Company Description
Zentek Ltd. (NASDAQ: ZTEK, TSXV: ZEN) is a Canadian intellectual property technology company focused on the research, development and commercialization of graphene-enabled and advanced material technologies. The company describes itself as an ISO 13485:2016 certified intellectual property development and commercialization business that aims to give commercial partners a competitive advantage by making their products better, safer and greener.
According to multiple company disclosures, Zentek advances a portfolio that spans healthcare, clean air and next‑generation materials. A central element of this portfolio is its patented ZenGUARD™ technology platform, which is shown in testing to enhance bacterial and viral filtration efficiency for surgical masks and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) air filters. Zentek operates a ZenGUARD™ production facility in Guelph, Ontario, supporting the scale‑up of this coating technology for commercial applications.
Business focus and technology platforms
Zentek repeatedly characterizes itself in its news releases as an intellectual property development and commercialization company. Its activities include research and development of novel products and the advancement of technologies toward real‑world deployment with partners. The company emphasizes advanced materials based on graphene and related chemistries, as well as aptamer‑based biomedical technologies through its wholly owned subsidiary Triera Biosciences Ltd.
ZenGUARD™ is a key technology platform. Company communications state that ZenGUARD™ is a patented coating that has been shown to significantly increase bacterial and viral filtration efficiency for surgical masks and is intended to deliver similar benefits for HVAC filters. Zentek highlights that ZenGUARD™‑enhanced air filters are designed to work with existing HVAC units and have been evaluated under programs such as the Government of Canada’s Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) Testing Stream.
Through Triera Biosciences, Zentek also holds a worldwide exclusive license to an aptamer‑based platform technology developed at McMaster University. This platform is being jointly developed by Zentek and McMaster for both diagnostic and therapeutic markets. As described in company updates, this work includes development of multivalent aptamer countermeasures targeting influenza viruses, supported by a Government of Canada ISC Testing Stream contract.
Albany Graphite Corp. and advanced materials
Zentek’s advanced materials activities include its wholly owned subsidiary Albany Graphite Corp. (AGC) and the Albany Graphite Project in Ontario. Company news releases describe Albany as a unique igneous‑hosted, fluid‑derived graphite deposit that has been advanced to an exploration stage. The project is located northwest of the communities of Constance Lake First Nation and Hearst, Ontario, within approximately 30 km of the Trans‑Canada Highway and near existing infrastructure such as roads, rail, power transmission lines and a natural gas pipeline.
AGC has reported independent testing results indicating that ultra‑high purity Albany graphite can reach five‑nines (99.9992%) purity with an Equivalent Boron Concentration (EBC) of 2.60 ppm, below the less‑than‑3‑ppm threshold generally referenced for nuclear applications. Additional characterization work with American Energy Technologies Company (AETC) has shown that purified Albany graphite met benchmarks for particle size distribution, compressibility, four‑point resistivity and coefficient of friction that are associated with nuclear‑grade graphite specifications.
Further independent testing of graphite bricks produced using blends that included Albany graphite confirmed performance meeting key benchmarks used for nuclear‑grade graphite blocks, including strength, density, electrical performance and very low impurity levels. Company disclosures state that these results support the potential suitability of Albany graphite for nuclear energy systems, as well as applications in premium lithium‑ion battery anodes, defense and national security infrastructure, advanced aerospace and hypersonics, and high‑temperature industrial components.
Battery and energy‑related applications
In addition to nuclear‑related testing, Zentek has reported that Albany graphite has undergone lithium‑ion battery suitability testing. Independent coin cell tests using carbon‑coated, spheroidized Albany graphite showed near‑theoretical anode performance in terms of reversible capacity relative to the theoretical maximum for graphite, along with stable cycling and capacity retention over more than one hundred cycles under industry‑standard conditions. The company also notes that byproducts from the spheroidization process were successfully used as a conductive additive in cathode blends, indicating potential for efficient material utilization.
These results are presented by the company as evidence that Albany graphite could serve as a high‑performance natural graphite anode material for lithium‑ion batteries and as a cathode conductivity additive, supporting Zentek’s strategy to build a value‑added position in the North American battery materials supply chain.
Fire‑retardant materials and collaboration with Altek
Zentek has announced the development of a Graphite Gel‑Based Fire‑Retardant (GBFR) product that combines rapid gelation with intumescent components to protect structures from wildfires. The coating uses a gel base to provide a thermal barrier and incorporates expandable graphite as the active intumescent material. Company testing, including ASTM E84 evaluations on oriented strand board, showed that dried coatings achieved Class A fire ratings with low flame spread index values.
