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Smartkem Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

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MANCHESTER, England, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Smartkem (Nasdaq: SMTK), which is seeking to change the world of electronics with a new class of transistor technology, today provides a business update and reports its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Smartkem Chairman and CEO, Ian Jenks, commented: “Progress toward commercialization continued in the first quarter of 2025. As previously announced, we commenced our project with AUO to develop the world’s first rollable, transparent MicroLED display, made the first sales of our TRUFLEX® advanced semiconductor materials to Chip Foundation, and signed a memorandum of understanding with RiTdisplay Corporation for the integration of Smartkem’s OTFT process on RiTdisplay’s Gen2.5 line. In addition, the Company appointed Jonathan Watkins as our new COO.

“Building on our momentum in the first quarter, in April, we introduced the first application of our “MiP4” platform at Touch Taiwan 2025. This MicroLED Smart Backlight showcases how our unique semiconductor materials and chip-first architecture can unlock higher brightness and better contrast for LCDs, particularly in automotive displays.

“Tomorrow, during Display Week 2025 and as part of the associated SID Business Conference, I’ll be giving a presentation titled “Changing the World of Electronics: Unveiling a Breakthrough in Transistor Technology for the Future of MicroLED Displays” that will present the latest advancements in our technology.

“I look forward to keeping you informed of our progress this year as we strengthen our position as a global leader in organic transistor technology and close in on our goal of commercializing our technology,” Jenks concluded.

First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights:

Cash and cash equivalents were $3.9 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $7.1 million as of December 31, 2024.Revenues were $23 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to nil for the same period of 2024, primarily as a result of sales of OTFT backplanes and TRUFLEX® materials for customer assessment and development purposes.Operating expenses were $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $2.7 million for the same period of 2024.Loss from operations was $3.1 million for the three months ending March 31, 2025, compared to $2.4 million for the same period of 2024.

About Smartkem

Smartkem is seeking to change the world of electronics with a new class of transistors developed using its proprietary advanced semiconductor materials. Our TRUFLEX® materials can be used in a range of applications including next generation MicroLED, LCD and AMOLED displays, as well as advanced computer and AI chip packaging, and a new type of sensor.

Smartkem’s MiP4 is designed to replace existing MiniLED packages in LCD backlights and signage applications.  The MiP4 will offer higher brightness at lower power, lower production costs, and compatibility with existing MiniLED die bonding equipment.  MiP4s are expected to ship -on-blue tape format for seamless industry adoption.

For MicroLED display applications, Smartkem’s low temperature process allows its liquid transistors to be poured directly onto MicroLEDs, eliminating the need to use current high-cost, low-yield manufacturing processes. This innovation is expected to reduce defects and enhance yield, and to integrate seamlessly into existing manufacturing infrastructure, with the potential to make MicroLED displays more commercially viable across a number of sectors including smartphones, wearables, automotives and digital signage.

Smartkem designs and develops its materials at its research and development facility in Manchester, UK and provides prototyping services at the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) in Sedgefield, UK. It operates a field application office in Hsinchu, Taiwan, close to collaboration partner, The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). Smartkem is developing a commercial-scale production process and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools to demonstrate the commercial viability of manufacturing a new generation of displays using its materials.

The company has an extensive IP portfolio including 138 granted patents across 17 patent families, 16 pending patents and 40 codified trade secrets. For more information, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, its market position and market opportunity, expectations and plans as to its product development, manufacturing and sales, and relations with its partners and investors. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on Smartkem, Inc.’s current expectations, estimates, and projections regarding its business, operations and other similar or related factors. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” and other similar or elated expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult or impossible to predict and, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.

Industry Representatives and Media

Selena Kirkwood
Head of Communications for Smartkem
T: +44 (0) 7971 460 364
s.kirkwood@smartkem.com

Analysts and Investors

David Barnard, CFA
Alliance Advisors Investor Relations
T: 1 415 433 3777
dbarnard@allianceadvisors.com

 

SMARTKEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except number of shares and per share data)

March 31, 

December 31, 

2025

2024

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

3,881

$

7,141

Research and development tax credit receivable

664

519

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,091

849

Total current assets

5,636

8,509

Property, plant and equipment, net

220

269

Right-of-use assets, net

54

120

Other assets, non-current

—

6

Total assets

$

5,910

$

8,904

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$

1,439

$

1,791

Lease liabilities, current

24

47

Other current liabilities

639

450

Total current liabilities

2,102

2,288

Lease liabilities, non-current

21

25

Total liabilities

2,123

2,313

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

—

—

Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized,
856 shares issued and outstanding, at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024,
respectively

—

—

Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 300,000,000 shares authorized,
3,620,217 and 3,590,217 shares issued and outstanding, at March 31, 2025
and December 31,2024, respectively

