Spider Silk, Solar, and Strategic Metals: Small Caps Blaze Big Trails in Defense, Clean Tech, and AI Energy

September 17, 2025

DENVER, Colo., Sep 17, 2025 (247marketnews.com)- From genetically engineered spider silk to uranium-rich Wyoming drill cores and solar panels headed to space, early movers are rewriting the narrative.

Ascent Solar (NASDAQ:ASTI) is making noise in the aerospace and defense sector with its newly announced partnership with Defiant Space Corporation, a rising player in national security-focused space systems.

The two will jointly pursue U.S. defense contracts and allied market opportunities, bringing together Ascent’s flexible thin-film solar PV technology and Defiant’s mission-aligned space capabilities. These ultra-lightweight, rugged panels are particularly valuable for resilient, dual-use defense systems, and will now be evaluated for deployment across NATO and Five Eyes nations.

This move positions ASTI to tap into the $1 trillion global space economy forecast by 2040, while also deepening its presence in defense energy systems, both high-growth, high-priority areas for federal budgets in 2025 and beyond.

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories (OTCQB:KBLB) is gaining attention as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester, which are increasingly under fire for contributing over 35% of ocean microplastics, according to recent data.

KBLB’s proprietary spider silk, spun from genetically engineered silkworms, offers:

  • Full biodegradability
  • Strength-to-weight ratios superior to many synthetics
  • Zero petroleum or toxic input

As brands race to cut plastic from their supply chains, KBLB is poised to become a core materials provider for sustainable performance textiles. The company is preparing to deliver first commercial samples to three prospective partners, potentially opening the door to early revenue and scaled adoption.

Given the polyester market alone is projected to hit $191.6 billion by 2030, a successful entry into even a small portion of that market would be transformative for Kraig Labs.

Snow Lake Resources (NASDAQ:LITM) is drawing serious speculative momentum today, with nuclear energy poised to power future data centers, AI infrastructure, and national grids, uranium plays like $LITM, along with peers like Oklo (NYSE:OKLO) and Centrus Energy (NYSE:LEU), are emerging as the real fuel behind next-gen computing.

💼 Quick Hits: Movers & Developments Across the Small-Cap Space

  • New Fortress Energy (NASDAQ:NFE) – Positioned as a key liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, NFE may benefit from rising global demand amid energy security concerns in Europe and Asia. Traders are watching for guidance on new facility development.
  • AtlasClear Holdings (NASDAQ:ATCH) – Quiet on news but seeing unusual options activity this morning. The fintech infrastructure player has previously announced plans to expand into AI risk modeling for institutional clearing, stay tuned.
  • Visionary Education (NASDAQ:GV) – No fresh headlines, but shares are moving on speculative volume. Investors appear to be eyeing Visionary’s digital learning tech as part of the growing AI-education crossover thesis.
  • Reliance Global (NASDAQ:RELI) – Low-float, high-volatility name rebounding on retail chatter. No fundamental catalyst confirmed, but the name often trades in sympathy with digital insurance and blockchain ecosystem momentum.
  • Gevo (NASDAQ:GEVO) – Renewable fuels player inching higher after comments from DOE officials highlighting the need for “drop-in” sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) by 2030. GEVO remains one of the few public SAF pure plays.

PAID EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: This is a paid editorial communication intended for informational purposes only. 247 is a third-party media provider and has been compensated by one or more featured companies for providing ongoing KBLB market outreach and other services.. This press release may include technical analysis and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Trading stocks involves risks, and readers should consult with their financial advisor before making investment decisions. Please review 247’s Full Disclaimer https://www.247marketnews.com/disclaimer/. Please go to https://247marketnews.com/kblb-disclosure/ for further KBLB and 247marketnews.com disclosure information.

 

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