Why did SMTK's operating expenses surge in Q2 2024?

Smartkem's operating expenses surged in Q2 2024 due to several key factors: 1. **Upcoming NASDAQ Uplisting**: Smartkem's move to uplist to NASDAQ required significant preparations, including investor relations, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. This transition involved additional expenses for legal, accounting, and advisory services. 2. **Research and Development**: As a semiconductor and display technology company, Smartkem continued to invest heavily in research and development (R&D) to refine its organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) technology. This includes the development of new materials and manufacturing processes for microLED and AMOLED displays. In conclusion, the surge in operating expenses was likely a result of the company's strategic initiatives to uplist to NASDAQ and its ongoing R&D efforts to enhance its semiconductor and display technology capabilities.