I listened to an interesting presentation by Archer (ASX:AXE) this morning and thought I’d share the notes I took. This includes the Q&A at the end.
Presentation slides as announced on the ASX
I do think Archer (ASX:AXE) is on to something great, but as with most things I invest in, it may take half a dozen years to be commercialized and reach its inflexion point.
From the presentation:
Archer is one of VERY FEW companies developing Qubit processors, and the only one listed on the ASX.
12CQ chip has unique advantages - particularly its suitability for hand-held/mobile devices - This is a competitive advantage.
World first is that the 12CQ chip operates at room temperature (normal conditions)
The current device is the result of over a decade of R&D
This is an emerging technology. There is still more to be done, and they are doing it.
Quantum computing will impact EVERY technology that relies on computing power. Especially industries relying on growing computing power.
Immense power even with a single cubit quantum computer.
Existing technology cannot solve many of man’s problems, and those it can solve it takes too damned long. As in centuries of processing.
Securing and protecting information is one important area. Qubit-based processing is a potential solution to encryption keys that are generated randomly and cannot be guessed.
Other work - Graphene based Bio Chip/ chip on a lab
Miniaturized bio-laboratoriy involving atom-thin technology.
Shrinking an entire lab onto a chip that can fit on your fingernail.
Leads to faster analysis time.
Huge barriers to entry in this field, but Archer has made some significant advances using Graphene transistors as ultrasensitive sensors to detect and analyze disease.
Questions:
1) When do you think you will be able to have the product for customers to start using quantum computing?
We do have a commercial plan and do have R&D plan.
We are well within what we , and others in the industry expect.
Can’t give a prescriptive answer. Can’t be held to specific timelines.
2) Can Australia develop its own industry here?
Building a fab costs billions of dollars. That probably isn’t on the cards. But here are smaller scale set-ups that allow you to do a lot, but not large scale production.
3) How difficult was it to get the 12CQ chip onto CMOS and where did you manufacture it.
Nothing is easy. It was very difficult and took a long time with a dedicated team.
Using CMOS is a BIG deal.
Fabricated over at TSMC.
4) Where are you getting Graphene from and is it expensive?
I know how to make it because I was the first person to do so.
You can buy Graphene off the shelf or make it yourself using Ethanol.
Processes on how to produce production levels of Graphene is in the R&D pipeline.
5) How did you get into the IBM ecosystem?
We were invited in.
6) Can you talk about main challenges ahead? What is the key thing that keeps you awake WRT developing the IP.
There’s no set precedent with any of this work. There’s no Google search and there’s no back of the envelop stuff you can do from the work of others.
We need to solve every problem by ourselves.
It’s a brand new technology and is difficult to convince all necessary stake holders to get involved.
7) Why don’t you share your IP so others can come on board and add to it?
Protect IP first. That’s my answer!
Once your IP is protected then you can do as you will with opening up.
8) A recent report came out regarding building up the Australian semiconductor industry. What are your thoughts on how to get this up and running in Aust.
Can we do it - Yes, absolutely, we have the talent.
There are the right people who have the ability to see it through. We need commitment to fund it.
We need to concentrate on niches that we can excel in, and differentiate ourselves in.
We can already do this at a port-typing level within Australia. But not at production level.
Some of this Tech is above me - Archer Continuing Positive advancements.
First Quarter Activities Report -
Progressing well
Hold IRL and SM