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Canada Invests in the Next Generation of Canadian-Made, Clean, Affordable Nuclear Energy

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CAMBRIDGE, ON, March 5, 2025 /CNW/ – Nuclear energy plays a pivotal role in the Canadian energy supply, contributing vital non-emitting electricity to the grid in Canada. That’s why the Government of Canada has been making strategic investments in nuclear energy at a time when there is a need for a resilient and secure energy supply and to ensure that Canada remains a global leader in the industry. Canada’s homegrown CANDU technology serves as the backbone of its nuclear fleet and has been exported globally to support our allies to achieve energy security, all while creating good jobs here at home.

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced that the Government of Canada has entered into a preliminary agreement with AtkinsRéalis to support the development and modernization of a new, large-scale, natural uranium–fuelled Canadian deuterium uranium (CANDU) nuclear reactor (e.g. MONARK). The intent is to lend AtkinsRéalis a maximum of $304 million over four years to finance half of the design project. This modernization work will also include Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), the operators and the broader Canadian supply chain. Specifically, AECL owns the CANDU intellectual property and is working with AtkinsRéalis to leverage it for success in today’s energy markets. 

CANDU reactors maintain an almost entirely Canadian-made, Canadian-designed supply chain through a consortium of Canadian companies, and they provide good-paying, long-lasting and sustainable jobs in manufacturing for Canadians. They are also fuelled by uranium mined in Saskatchewan without the need for enrichment. As countries look to secure safe sources of clean energy, demand for Canadian nuclear is growing. The Government of Canada is acting now to modernize Canadian-owned CANDU technology, which will provide a viable, cost-effective design in support of the expansion of nuclear energy capacity in Canada and internationally. 

In addition to investing in this foundational, domestic, large-scale nuclear technology, Canada is also leveraging opportunities for international collaboration on emerging technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs). Minister Wilkinson, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, also announced $55 million in funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Future Electricity Fund (FEF) to support Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington New Nuclear Project. The next phase of the Darlington project will focus on advancing three new GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMRs, which produce zero greenhouse-gas emissions during operation. As each GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR produces about 300 megawatts of electricity, the three SMRs together could supply enough electricity needed to power about 900,000 homes. The Minister also announced that the FEF has increased program funding from $24 million to $80 million to the Saskatchewan Government’s Crown Investments Corporation in support of SaskPower’s SMR pre-development work. It will support pre-engineering work and technical studies, environmental assessments, regulatory studies and community and Indigenous engagement to help advance this important project.

Minister Wilkinson also highlighted a total investment of $52.4 million for various projects supporting the development and deployment of SMRs and CANDU reactors and decarbonization efforts in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario. Saskatchewan and Ontario are already nuclear energy leaders, and this investment will help bolster their presence for the benefit of Canada while helping develop new capacity in Alberta. The funding includes $11.4 million from the Enabling SMRs Program for three projects and $41 million for four projects under NRCan’s Electricity Predevelopment Program.

These significant investments highlight how the Government of Canada is working closely with the private sector and Canadian utilities and systems operators to meet the demands of increased clean electrification. Building on its foundational investment in CANDU technology, as well as emerging SMR opportunities, the Government of Canada will continue working with partners as we look to develop a comprehensive approach to nuclear energy policy for the country and act as an energy supplier of choice for the world.

Quotes

“Nuclear is an integral part of Canada’s resilient and independent energy future, and CANDU technology is helping us get there — while creating good domestic jobs and supporting international Canadian energy exports. By advancing innovative projects like MONARK reactors, this government is reinforcing our commitment to domestically sourced and processed uranium, which is creating good-paying jobs in Ontario and throughout the country. And through investments in the Darlington New Nuclear project and SMRs in Alberta, we are providing a powerful example of how public and private sectors can work together to enhance energy security; advance cutting-edge, made-in-Canada nuclear technologies; and deliver a clean and reliable energy future.” 

