports reliable power for these emerging loads. With vertical integration and utility‑scale experience, e‑STORAGE delivers on‑schedule and provides reliable long‑term operation to meet this growing demand.

Colin Parkin, President of Canadian Solar and President of e-STORAGE, said: “We are honored to support the grid as rapid data center growth drives new power needs. With our SolBank platform and proven delivery capabilities, we are well-positioned to provide dependable, on-time solutions that help utilities and developers keep pace with this new phase of power system growth.”

About Canadian Solar Inc.

Canadian Solar is one of the world’s largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, the Company is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules; provider of solar energy and battery energy storage solutions; and developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar power and battery energy storage projects. Over the past 24 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered nearly 170 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Through its subsidiary e-STORAGE, Canadian Solar has shipped over 16 GWh of battery energy storage solutions to global markets as of September 30, 2025, boasting a $3.1 billion contracted backlog as of October 31, 2025. Since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built, and connected approximately 12 GWp of solar power projects and 6 GWh of battery energy storage projects globally. Its geographically diversified project development pipeline includes 25 GWp of solar and 81 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in various stages of development. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.

About e-STORAGE

e-STORAGE is a subsidiary of Canadian Solar and a leading company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and integrating battery energy storage systems for utility-scale applications. e-STORAGE offers proprietary battery energy storage solutions, comprehensive EPC services, and innovative solutions aimed at improving grid operations. Currently, e-STORAGE operates fully automated, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with an annual battery energy storage system capacity of 15 GWh and battery cell capacity of 3 GWh, on a single-shift and double-shift annualized basis, respectively. For more info, please refer to the Media&PR section of www.csestorage.com and follow our LinkedIn page.

Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company’s expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins, and project sales are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “future”, “ongoing”, “continue”, “intend”, “plan”, “potential”, “prospect”, “guidance”, “believe”, “estimate”, “is/are likely to” or similar expressions, the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, our expectations regarding global electricity demand and the adoption of solar and battery energy storage technologies; our growth strategies, future business performance, and financial condition; our transition to a long-term owner and operator of clean energy assets and expansion of project pipelines; our ability to monetize project portfolios, manage supply chain fluctuations, and respond to economic factors such as inflation and interest rates; our outlook on government incentives, trade measures, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks; our expectations for project timelines, costs, and returns; competitive dynamics in solar and storage markets; our ability to execute supply chain, manufacturing, and operational initiatives; access to capital, debt obligations, and covenant compliance; relationships with key suppliers and customers; technological advancement and product quality; and risks related to intellectual property, litigation, and compliance with environmental and sustainability regulations. Other risks were described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 30, 2025. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today’s date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Canadian Solar Inc. Investor Relations Contact

Wina Huang
Investor Relations
Canadian Solar Inc.
investor@canadiansolar.com

e-STORAGE MEDIA CONTACT
media@csestorage.com 

FOSSiBOT Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for F116 Pro, Mini Rugged Smartphone by action cameras

SHENZHEN, China, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FOSSiBOT today announced the global crowdfunding launch of the FOSSiBOT F116 Pro on Kickstarter, a mini rugged smartphone inspired by action cameras. Designed to combine ultra-compact portability, rugged durability, and action camera–style usability, the F116 Pro features a palm-sized form factor, 5G connectivity, an integrated 1/4-inch mounting screw hole for broad accessory compatibility, and dedicated physical controls. A built-in shutter button and customizable physical keys allow users to instantly launch apps, open the camera, or trigger data transfer—without navigating on-screen menus—making the F116 Pro ideal for dynamic, on-the-move scenarios. The crowdfunding campaign officially launches today with a Super Early Bird price of $279. In addition, FOSSiBOT will offer a 48-hour Super Early Bird reward. Customers who place an order within the first 48 hours of the campaign will receive a free accessory.


FOSSiBOT F116 Pro: The World’s First Mini Rugged Phone Inspired by Action Cameras

FOSSiBOT F116 Pro: Mini Rugged Smartphone

Palm-Sized Ultra-Compact Design

The FOSSiBOT F116 Pro features an ultra-compact body smaller than a human palm, paired with a 4.0-inch display, making it one of the most portable rugged smartphones currently available. Its compact design enables effortless one-handed operation while remaining practical for everyday use.

Mini Form Factor with True Rugged Capability

Despite its size, the F116 Pro is among the smallest rugged smartphones on the market, offering durable construction suitable for outdoor activities and daily wear. Positioned as a consumer-grade rugged phone, it balances portability, durability, and usability.

Action-Camera-Style Imaging with Full-View Stabilization

Inspired by action cameras, the F116 Pro integrates a dual-camera system featuring:

  • Panoramic full-view capture
  • Electronic image stabilization
  • Ultra wide-angle shooting for dynamic scenes
  • 152.6° ultra-wide field of view.

These features make the F116 Pro suitable for outdoor sports, travel recording, and everyday action photography.

Dedicated Shutter Button & Customizable Physical Keys

The F116 Pro features a dedicated shutter button, a key differentiator designed for fast action capture. With a single press, users can instantly enter the action camera video recording interface; a second press immediately starts video recording—without navigating menus or unlocking the screen. This one-touch workflow is optimized for quick access to a stabilized, ultra-wide action recording mode, with image stabilization and wide-angle settings activated by default.

In addition, the F116 Pro includes customizable physical keys, a standard feature across FOSSiBOT rugged smartphones, allowing users to assign shortcuts for launching apps or triggering specific functions as needed.

High-Compatibility 1/4-Inch Mount for Versatile Accessories

The F116 Pro features a built-in 1/4-inch mounting screw hole, ensuring broad compatibility with a wide range of accessories commonly used in action cameras and professional imaging equipment. This universal mount allows the device to be easily attached to bicycle handlebars, shoulder straps, chest mounts, helmets, skateboards, neck mounts, and more. Compatible with standard camera mounts and accessories, the F116 Pro can seamlessly integrate into existing gear setups, enabling flexible use across cycling, outdoor sports, travel recording, and hands-free scenarios.

5G Connectivity with Flexible Memory Configurations

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (D7300) 5G chipset, the F116 Pro delivers fast, stable 5G connectivity for streaming, navigation, real-time sharing, and cloud-based applications. Paired with Android 16, the platform ensures smooth daily performance and efficient power management. The device is equipped with 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, providing sufficient responsiveness and storage capacity for action video recording, app usage, and daily content management.

Dual Breathing Lights for Smart Notifications

Front and rear breathing lights provide intuitive visual indicators for calls, messages, charging status, and system alerts, combining functional feedback with a distinctive design element.

FOSSiBOT has announced that the F116 Pro will officially launch on Kickstarter at 9:00 AM EDT on March 17. If you’re looking for a compact yet rugged smartphone with action camera–style versatility — and want to secure it at the best possible price — this is an opportunity not to miss.

For more information, please visit: https://fossibot.pro/F116PRNEWSoffland

Back this project directly on Kickstarter: https://fossibot.pro/F116PRNEWSkick 

About FOSSiBOT: Founded in August 2022, FOSSiBOT is dedicated to delivering innovative, durable, and high-performance smart devices and power solutions for users worldwide. The brand focuses on two core fields — outdoor rugged smartphones and portable power stations — continually pushing the boundaries of technology to meet the demands of extreme and professional environments. FOSSiBOT is owned by Shenzhen Qichang Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd, established in July 2022 in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. The founding team brings over ten years of R&D experience in both the energy storage and mobile device industries.