J-Star Signs MOU with PSSB to Provide Resins for Batteries
Rhea-AI Summary
J-Star (Nasdaq: YMAT) signed a memorandum of understanding on January 14, 2026 to collaborate with Patriot Technology Responsibilities (PSSB) to develop high-ion conductivity resins for next-generation solid-state batteries.
The companies intend to target lightweight battery packages for drones and, later, electric bikes and other applications. J-Star positions its resin systems and carbon reinforcement expertise as the technical contribution, while PSSB brings a patented solid-state battery platform and minority ownership from ITRI.
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News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, YMAT declined 5.44%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. This price movement removed approximately $537K from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $9M at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
YMAT’s -3.3% move contrasts with mixed peers: several are down (e.g., BSLK -10.84%, CNEY -6%, SNES -4.5%) while BON is up 1.11%, pointing to stock-specific factors over a clear sector-wide trend.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-06 | Strategic shift | Positive | +6.4% | Announced exit from China and accelerated U.S. expansion with automation focus. |
| 2025-12-23 | Product launch | Positive | +0.6% | Introduced LITZMO ER-01 carbon fiber fat-tire e-assist bicycle for urban riders. |
| 2025-12-18 | Interim earnings | Positive | +6.2% | Reported 1H 2025 revenue growth to <b>$10.6M</b> and highlighted new brands and IPO. |
| 2025-12-16 | Listing compliance | Negative | -9.6% | Disclosed Nasdaq notice for failing to meet the <b>$1</b> minimum bid price rule. |
| 2025-12-09 | Governance change | Negative | +9.1% | Approved dual-class share structure with Class B shares carrying <b>10</b> votes each. |
Over recent months, YMAT often rose on strategic and growth news, sold off on compliance risk, and once rallied despite governance changes, indicating generally aligned reactions with occasional divergence.
Since early December 2025, YMAT has reported interim results showing 30.7% revenue growth to $10.6 million, received a Nasdaq minimum bid price deficiency notice, and implemented a dual-class share structure with increased authorized capital. It also launched new e-assist bicycle products and outlined a plan to exit China while expanding in the U.S. Today’s MOU on resins for advanced battery applications aligns with the ongoing push into electric mobility and innovation-led growth highlighted in prior updates.
Market Pulse Summary
The stock moved -5.4% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite partnership news fits a pattern where investors focus on listing risk and past governance changes. The stock traded well below the $1 minimum bid price level cited in the Nasdaq notice and under its 200-day MA before this update, reflecting ongoing skepticism. Previous filings also showed modest profit after tax, so concerns about dilution-free growth and execution on new technological initiatives could maintain pressure.
Key Terms
memorandum of understanding financial
mou financial
solid-state battery technical
high-ion conductivity resins technical
ion-conductive resins technical
electric mobility technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
TAICHUNG CITY, Taiwan, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- J-Star Holding Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: YMAT) (“J-Star” or the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative carbon fiber and composite solutions serving diverse applications including personal sports equipment, healthcare products, automobile parts, resin systems, and research and development services, today announced that the Company has signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, with Patriot Technology Responsibilities (PSSB), a provider of industrial solutions including a proprietary and patented, next-generation solid-state battery.
J-Star intends to work with PSSB to utilize high-ion conductivity resins to develop advanced, lightweight battery technology. These batteries are expected to be used for drones and, in the future, electric bikes, in various global markets. J-Star’s expertise in resin systems and carbon reinforcement makes the Company an ideal partner to develop ion-conductive resins to support advancements in the electric mobility (e-bike) and automotive businesses.
“This anticipated partnership is intended to enable us to cooperate with leading battery brands, creating lightweight battery packages to create solutions for the bike industry as well as other applications where weight efficiency is at a premium,” said Sam Van, Chief Executive Officer of J-Star. “PSSB is an innovative industry leader, with a large minority ownership from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), a representative of research and development institution established with the support from Taiwan government. We are optimistic that this relationship will expand not only our addressable market, moving beyond sports and recreation applications, but also our relationships with industry leaders in Taiwan.”
About J-Star Holding Co., Ltd.
J-Star (NASDAQ: YMAT) is a holding company with operations conducted through subsidiaries in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Samoa with its headquarters in Taiwan. J-Star’s predecessor group was established in 1970, and has accumulated over 50 years of know-how in the material composites industry. J-Star develops and commercializes the technology on carbon reinforcement and resin systems. With decades of experience and knowledge in composites and materials, J-Star is able to apply its expertise and technology to design and manufacture a great variety of lightweight, high-performance carbon composite products, ranging from key structural parts of electric bicycles and sports bicycles, rackets, automobile parts to healthcare products. Visit j-starholding.com and ymacorp.com to learn more.
Forward Looking-Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the final prospectus filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and J-Star specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Contact:
Matt Chesler, CFA
FNK IR
646-809-2183
investor@j-starholding.com
FAQ
What did J-Star (YMAT) announce on January 14, 2026 about batteries?
How will the J-Star (YMAT) and PSSB MOU affect J-Star's product focus?
Does the J-Star (YMAT) announcement state any binding contracts or revenue guidance?
What applications are targeted by the J-Star (YMAT) and PSSB collaboration?
Who is PSSB and what role does ITRI play in the J-Star (YMAT) announcement?
Will J-Star (YMAT) immediately start manufacturing batteries after the MOU?
