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Delta Gold Technologies Plc (AQSE:DGQ) (USOTC:DGQTF) (FRA:02J) has strengthened its scientific leadership by appointing Professor Dr Harry Ruda and Professor Ken Knappenberger to its Strategic Advisory Panel, while also announcing the issue of new shares following the exercise of investor warrants.

The appointments build on the formation of the advisory panel in May 2026, when Dr Thomas P Davis became its inaugural member. The expanded panel is intended to enhance the company’s scientific, commercial and intellectual property expertise as it advances its quantum technology strategy.

Advisory panel to guide research and commercialisation

The Strategic Advisory Panel has been established to provide independent guidance to Delta’s board and management on research priorities, scientific investments and commercial opportunities.

Its responsibilities include assessing research programmes, supporting intellectual property strategy, identifying strategic partnerships, evaluating commercial applications and providing external technical representation. The panel is also expected to help the company identify patentable discoveries and accelerate the commercialisation of its research.

Professor Ruda and Professor Knappenberger are already closely involved with Delta through sponsored research programmes at the University of Toronto and The Pennsylvania State University, respectively. Their appointments are designed to strengthen the link between the company’s academic collaborations and its commercial development plans.

Existing advisory panel foundation

The latest appointments follow the addition of Dr Thomas P Davis in May 2026. Dr Davis, co-founder and chief executive of Oxford Sigma, holds a doctorate in Materials Science from the University of Oxford and was appointed to provide independent advice on Delta’s scientific strategy and research allocation.

Delta said the advisory panel was created to help transform scientific research into commercially valuable intellectual property and practical quantum technology applications. The inclusion of Professors Ruda and Knappenberger further expands that expertise with two senior academics actively leading research programmes supported by the company.

Professor Harry Ruda brings nanotechnology expertise

Professor Harry E. Ruda earned his bachelor’s degree from Imperial College of Science and Technology before completing his PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Following an IBM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship focused on quantum nanostructures, he worked as a Senior Research Scientist at 3M Corporation, contributing to the company’s II-VI semiconductor blue laser programme.

He joined the University of Toronto’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering in 1989, later becoming Director of its Centre for Nanotechnology in 1997. Throughout his career, Professor Ruda has published more than 300 peer-reviewed papers, co-authored four books and holds 14 patents. His research centres on quantum nanostructures, nanoelectronics and nanophotonics.

Professor Ken Knappenberger strengthens quantum materials research

Professor Kenneth L. Knappenberger Jr. serves as Professor of Chemistry and Physics and Head of the Department of Chemistry at The Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on the optical, electronic and spin properties of nanomaterials, particularly gold nanoclusters.

After completing his doctorate at Penn State in 2005, he undertook postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley before joining Florida State University, where he led the magneto-optics programme at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. He returned to Penn State in 2017 and has published more than 100 scientific papers while delivering over 300 lectures. His honours include the Coblentz Award in Spectroscopy, the Young Investigator Award from the Inter-American Photochemical Society, CAREER awards from the U.S. National Science Foundation and Department of Defense, and fellowship status with both the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Optica.

CEO highlights strategic value of appointments

R. Michael Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Delta, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Dr Harry Ruda and Professor Ken Knappenberger to Delta’s Strategic Advisory Panel. Together with Dr Thomas P Davis, their appointments bring deep scientific, engineering and intellectual property insight directly into Delta’s strategic decision-making process. Professor Ruda and Professor Knappenberger each lead research programmes that sit at the core of our investment thesis: that gold, engineered at the nanoscale, can form the basis of a differentiated and protectable quantum technology platform. Their participation will help us evaluate progress, identify commercial pathways and continue building a high-quality IP portfolio across quantum computing, sensing and communication.”

Delta advances quantum technology intellectual property strategy

Delta Gold Technologies is developing intellectual property focused on nano-scale gold and advanced materials for quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum communication.

Its research programmes are conducted through sponsored collaborations with leading academic institutions, including The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Toronto. The company has secured rights to intellectual property generated through these partnerships, including patent applications, and continues to pursue additional patent development, licensing opportunities and strategic partnerships to commercialise its quantum technologies.

For more information visit – https://www.deltagoldtech.com/

Investors balance geopolitical risks against inflation expectations

Gold prices extended their advance on Tuesday, holding above the key $4,000-an-ounce level as markets responded to renewed diplomatic initiatives between the United States and Iran that could reduce pressure on oil prices and soften inflation concerns ahead of the Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting.

At 01:24 ET (05:24 GMT), spot gold (XAU/USD) rose 1% to $4,049.47 an ounce, while Gold Futures increased 1% to $4,054.35. Silver (XAG/USD) climbed 2.6% to $57.87 an ounce, and platinum (XPT/USD) gained almost 1% to $1,611.09.

Diplomatic progress eases pressure from energy markets

The precious metal strengthened as investors welcomed signs that Washington and Tehran could return to negotiations, helping offset concerns created by recent military escalation across the Middle East.

Crude oil prices retreated after posting gains during the previous two sessions as reports of mediation efforts outweighed continued military exchanges and renewed threats from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement to block Saudi shipping.

Reuters also reported that mediators have proposed a 10-day ceasefire following comments from a senior Iranian official, raising hopes that last month’s interim agreement could still provide a foundation for wider negotiations.

Oil had recently climbed to its highest level in more than a month, fuelling expectations that higher energy costs could complicate the Federal Reserve’s inflation fight.