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Canada’s power sector has made significant progress in driving down emissions while expanding carbon-free power generation from renewables and nuclear — including by phasing out coal-fired electricity generation and scaling energy storage. I congratulate our partners on the investments announced today, which represent a strong step forward for the economy, for jobs and for climate action. Together, with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, municipalities, utilities and workers, we are building a historic amount of clean, affordable and reliable electricity to power Canada into the future.” 

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“This investment is a massive step forward for Cambridge and Canada. BWXT’s work will be critical in easing the nation off fossil fuels as demand on our grid increases. The expansion of its facility and investment in advanced equipment ensure that BWXT will continue to be at the forefront of Canada’s nuclear program. BWXT is a vital partner to our government, and I look forward to our continued work together.” 

Bryan May
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Cambridge 

“We are honoured to have the full faith and confidence of the Government of Canada in continuing our development of proven home-grown CANDU technology. For over a decade, we have been the proud steward of CANDU technology, successfully meeting the world’s growing low-carbon energy needs. With our CANDU-based supply chain partners, we have serviced, life-extended and refurbished CANDU nuclear reactors on time and on budget and advanced the prospects for new CANDU reactors. The federal government’s decision today — to invest in the further development of CANDU technology, an evolution of the proven Darlington reactor model — will enable us to continue this important work already underway with our utility partners. Advancing CANDU technology creates economic value for the country and Canadians; ensures energy security at this critical time; improves health outcomes through the creation of more cancer-fighting isotopes; builds stronger and more resilient relationships with Indigenous Peoples, workers and communities; and — above all —maintains Canada’s status as a Tier-1 nuclear nation.” 

Ian Edwards 
President and Chief Executive Officer, AtkinsRéalis 

“Ontario has built a strong, homegrown nuclear energy supply chain that supports tens of thousands of good-paying jobs across the province. In the face of tariff threats from our closest trading partner, we are securing these jobs for generations with major refurbishment and expansion projects, helping to deliver the clean, reliable and affordable power that families and businesses need.” 

The Honourable Stephen Lecce
Minister of Energy and Electrification of Ontario 

“As first mover in the G7 on small modular reactors, OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project will create approximately 17,000 jobs in Ontario and 10,000 more across Canada during manufacturing and construction. The Darlington SMR project will further cement Ontario and Canada’s robust nuclear supply chain, creating additional growth opportunities domestically and internationally, as jurisdictions seek to increase energy security and reliability.”

Nicolle Butcher
President and CEO, Ontario Power Generation

Quick Facts

The intellectual property for CANDU technology continues to be owned by the Government of Canada for the benefit of all Canadians, with AtkinsRéalis as the exclusive licensee of the intellectual property portfolio. CANDU technology has operated in Canada since the Nuclear Power Demonstration reactor at Rolphton went online in 1962, providing decades of safe operations and clean power.  Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Future Electricity Fund mainly consists of proceeds collected from electricity-generating facilities covered by the federal Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS). These proceeds are being returned through funding agreements with provincial or territorial governments for which the federal carbon pollution pricing system for industry currently applies, or has applied in the past, to support clean electricity initiatives.

Related Information

Backgrounder: Canada Invests in the Next Generation of Canadian-Made, Clean, Affordable Nuclear EnergyCanada’s clean electricity future The Canadian Nuclear Energy TechnologyPowering Canada Forward: A vision for a clean, affordable, and reliable electricity system for every region of Canada

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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American Binary Sets New Standard in Post-Quantum Cryptographic VPNs with Symbolic Proof and Attestation

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July 22, 2026

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WASHINGTON, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — American Binary, a leader in deep-tech cybersecurity, today announced an independent attestation regarding the validity of all 120 security properties of MaxKyber, their network protocol at the heart of their Ambit Client enterprise VPN, now third-party verified to comply with all Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite 2.0 (CNSA 2.0) requirements. This landmark verification is the result of an exhaustive private peer-review of their symbolic proof (Tamarin + ProVerif) and engineering documentation conducted by industry luminaries Dr. Joe Kiniry, PhD and Dr. Tom Shrimpton, PhD, both with long careers in academia and industry, including time at Galois as Principal Scientists.