—

—

Additional paid-in capital

122,651

122,316

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(2,110)

(1,105)

Accumulated deficit

(116,754)

(114,620)

Total stockholders’ equity

3,787

6,591

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

5,910

$

8,904

 

 

SMARTKEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except number of shares and per share data)

Three Months Ended March 31, 

2025

2024

Revenue

$

23

$

—

Cost of revenue

1

—

Gross profit

22

—

Other operating income

251

202

Operating expenses

Research and development

1,497

1,276

General and administrative

2,009

1,362

(Gain)/loss on foreign currency transactions

(95)

13

Total operating expenses

3,411

2,651

Loss from operations

(3,138)

(2,449)

Non-operating income/(expense)

Gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions

969

(6)

Change in fair value of the warrant liability

—

753

Interest income/(expense)

10

6

Total non-operating income/(expense)

979

753

Loss before income taxes

(2,159)

(1,696)

Income tax refund

25

—

Net loss

$

(2,134)

$

(1,696)

Preferred stock deemed dividends

—

(7,094)

Net loss attributed to common stockholders

$

(2,134)

$

(8,790)

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted

6,649,603

2,735,375

Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributed to common stockholders

$

(0.32)

$

(3.21)

Net loss

$

(2,134)

$

(1,696)

Other comprehensive loss:

Foreign currency translation

(1,005)

(18)

Total comprehensive loss

$

(3,139)

$

(1,714)

 

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Cash or Card? New Upgraded Points Survey Reveals How Travelers Pay Abroad

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AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new Upgraded Points survey of 1,500 recent international travelers, including 1,000 Americans, finds that travelers use a mix of cash and cards abroad, but exchange rates, fees, and declined transactions can complicate purchases.

“Spending money should be the easy part of a trip abroad,” said Ryan Smith, Director of News at Upgraded Points. “But exchange rates, fees, and payment options can complicate even the simplest purchase. We wanted to learn how travelers prepare, where their plans run into trouble, and what they do when convenience and the best exchange rate move in different directions.”

Study Methodology

Upgraded Points surveyed 1,500 adults who had traveled internationally within the past 12 months, including 1,000 U.S. adults and 500 adults from other countries. Respondents answered questions about payment methods, cash habits, credit card use, airport currency exchanges, and their confidence navigating exchange rates. The results were compared to show how Americans’ payment habits differ from those of other international travelers.

Payment Planning Often Starts Months Before a Trip

Nearly one-third (32%) begin planning how they’ll pay abroad three to six months before departure. U.S. travelers are more likely than non-U.S. travelers to start earlier, with 20% beginning more than six months ahead, compared with 12% of non-U.S. travelers.

Travelers’ Confidence in Exchange Rates Varies

Just 35% of respondents said they feel very confident understanding exchange rates abroad. Confidence also varied by age and gender:

44% of men feel very confident, compared with 26% of women.28% of Gen Z travelers feel very confident, compared with 40% of Gen X travelers and 37% of Baby Boomers.

Cash and Cards Remain Popular Abroad

Cash in the local currency and physical credit cards were nearly tied as the payment methods travelers most often use abroad. Mobile wallets were more popular among younger travelers:

71% use cash in the local currency.69% use a physical credit card.44% use a mobile wallet, including 56% of Gen Z travelers and 22% of travelers age 61 and older.35% use a physical debit card.

Most Travelers Carry Local Currency

More than 8 in 10 travelers (81%) carry cash in the destination’s currency, often for situations where cards may not be accepted:

64% use it at street vendors, markets, or small businesses.55% use it for tips and other customary cash payments.53% carry it for emergencies.

Travelers generally avoid carrying a large amount at once. About 44% exchange enough cash for several days, while 26% exchange enough for the full trip.

Familiar Card Brands Lead Among U.S. Travelers

Among U.S. respondents, Visa was the most commonly used card network, while Chase and Capital One were the most commonly used issuers:

Visa: 24%Chase: 21%Capital One: 19%American Express: 15%

Fees and Declined Cards Can Complicate Purchases

Among all respondents, travelers most often said their bank or card company contacted them about a purchase made abroad. Other issues increased the cost of a purchase or prevented it from going through:

38% were contacted by their bank or card company about a purchase.34% paid more than expected because of the exchange rate.29% were charged an unexpected foreign transaction fee.26% had a card declined.

Find the full study here.

About Upgraded Points LLC

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that helps to demystify the complex world of travel and credit cards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to help travelers maximize their travel, points, and experiences. Learn more at www.UpgradedPoints.com.

Media Contact:
Alex Miller, Founder
1-214-646-8866
425187@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Upgraded Points

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ESI supplying solar array components to missile defense programs

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SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ESI Motion Inc. is proud to announce that it is supplying the Solar Array Drive Electronics (SADE) to Lockheed Martin for its work on the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) programs.

