First Tellurium Subsidiary PyroDelta Energy Competing in US Department of Defense Drone Innovation Contest

Executive Summary

• First Tellurium Corp.’s majority‑owned subsidiary PyroDelta Energy Inc. has entered the U.S. Department of Defense DARPA Lift Challenge, a US$6.5 million competition focused on heavy‑lift drone designs.
• The company will field a prototype drone built around its thermoelectric technology, with flight testing slated for summer 2026.
• Management expresses confidence that PyroDelta’s design can achieve a payload‑to‑weight ratio exceeding current industry standards, positioning the firm as a competitive participant in the contest.

Key Details

• Competition: DARPA Lift Challenge – US$6.5 million prize pool aimed at solving vertical heavy‑lift aviation’s payload‑to‑weight problem.
• Participant: PyroDelta Energy Inc., majority‑owned subsidiary of First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL, OTC: FSTTF).
• Technology Highlight: Integration of thermoelectric technology into a novel drone airframe to improve payload capacity relative to weight.
• Key Personnel:
• Michael Abdelmaseh – Head Engineer, Certified Remote Pilot (FAA), will pilot the competition drone.
• Tyrone Docherty – President & CEO of First Tellurium, endorses the entry and its competitive prospects.
• Timeline: Competition flight scheduled for summer 2026; exact date and location to be announced later in 2026.
• Strategic Rationale: Participation provides national exposure, validates emerging drone technology, and could open downstream opportunities in defense, agriculture, construction, logistics, and other sectors.

Notable Quotes

“I’m confident we can meet the contest’s challenging requirements,” – Michael Abdelmaseh, Head Engineer, PyroDelta Energy.

“The DARPA Lift Challenge has provided a timely platform for testing and showcasing these advancements… I share Michael’s confidence in our ability to be very competitive in this contest.” – Tyrone Docherty, President & CEO, First Tellurium Corp.