Almost a year since their US patent was granted, Archer Materials (ASX: AXE) has added yet another patent to their portfolio, this time, in Hong Kong. 

The new patent represents another major milestone, protecting Archer’s IP in the world’s second largest economy. 

Already granted a patent in China, the Hong Kong patent validates Archer’s tech and offers a unique competitive edge in an ‘innovation economy’.

The patent is for Archer’s 12CQ quantum computing chip, a world first in quantum computing processor chip technology. 

What does that mean exactly?

Quantum computing 101: an area focussed on development of technologies using quantum mechanics to solve problems that traditional computers can’t. In essence, quantum computers, by not being bound by the binary ‘1’s and 0’s’ limitations of regular computers, are able to process tasks significantly faster. 

Initially conjured up 40 years ago, scientists are only now beginning to realise the potential of quantum computers and are beginning to develop real hardware.

Except, solving these fancy quantum problems takes a serious amount of energy, which generates a serious amount of heat. Heat scrambles the qubits (a basic unit of information, similar to a binary digit) and affects the computer’s ability to problem solve. Therefore, quantum computers need to be kept at a crisp one hundredth of a degree above absolute zero. 

In a nutshell, Archer’s chip would potentially eliminate this temperature issue as a qubit processor chip able to operate at room temperature, expanding the use cases for quantum technology and integrating into modern electronics.

Whilst your washing machine won’t have one of these chips for a while yet, the potential is mind blowing with the semiconductor market valued at an eye watering USD $400 billion per annum and is forecast to tip over the USD $1 trillion mark by 2030. China alone has named investment in semiconductors one of its key priorities for the next five years and has committed USD $1.3 trillion to the cause which gives even more weight to Archer’s patents in the country. 

“Archer’s quantum computing chip IP is now protected in China- the largest market in the world, a major global economy, and powerhouse consumer of mobile technology,” said CEO Dr Mohammad Choucair. “The grant of a patent in China further protects, validates and substantially derisks our unique technology.

“To realise the full commercial benefits of the 12CQ technology globally, Archer’s IP strategy includes patent protection in China. This is in line with the key commercialisation activities of the biggest semiconductor chip manufacturers from the US, EU and Asia. 

“Archer is one of the few companies in the world with a patent portfolio protecting quantum computing chip technology. Archer’s global competitive advantage is difficult to erode, especially in such a revolutionary industry with significant barriers to entry.” 

Archer now holds patents across Australia, Europe, the US and China, with plans to continue adding more. 

Whilst the tech itself and breadth of potential applications are enough to scramble your brain like a hot qubit, Archer has accumulated a loyal following of investors who are keen to see the Company succeed and deliver on their tech.

Archer rounded out the last quarter with $26.5 million in the bank to go towards further development of their 12CQ chip.