Zentek's ZenGUARD(TM) Enhanced Air Filters Now Available for Direct Procurement by All Federal Departments and Agencies

Rhea-AI Summary

Zentek (NASDAQ:ZTEK) announced that its ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters have been added to Innovative Solutions Canada's Pathway to Commercialization source list.

This makes Zentek an exclusive PTC supplier of this type of innovation to the Government of Canada for three years, enabling direct procurement by all federal departments and agencies, following National Research Council validation of performance and energy impact.

Positive

• Exclusive PTC supplier to Government of Canada for this filter innovation for 3 years
• Direct federal procurement access by all Canadian departments and agencies
• NRC testing showed ~5x viral filtration efficiency versus standard MERV 8 in one air exchange
• No measurable impact on airflow or energy consumption in NRC validation tests
• Technology documented in three peer-reviewed ASHRAE publications and meets ASHRAE 52.2 and 241
• Product also available to provincial, municipal, healthcare, education, commercial and international buyers

Negative

• Inclusion on PTC source list carries no guaranteed minimum orders or contracts
• Exclusive PTC supplier status is time-limited to a three-year period

News Market Reaction – ZTEK

+16.53% 2.6x vol

18 alerts

+16.53% Session close to close

+20.9% Peak Tracked

-20.9% Trough Tracked

$118.57M Market Cap

2.6x Rel. Volume

In the May 13 session, ZTEK gained 16.53%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +20.9% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -20.9% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 18 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. Trading volume was elevated at 2.6x the daily average, suggesting notable buying interest.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

The stock surged +16.5% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with Z...

Analysis

The stock surged +16.5% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with Zentek’s pattern of favorable responses to ZenGUARD™ milestones, such as the 34.06% move on May 6, 2026. Inclusion on the federal Pathway to Commercialization list, with a three-year ordering window, further validates prior regulatory progress. However, pre-announcement volume of 96,441 versus a 144,457 average suggests investors should watch liquidity and follow-on order visibility rather than assuming early gains will automatically persist.

Key Figures

Exclusive supply period: three-year period Filtration improvement: approximately fivefold Filter rating baseline: MERV 8 +5 more

8 metrics

Exclusive supply period three-year period PTC framework where federal departments can buy ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters

Filtration improvement approximately fivefold Increase in viral filtration efficiency vs standard MERV 8 filter in NRC testing

Filter rating baseline MERV 8 Standard filter rating used as baseline in NRC classroom environment tests

Operational outcomes four Safer air, lower HVAC energy, longer service intervals, less landfill waste

Patent jurisdictions over 40 Additional jurisdictions where ZenGUARD™ patent applications have been filed

Scope 1 and 2 reduction 2025 40 percent Government of Canada target for absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission cuts by 2025

Long-term emissions target at least 90 percent Planned reduction of emissions below 2005 levels by 2050

Waste diversion target at least 75 percent Operational waste diversion from landfills target by 2030 for federal operations

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 06 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
May 06	Regulatory clearance	Positive	+34.1%	Health Canada classification enabling ZenGUARD™ Canadian commercial orders and procurement.
Apr 28	Project baseline work	Positive	+3.0%	Launch of 2026 environmental and social baseline program at Albany Graphite Project.
Apr 21	Engineering agreement	Positive	+3.8%	AETC deal to provide certified high‑purity graphite samples and process engineering for PEA.
Apr 16	Market study mandate	Positive	+4.4%	AppEco engagement for independent market research and economic analysis on Albany Graphite.
Apr 14	Subsidiary program update	Positive	-5.7%	Triera Biosciences milestone on Innovative Solutions Canada contract and OCI C2C project.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent company news has often seen positive price alignment, especially around ZenGUARD™ and Albany Graphite milestones, with only one notable divergence on a Triera update.

Recent Company History

Over recent months, Zentek reported multiple developments across ZenGUARD™, Albany Graphite, and Triera. On May 6, 2026, a Health Canada classification enabling ZenGUARD™ commercial orders in Canada coincided with a 34.06% gain. Albany Graphite workstreams and baseline programs through April 2026 saw modest positive reactions between 2.98% and 4.44%. A Triera Biosciences program update on March 25, 2026 drew a -5.74% move, showing occasional divergence. Today’s federal procurement access for ZenGUARD™ extends the commercialization arc highlighted in the May 6 news.

