UBOX ONLINE (ASX: 02429) has announced the signing of a framework cooperation agreement with Ant Blockchain Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. The agreement, established after market hours on June 30, 2026, aims to establish a long-term collaborative relationship by leveraging each party's respective technical strengths and industry resources.

The primary goal of the partnership is to jointly advance technological innovation and commercial applications in the fields of blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart hardware. The collaboration is structured to cover several key areas of development.

Initial Collaboration Focus

In the area of blockchain technology, the partners intend to cooperate on blockchain infrastructure, consortium chain development, and industry-specific blockchain solutions. Ant Blockchain Technology will contribute its blockchain capabilities, while UBOX ONLINE will apply its expertise in smart hardware, IoT terminals, edge computing, and data acquisition. Together, they will explore the integration of blockchain with smart hardware to pioneer innovative applications such as trusted on-chain device data and the digitisation of physical assets.

Artificial Intelligence Initiatives

Regarding artificial intelligence, the collaboration will focus on AI-related technologies, including algorithms, large language model applications, natural language processing, and industry-specific AI solutions. Ant Blockchain Technology will provide its AI technical capabilities, and UBOX ONLINE will contribute its hardware proficiency in AI computing devices, edge AI equipment, and smart terminals. This joint effort aims to facilitate the deployment of AI technology within smart hardware scenarios.

Smart Hardware Development

The partnership will also extend to smart devices, IoT terminals, and integrated hardware-software research and development. By combining UBOX ONLINE's capabilities in smart hardware design, supply chain management, and hardware ecosystem development with Ant Blockchain Technology's strengths in software, blockchain, AI, and security technologies, the parties plan to co-develop next-generation smart hardware products and solutions featuring trusted computing and AI capabilities.

Strategic Rationale

The board of directors of UBOX ONLINE believes the proposed cooperation will enable the group to synergise its expertise in smart hardware, smart retail, IoT technology, and digital operational capabilities with Ant Blockchain Technology's experience and resources in blockchain, AI, and digital technologies. This collaboration is expected to create synergies and accelerate the development of innovative application scenarios and smart hardware solutions.