A live demonstration in California, described in company communications, showed that structures coated with the GBFR material maintained integrity under direct flame exposure conditions that severely damaged uncoated controls. Zentek has granted Altek Advanced Materials Inc. a conditional exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize this GBFR technology in the United States under the GraphGel™ name, while Zentek retains ownership of the underlying intellectual property.
ZenGUARD™ enhanced air filters and clean air applications
In its corporate updates, Zentek highlights ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters as a key clean‑air application of its graphene‑based technology. Testing cited by the company indicates that ZenGUARD™‑treated filters improved infectious aerosol removal efficiency compared with untreated filters, while maintaining performance without increasing pressure drop, energy consumption or carbon emissions, and operating within existing HVAC systems.
These filters were advanced through the Government of Canada’s Innovative Solutions Canada program, including a Testing Stream project and eligibility under the Pathway to Commercialization, which allows small and medium‑sized enterprises to sell qualifying innovations directly to the Government of Canada. Zentek communications describe ongoing engagement with public‑sector and private‑sector stakeholders in Canada and internationally to explore deployment of ZenGUARD™‑enhanced filters in commercial, institutional, government, education and healthcare environments.
Aptamer‑based healthcare technologies
Through Triera Biosciences Ltd., Zentek is involved in the development of aptamer‑based biomedical technologies. Company news releases state that Triera holds an exclusive, worldwide, royalty‑bearing license from McMaster University to use and practice aptamer and DNAzyme technologies developed in collaboration with the Li Lab for a defined period. Zentek and McMaster are jointly developing this platform for diagnostic and therapeutic uses.
As part of a Government of Canada ISC Testing Stream contract, Zentek has supported the development of a multivalent aptamer countermeasure targeting influenza, including highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) and seasonal H1N1. Preliminary in vivo testing in a mouse model, as described by the company, showed improved clinical scores, higher survival rates and reduced weight loss in animals treated prophylactically with the aptamer candidate compared with controls. Company communications emphasize that no express or implied claims are being made that this technology can eliminate, cure or contain specific diseases at this time.
Corporate structure and regulatory status
Zentek Ltd. is identified in its SEC filings as a foreign private issuer that files reports on Form 40‑F and furnishes Form 6‑K current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Recent Form 6‑K filings reference press releases on topics such as corporate updates, executive appointments, Albany Graphite testing results, the GBFR product, tax reassessment matters and interim financial statements. These filings also indicate that Zentek has a registration statement on Form F‑3, with certain exhibits incorporated by reference.
The company’s shares trade on Nasdaq under the symbol ZTEK and on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ZEN, as stated in multiple news releases. Zentek describes itself as headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and notes that its ZenGUARD™ production facility is also located in Guelph.
Research, partnerships and grant‑funded projects
Zentek’s disclosures highlight several collaborations and grant‑funded initiatives. The Albany Graphite Project has benefited from support through the Ontario Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF), which focuses on research, development and commercialization of technologies for the critical minerals supply chain. Work with AETC on purification and characterization of Albany graphite has been conducted under this framework.
In healthcare, Zentek and Triera Biosciences are working with McMaster University researchers and Canadian government partners such as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Health and Emergency Preparedness Canada and Defence Research and Development Canada under the ISC Testing Stream. These projects involve development and testing of aptamer‑based countermeasures against influenza viruses.
For clean air applications, Zentek references collaboration with manufacturing partners and regional stakeholders in areas including the Middle East, India and South America, as well as a partnership with Filtration Solutions Industrial Co. (FSCO) in Saudi Arabia and a structured relationship with RSK Group to coordinate technical and business development activities in certain regions.
Company identity and sector classification
Based on the information provided, Zentek can be characterized as a professional, scientific and technical services company with a focus on research and development in nanotechnology and advanced materials. Its activities span multiple end‑markets, including healthcare, indoor air quality, critical minerals, nuclear energy, energy storage, fire protection and advanced materials for industrial and defense‑related uses. Across these areas, the company emphasizes the creation, protection and commercialization of intellectual property, rather than describing itself as a traditional manufacturing or commodity producer.
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Short Interest History
Short interest in Zentek (ZTEK) currently stands at 37.7 thousand shares, down 35.1% from the previous reporting period, representing 0.0% of the float. Over the past 12 months, short interest has decreased by 74.5%. This relatively low short interest suggests limited bearish sentiment.
Days to Cover History
Days to cover for Zentek (ZTEK) currently stands at 1.0 days, down 33.3% from the previous period. This low days-to-cover ratio indicates high liquidity, allowing short sellers to quickly exit positions if needed. The days to cover has decreased 62.4% over the past year, suggesting improved liquidity for short covering. The ratio has shown significant volatility over the period, ranging from 1.0 to 3.7 days.