Key Terms

hvac, merv 8, ashrae, ashrae standard 52.2, +2 more

6 terms

hvac technical

"without consuming more energy or replacing existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") infrastructure"

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning — the systems that control temperature, airflow and indoor air quality in buildings. Investors care because HVAC drives operating costs, energy use, tenant comfort and regulatory compliance; like the engine and insulation of a building, efficient modern systems can lower bills, reduce repair and replacement spending, and preserve property value, while outdated units can create unexpected expenses and vacancy risk.

merv 8 technical

"increased viral filtration efficiency of a standard MERV 8 filter by approximately fivefold"

MERV 8 is a standardized rating that describes how well an air filter captures airborne particles like dust, pollen, mold spores and some smoke; higher numbers mean finer filtration. For investors, the rating matters because filter choice affects a building’s operating costs, energy use, tenant health and compliance—think of it like tire tread: the right level improves safety and performance without unnecessarily increasing fuel use or maintenance.

ashrae technical

"three peer-reviewed ASHRAE publications and meets ASHRAE Standard 52.2 and ASHRAE Standard 241"

ASHRAE is the professional organization that creates widely used technical standards and guidance for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R), including indoor air quality and energy efficiency. For investors, ASHRAE rules influence building operating costs, retrofit and equipment spending, regulatory compliance and liability risk—like a common recipe that lenders, regulators and buyers use to judge whether a property or product meets accepted safety, health and efficiency expectations.

ashrae standard 52.2 technical

"publications and meets ASHRAE Standard 52.2 and ASHRAE Standard 241 testing requirements"

ASHRAE Standard 52.2 is a laboratory test method that measures how well air filters remove particles of different sizes from HVAC systems, and it is the basis for assigning MERV efficiency ratings. For investors, it matters because compliance and higher MERV ratings affect product demand, building operating costs, regulatory approvals, and liability exposure—similar to a safety score for filters that can drive sales or require upgrades in commercial and industrial properties.

ashrae standard 241 technical

"meets ASHRAE Standard 52.2 and ASHRAE Standard 241 testing requirements"

A standard published by a professional engineering organization that sets measurable criteria for reducing airborne infectious particles inside buildings, covering ventilation, filtration, air cleaning and related performance checks. Investors care because it guides building operators and landlords on safety upgrades that affect operating costs, lease attractiveness, regulatory compliance and property value—much like a vehicle safety rating influences resale value and insurance costs.

scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions regulatory

"Lower HVAC energy consumption can support reduced Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions"

Emissions tied to the energy a company buys — mainly the carbon released to produce the electricity, steam, heat or cooling it consumes from outside suppliers. Think of it like the pollution connected to the electricity bill for a rented apartment: the company didn’t burn the fuel itself but is still responsible for emissions from the power it uses. Investors care because these emissions affect regulatory exposure, operating costs, reputation and whether a company can meet climate targets, all of which can influence long‑term value.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Culmination of multi-year Innovative Solutions Canada and National Research Council collaboration establishes Zentek as an exclusive supplier of this type of innovation to the Government of Canada

Guelph, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2026) - Zentek Ltd. (TSXV: ZEN) (NASDAQ: ZTEK) ("Zentek" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Innovative Solutions Canada ("ISC") has added ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters to its Pathway to Commercialization ("PTC") source list. This step establishes Zentek as an exclusive supplier within the PTC framework of this type of innovation to the Government of Canada, administered through ISC, for a three-year period, during which any federal department or agency may purchase ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters directly.¹ The milestone is the culmination of a multi-year collaboration between Zentek, ISC, and the National Research Council of Canada ("NRC").

A National Challenge, Answered

Indoor air quality became a national priority during the pandemic, particularly in federal buildings, schools, and public spaces where improving filtration without consuming more energy or replacing existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") infrastructure presented a significant technical challenge. To help address this need, Zentek was awarded a contract under the ISC Testing Stream - a standing open call for innovative Canadian prototypes - to validate ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters with the NRC.

The NRC conducted rigorous validation testing in a purpose-built simulated classroom environment designed to replicate the most challenging real-world conditions. The results, as profiled by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada ("ISED"), showed that ZenGUARD™ increased viral filtration efficiency of a standard MERV 8 filter by approximately fivefold in a single air exchange, via a physical mechanism, with no measurable impact to airflow or energy consumption.

Four Operational Outcomes in a Single Drop-in Product

ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters deliver four operational outcomes through a single drop-in product:

• Safer indoor air
• Lower HVAC energy consumption and associated emissions
• Longer service intervals that reduce total cost of ownership
• Less waste sent to the landfill

Beyond NRC validation, the underlying performance is documented in three peer-reviewed ASHRAE publications and meets ASHRAE Standard 52.2 and ASHRAE Standard 241 testing requirements. ZenGUARD™ is manufactured in Guelph, Ontario and ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters are currently available for sale in Canada. The underlying technology is patented in Canada with applications filed in over 40 additional jurisdictions.

Direct Alignment with the Greening Government Strategy

ZenGUARD™'s four operational outcomes are aligned with objectives under the federal Greening Government Strategy. Lower HVAC energy consumption can support reduced Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, consistent with the Government of Canada's commitment to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 40 percent by 2025 and at least 90 percent below 2005 levels by 2050. Longer filter service intervals reduce operational waste generated by federal real property operations, contributing to the federal target of diverting at least 75 percent of operational waste from landfills by 2030.² Safer indoor air supports occupant health and well-being objectives identified under the Canada Green Buildings Strategy. ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters allow federal agencies to advance multiple greening commitments simultaneously through a single, easy-to-implement drop-in product decision.