Markets await Fed guidance

Attention is now turning to next week’s Federal Reserve meeting, where policymakers are expected to keep interest rates unchanged while offering fresh guidance on inflation and monetary policy.

Current market pricing suggests a 64% probability of a September rate increase.

Afdhal Rahman, Executive Director, Wealth Advisory at OCBC, said gold’s strong rally has run into a more challenging macro backdrop as higher real yields, a stronger U.S. dollar and hawkish repricing of interest-rate expectations have weighed on investor demand.

He added that renewed tensions in the Gulf could keep oil prices, inflation expectations and the U.S. dollar volatile in the near term, leaving gold under pressure until expectations for tighter monetary policy begin to ease, although sustained central bank buying should continue to provide longer-term support for bullion.

Bullion remains resilient after second-quarter weakness

Although gold suffered a 14% decline during the second quarter—its weakest quarterly performance since 2013—it has spent recent weeks consolidating around the $4,000-an-ounce level as investors continue to seek protection from geopolitical uncertainty.

Traders monitor conflict while awaiting US inventory data

Oil prices traded lower on Tuesday as markets assessed ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran alongside growing concerns that escalating tensions could threaten vital shipping routes used by global energy exporters.

At 04:53 ET (08:53 GMT), Brent crude futures fell 0.5% to $88.80 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined 0.5% to $82.81 per barrel.

Both benchmarks had ended Monday’s session higher, with Brent closing at $89.22 per barrel after a 1.3% gain and WTI settling at $83.23 following a 0.9% increase. Brent had briefly climbed above the $90 mark after renewed military activity in the Middle East over the weekend.

Negotiations continue despite renewed attacks

Diplomatic efforts remain active as international mediators seek to restore the fragile ceasefire framework agreed in June.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is holding discussions with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni in Islamabad, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that Washington remains open to restarting negotiations.

Nevertheless, military activity continued across the region. Reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said a tanker was struck near the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps later claimed responsibility.

The United States also confirmed a tenth consecutive day of strikes against Iranian military targets, stating that the operations were intended to weaken Iran’s capability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Bab al-Mandab joins Hormuz as a growing market concern

Alongside uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, investors are increasingly focused on the Bab al-Mandab Strait after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement threatened to block Saudi shipping.

The strategic waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and carries roughly 12% of global trade, including significant volumes of crude oil exports.

“Vessels would have to take the much longer route through the Suez Canal and go around Africa. It’s yet to be seen how effective any blockade will be. But, clearly, this development will increase insurance costs,” ING analysts said.

“Looking at oil price action this morning, the market is not convinced that this blockade will be successful.”

Inventory reports remain the next catalyst

Analysts believe geopolitical uncertainty continues to provide support for oil prices, although expectations that previous regional conflicts ultimately avoided prolonged supply disruptions have limited further gains.

Markets now await the latest US crude inventory figures from the American Petroleum Institute, due later Tuesday, followed by official Energy Information Administration data on Wednesday.

Voyageur becomes the first Canadian customer for the U030 Flexrotor

Airbus Helicopters has signed its first Canadian sales agreement for the U030 Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS), with Voyageur Aviation becoming the launch customer for the platform in Canada.

The agreement was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow on 21 July 2026 and marks another step in Airbus’ efforts to expand its presence in Canada’s defence and surveillance market.

Agreement builds on earlier defence cooperation

The purchase follows the memorandum of understanding signed by Airbus (EU:AIR) and Voyageur during the CANSEC defence exhibition in May 2026. That agreement established a framework for cooperation in support of Canada’s evolving defence requirements.

The latest contract moves the partnership into its next phase by bringing the U030 Flexrotor platform to the Canadian market.

U030 Flexrotor designed for long-endurance surveillance missions

The U030 Flexrotor is a tactical vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft developed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.

The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 25 kilograms and can remain airborne for more than 12 hours. It is capable of fully autonomous launch and recovery from a compact 3.7-metre by 3.7-metre operating area, both on land and at sea.

“This purchase represents a significant advancement in Voyageur’s ISR strategy and an important first for the Canadian market,” said Cory Cousineau, President of Voyageur.

Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada, said the agreement reflects “Airbus’ commitment to delivering next-generation tactical capabilities to the region.”

Gas markets stay close to multi-month highs

European wholesale natural gas prices remained close to their highest levels in several months on Tuesday as renewed security concerns surrounding key Middle Eastern shipping routes continued to support prices despite ongoing diplomatic contacts between the United States and Iran.

The Dutch front-month TTF contract, Europe’s benchmark for natural gas, traded around €59.3 per megawatt-hour (MWh), remaining close to the four-month high reached during the previous session. In the UK, the equivalent front-month wholesale gas contract rose 1.3% to 143.30 pence per therm, its strongest level since late March.

Houthi announcement revives concerns over energy transport

Risk premiums remained firmly embedded in European gas markets after Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a new naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia.

The development renewed concerns about the security of major maritime energy routes only days after a commercial vessel caught fire following an attack near the Strait of Hormuz.

Although commercial shipping continues to move through the region under naval protection, tighter security measures and higher war-risk insurance costs have increased the expense of transporting energy cargoes.

Diplomatic efforts fail to calm gas markets

The latest escalation comes even as reports indicate that diplomatic communication between Washington and Tehran continues following nine consecutive days of military operations.

While hopes of renewed negotiations briefly eased pressure on crude oil markets, natural gas traders remain cautious, recognising that any disruption in the Persian Gulf could significantly affect global liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying roughly 20% of global LNG shipments, the majority of which originate from Qatar.