“No known VPN — post-quantum or classical, deployed or research — has been subjected to specification and formal verification of comparable depth.” – Dr. Joe Kiniry, PhD and Dr. Tom Shrimpton, PhD

In a landscape defined by emerging quantum threats and unproven solutions, this formal third-party verification differentiates MaxKyber from traditional or hybrid solutions by providing certainty in engineering and compliance with National Security requirements. MaxKyber provides the world with long-term full post-quantum security unlike shorter-term temporary solutions such as hybrids (which mix classical and post-quantum encryption). This breakthrough marks a transition from speculative security to a foundation of verified, provable resilience, establishing a new global benchmark for secure communications.

“While organizations today are increasingly recognizing the significance of PQC, American Binary has been preparing for a post-quantum world for seven years. The result is a resilient foundation for secure operations, today and in the post‑quantum future” – Oracle

Additionally, American Binary signed ACM Turing Award winner Whitfield Diffie, cryptographic pioneer and co-inventor of the Diffie-Hellman key exchange, as a key advisor. Whitfield joins the ranks of existing cryptographic advisors Bruce Schneier and Brian LaMacchia.

“Buy American Binary and you’ll be safe”

– Whitfield Diffie at Quantum.Tech World 2026

Key security pillars of the MaxKyber attestation include:

Protection against “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” (HNDL): By utilizing purely CNSA 2.0 algorithms, including ML-KEM-1024 without any classical key exchange variants, MaxKyber secures today’s data against decryption by quantum adversaries.Comprehensive Symbolic Verification: The attestation covers 120 security properties across 11 critical categories, including secrecy, authentication, forward secrecy, identity hiding, and resistance to Replay, Denial of Service, Resource Exhaustion, and Key Compromise Impersonation.Architectural Stability: Beyond its post-quantum cryptographic core, MaxKyber’s protocol architecture is rooted in well-established, operationally proven design patterns, retaining their performance and simplicity.

This foundational security architecture provides the necessary reliability to enable significant performance breakthroughs in the field and the following four key impacts.

Impact I: Unambiguous Security and Mitigation of “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later”

MaxKyber achieves the end-state of post-quantum cryptographic purity by utilizing a pure CNSA 2.0 post-quantum key exchange, without using any classical cryptography, hybrid cryptography, or legacy key exchange variants. Instead, American Binary’s more modern key exchange utilizes ML-KEM-1024 operations to replace the Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange. This approach ensures that modern enterprises are not tethered to the vulnerabilities of legacy components or negative market reactions to hybrid solutions being partially broken. If the classical encryption in hybrid solutions is verifiably broken, markets likely will not wait for forensics to determine whether the rest of the solution remains intact; reputation damage and capital flight will occur immediately.

MaxKyber exclusively employs CNSA 2.0 approved algorithms, specifically ML-KEM-1024 (FIPS 203), AES-256-GCM, and SHA-512/256. This construction provides the highest level of security available today without any loss of existing security properties.

Impact II: Optimal Performance from Mobile and Lossy Environments to High-Performance Scenarios

Historically, high-security protocols have suffered from significant system latency, creating a bottleneck for edge computing and mobile workforces. MaxKyber eliminates these traditional performance trade-offs, enabling high-performance security at the network’s most vulnerable points. One partner benchmarked Ambit Client, powered by MaxKyber, to have 70% faster download speeds than a comparable classically encrypted enterprise VPN.

The MaxKyber protocol optimizes efficiency through an “Authenticated Key Exchange” (AKE) which achieves mutual authentication in a single round trip, dramatically reducing the data burden on the network.

Quantifiably, the AKE saves approximately 4,600 bytes per handshake compared to the next best option. This ultra-low overhead ensures that robust post-quantum security functions reliably on mobile devices and in lossy environments where traditional, bulkier PQC handshakes consistently fail. Reliability in the field is a prerequisite for everything from remote work to warfighting environments, and MaxKyber’s AKE directly facilitates such operational readiness.