Available Now to Every Federal Department

ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters are available for direct purchase by any Government of Canada department or agency for a period of three years. Potential users include, but are not limited to, the large real property portfolios managed by Public Services and Procurement Canada's Real Property and Portfolio Management Branch, as well as facilities operated by ISED and the NRC. The full PTC source list, which will include ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters, is available at: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/innovative-solutions-canada/en/pathway-commercialization

Inclusion on the PTC source list does not guarantee a minimum number of orders or contracts, and procurement decisions remain at the discretion of individual federal departments and agencies.

Beyond Federal Procurement

ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters are also available to provincial and municipal governments, public and private healthcare systems, commercial real estate operators, educational institutions, and international institutional buyers seeking validated indoor air quality solutions.

Management Commentary

"ISC is the federal government's open invitation to Canadian innovators: bring your best technology, and the country's top labs will put it to the test. Zentek answered that call with ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters. The NRC set a high bar - reduce airborne viral load, work with existing HVAC systems, no airflow penalty, and no harmful particulates - and our technology met every objective. Our addition to the PTC source list is the culmination of a multi-year journey with our partners at ISC and the NRC, and I want to thank everyone involved for their commitment and hard work. ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters are now available to every federal department in Canada with the NRC's validation behind it, and we look forward to delivering safer indoor spaces, lower energy use, and less waste across the federal service and beyond."

About ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters

ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters use patented graphene technology to improve indoor air quality without increasing airflow resistance. The result: safer indoor spaces, lower HVAC energy use and emissions, longer service intervals that reduce total cost of ownership, and less waste to the landfill - aligned with the Greening Government Strategy's Scope 2 emissions and waste diversion targets. Independently validated by the NRC and documented in three peer-reviewed ASHRAE publications. Manufactured in Canada, ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters are the only graphene filter technology delivering all four outcomes in a single drop-in product.

About Zentek Ltd.
Zentek Ltd. is a Canadian intellectual property development and commercialization company advancing a portfolio of graphene-enabled and advanced material technologies across clean air, next-generation materials, and critical minerals. The Company's core platforms are Albany Graphite, ZenGUARD™, and Triera. Albany is the Company's principal critical minerals asset and is advancing toward a Preliminary Economic Assessment targeted for completion in Summer 2026.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although Zentek believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Zentek disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

References (public)

¹ Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, "Helping Canadians breathe easy with Zentek." https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/innovative-solutions-canada/en/our-stories/helping-canadians-breathe-easy-zentek

² Source: Government of Canada, Greening Government Strategy. https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/innovation/greening-government/strategy.html

For more information:

Mohammed (Moe) Jiwan
Chief Executive Officer, Zentek Ltd.
T: 416-709-8876
E: mjiwan2@zentek.com
W: www.zentek.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/297250

FAQ

What did Zentek (NASDAQ:ZTEK) announce about ZenGUARD air filters and the Government of Canada on May 13, 2026?

Zentek announced that ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters were added to Innovative Solutions Canada’s Pathway to Commercialization source list. According to Zentek, this makes the company an exclusive PTC supplier of this type of innovation to the Government of Canada for a three-year period.

How long can Canadian federal departments directly buy Zentek ZTEK ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters?

Federal departments can directly purchase ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters for a three-year period under ISC’s Pathway to Commercialization. According to Zentek, any Government of Canada department or agency may procure these filters directly, subject to each organization’s own procurement decisions and priorities.

What did NRC testing show about the performance of Zentek’s ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters?

National Research Council testing showed ZenGUARD increased viral filtration efficiency about fivefold versus a standard MERV 8 filter in one air exchange. According to Zentek, this improvement occurred via a physical mechanism with no measurable impact on airflow or HVAC energy consumption in the simulated classroom environment.

What operational benefits do Zentek ZTEK ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters claim to provide?

ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters are designed to deliver four outcomes: safer indoor air, lower HVAC energy use, longer service intervals, and less landfill waste. According to Zentek, these outcomes come from a single drop-in product that works with existing HVAC infrastructure and meets key ASHRAE standards.

How does Zentek’s ZenGUARD technology align with Canada’s Greening Government Strategy?

ZenGUARD aims to support Greening Government goals by lowering HVAC energy use, extending filter life and reducing waste. According to Zentek, these effects can contribute to federal targets on Scope 2 greenhouse gas reductions and diverting at least 75 percent of operational waste from landfills by 2030.

Are Zentek ZTEK ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters available outside the Canadian federal government?

Yes, ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters are also marketed to provincial and municipal governments, healthcare systems, educational institutions and commercial real estate. According to Zentek, international institutional buyers seeking validated indoor air quality solutions can also procure the product, beyond the Canadian federal procurement channel.

Does Zentek’s inclusion on Innovative Solutions Canada’s PTC list guarantee ZenGUARD filter orders?

No, inclusion on the PTC source list does not guarantee any minimum orders or contracts for ZenGUARD. According to Zentek, procurement decisions remain entirely at the discretion of individual federal departments and agencies, even though the product is now eligible for direct purchase for three years.