Archer shifts qubit programme to wafer-scale manufacturing

Archer says it has moved its qubit programme towards wafer-scale manufacturing and remains on track to demonstrate a working qubit by the third quarter of calendar year 2026.

The Australian quantum and semiconductor company has completed initial full-wafer graphene manufacturing runs with fabrication partners and begun device fabrication and testing on wafer-scale material. The work is part of its 12CQ quantum computing programme, which aims to move from laboratory devices to processes used more widely in semiconductor manufacturing.

That shift comes as Archer continues work across quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum machine learning and semiconductor-enabled medical diagnostics. Its aim is not only to show that a qubit works, but also to establish a route to repeatable, scalable production.

The update puts manufacturing at the centre of Archer's quantum strategy. In recent months, it has sharpened its focus on whether its devices can be made at scale through standard semiconductor processes, reflecting a broader industry view that commercial success will depend as much on production methods as on scientific progress.

Quantum push

Management linked that approach to rising global spending on quantum technologies. Archer pointed to growing support from governments, semiconductor groups and large technology companies, including backing in the United States for quantum computing and quantum foundry infrastructure.

The company argued that this investment shows quantum technology is gaining strategic importance in computing, artificial intelligence infrastructure, sensing, defence, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. That backdrop has shaped Archer's effort to align its research with existing semiconductor supply chains.

Alongside the qubit work, Archer reported progress in its quantum machine learning project focused on fraud detection. Supported by CSIRO, the project completed an initial simulation and benchmarking phase using a public financial fraud dataset.

The team developed a quantum neural network and recorded competitive fraud detection performance on both quantum simulators and commercial quantum hardware, according to Archer. The model was also run on IQM Garnet, a 20-qubit quantum computer accessed through AWS Braket.

The result gives Archer an example of its software operating beyond simulation and on existing hardware. While it did not disclose performance figures, it described the milestone as an important technical step in testing practical uses for quantum machine learning.

Broader portfolio

Outside quantum computing, Archer is reviewing quantum-adjacent opportunities that draw on its work in graphene, semiconductors and advanced materials. One area under assessment is graphene-based optical modulator technology, which could have uses in data centre communications, AI infrastructure and future quantum systems.

Current work in that area is focused on technical feasibility and market assessment. Archer said these opportunities could sit alongside its core programmes and broaden potential commercial paths.

Its Biochip diagnostics programme is also moving forward after an earlier beta prototype milestone. Archer is engaging with several contract development and manufacturing organisations as it explores a path towards clinical trials and regulatory approval.

Those discussions are intended to help translate prototypes into products that can be manufactured under regulated conditions. Early work with specialist manufacturers can reduce development risk and improve readiness for clinical evaluation, according to the company.

Deal review

Archer is also assessing acquisitions and external intellectual property as part of a strategic review tied to its semiconductor and quantum plans. It is considering products, patents, know-how and technology platforms that could expand its portfolio, create nearer-term commercial opportunities or strengthen access to customers, partners, technical teams and manufacturing resources.

Discussions are under way with several technology companies and institutions on potential products, collaboration agreements, intellectual property and acquisitions. Archer said the talks remain incomplete and there is no certainty that any deal will be reached.

The update suggests Archer is trying to balance long-term research with opportunities that may offer a shorter path to market and complement its existing programmes. For smaller listed technology groups, such reviews can provide a way to add assets or skills without relying solely on internal development.

Dr Simon Ruffell outlined that position in comments accompanying the update.

"Quantum technology is moving rapidly from a research theme into a strategic global industry. Governments, semiconductor companies and major technology groups are now investing heavily in quantum because of its potential importance to AI, computing, sensing, national security, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

"Archer has been building its quantum technology capability for many years. We are now seeing that strategy come together across qubit development, quantum sensing, quantum machine learning and semiconductor-enabled medical diagnostics.

"We are also actively assessing opportunities to acquire complementary products, IP and technology platforms that can accelerate our strategy. We are in advanced discussions with several companies and will only proceed where we believe an opportunity is strategically aligned and capable of creating long-term value for Archer shareholders," said Dr Ruffell.