Archer Materials hits 8-year high on signing quantum computing agreement with IBM

Archer Materials Ltd (ASX:AXE) has more than doubled to a new 8-year high after signing an agreement with IBM to work together on the advancement of quantum computing. This agreement will see Archer and International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM) work towards solutions for the widescale adoption of quantum computing technology. Member of IBM Q Network As part of the agreement, Archer is now a member of the IBM Q Network and associated IBM Quantum Experience for Business program. Archer is the first Australian company developing a quantum computing processor and hardware to join the invitation-only, IBM Q Network. Archer CEO Dr Mohammad Choucair said: “We are the first Australian company building a quantum chip to join into the global IBM Q Network as an ecosystem partner, a group of the very best organisations at the forefront of quantum computing. “Ultimately, we want Australian businesses and consumers to be one of the first beneficiaries of this exciting technology, and now that we are collaborating with IBM, it greatly increases our chances of success. “We look forward to working with IBM and members of the network to address the most fundamental challenges to the wide-scale adoption of quantum computing, using our potentially complementary technologies as starting points.” Shares up 105% Shares have been up more than 105% to an intra-day high of 38 cents, which represents a new 8-year high. As a member of the IBM Q Network, Archer will have access to IBM's quantum computing expertise and resources, and open-source Qiskit software and developer tools. The Archer team, based in Sydney, will work with the IBM teams based in New York as part of the IBM Q Network. Access to IBM Quantum Computation Center IBM will also provide Archer access to the IBM Quantum Computation Center, which includes the most advanced quantum computers commercially available to explore practical applications for business. All of Archer’s intellectual property rights and title to pre-existing materials are unaffected by the agreement. Archer’s 12CQ chip is a disruptive quantum computing technology, and in the current stage of development, maintains a competitive advantage that is extremely difficult to erode. The company intends to develop the 12CQ chip to be directly sold and the intellectual property rights to the chip technology licensed. These IP rights are exclusively held by Archer. “Realisation of progress” Commenting on the 12CQ progress, Dr Choucair said: “The agreement with IBM is a realisation of the substantial progress Archer has made to date. “We are now in a better position to potentially scale our competitive advantage globally. “The quantum computing economy is rapidly growing, complex, and has the potential to impact all sectors dependent on computational power. “First-movers are therefore in the best position to seize the lion’s share of the total value generated in this multibillion-dollar industry. “Archer joining the IBM Q Network will help strengthen quantum computing in Australia.” To seek collaborative opportunities Archer and IBM will seek mutually beneficial collaborative opportunities on the advancement of quantum computing. Such opportunities may include demonstration and development of actual and conceptual quantum processors and hardware, algorithms, applications, and business use cases. Archer is one of few companies globally that provides investors an on-market opportunity to invest in quantum computing. The highest-value in the quantum computing economy is derived from the technology’s development in the US, EU and Australia. Archer is a materials technology company developing materials in quantum computing, biotechnology and lithium-ion batteries, and that is also exploring for minerals in Australia.