Additionally, MaxKyber is well suited for high-performance scenarios such as AI workloads, work with 3D models, and more thanks to Vector Packet Processing and Data Plane Development Kit further reducing overheads to the technical minimums and enabling line-rate speeds for server-to-server use cases.

Impact III: Compliance Savings

As the cost of compliance and diligence cycles for critical infrastructure continues to escalate, proofs can be a shortcut for approval. For CISO and Legal departments, formal verification provides a transparent, “glass-box” view of security that goes beyond traditional testing.

For integration partners, this symbolic proof significantly reduces diligence cycles. By providing an exhaustively checked security profile, American Binary allows partners to shorten the lengthy, costly investigative phases usually required for new cryptographic implementations. Verified compliance is transformed from a hurdle into a catalyst for product development.

Impact IV: R&D Acceleration

For engineering teams looking to integrate this technology and/or customize it, American Binary’s documentation serves as a powerful force multiplier. By providing pre-verified, exhaustive, and high-quality documentation, American Binary provides an extraordinary shortcut to rapid integration.

The scale of the documentation and formal models provided to partners is unprecedented in the VPN industry. This rigorous approach allows integration partners to save months, if not years, of R&D effort.

MaxKyber provides more than just a secure tunnel; it delivers a fully documented, mathematically proven blueprint that accelerates the transition to a quantum-safe future. With MaxKyber, American Binary has rewritten the industry standard for post-quantum network security.

About American Binary

American Binary is a leader in deep-tech cybersecurity, specializing in the development of CNSA 2.0 post-quantum cryptographic solutions. Through advanced rigor and high-performance engineering, American Binary provides the provable foundations for secure, resilient communication in the quantum era.

Learn more at www.ambit.inc

CONTACT: sales@ambit.inc 

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SOURCE American Binary

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MetaOptics to Deploy its Direct Laser Writer at the University of Arizona’s Center of Semiconductor Manufacturing to Advance its U.S. Expansion

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July 22, 2026

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SINGAPORE, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MetaOptics Ltd (Catalist: 9MT) (“MetaOptics” or the “Company,” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), announced that it has entered into an agreement to deploy its key metalens Direct Laser Writer (“DLW”) system at the University of Arizona’s Center of Semiconductor Manufacturing (the “University”). The agreement marks a critical step in advancing its U.S. expansion strategy and its collaborative research with world-class semiconductor stakeholders in Arizona. Installation of the DLW is expected to commence in 2027.

The DLW is designed for a 4-inch wafer to enable quick prototyping and fabrication of metalens samples within weeks. It also supports small-volume production for pilot builds and customer demand evaluation, enabling partners to iterate faster and move from concept to product more efficiently. The deployment of the Company’s DLW will allow prospective customers in the U.S. to physically witness the system in action for their metalens prototyping needs. It will also support collaborative research and evaluation by the University’s researchers under the guidance of Dr. Krishna Muralidharan of the University of Arizona’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering. MetaOptics expects the deployment to generate user feedback and user demonstration opportunities, providing further technical validation of its metalens equipment and products, and serve as a launchpad to scale commercial production and collaboration in the U.S. market.

The deployment of its DLW serves as a key milestone for MetaOptics’ U.S. expansion strategy, prospective U.S. customer engagement, and commercialization roadmap. It also positions the Group to support emerging U.S. initiatives in silicon photonics, co-packaged optics, and integrated photonics, where its metalens technology is directly applicable. The DLW will anchor a “mini foundry” at the University for small-volume, quick turnaround prototyping. Beyond research, the installation serves a commercial purpose: a U.S. demonstration site where potential distributors, universities, and research institutions can physically witness the DLW in operation. It will also produce metalens samples for prospective customers’ evaluation. With Arizona’s fast-growing semiconductor ecosystem home to world-class manufacturers and suppliers, the Company aims to leverage its presence at the University and the wider ecosystem to deepen engagement with prospective industry partners and end customers.