Under the agreement, ESI Motion’s SADE technology will support SDA as the PWSA is developed.

Defending our nation in space is more important than ever. The Space Development Agency’s PWSA programs provide the military with a network of satellites with secure communication, missile tracking and space-based support to make sure our troops have the latest and greatest technology.

The SADE consists of our Space-rated, flight heritage, SuperNova and Pulsar motor controllers. These motion controllers ensure all mission parameters are fulfilled, with high-reliable technology. 

ESI Motion Inc., U.S. Company, is a trusted supplier and partner, supporting mission operations for space, military and industrial customers around the world for over 20 years. Please visit our website; www.esimotion.com

Mitchell Haerterich, mhaerterich@esimotion.com

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SOURCE ESI Motion

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Envoy AI Launches “Boss of Machines” Program to Develop the Next Generation of Freight Leaders

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New AI Operations Lab will provide college students with hands-on experience in freight technology, operational transformation, and a $2,500 scholarship.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Envoy AI, the AI Native platform behind logistics autonomous agent system and execution layer Ellie, today announced the launch of Boss of Machines: AI Operations Lab, a new internship and scholarship program designed to prepare the next generation of logistics professionals for an industry increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital labor.

The people starting their careers in freight now are going to spend a lot of their day managing agents. Somebody has to be the boss of those machines. We named the program after that job because it’s the one brokerages are going to be hiring for.

The program was introduced by Envoy AI CEO Robby Nathan during his fireside chat at FreightWaves’ F3: Future of Freight Festival on October 27.

“Freight has always been a people business, and that isn’t changing,” said Robby Nathan, Envoy AI CEO. “What is changing is how the work gets done. We want students to understand that shift firsthand. There’s a big difference between learning about AI in a classroom and seeing what it takes to put it to work in a real operation. Our goal is to give them that experience and help prepare them to become the leaders this industry will need.”

Launching in spring 2027, the three-month program will select two college juniors or seniors for an immersive experience working directly with Envoy AI’s product, engineering, and operations teams. Participants will gain firsthand exposure to how AI technology is developed, implemented, and used to solve real operational challenges across the freight industry.

Preparing Students for a Changing Industry

As freight companies adopt AI to automate routine work, improve productivity, and scale operations, the skills future logistics leaders need are evolving.

The Boss of Machines program bridges the gap between classroom education and the practical experience needed to lead technology-enabled operations.

Students will participate in four areas of learning:

Building AI for Operations: Understanding how AI agents are developed and applied to freight workflows.Deploying Digital Labor: Learning how new technology is integrated into existing systems, implemented with customers, and adopted by operational teams.Measuring Operational Performance: Exploring the role of analytics, productivity, and return on investment in evaluating technology initiatives.Leading Modern Freight Operations: Developing an understanding of how people and AI agents work together to manage and execute freight operations.

Investing in the Next Generation

The initiative reflects Envoy AI’s commitment to developing talent and giving students meaningful exposure to the technology and operational practices shaping the future of transportation.

“About 75% of the freight in our live accounts is already booked through Ellie, and that changes the job a new hire walks into,” said Nathan. “The people starting their careers in freight now are going to spend a lot of their day managing agents. That takes someone who can tell when a rate doesn’t make sense for the lane, and who’ll catch a carrier about to fall off before the shipper ever hears about it. Somebody has to be the boss of those machines. We named the program after that job because it’s the one brokerages are going to be hiring for.”

Throughout the program, students will work alongside experienced industry professionals, gaining exposure to product development, customer implementations, operational workflows, and the business decisions involved in deploying AI at scale.

Upon successful completion of the three-month program, each participant will receive a $2,500 scholarship to support their fall 2027 studies.

Applications and Program Timeline

The inaugural Boss of Machines: AI Operations Lab will welcome two students for the spring 2027 semester.

The program is open to college juniors and seniors interested in logistics, supply chain management, technology, engineering, business operations, and related fields.

Applicants will be asked to share their interests, relevant experience, and perspectives on how technology can improve freight operations.

Envoy AI will announce selected participants in January 2027, ahead of the spring program kickoff.

Additional program details and application information will be available through Envoy AI’s website.

About Envoy AI

Envoy AI develops AI-powered digital labor solutions for freight and logistics operations. Through its AI workforce, Ellie, the company helps logistics teams automate operational workflows, improve productivity, and execute freight processes across existing transportation systems. Envoy AI helps transportation organizations scale operations through practical AI applications.

Media Contact

Michelle McBride, Envoy AI, 1 972-821-2012, michelle@tryenvoy.ai, tryenvoy.ai

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SOURCE Envoy AI

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