MetaOptics Executive Chairman Thng Chong Kim commented: “By placing our Direct Laser Writer within a world-class semiconductor research environment in Arizona, we will be able to strengthen technical validation and gather valuable user feedback. It also supports our ongoing engagements with potential industry partners and end-customers while showcasing our metalens manufacturing equipment to prospective distributors and institutions across the United States. We believe this deployment reinforces our broader U.S. expansion efforts and deepens our engagement in Arizona’s world-class semiconductor ecosystem.”

About MetaOptics Ltd

MetaOptics Ltd (Catalist: 9MT) is a semiconductor optics company pioneering glass-based metalens solutions enhanced by AI-driven image processing. Using advanced optical design and a scalable 12-inch DUV lithography process, it powers next-generation applications in CPO, mobile, AR VR, automotive, and other emerging markets. Find out more at www.metaoptics.sg.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements which can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s growth strategies, its future business development, results of operations and financial condition, its research and development efforts, its ability to attract and retain customers, and its ability to establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and business partners; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Singapore (HQ)
Metaoptics Technologies Pte Ltd. 81 Ayer Rajah Crescent, #01-45 Singapore 139967

United States
Metaoptics Inc. (USA) 1 Ferry Building, Suite 201 San Francisco, CA 9411

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SOURCE METAOPTICS LTD

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11:11 Systems Announces Strategic Partnership with Cato Networks to Deliver SASE Solution for Distributed Enterprises

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July 21, 2026

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New Managed Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution combines SD-WAN, cloud-native networking and security capabilities with 11:11’s connectivity, cyber resilience and cloud expertise

SYDNEY, July 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 11:11 Systems, a leading managed infrastructure solutions provider, today announced the global availability of its 11:11 Managed Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution and a new strategic partnership with Cato Networks.

11:11 Managed SASE is a fully managed secure connectivity solution leveraging Cato Networks AI-native network security platform. This solution brings together intelligent SD-WAN, cloud-delivered security and global connectivity into a single offering. It enables organisations to simplify and secure access across branch offices, data centres, users and cloud environments, reducing complexity without sacrificing performance or control.

Built on the Cato Networks cloud-native SASE platform, 11:11 Managed SASE combines zero trust network access (ZTNA), firewall as a service (FWaaS), secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), advanced threat protection and centralised visibility into a unified managed experience. 11:11 also delivers 24x7x365 monitoring and support, incident management integration and operational accountability to help customers limit vendor sprawl, increase agility and free internal teams to focus on higher-value priorities.

The offering is backed by 11:11’s broader networking, cloud and cyber resilience capabilities. Through its global backbone, carrier-agnostic connectivity options and integrated portfolio spanning cloud, backup, disaster recovery and security services, 11:11 gives customers a practical path to modernise network and security architecture while strengthening resilience across the business.

“Enterprises are under pressure to support users, applications and locations that are more distributed than ever, while limiting complexity and improving security,” said Justin Giardina, CTO, 11:11 Systems. “Our Managed SASE solution provides customers with a unified approach to modernising networking and security, along with the visibility, support and flexibility they need to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.”

According to Karl Soderlund, global channel chief, Cato Networks, “As enterprises move beyond fragmented legacy networking and security stacks, they need a simpler way to gain visibility, context and control across hybrid work environments and reduce the operational burden on IT. Through our partnership, we can address these challenges head on and deliver end-to-end visibility and protection in a single service built for the reality of modern work.”

The joint offering is well suited for distributed enterprises, multi-site organisations, hybrid workforce initiatives, SD-WAN refreshes, security modernisation efforts and businesses with limited IT resources. 11:11 meets customers where they are by supporting existing environments, simplifying multi-vendor operations and serving as a single provider accountable for network, security, cloud and data integration.

This partnership expands 11:11’s Network as a Service portfolio and follows Forrester’s inclusion of 11:11 Systems in its report, “The Secure Access Service Edge Services Landscape, Q1 2026.”

About 11:11 Systems

11:11 Systems is a managed infrastructure solutions provider that empowers customers to modernise, protect and manage mission-critical applications and data, leveraging 11:11’s resilient cloud platform. Learn more at www.1111Systems.com and follow 11:11 on LinkedIn.

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SOURCE 11:11 Systems

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